Modeling Programs

1. You can use a lot of things - 3dsmax, XSI..

2. Photoshop with DDS files, afaik.

Well, now that you've asked I have been learning the xsi program and it's not too bad.

Don't get me wrong there is definatly a learning curve and it will take time but if you use the videos they give you you can pick it up pretty fast.

as for the texturing it seems you can use photoshop... even elements if you use a dds converter which i do and it works out good.

other than that its a lot of blood sweat and tears!

I have made a small scout very basic and no textures but I imported it and everything, just need to figure out the fine points like gun and engine placement stuff like that but it works!

When I get it all down and I feel proficient I will write up and post a huge tutorial as well as a model... won't be any time soon, maybe a couple of weeks.

good luck!



ds

1) What modeling program do you use to create the models themselves?
I use Maya 7.0 to model, test textures, and so on. Most people would rather learn 3dmax however.
I use 3dmax to export the model/finish any small work (apply final texture, resize) however nothing major here.

Both of those programs are rather costly professional tools; I think both of them each cost well over a thousand green. But, I didn't pay for them..!

Both programs have a trail, however I couldn't stand them.
Blender is a free modeling program that modders use.
2) What program do you use to texture?
Photoshop all the way. Takes alot of studying to work it correctly, but worth it.
Once again, photoshop is a pretty nice tool. Costs around $500 I think.
The Gimp is a free program that can do alot of what photoshop can.



Most people use 3dmax for gaming; and Maya for basic rendering. I learned using maya and can't learn 3dmax now though, so choose whichever you like.
(Modeling is not easy to pick up. It took me months before my work looked somewhat decent)

Well, I know xsi, maya, and 3dsmax
For modeling, the best and fastest package is xsi. The learning curve really isn't too bad. It's just not like the other two packages. Modeling is generally the same in any package. A tool in one package will be called something different. User interface is very different as well. find what suites you best. Sins was made using xsi.
XSI is 500 for a license that you can actually make money with. XSI also has a mod tool which is free. It's basically xsi just stripped down in some areas.

I was wondering about this too. My mom bought me a book on maya 8.5 and I've been teaching myself the program with the PLE. I just wish I could export models I'm making in it so I can use them for mods.

Which of the free modeling programs allow you to export files in .mesh? And do any of the programs open .mesh files so I can have a reference as to how big ships are?

I haven't done any modeling, ever, but I know Maya has a free version available for download if you're a student.

The only free way to export is by using the mod version of XSI Softimage and the file converter with the mod tools. Unless Maya can export to XSI files though you'll probably have to use a more generic file type, which could cause problems.

As for importing I don't think there's a way to do it without 3dsmax and the imp/exporter plugin, however you could download the 30-day trial and then import a copy of every model if it's that necessary. Importing from max to maya should be easier too.

The free version though is pretty limited. All renderings are done with annoying watermarks, you cant export models, etc. But most of the features are there.