I’m trying to import M4 into 3ds max 2016. The figure is no problem, It just seems the textures don’t work out. That includes the hair transparency maps

Don't work out in what way? which renderer are you using? Scanline, Vray or MentalRay (or something else)?

What version of Poser are you using? If you have Pro 2014, are you using the Poser Fusion plugin?

Here is a very old tutorial on how to get V3 into Max. https://www.renderosity.com/mod/tutorial/?tutorial_id=499

Two more: https://www.renderosity.com/mod/videopro/?View=Y&video_id=27 https://www.renderosity.com/mod/videopro/?View=Y&video_id=29

First I export the figure as a .obj file. I make sure that all the needed textures are accounted for when loading in Max. The textures appear, except the head textures. the figure’s face is just a shiny silver-like material. When I manually assign a texture I does not appear on the figure. The hair texture appear in the preview only. In rendering it, you see the bald head with a semi-transparent wig. I’m using Max’s default scan line render and Poser 2014 is the version. I don’t have Fusion.

First, for import, did you tell Max that this is a Poser OBJ? There is a preset on the import dialog for various 3D apps. Personally, I always do a "collect scene inventory" before exporting so all the materials will be in the same folder so Max doesn't have to look for them

I have Poser selected as the import preset and have all the textures placed in the same folder. Max starts importing and then I get this message Error: Invalid Normal Index

It would have been nice if you had mentioned you were getting an error message on import.

You have to collapse the model to an editable poly (not editable mesh) either upon import or afterwards using conversion menu

Sorry about that, but the error has started popping up. I import the figure as an editable poly like you mentioned. here’s what happens.

Post a screen shot of the torso material. it is fairly representative

Actually, after looking closer, I'm wondering about your export method. Are you welding the seams? Also, there shouldn't be a substantial change in the geometry between the poser export and max import. Is your base model OK in Poser? I've attached a pic of my poser model and max model so detail can be seen

Ok, Here are 4 images showing the different stages

I tried importing a plain nude Victoria 4 figure and succeeded once in getting her in. After that, all I get is the same "invalid Normal Index" I've tried all variations of import settings with the same result. If I import any .obj file other than poser, there doesn't seem to be an issue. This is very frustrating.

Hi there

Here are my settings in 3DS MAX and they works without the single issue

Export from Poser

And simple render in Corona Render (Corona Alpha v6 ),on my spec this render took me just 150 passes/10 mins,there is visible noise which can be cleared after I would say after 50-100 more passes

In 3DS MAX don't use Poser preset,with this preset I've few problems in past

Hope this helps

Thanks,Jura

Tested my import and export settings too in demo 3DS MAX 2016 and no issues at all there,do you have other Poser pro installed Poser pro 2012 for example ?

Thanks,Jura

And render after 241 passes and render time 7 mins in 3DS MAX 2016,seems in 3DS MAX 2016 renders are shorter/faster a bit

Thanks,Jura

I updated Poser and the problem seems to have gone away. I just have to do some tweaking with the hair, but as you can see Success! Thank you for you help and links

Just so the OP is aware: the Poser fusion plugins for Max, C4D and others are part of the Pro version. You have to download them separately and they have separate serials. Usually they are a released a month or two after Pro is released. IIRC, the new Fusion plugins for Pro 11 are now available for download.