Written by Stephen Orning ('Hollower')
Thanks to H13N.H3N for conversion of tutorial to PDF format

Introduction
This is the first public beta version of a new script for importing and exporting models for GTA3 and GTA:VC. I am pleased to be able to offer a new alternative which surpasses many of the limitations of the other options available to the modding community.

"Beta" means the script has only been tested under a limited set of conditions (my own PC). By using this script you are participating in experimental testing. I offer no guarantee that the program will run properly, and like everything there exists the remote possibility that it could damage your computer. Please read the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Requirements
Blender 2.31 or above (for Windows):
www.blender3d.org

Supported DFF Features
- hierarchy (meshes+dummies)
- materials
- vertex colors
- normals (export only)
- UV textures
- alpha maps
- reflection maps (export only)
- bump maps (export only)
- skeletal mesh (with limitations)
- file locking

Feedback / Bug reports
You can send feedback to me at [email protected]. I may not be able to reply directly to everyone. Please don't send multiple emails trying to get a response. For general questions I prefer that people ask at elYsiun (www.elysiun.com) or GtaForums (www.gtaforums.com), so that questions may be answered by other members and everyone can benefit. My username is 'Hollower' on both forums.

For bug reports please make sure it meets the following criteria:

- it is truly a problem with the script, not with Blender or a model
- it is not already listed as a known bug (see below)
- the tutorial instructions were followed correctly
- you can provide enough details to narrow the possibilities

I don't need to hear that the game crashes when you install your model, or that the model looks messed up in the game. Those are almost certainly modelling or installation issues and not the fault of the script.

I do want to hear about the script exiting or hanging unexpectedly, or not running at all, with detailed information about what you're doing and what the console says when it happens.

Known limits/bugs
- object names are limited to 20 characters in length
- limit of 16 materials per mesh
- importing more than one model can cause name conflicts, messing up hierarchy
- import can "hang" on high-poly models with 'msplit' option enabled
- DFF UV coords and vertex colors are shared by adjacent faces, Blender's are not
- normals are not imported, they are calculated automatically
- quads are not automatically converted to triangles (exports a corrupt file)
- VC skeletal models are partially supported (must reuse skeleton of existing model)
- VC cutscene models are not yet supported (mesh works, but no skeletal support)
- multi-clump DFFs are not yet supported (only first clump will be imported)
- cannot import DFFs exported by the old 3DS Max R3 plugin

Acknowledgements
Special thanks to the following people for their help:

Alastair Burr ('KCow') ... file format help
Oleg M ... file format help
Steve M ('ST.MU') ... file format help
'ashdexx' ... example models
'Theeth' ... code tips
JM Soler ('jms') ... code tips
Nick Winters ('z3r0_d') ... code tips

And of course Rockstar Games, Blender Foundation, and the online communities,
for providing me with a fun and challenging hobby.

Copyright / Disclaimer
GTA Import/Export Tool 0.1 BETA (henceforth 'the software')
Copyright (c) 2004 by Stephen Orning (henceforth 'the author')

Redistribution of 'GTA Import/Export Tool 0.1 BETA' is permitted provided that the distribution is complete in its original unmodified state, including all documentation, copyright notice, disclaimer, and other materials provided with the distribution. Redistribution of modified versions of the software is prohibited without expressed written permission from the author.

Models, images, and other works created by the end user with the aid of the software are the property of the user with all of the rights and priveledges that that implies.

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE TO ANY PARTY FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE AND ITS DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF THE AUTHOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

THE AUTHOR SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE SOFTWARE AND ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION, IF ANY, PROVIDED HEREUNDER IS PROVIDED "AS IS". THE AUTHOR HAS NO OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE MAINTENANCE, SUPPORT, UPDATES, ENHANCEMENTS, OR MODIFICATIONS.