5.1. Importing 3D objects

We can use a package like the following:

• Blender
• 3DS Max
• Autodesk Maya
• Houdini

We will also need a way to load the objects these packages create:

• Assimp
• Load Blender .obj files (essentially text files)
• Lib3ds

Assimp relies on D3D9, so it is not recommended unless you are using windows. Reading in the text files by creating your own object loader is recommended.

5.1.1. .obj files

The .obj file exported from Blender will look something like this:

# Blender
o ModelName
v 0.5 0 1
v 1.0 0 1
v 0.6777772 0.5 1
f 1 2 0
f 2 0 1
f 1 0 2

A line starting with o defines the model name, one starting with v defines a vertex position, and one starting with f defines a triangle face from three vertices.