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  • 1. Importing Complex Models (i.e.: 3D Scans)
  • Problem
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  1. Importing/Exporting Models

Importing 3D Models

Tips on importing models in MagicaVoxel

PreviousMagicaVoxel to UnityNextShader Reference

Last updated 5 years ago

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1. Importing Complex Models (i.e.: 3D Scans)

This is a simple workflow I use when transforming high-poly models to voxel models.

Problem

You want to import a 3D scan model into MagicaVoxel.

Solution

I use a 3-steps procedure:

  1. Open the file in MagicaVoxel

Simplifying the Model

  • Download and install the software

  • Open the software

  • Import (File > Import Mesh) the 3D mesh you need to simplify

You are now ready to simplify the model:

  1. Select, from the main menu Filters > Remeshing, Simplification and Reconstruction > Simplification > Quadric Edge Collapse Decimation

You will get the following simplification window:

For our purpose, we just need to decrease the number of faces

  • Lower the Target number of faces value (it is usually already halved) or use the Percentage reducion value (0 to 1)

  • Click Apply

  • Repeat the process until you are happy with the results

  • Export the mesh in your favourite format

Create the .vox Model

  • Download the tool from the GitHub repository

  • Unzip the package in your file system

  • Execute the FileToVox command:

    ./FileToVox.exe --i mymodel.obj --o mymodel

Open the File in MagicaVoxel

You are now ready to open the file in MagicaVoxel.

Simplify the mesh through

Create a .vox model through

MeshLab () is an amazing open-source tool for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes. What we need here is its ability to cleanup and reduce triangle numbers.

For this step you will need a command line tool called FileToVox ():

Note: if you are not comfortable with the commnad line tool, you can use FileToVox-LazyGUI ().

MeshLab
FileToVox
http://www.meshlab.net/
https://github.com/Zarbuz/FileToVox
https://github.com/patrikroy/FileToVox-LazyGUI
A 3D scan from threedscans.com
The imported mesh in MeshLab
The Quadric Edge Collapse Decimation window
The simplified model
The FileToVox LazyGUI tool
The model opened in MagicaVoxel