MMD Camera JSON Tool

A 3ds Max tool to convert camera animations (MMD/Blender) to JSON format compatible with CLEO Redux Dance Loader for GTA San Andreas.

Version: 5.4
Author: J16D
Latest Update: December 26, 2025

📋 Description

MMD Camera JSON Tool is a MaxScript utility that exports camera animations from 3ds Max to JSON files. These files are used by the Dance Loader in CLEO Redux for GTA San Andreas, enabling custom cinematics with dance animations.

The script streamlines the conversion process for cameras imported from Blender/MMD, applying necessary rotations and adjustments to work correctly in-game.

Features

• Convert Free Camera animations to Target Camera
• Rotate camera animations (X, Y, Z axes)
• Apply FOV offset to all animation frames
• Export camera data to JSON format
• Import camera data from JSON files
• Support for Target Camera type with keyframe synchronization

🚀 Installation

1. Download the ui_camera_gta_v5.4.ms file
2. Copy the file to your 3ds Max scripts folder:

   C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max [version]\scripts\
   

3. In 3ds Max, go to: Scripting > Run Script
4. Select ui_camera_gta_v5.4.ms and execute it
5. The interface will appear as a floating window

🎮 Interface Overview

Camera Section

• Camera field: Displays the currently selected camera
• "P" Button (Pick): Select a Target Camera from the scene
• "D" Button (Delete): Clear current selection
• "F->T" Button: Converts a Free Camera animation into a Target Camera

Note: This tool works with Target Camera type only.

Settings Section

Rotation controls to adjust camera orientation:

• X: Rotation around X-axis (0-360°)
• Y: Rotation around Y-axis (0-360°)
• Z: Rotation around Z-axis (default: 180°)
• Execute Button: Apply rotation to create and rotate the camera

The script creates a new Target Camera and applies the specified rotation to all keyframes in the animation.

FOV Offset

• FOV Offset spinner: Add or subtract FOV values (-180 to +180)
• Apply Button: Apply the FOV offset to all animation frames

This is useful for adjusting the field of view across the entire camera animation.

Import/Export JSON

• Import Button: Load camera animation from a JSON file
• Export Button: Save camera animation to a JSON file

The exported JSON file is compatible with the Dance Loader in CLEO Redux for GTA San Andreas.

📘 Tutorial

Step-by-Step Workflow

1. Import FBX from Blender

   • Export your camera from Blender as FBX
   • In 3ds Max, import the FBX with these settings:

   

   • Make sure Cameras option is checked
   • Set Animation Take to Scene
   • Enable Fill Timeline and Bake Animation Layers

2. Select Target Camera

   • Click the "P" (Pick) button
   • Select your Target Camera in the viewport
   • The camera name will appear in the Camera field

3. Rotate Camera

   • Set Z rotation to 180.0 (default value)
   • Click Execute button
   • This flips the camera to match GTA SA coordinate system

4. Adjust Camera Position

   • Manually adjust the camera and its target to match the original position in Blender
   • Use the viewport to verify the framing

5. Apply FOV Offset (Optional)

   • If needed, add or subtract FOV using the FOV Offset spinner
   • Click Apply to update all keyframes

6. Export JSON

   • Click the Export button
   • Choose save location for your .json file
   • Done! You now have your camera ready for GTA SA

Usage in GTA San Andreas

The exported JSON file can be used with:

• CLEO Redux Dance Loader by J16D
• Place the JSON file in the appropriate Dance Loader directory
• The camera animation will play during dance sequences in-game

🔧 Technical Details

Camera Data Exported

• Position keyframes (X, Y, Z)
• Rotation keyframes
• FOV (Field of View) values
• Target position (for Target Cameras)
• Roll angle
• Frame timing information

Coordinate System

The script handles coordinate system conversion between:

• Blender/MMD coordinate system
• 3ds Max coordinate system
• GTA San Andreas coordinate system

The default Z=180° rotation compensates for the axis orientation differences.

📝 Requirements

• Made with Autodesk 3ds Max 2024
• Camera animation imported from Blender or MMD
• Target Camera type in 3ds Max

⚠️ Important Notes

• Always use Target Camera type for best results
• The script creates a new camera when using the Execute button
• Original camera will be hidden after rotation is applied
• Make sure to save your Max scene before exporting
• JSON files are compatible only with CLEO Redux Dance Loader

🐛 Troubleshooting

Camera not appearing in the field:

• Make sure you're selecting a Target Camera, not a Free Camera
• Use the F->T button to convert Free Cameras first

Rotation not working correctly:

• Verify the camera has keyframed animation
• Check that both camera and target have position keys

Export button disabled:

• Select a camera using the Pick button first
• Ensure the camera has animation data

📄 License

This tool is provided as-is for use with 3ds Max and GTA San Andreas modding.

🤝 Credits

Created by: J16D
For: CLEO Redux Dance Loader - GTA San Andreas

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Latest Version: 5.4 (December 26, 2025)
Fixed: Camera rotations and coordinate system conversion