Topic: Software for aspiring Modelers (Read 20358 times)

Tus-XC · « **on:** March 03, 2006, 02:58:39 pm »

Hey you all, i figured i would make a quick list of stuff that peps might find handy to get started:

3d programs:

Free

[li] Blender free and open source, exports to a variety of formats (not .mod) [/li]

[li] Gmax not sure what it can export to, but it is free

[/li]

[li] Wings 3D [/li]

[li] Zmodeler2 [/li]

[li] POV-Ray [/li] (Syntax based, no GUI)

[li] KPovModeler [/li] Like pov ray but w/ a GUI

[li] Anim8or [/li]
[/list]

Trial

[li] Milkshape 30 day free trial, $25 1 time fee[/li]

[li] 3ds Max 30 day free trial, requires registration[/li]
[/list]

Purchase

[li] Milkshape 30 day free trial, $25 1 time fee[/li]

[li] 3d Studio max 7 Students (accredited institutions) $589, retail $3,495 (note your best bet would be to find a versionof 4.0 or 4.2 on ebay or something) [/li]

[li] lightwave Student (accredited institutions) $395, Retail $1,595 (again try ebay)[/li]
[li] Zmodeler2 [/li] $42
[/list]

2d programs:

Free

[li] Gimp never tried it, supposadly very good[/li]

[li] Gimpshop more like photo shop, only for mac (also never tried) [/li]

[li] Irfanview Image editing software, very good at resizing [/li]
[/list]

Trial

[li] Adobe Photoshop CS 30 day trial [/li]

[li] Paint Shop Pro 30 day trial[/li]

[li] Freehand for specialised 2D graphics and print layout tasks, 30 day trial [/li]
[/list]

Purchase

[li] Photoshop CS2 Student (accredited institutions only ) $289, Retail $599 [/li]
[li] Paintshop Pro $99 [/li]

[/list]

Other

Free

[li] lithunwrap Used w/ milkshape for UV mapping [/li]

[/list]

Trial
[li] ulitimate unwrap 3d[/li]
[/list]

Purchase
[li] ulitimate unwrap 3d[/li] $50
[/list]

Plugins

Free
[li] Model Tools for SFC Mod viewer, max plugins, SFC3 mod tools [/li]
[li] Assimsoft Milkshape Plugins [/li]
[li] POV-Ray include file exporter plug-in for milkshape 3D [/li]
[/list]

Trial
[/list]

Purchase
[/list]

Add ons

Free
[li] the galaxy include file for POV-Ray [/li]

[/list]

Trial
[/list]

Purchase
[/list]

I'm sure i missed some stuff, so please add if ya got things that might help

Kana · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2006, 03:33:36 pm »

I would add this to the list as well

Ultimate Unwrap 3d

http://www.unwrap3d.com/downloads.aspx

It cost 50.00 USD, for the full registered version, but it supposedly will import and export in over 50 different common formats with downloadable plugins.

AlchemistiD · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2006, 03:44:40 pm »

Nice, thanks alot Tus.

intermech · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2006, 06:11:26 pm »

Here is another free 3D package, comprable to Milkeshape but can't export to mod.

http://www.zmodeler2.com/index.php

I know 1.07 is free and workable, I just found that version 2 is out there now, I am downloading it as I type

KBF MalaK · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2006, 06:26:57 pm »

whats the difference between Lightwave, and Lightscape ?? I have em both as well as Max 3.1, and 5 but I do most of my work in milkshape only using Max to refine some details.

Bonk · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2006, 06:34:37 pm »

If I might add (all free):

Assimsoft Milkshape Plugins
POV-Ray include file exporter plug-in for milkshape 3D

POV-Ray
the galaxy include file for POV-Ray

Wings 3D

(thread added to consolidated stickies post... great idea Tus!

)

Tus-XC · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2006, 07:22:18 pm »

Quote from: Bonk on March 03, 2006, 06:34:37 pm

If I might add (all free):

Assimsoft Milkshape Plugins
POV-Ray include file exporter plug-in for milkshape 3D

POV-Ray
the galaxy include file for POV-Ray

Wings 3D

(thread added to consolidated stickies post... great idea Tus! )

Thanks, and all the stuff you provided has been added to the first post

markyd · « **Reply #7 on:** March 04, 2006, 08:32:27 am »

GMAX was on the ball.. if you have a copy keep it close to your chest... as it is no longer available, discreet binned the project in november, and no longer allow it to be downloaded

Mr_Tricorder · « **Reply #8 on:** March 04, 2006, 10:44:37 am »

Quote from: AkamI on March 04, 2006, 08:32:27 am

GMAX was on the ball.. if you have a copy keep it close to your chest... as it is no longer available, discreet binned the project in november, and no longer allow it to be downloaded

WTF?! WHY?! It was such a great idea! I'll bet the guys at Autodesk just didn't like the idea of giving away something like that for free.

