About this mod
3ds Max 2013's DDS plugin does not support Dx10-11 formats. This replacement plugin does.
- Permissions and credits
So, this plugin seeks to make things a little easier on those using these tools, as it does support Dx10+ DDS formats
What this will do
Allow you to load all the DDS textures you were unable to load before. instead of getting that "Invalid Image File Header" error.
What this will not do
- Work well with the BSLightingFX material - BSBlinn + Mental Ray renderer works well though.
- Allow you to save files in the DDS format. However, this is just a effort vs. demand decision - so if you have the need to save to DDS from 3ds Max, let me know, and I will consider implementing it.
Installation
*IMPORTANT* YOU NEED TO BACK UP THE ORIGINAL FILES!!!*IMPORTANT*
1. Go to /Autodesk/3ds Max 2013/stdplugs/dxplugins/ and rename dxdds.bmi to dxdds.bak
2. Go to /Autodesk/3ds Max 2013/stdplugs/dxplugins/en-US/ and rename dxdds.bmi.mui to dxdds.bmi.bak
If you don't do this, you will overwrite the originals with mine - requiring you to repair your installation in order to get them back. In addition, simply renaming/relocating mine, will just result in mine not being loaded, as 3ds Max supports only one plugin per file format.
3. Once you have done this, copy the appropriate stdplugs folder for your 3ds Max version, to your 3ds Max program folder (/Autodesk/3ds Max 2013/). If you have the 64-bit version, use the one in the "x64" folder. 32 bit? Win32 folder.
4. Start 3ds Max 2013, and enjoy.
Changelog
10-12-16 - 1.0.0 - Initial Release
10-12-16 - 1.1.0 - Fixed an interference that would cause Render window UI elements to fail to load.
Problems?
Let me know in the comments. If you come across a DDS file that is still giving you an "Invalid Image File header" error, please let me know what specific file it is (original path would be even more helpful). There are a ton of different types, and I've already had to add an additional one today.