3ds Max Datasmith cannot find Static Mesh on import

[j1halbert (John)]

I am attempting to import a 3ds Max 2023 file into Unreal 5.1 using the Datasmith plugin. It imports the hierarchy and the materials, but it gives me an error saying that it Cannot find Static Mesh (mesh name) for Static Mesh Actor (actor name).StaticMeshComponent 0. As a result, it gives me an empty scene full of actors with no meshes, although it does import their transforms.

This is an updated version of the scene that I have previously been able to import with no issues. The previous version was made in 3ds Max 2022, and it imported into 5.1. I still have a copy of that version of the udatasmith file and it still imports just fine. I used the same naming convention for both files.

I have double checked that 3ds Max 2023 is using the most current version of the Datasmith plugin, and I have the _Assets folder for the udatasmith file.

I found a couple other posts on the forums with a similar issue, but I already tried their solutions or they were never resolved.

Datasmith not importing 3DS Export Geomitry

Hi, I am trying to export a 3DSMax + Vray File via DataSmith to Unreal 4.24. After importing the file via datasmith the geometry is not appearing in Unreal once i import the datasmith file. Only the vray lights appear. I have selected all scene to export to export from 3DS max 2018. without error it seems. i have tried exporting the file as FBX from 3DSmax and imported it to unreal - the file will open but without any textures or lighting. Datasmith loads the Vray lighting and gives me erro…

Cannot find static mesh for Static Mesh Actor on import

Ah, this is more of an ‘intermediate’ thing: when you export a file via Datasmith from 3DS Max, in the place you saved the .udatasmith file, you also get a folder named <NameOfExportedFile>_Assets at the same level as that file. Should be right along side it.

Revit Datasmith - Cannot find static mesh error

SOLVED: The solution was pretty obvious. I installed and used the wrong version of the Revit export plugin (the one for Unreal Engine 5). Switching to the one for 4.27.2 solved the issue. You need to manually select Archived Versions on the download page and select the version of Unreal Engine you want the data going into.

Appreciate any help or suggestions I could receive to look into this!