Basic usage
- Click Copy in one program, then Paste in the other.
- SketchUp to 3ds Max is reliable, even for a whole scene.
- 3ds Max to SketchUp is less reliable, avoid whole scenes.
Legacy paste
3ds Max has two paste methods: Legacy SketchUp Importer and SketchUp New Importer. 3ds Max 2020.2 introduced the new SketchUp importer, which has fewer controls and may have issues with edge handling. The Legacy method uses the older SketchUp importer of 3ds Max. It is more stable and generally gives better results, but it was deprecated in 3ds Max 2020.2 and removed in the latest versions of 3ds Max.
- 3ds Max 2020.1 or earlier always uses the Legacy Importer.
- 3ds Max 2020.2 to 2024.2 uses the Legacy Importer if Legacy is on.
- 3ds Max 2024.3 or later always uses the New Importer.
Temporary file
Copy and paste create temp files in the Windows Temp folder. In some cases copy and paste fail because 3ds Max and SketchUp lack write permission to this folder. Check and fix this before using the plugin.
Maxsu Bridge combines two previous products, SketchUp to 3ds Max and 3ds Max to SketchUp. It copies and pastes objects between the two programs.
Read the instructions before use.
Requirements
3ds Max 2018 or higher, 2022 or higher recommended. Older versions still run the script, but some options are not available. An internet connection is needed to activate a license key.
How to install
If the download is a ZIP, extract it to get the MZP or MCR installer. Drag and drop the installer into the viewport and click Install if asked, there is no need to remove previous versions. The script button is in Customize User Interface > Toolbar > D95 DESIGN.
How to update
Updates are free. Use Check for Update in the script, or download the latest version from Downloads and install it over the old one. To roll back, uninstall first, then install the older version.
How to uninstall
Drag and drop the MZP installer into the viewport and click Uninstall. Settings can be kept or deleted. Uninstalling does not deactivate the license, so deactivate first to move to another computer.
If the uninstall fails, delete the script folder and its .mcr files in the two folders below, restart 3ds Max, then remove the toolbar buttons with right-click > Delete Button.
%LocalAppData%\Autodesk\3dsMax\20xx - 64bit\ENU\Scripts
%LocalAppData%\Autodesk\3dsMax\20xx - 64bit\ENU\usermacros
Freeware license
This product is free to download and use, at your own risk. Do not resell it in any form. The source code may be modified to suit your needs, and if the code is used in your product, please leave a credit line.
If you find it useful, you can buy me a coffee.