Bonk · « **Reply #9 on:** March 04, 2006, 10:59:15 am »

KPovModeler

Tus-XC · « **Reply #10 on:** March 04, 2006, 01:27:46 pm »

Quote from: Bonk on March 04, 2006, 10:59:15 am

KPovModeler

Added

Kana · « **Reply #11 on:** March 05, 2006, 06:31:26 pm »

Looking good Tus...

Sandman3D · « **Reply #12 on:** March 05, 2006, 06:47:31 pm »

Don't forget the 1st program I used...Anim8or. Easy controls, good tutorials and free...plus exports to .3ds and I believe it might do .lwo. Here's a link http://www.anim8or.com/main/index.html

Tus-XC · « **Reply #13 on:** March 05, 2006, 08:09:26 pm »

Quote from: Sandman3D on March 05, 2006, 06:47:31 pm

Don't forget the 1st program I used...Anim8or. Easy controls, good tutorials and free...plus exports to .3ds and I believe it might do .lwo. Here's a link http://www.anim8or.com/main/index.html

added... if anyone knows of more 2d proggies i think that might be useful to

intermech · « **Reply #14 on:** March 06, 2006, 11:46:49 am »

I use Irfanview very heavily, especially to make damage textures.

http://www.irfanview.com/

Powerpoint was my primary texture maker untill it no longer came standard on PCs
Now I use Word. It is not as effeicient but I can still get by with it.

KBF-Kurok · « **Reply #15 on:** March 06, 2006, 12:02:03 pm »

Lithunwrap http://files.seriouszone.com/download.php?fileid=198

Bonk · « **Reply #16 on:** March 06, 2006, 01:03:59 pm »

I'm a fan of Freehand for specialised 2D graphics and print layout tasks.

Tus-XC · « **Reply #17 on:** March 06, 2006, 01:36:20 pm »

all added

Bonk · « **Reply #18 on:** March 06, 2006, 03:51:44 pm »

Freehand is not free (despite the name). There is a 30 day trial though.

Mackie · « **Reply #19 on:** March 07, 2006, 11:24:35 am »

You forgot Rhino.
And MS3d is as good as any for basic modeling as long as you know how to use it.

made pretty much all the way in milkshape, finetuned in LW.
http://outalance.battleclinic.com/darkcentral/ships/images/carthage.jpg
(LCamaral textures though)

intermech · « **Reply #20 on:** March 11, 2006, 07:14:26 am »

Here is another one, you get a 30 day trial, and then use is limited. It can export to many different formats, even Homeworld, but not our beloved *.mod. Apparently there are several different variations of this engine.

http://www.righthemisphere.com/products/dcreator/index.htm

atheorhaven · « **Reply #21 on:** March 12, 2006, 09:08:52 pm »

Check this page on my site:
http://outalance.battleclinic.com/atheorhaven/html/_sgg/m1m3s1_1.htm

You'll find gmax up there, as well as Amapi and a couple of others. I have a newer version of Amapi 5 and 6 that have included registrations (ie: free to use). (They just aren't up yet because I've yet to figure out how to get files up to the site).. :p

ModelsPlease · « **Reply #22 on:** April 11, 2006, 09:15:04 am »

ATTN : Bonk

Please add this thread to the Consolidated Stickies

Bonk · « **Reply #23 on:** April 11, 2006, 09:35:54 am »

Already did, last month:

Quote

« Last Edit: March 03, 2006, 08:30:49 pm by Bonk »

on the same day you posted this topic:

Quote

« on: March 03, 2006, 04:58:39 pm »

I think you already requested that I do so, though I don't remember either...

intermech · « **Reply #24 on:** September 13, 2006, 08:01:35 am »

This is a free, simple, single viewport program. It is a good start for someone interested in messing with 3D models for the first time. It has a few raytrace options not available in other free or simple software. Get Google Sketchup here:

http://sketchup.google.com/

intermech · « **Reply #25 on:** November 10, 2006, 10:52:47 am »

Free/older version of Lithium UnWrap:

http://files.seriouszone.com/download.php?fileid=198

Looks like it can import Armada Sods

Bishop13 · « **Reply #26 on:** November 25, 2006, 06:05:09 pm »

Hey there folks. I am as green as you can get when it comes to modeling. I have no concept of how to go about getting my feet wet. Can anyone point me to a great program that will allow me to learn without getting in over my head? I really appreciate it, thanks!

Rod ONeal · « **Reply #27 on:** November 25, 2006, 06:49:09 pm »

Quote from: Bishop13 on November 25, 2006, 06:05:09 pm

Hey there folks. I am as green as you can get when it comes to modeling. I have no concept of how to go about getting my feet wet. Can anyone point me to a great program that will allow me to learn without getting in over my head? I really appreciate it, thanks!

