"PolyTrans is one of those tools which you can bet you'll need at some point even if you don't think you do now. It's extremely useful and if you find yourself using models from a wide variety of 3D packages, it may be indispensable."

As an introduction to 3D data conversion, Mr. Danaher writes:

"Data conversion is rarely considered when choosing a 3D program. In fact, you'll probably be glad if the 3D application of your choice can export a DXF, 3DS or OBJ file. If you're really lucky then it can import a Lightwave scene file with textures, but it's probably not at the top of your required features list."

"PolyTrans from Okino is a data conversion 'hub' that enables you to import a large selection of native scene file formats and convert them to another native format. For example, you can easily convert a MAX scene to a Lightwave scene complete with function-curve animation data, materials and texture maps.... PolyTrans is an application where you import, check the file and then export to your desired format, but there are also plug-ins for MAX and Maya which enable you to import and export directly from these two applications without having to use the main PolyTrans application."

As quoted from the article about PolyTrans, Mr. Danaher writes:

"You can edit the data once in PolyTrans should you wish [Okino note: NuGraf provides complete material and texture editing capabilities, plus rendering, in addition to the functionality provided in PolyTrans]. You can add cameras and lights, and perform various polygonal optimization routines. This basically makes PolyTrans a very useful model 'doctor' for problem meshes because it can take raw polygon data, strip away redundant points and polys, then recompute and clean vertex normals. You can also split apart a model based on its material definition or even explode a single merged object into separate polygons."

"The MAX and Maya plug-ins are both extremely useful. They enable you to import all the file formats supported by PolyTrans directly in the host application. Imagine being able to import a Lightwave scene into MAX just by navigating to the Lightwave scene file."

"PolyTrans is one of those tools which you can bet you'll need at some point even if you don't think you do now. It's extremely useful and if you find yourself using models from a wide variety of 3D packages, it may be indispensable."

"On the subject of cost, PolyTrans is an affordable tool - especially when you consider the sheet complexity of what it's actually doing. The interface is unusual at first but easy to use after a while and the MAX and Maya plug-ins are a pleasing inclusion."

"Another good feature is the ability to convert file textures from one format to another on import, and the PolyTrans application has a batch processing feature that enables you to convert any number of files in one go."