IGES files are used to import and export objects to and from 3ds Max (and other programs that support this file format). For more information, see Overview of IGES in 3ds Max.
In some cases, when you export 3ds Max objects to an IGES file, the translation doesn't produce exact replicas. To understand what happens to each object when it's
translated, review the 3ds Max to IGES Export Table.
When you export IGES files, 3ds Max creates a log file containing detailed information about the processing of the model. The name of the file has the form of
filename.xlo. For more information, see IGES Log Files.
NoteIf there are modifiers applied to surfaces in your scene, it's best to collapse the stack before exporting to IGES. When 3ds Max exports to an IGES file, it skips any surface that has any modifiers applied.
Procedures
To export an IGES file:
- Select the objects to export.
- Choose
Application menu 
Export.
- Choose IGES (*.IGS) from the Save as type list in the file selector dialog.
- Specify a file name to export.
- Click Save.
- From the IGES Export dialog, select Export Hidden Objects or Export Selected Objects Only.
- To review the translation process, read the .xlo log file with your preferred text editor.
Interface
IGES Export
The IGES Export dialog has the following controls:
- Export Hidden Objects
-
Exports objects that are currently hidden in the 3ds Max scene.
- Export Selected Objects Only
-
Exports only objects that are currently selected.
