Convert an animated maya model to JSON for use with three js

Question

I have a maya model done in maya 2008. I need to be able to convert it a JSON format for use with three js. So far , I have tried

1) threeJsFileTranslator.py which is a maya plugin to export a model and is provided as a part of the threejs package.

2) MDD-OBJ-EXPORTER - with this , I was successfully able to import the animated model into blender but when I tried to export it to threejs , the js file didn't work.

I am breaking my head over this from the past 2 weeks. So please bear with me if this question is too silly but I do need help with successfully converting an animated maya model to json format.

ISSUES IMPORTING ANIMATED MODELS FROM MAYA TO BLENDER TO THREE JS

MAYA TO THREE JS WITH ANIMATION

Answer 1

It's not answered because at this point (8/2013) it's not simple :0

I have not tried it but it's been suggested that the Quake2 MD2 format offers a pathway for animated models into Three. Theres an online MD2 > JSON converter (again, haven't tried it). MD2 plugins for maya are hard to come by: you can build one using the source on github. Older versions of blender (< 2.5) apparently also export md2.

The Three JSON format - at least the publicly available one on the web site - doesn't seem to have any animation support ATM.

Answer 2

You can export your model as FBX from Maya and then load it into http://Clara.io (the online 3D modeling, animation and rendering tool). From there you can export it in the various ThreeJS JSON formats pretty easily.

http://Clara.io supports loading at least the following formats:

• .blend - Blender 3D
• .3ds - 3D Studio
• .dae - Collada
• .dxf - AutoCAD
• .fbx - FilmBox (Autodesk FBX)
• .irr - Irritch Scenes
• .irrmesh - Irritch Meshes
• .iv - Inventor
• .json - Three.JS Meshes
• .lwo - Lightwave Objects
• .lws - Lightwave Scenes
• .lxo - Modo Objects
• .q3d, .q3s, .md, .md2, .md3, .md4 - Quake/Doom Meshes
• .mtl/.obj - Wavefront Objects
• .ply - Polygon Type
• .pov - PovRAY
• .shp - Shape Files
• .stl - Stereolithography (3D Printing)
• .vismat, .vismatzip - VRay Vismat
• .xgl, .zgl, .wrl, .wrz - VRML X3D Scene Files

Answer 3

If you're starting with Maya you can try www.inka3d.com. You also need a newer Maya, you can get a trial at autodesk (and install it in a vm when you need to export)