Some time ago, I first attempted to model new Poser props/figures in AutoCAD, using the solids functions which I prefer by miles over meshing. I discovered that I could not export solids directly as .3ds files, so I regretfully began doing things the hard way - edgesurfing meshes. This has been very frustrating and error-prone. Especially given the demands Poser makes on exact alignment of the edge vertices of adjacent parts - something that occurs automatically in sectioning solids but which requires an agony of trial and error and annoying tweaking in ACAD mesh generation. The past few months have been neither fun nor productive. -(In the interim, I quintupled my SD-RAM.)- I did not think, until just now, to see whether I could now export solids directly to .3ds as a result of that upgrade. I can, now... perfectly. The prior transcription errors were entirely due to polygon counts bogging my active memory. And I never thought to try again... for months! DAMN it, I can be soooo dumb sometimes. smacking forehead

heheh..you DO hate yourself! ..modeling in ACAD..oh my! I used to use ACAD for 3D Studio meshes...mostly architectural things and had same troubles. Some things could be done so easily with solids, but near impossible with surfaces. I believe acad converts solids to surfaces when exporting...why it seems to work now. But, with the advent of Max, I no longer model in ACAD...what a relief!! ehhe

I wish you had come here and said something, we use AutoCAD to do our models. We might have been able to help you out. Oh well, if you need any other assistance let us know I am sure we could help you out. We have been drawing in Solids for years and years....we know what you mean about solids verses mesh....Sharen

Solids must be exploded before you can export them as a 3DS files

grey cat - survey says: XXX they do not need to be blowed-up. I used to think they had to be, but it just ain't so. In fact, exploding them and then exporting them leads to all kinds of flipped-normal nightmares. Sharen - you have already been of great assistance, but I wish I had queried you about export protocols before attempting to reverse-engineer your treasure chest tutorial. Foxhollow - I use what I have, and what I have six years experience in using. I am a trained machinist and professionally experienced mechanical draftsman. ACAD works, but it is certainly not dummy-friendly. I suspect Unigraphics Solutions Solid Edge will eventually kick ACAD out of the mechanical drafting/engineering market because it is more powerful, more versatile, more broadly compatable with CAM systems, and MUCH easier to learn how to use proficiently. (Pity UG can't get their act together with UG (CADCAM) - it is a persnickety bugger). However... can't afford another $3000 program right now. Oh, well. I will be upgrading my computer soon, and picking up a bunch of additional programs. Do you recommend Max? Why?

As another ACAD user, I am going to go with Rhino here soon for our more "organic" meshes. ACAD is still certainly good for architectural and mechanical stuff. Sorry you had to go through some hoops before your upgrage, next time, give us a whirl before tearing your hair out.

no hair to tear out - going bald, shave what's left - but have done a number on my fingernails ;)