Tutorial 2: Exporting an Environment from 3ds Max

With an environment now created in 3ds Max, it’s time to export it into a format Halo 2 Tool can read. When exporting an environment, we use a plug-in called the .ass Exporter, which creates .ass files. If you have not already installed .ass Exporter, do so now.

To install the .ass Exporter

1.      Start 3ds Max.

2.      Click Configure User Paths on the Customize menu, click 3rd Party Plugins, and then click Add.

3.      Navigate to your Halo 2 tools folder.

4.      Type Halo 2 in the Label Type box, click Use Path, and then click Okay.

To export your 3ds Max file

1.      Start 3ds Max, and then open your level if it isn't open yet.

2.      On the File menu, select Export.

The Export File dialog box appears.

3.      Navigate to the location of your saved Max file (remember, this is saved in data\scenarios\multi\mylevel\structure).

 

Export File Dialog.

 

4.      In the Save as Type list, click Bungie ASS (*.ASS).

5.      Type a name in the File Name box (usually the same as your Max file name) and .ass, and then click Save.

A dialog box with a few options in it appears. For now, ignore them and click OK.

After a moment you will see the message ".ASS export finished" followed by a list of any warnings or errors that occurred (there should be 0).

6.      Click the Done button.