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Game Editing => Scripts & Support => Topic started by: kat on February 15, 2011, 11:09:14 AM

Title: [MD3] Import/Export scripts for Blender 2.42+/-
Post by: kat on February 15, 2011, 11:09:14 AM
The MD3 import and export *.py scripts and following information are for Blender 2.42 only.

Download
Prerequisites
Because the MD3 scripts are being used in an older version of Blender, to minimise issues and problems be sure to check the following have either been done, or should problems arise, that none of them are the cause.
Installation for 2.42+/-
Download the scripts from the link below and copy/paste/extract them into Blenders "scripts" folder. If there are any other MD3 scripts present it's best to remove or rename them. Unpack the "blender-md3.zip";
Copy/paste/extract/place all five files in Blenders "scripts" folder in the following location;
Assuming a standard installation, for Windows XP, Vista and Win7 Blender 2.42 scripts folder is typically located in;
Linux and Mac installation will differ depending on OS version used.

Using the MD3 export script
MD3 Import: If the scripts are correctly placed as per above, the "Quake 3 (.md3)" options should appear in both the "Import" and "Export" menus. To import and MD3 file simply select "File » Import » Quake 3 (.md3)" to open the Browser. Find the file and click "Import". The view may change to display a message; click the dismiss. Scroll out to reveal the imported model (grid scale needs to be subsequently set).

Select mesh and 'export' from "File » Export » MD3"

Basic model as appears in Blender

MD3 Export: Prior to export make sure model is correctly prepped - folder and directory structures should be set up to reflect Quake 3, this typically means that map objects (both animated and static) need to be referenced for the following location;
Which may translates to a real directory of;
This ensures that material/shader paths are correctly set relative to the root "\baseq3\" folder.

Important note: the MD3 export script only outputs models with a single texture and material so assets with more will either need to have textures combined into one or individual segments need to be exported and put back together in-editor.

Setting the 'Shader Path' on export

Setting 'forced smoothing' before export (support varies)

Problems and Errors
There are a couple of basic script related issues you need to be aware of when exporting or importing meshes and models;