Alias (WIRE) Files

3ds Max works well with Alias for creating photorealistic renderings and animations from design data, and for creating polygon-based geometry for integration back into Alias scenes.

• File Menu > Import > Select File to Import dialog > Files of type drop-down list > Choose Autodesk Alias (*.wire).

You cannot export to the .wire format. To export 3ds Max models for use in Alias, use the .obj format.

Alias to 3ds Max Workflow

The workflow from Alias to 3ds Max provides high-end rendering and animation for final design visualization, and the option to use existing Alias design data for reference in 3ds Max.

Use Alias for form exploration and shape definition, then open the final Alias .wire file in 3ds Max for enhanced visualization.

1. Prepare and save the Alias .wire file.
   Note:

   • Layer symmetry is not supported in 3ds Max. In Alias, choose LayersSymmetryCreate Geometry to create geometry from symmetric layers before saving the .wire file.
   • If the data is intended for reference in 3ds Max, pick the objects for reference and choose FileExportActive As.. and import only this data into 3ds Max.
2. Import the Alias .wire file into 3ds Max.

   In 3ds Max, choose FileImport and choose the Alias .wire file prepared for import.

   Note: 3ds Max 2012 can import Alias .wire files with the following limitations:
   • Only NURBS surfaces and basic shader data will be imported. Elements such as polygon meshes, curves, lights, image-based shaders, and lights are not supported.
   • Although the hierarchy of the Alias scene is preserved, layer assignments and special nodes are not.
   • The names of objects in the scene are preserved up to the limits of 3ds Max object names.
3. Replace Alias shaders with 3ds Max materials, and use the advanced rendering features of 3ds Max to achieve a photorealistic output.
4. Alternately, use the imported Alias geometry as reference for concept modeling within 3ds Max.