Hello, It seems like when we right click and reimport a static mesh the normals get messed up or don’t update. Normals are set to import from file.
The normals are not broken is we import as a new asset, only breaks when using the reimport option. I’ve never noticed it do this before 4.13 so makes me think it is some kind of bug.
Unfortunately I am working on a heavily NDA project so i can’t release any project examples or screens shots to show the problem.
Any help with re-importing meshes in 4.13 would be great. Has anyone else experienced this?
I have a couple of questions and things you can check on your end to make sure something wasn’t missed.
Can you check the Import Settings tab from the static mesh editor. You’ll find a bunch of settings here, like the normal import options, that are specifically used when reimporting any mesh. Check the Normal Import Method and Normal Generation Method and make sure they are set to what you would need.
Next, in your modeling program when you export the mesh, make sure that “smoothing groups” are enabled for the export (this may be a 3Ds Max term, not sure since I don’t really use Maya or other modeling applications on a regular basis).
As for other things to try or check.
Is this only happening with some meshes or any that you create? If it’s any, it would be worthwhile for our testing for you to upload a simple test asset like a sphere where we can easily see the smoothing issues. FBX and source program file too (given that it’s either Max, Maya, or Blender, since I don’t have access to any others directly).
Is this only happening in your project or does it happen in a newly created one as well?
I should have mentioned it is nothing to do with import options, same import setting on reimport or fresh import are the same, but fresh works and reimport breaks the normals.
Yes smoothing groups are selected. It doesn’t seem like it has anything to do with the FBX or the export settings as i have said, the same asset of a fresh import works fine, only breaks when using the reimport method.
I’ve been using Unreal professionally for 6 years and I am familiar with the import and export settings. We have been trouble shooting all the different options and settings and methods of import and feel like this is a bug rather than a user error. This is why I am coming to the answer hub.
In what case, when all import settings are identical, would a fresh import and and a reimport break? The assets are linked to a data table, not sure if that affects it, i doubt it as assets NOT linked to data tables also break on reimport. This makes me think bug.
I have tried a new project and it still happens. I have been able to document the steps to re-create it via some more trouble shooting.
The problems seems to stem from the normal import type drop down box. If I import a mesh for the first time and select ‘Import Normals’ and it imports fine but the normals are messed up. If you try to change the settings to ‘Import Normals and Tangents’, save, then try a re-import via the right click menu in the content browser, it doesn’t recognize the setting change.
The only way for it to save the ‘Import Normals and Tangents’ setting is to select it on a fresh import.
Not sure if it just fails to read new normals and tangents on reimport or it just fails to save the menu options. Further testing will be needed to see the extent of this bug.
Well, your re-import settings are saved for individual mesh rather than in that dialogue. You can edit them in static mesh viewer. If you have a chance, do record a video of the process what you are doing. It would leave no doubt for us as to what you are doing to reproduce it and would greatly facilitate you in getting assistance.
For bug submission you can use relevant section of the answer hub, providing steps for Epic support to reliably reproduce the issue on their end.
I am changing it on the individual mesh. I open the static mesh viewer, change the setting to Import Normals and Tangents. Visually is saves the menu option but doesn’t do anything when you reimport the mesh.