What is a good software to mod props and what not for DAZ3D?

madmaxneo1

I found some really cool props and models on one of the free 3d model sites. The only problem is that some of them are created for other programs and they either will not open in DAZ or look like crap in it.

So I am looking for some software that can export the files to a format that DAZ can use and can maybe add some textures or what not.

So far I have downloaded Blender and Sketchup make, both are free. I have not installed them yet because I am in the process of doing some PC organizing (to many files spread out in different locations). I am not sure if either of those will work. But I am open to suggestions.

Bruce

Mattymanx

Each modeling program does things differently. UVs are handeled differently and so are textures.

OBJ is the most wide spread format that can be used. FBX as well. However neither are perfect.

And then if you want to make it available in your DAZ Studio library, you will need to either set it up as a DS prop or rig it if its capable of movement.

In the end, its going to be a lot of trial and error cause there is no one answer or perfect solution to what you want to do.

WendyLuvsCatz

Blender imports the most formats but the user interface is horrid.
Some so called free model sites contain stuff ripped from games etc so they will look like crap as captured using a 3D directX capture program from gameplay using a hotkey so often distorted depending on where the player is in the game when they ran the capture, those models cannot be legally used commercially anyway and the uploader is most likely incurring the legal wrath of the game maker too.
I would make damn certain the uploader modeled the item themselves and gave some description of the software they used.
The site should also have a EULA stating content uploaded must be original works modelled by uploaders not made by others uploaded without their permission.
ShareCG is an example of a good site with such rules in place.

Oso3D

I use Carrara, but I don't know if it's good... I bought it for other reasons, and then consigned myself to 'at least I can model stuff with it.'

WendyLuvsCatz

Carrara is also my modeller of choice, not that I am much of a modeller
it will also import most rigged FBX files from other software.
But then it is my preffered software for most stuff.

ghastlycomic

If you are one of the lucky, fortunate people for whom Hexagon works it is one of the best modelling programs for use with Daz Studio to mod props and create morphs because of its direct bridge between it and DS.

Sadly fewer and fewer people are able to use Hexagon because it does not play well with many modern machines. I'm fortunate in that it works reasonably well with my 64-bit Windows 7 machine but I'll be upgrading laptops in the fall so there's no guarantee it will still work when I get my new computer.

My computers tend to follow an upgrade pattern where my current laptop ends up becoming my music studio computer and then my current studio computer ends up becoming my road computer.

evilproducer

timmins.william said:

I use Carrara, but I don't know if it's good... I bought it for other reasons, and then consigned myself to 'at least I can model stuff with it.'

There is a learning curve to be sure, but don't give up!

wancow

RE: Models that look like crap. Try running them through UVMapper before tossing them. http://www.uvmapper.com

Oso3D

Thanks for the tip!