Totally free and an excellent pgm. is Blender www.blender.org

Really cheap ($25.00 or so after free 30 day trial) and exports to .mod (The format that SFC uses) is Milkshape www.milkshape3d.com

intermech · « **Reply #28 on:** November 25, 2006, 07:52:23 pm »

Three Cheers for Milkshape!!

Yeah, Milkshape is your best bet. I recommend starting out by learning how to import existing ships and manipulating the parts. Do some kitbashes, and then, as you get better at those, you will find reason to fill in with your own model parts. Eventually, you will be using little or no outside ship parts and building your own models.

There are lots of people here happy to help you out with specific questions and problems as they come up.

Rod ONeal · « **Reply #29 on:** November 26, 2006, 12:06:52 am »

Another plus for Milkshape is ease of use. I was able to start modeling with it right away. Never read a tutorial one. Very logical and easy to figure out.

I forgot about gmax. Virtually the same as studiomax, but free. It's limited on the file formats that it'll work with. Won't import/export .mod, but does support other games. I have imported .3ds into it (will also do .obj) and exported to .m3d (Quake 3 format) and then into milkshape, which works fine. It'll do a lot more than Milkshape will. http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax

If you end up with a pgm. that won't export to the game format you want there are folks here that'll convert your models for you. I will, if you need.

Forgot about a paint pgm. too. You'll need one for texturing your models. There's always photoshop and paintshop pro, for commercial pgms. Most people use one of these, but they aren't free. Gimp is supposed to be a good free one. I've never used it, myself. www.gimp.org
Microsoft's, "Acrylic" is still available as a 6mos. trial and is gonna be a pretty highend paint product, when it's finally finished. If you're familiar, and comfortable, with M$ pgms. and their interfaces, you might want to try it out. http://www.microsoft.com/products/expression/en/graphic_designer/default.aspx

Star Dragon · « **Reply #30 on:** December 02, 2006, 07:10:44 pm »

Thanks for the links!!! (in fact I thought that Blender and Gmax were pulled and I missed them?)

GIMP is a bit advanced for me, but in the interm I use IRFRANVIEW: http://www.tucows.com/get/194967_75076

Mainly cause my efforts are just tiny things, but in case people want a decent viewer for free there it is.

Anthony Scott · « **Reply #31 on:** December 03, 2006, 03:23:23 pm »

Although I use Photoshop almost exclusively (you should see the work I have done with a plugin that simulates night vision) I sometimes use both Gimp and Irfranview just to keep my hand in. I use all three and have had alot of uccess with them.

Semper Fi, Carry On

Kana · « **Reply #32 on:** December 06, 2006, 09:54:23 am »

Shouldn't someone sticky this to the top?

Tus-XC · « **Reply #33 on:** December 06, 2006, 11:08:27 am »

look in the consolodated sticky thread

Kana · « **Reply #34 on:** December 06, 2006, 12:22:49 pm »

Quote from: Tus on December 06, 2006, 11:08:27 am

look in the consolodated sticky thread

Duh

Khalee1 · « **Reply #35 on:** December 31, 2006, 03:38:10 am »

This might be of intrest to some people here and it don't look like it cost too much.

http://noesisinteractive.com/index.php?x=products

manitoba1073 · « **Reply #36 on:** December 31, 2006, 12:43:00 pm »

http://www.sketchup.com/

found that 1 also, dont know how it is though

Rod ONeal · « **Reply #37 on:** January 22, 2007, 11:31:00 pm »

Here's another open source 2D vector graphics pgm.
http://www.inkscape.org/index.php?lang=en

Rod ONeal · « **Reply #38 on:** March 02, 2007, 02:36:43 pm »

I haven't tried this app. yet, but the features list looks good and if it can make unwrapping a mesh less time consuming, I'm all for it.

http://www.pullin-shapes.co.uk/index.htm

It's free and open source.

Star Dragon · « **Reply #39 on:** March 02, 2007, 02:56:31 pm »

I've heard good things bout google sketchup, beginners seem to be able to take to it pretty easy for getting ship designs out of your head and on to 2d/3d blueprint type drawings.

The one drawback is that there are two versions. Free is limited to .skip proprietary format.
Professional (paid) allows exportation to one or two formats (forgot what type)... I think it's slightly double that of milkshake (around $50.00?) I only glanced at it so need to look it up for more accurate details.

Rod ONeal · « **Reply #40 on:** March 13, 2007, 04:35:52 am »

OK. Usually I'm in here listing freeware (because, I like free stuff.

