What Is The Best Modeling Program?

Jean_Luc_Picard

<div class="IPBDescription">I want a good progam to try</div> Preferably a short learning curve (if possible) or at least some helpful hints...

I REALLY want to get into this modeling thing... I have some good ideas I want to try out, but dunno how to model

I posted my turret concept... but nobody so far said they'd even THINK about trying it *crys*

Delarosa

**phased to helping area**

Jaeger

If you're looking for the *best* modeling program, <a href='http://www.discreet.com/3dsmax/' target='_blank'>3D Studio Max</a> is the one to get; however, for someone who's just starting out, your best bet will likely be <a href='http://www.swissquake.ch/chumbalum-soft/' target='_blank'>Milkshape 3D</a>. Max is prohibitively expensive, has a steep learning curve, and is a more complex program to handle. However, Milkshape is easy to use, though limited on higher-level functions (no booleans, etc.), but is much easier to work with and can export to a wide variety of formats without the need for plugins.

Jean_Luc_Picard

*scratches head* what is a ...boolean?

coil

boolean is a method of combining two distinct objects. Boolean subtraction (A-B) deletes any part of A that exists within B (B itself disappears). Boolean addition (A+B) combines the two, deleting any part that exists within another part. Boolean intersection (AxB, for lack of a proper symbol) deletes every part that *does not* reside within another part, leaving only the intersection of the two.

In the case of modeling, the real plus to boolean combinations is that the final product remains a solid object; the operation creates new faces and deletes extraneous ones to make a complete shape. Two intersecting cylinders will go through each other, but a boolean addition of those same cylinders will create a cross object with no unseen internal faces.

Keep in mind, however, that careless boolean operations can radically increase the number of polys in your model. They should be used very cautiously, if at all. While it's more time-consuming, I generally find it's safer to create holes myself than leave it to a boolean operation.

A diagram!

CaptainPanaka

<!--QuoteBegin-Jaeger+Feb 17 2004, 02:08 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Jaeger @ Feb 17 2004, 02:08 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> If you're looking for the *best* modeling program, <a href='http://www.discreet.com/3dsmax/' target='_blank'>3D Studio Max</a> is the one to get; however, for someone who's just starting out, your best bet will likely be <a href='http://www.swissquake.ch/chumbalum-soft/' target='_blank'>Milkshape 3D</a>. Max is prohibitively expensive, has a steep learning curve, and is a more complex program to handle. However, Milkshape is easy to use, though limited on higher-level functions (no booleans, etc.), but is much easier to work with and can export to a wide variety of formats without the need for plugins. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
hm.. iirc GMAX is the same as 3DSMAX but just witout rendering feature... <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/confused.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused.gif' /><!--endemo-->
and if I'm not completely wrong... GMAX is free?!

remi

3d Studio Max is fun.
Don't even look at lightwave though. That's got to be the most confusing program I've ever seen, and it doesn't even have an undo feature. Some love it, i hate it.
I've never tried any of the other stuff though.

The_Fluffy_Duck

sorry lightwave is the best and it aint confusing. It can boost up to 180 un-do's you press the magic "u" button!!!! for undo.Confusing isnt it!!!!!