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Troubleshoot file import

The following table lists common problems and possible solutions related to file import.

Problem/Error Message | Possible Solution
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The following message appears when importing a model: You are importing a high resolution mesh directly into Mudbox, which may not yield optimal performance. To get high resolution detail into Mudbox and achieve optimal performance, consider using Import as Layer or Mesh Displace with a subdivided low resolution mesh. | The message indicates that the model being imported has a polygon count greater 150,000 which may degrade interactive performance (tumble, track, and dolly interactivity) if it is used as the base mesh and then subdivided further. Mudbox has proprietary features for optimizing the display and interactive performance when working with high resolution models but these features work best when the model imported as the base level has a lower polygon count. The features described in this message can be used to recreate the subdivision level structure using a lower resolution mesh. For more information, see Import a model from ZBrush and Sculpt using a displacement map.
Imported OBJ file from another 3D application cannot be sculpted or subdivided. | The polygon topology on the model may not be supported by Mudbox. For more information, see Prepare a model for sculpting. Check that the model does not contain any non-manifold topology that would cause problems for Mudbox by loading it into the originating modeling application. Some 3D modeling applications have features for checking and fixing non-manifold conditions and degenerate edges.
Shading materials on a model exported as an OBJ format file from another 3D modeling application do not appear on the model when imported to Mudbox. | Shading materials from other 3D applications do not get transferred with an OBJ file. The OBJ file format is a simple data format that represents 3D geometry alone: the position of each vertex, the UV texture coordinate associated with a vertex, the normal at each vertex, and the faces that get combined to make a model. While some 3D applications can export an MTL file with an OBJ file to include basic material information, this is not supported by Mudbox currently. The CgFX shading specification can be used as a common shading material format between 3D applications (if they support it) and Mudbox.
Mudbox file (.mud) loads successfully but image texture maps are missing. | The directory location that Mudbox is expecting to source the files for the texture maps may have changed or the files may be missing or have had their file names changed. Mudbox will load a .mud file despite missing image maps. Check the file locations, names, and so on and correct as required. For more information on what failed to load, review the log file by selecting Windows > Log.