), but this is really amazing. If anyone else has seen this, or something like it, and haven't told the rest of us about it, well shame on you!!!
It's called UVLayout. http://www.uvlayout.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=38 Check out the vids for it. I've tried different UV mappers that claim to be automated, but this one really requires the least effort of any that I've seen, and I really struggle with UV mapping.
It's currently in public beta (and has been for a couple of years now) and the licensing is free, for now. Anyhow, check it out. Also, let me know if I've just missed the boat and there are other UV mappers out there that'll do what this one will.

P.S. I had to right click/save as on the videos. In case they won't stream for you either.

P.S.S.
Here's a pic of a model I mapped with it. Besides very little stretching it's really easy to place your seams where you want them and the pixel density is extremely uniform.

Mackie · « **Reply #41 on:** March 13, 2007, 05:12:52 pm »

Well, er, are there any FREE programs out there yet that can convert .mod files to lwo? or god forbid, even to that f*cking 3ds format. Just to either of those 2 format, I can use them in my bashes

atheorhaven · « **Reply #42 on:** March 13, 2007, 05:20:12 pm »

Quote from: Mackie on March 13, 2007, 05:12:52 pm

Well, er, are there any FREE programs out there yet that can convert .mod files to lwo? or god forbid, even to that f*cking 3ds format. Just to either of those 2 format, I can use them in my bashes

Maybe.. I think I have one or two. The problem isn't the converting to .LWO or .3DS, it's more converting out of .MOD.. there's not a lot of widestream support for it.

But I think I have a couple.. I just have to check them out (when I get home, am at work right now)..

Mackie · « **Reply #43 on:** March 13, 2007, 05:35:15 pm »

Quote from: atheorhaven on March 13, 2007, 05:20:12 pm

Quote from: Mackie on March 13, 2007, 05:12:52 pm
Well, er, are there any FREE programs out there yet that can convert .mod files to lwo? or god forbid, even to that f*cking 3ds format. Just to either of those 2 format, I can use them in my bashes

Maybe.. I think I have one or two. The problem isn't the converting to .LWO or .3DS, it's more converting out of .MOD.. there's not a lot of widestream support for it.

But I think I have a couple.. I just have to check them out (when I get home, am at work right now)..

Alright, thanks, much appreciated

It is rather tiring, waiting for people to come around and online and rely on them do my mod -> lwo/3ds conversions :p

atheorhaven · « **Reply #44 on:** March 13, 2007, 05:41:36 pm »

Quote from: Mackie on March 13, 2007, 05:35:15 pm

Alright, thanks, much appreciated
It is rather tiring, waiting for people to come around and online and rely on them do my mod -> lwo/3ds conversions :p

No worries man.. you know that I have no problems helping you out.

And if you need something super special done, feel free to drop me an email or PM here..

Mackie · « **Reply #45 on:** March 13, 2007, 05:51:15 pm »

Quote from: atheorhaven on March 13, 2007, 05:41:36 pm

Quote from: Mackie on March 13, 2007, 05:35:15 pm
Alright, thanks, much appreciated
It is rather tiring, waiting for people to come around and online and rely on them do my mod -> lwo/3ds conversions :p

No worries man.. you know that I have no problems helping you out.

And if you need something super special done, feel free to drop me an email or PM here..

Well, aint nothing super special there I reckon, but if you're bored and dont have much do, you could click the darkcentral link on my sig and see what I gone done recently with them ships :>
Many aint been converted to anything yet, if you catch my drift ;]

Rod ONeal · « **Reply #46 on:** April 26, 2007, 08:38:01 pm »

This is for a free (read older and the rendering function is limited to 600x400) version of Cinema 4D. It's an Italian site that's offering it and I don't know how long it'll be available, although it appears that the offer has been around for a couple of years now. You'll need to translate Italian to register it. ( http://translate.google.com/translate_t ) The progam's interface is in English though

For 99 euros you can upgrade it to a version that doesn't have the limited render engine. Still really cheap for a pgm of this level. As is you can import/export .3ds and .obj, as well as others. No .mod, but there's ways to get your models converted.
Check it out. C4D's interface and workflow are pretty intuitive and easy to learn.

Here's the DL link.
http://files.filefront.com/cinemazip/;6962831;;/fileinfo.html

I found an english manual. (The Italian site only offers an Italian manual. Go figure

)
Here's a link for it
http://www.4shared.com/file/18330502/874e6735/c4d_ce_manual.html

Rod ONeal · « **Reply #47 on:** May 10, 2007, 09:08:48 pm »

This is the freeware version of softimage XSI. XSI is a professional 3d and animation program. Comparitively this is gmax/3dmax, except it's the same as the current version of xsi. There's a plugin (on the same page) that allows import/export of .x so you can get your stuff into milkshape or max for conversion to mod.

http://www.softimage.com/downloads/XSI_Mod_Tool/default.aspx

Updated link to newer version. This is easily the best free 3D app. overall that I've tried.

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Topic: Software for aspiring Modelers (Read 20358 times)