i just exported...werd

You can't down save in Max. It is stupid and it sucks, one of the reasons why my Max 9 boxes are still unopened (let alone 2008).

Exporting to 3DS is the only way, but it is limited.

yeah, this really annoys me about max!

It is the only program I know of that will not down save. Honestly, I think it is just a ploy to keep people upgrading.

At least Acad you can down save in.


I am guessing I won't have to upgrade for years and this is part of the reason why.

Could you use FBX and save to a previous version of the FBX plugin (eg. the one compatible with Max 6)?
It'll probably mess up your scene but just a thought.

I don't think it's that unusual not to be able to down-save as you call it. It makes sense that if yo're using some new function/component in the new version and the program then has to strip that out in order to make the scene open in an old version of the software..I could see that being difficult.

SBT - it is pretty unusual. I use quite a lot of programs often (Acad, FormZ, PS, Illustrator, Flash, Premiere, After Effects, even Word), they all have options to downsave (obviously, new features will be stripped out, but they'll open with 99% of things intact and editable).

Pet peeve of mine with Max as I work with many different people and have to keep things compatible. It is next to impossible to work with many people. Most of the people I work with don't bother upgrading often to ensure that files will work.


There was a script available a few years ago that allowed you to downsave in Max, but I don't think it was ever updated to newer versions (I think it was saving 6 to v. 5).

I was thinking about Maya - which is why FBX came to mind.
Is there a problem with having multiple versions of Max installed?

Anyway, seems there's an updated BFF floating around. Maybe give it a whirl?

http://www.scriptspot.com/forums/3ds-max/general-scripting/bbf-script

No, there is not usually a problem having multiple versions installed. Most of the software are 'upgrades', however, not full versions.

The downside is just a pain in the ass - takes up a lot of space, etc.


I'll check into that script, Bobo was the author of the last one I was thinking about.

autodesk screws you every time ;p