Modelling Resources

[Evaders99]

Any resources you find useful? Link to them here (short description is helpful)

[JanDeis]

XSI Mod Tool

This is the program that made me finally decide to put Blender in my Recycle Bin It may seem complicated at first, but watch the 45 minute-long tutorial video and it should all come very easily from then on. And it is FREE!

 

Blender

This is the program I used to use for my 3D modeling. It is a very good tool, just extremely complicated to learn. Once you know how to work the whole program, it is the most powerful (free) modeling tool that I know of (besides XSI Mod Tool).

[Krytos]

Two more free 3d modelling programs for people to play with.

 

Wings 3d

An exceptional 3d modelling program based around shortcut keys. It's small and light weight, so it can be used on practically any computer system (and Operating System), all you need is OpenGL. It's excellent for beginners to start with, and is also more than adept for experienced modellers.

What's more is it's a pretty simple and easy program to use. My brother, who is not artistically minded in anyway (the logical, programmer) uses Wings when he needs models. It's capable of doing polygon editing at a level you would expect from a high level program like XSI, Max or Maya. It allows UVW mapping, polygon smoothing and other feature sets.

 

The three key points for this program are: It's simple. It's easy to use. And, it's small.

 

GMax

A stripped out, free version of 3d studio Max. It has most of the features of 3d Max version 4 - which while it's quiet old (They're up to version 11 - called 2009 at the moment). However it gives you a modelling, UVW mapping, animation tool kit based on one of the most popular 3d modelling interfaces available. It's only limitation compared to the original 3d max 4 is it can't render images. Though, it does allow you to use the extremely useful modifier stack, and as mentioned, the tool and interface of 3d max.

Gmax was so popular that many people and companies reportedly by-passed 3d studio max and use the free gmax for the majority of their game modelling work.

 

 

 

Just remember, these programs are just tool sets - and it's not the tool that does the work, but you. Find something you're comfortable with - it doesn't have to be the same program you will use through your 3d life, but for a starting point you need to feel comfortable. Also, keep in mind that modelling techniques will be shared across different programs - a tutorial for Maya can be adapted for 3D Max and so on.

[Karpman]

XSI Mod Tool

This is the program that made me finally decide to put Blender in my Recycle Bin It may seem complicated at first, but watch the 45 minute-long tutorial video and it should all come very easily from then on. And it is FREE!

Basically a stripped down version of the 3d tool XSI itself.

You can export directly to certain games, as well as save to formats other 3d model tools can read.

It has 3d animation capabilities and A max resolution restrained rendering engine with no watermarks.

Ive created this model with it.

http://home.comcast.net/~k4rpm4n/Saber-Wip2.png