What 3d modeling software should I use?
Gothic Shadow
Posts: 35
I lately been wanting to get more into 3d modeling but I do not know what I should get. I would like to use it with Daz3d. I have tried using blender but it has annoyed me because of all the hot keys I need to use to get into anything. What I would like is something simple. Something that also is not a subscription and does not brake the bank.
I am a new so I think it be better to start out with something more simple. Where I can just pick up the tools and use them. Instead of looking everywhere for said tools. I have looked online at some tools but I honestly don't know where to start. The more I look the more I find. So I would honestly like some help to narrow down what I should be looking at and what I should not be looking at.
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What are you looking to model? Softbody stuff, like characters, clothing... or hardbody stuff like cars, machines, buildings, ...?
Which OS do you use?
I started with hexagon and it is pretty great, though for more advanced stuff I found it a bit lacking and unstable... Personally I don't have high hopes for it in the future. You might want to ask yourself if you want to invest time learning a program if it's development has pretty much stopped (hexagon isn't the only one from what i hear).
You could just get Hexagon. I just bought Silo and it just got an update so it is 64bit and so I can really fly with it but Hexagon is only $14 dollars and Silo is over a $100 dollars. Silo is a nice tool but like Daz3D, Nevercenter did not update software for a couple of years so I though it was abandon ware like Hexagon. Hex can bridge with Studio but it is only 32bit so you have to work within its limits. So my advice is download Hex and Silo and try them out see which one fits and stick with it. Hexagon is a very intuitive modeler unfortunately Daz has not upgraded the software in years so there you are. You can also give Carrara Pro a spin it has a 3D modeler inside the software and Carrara 8.5 pro is 64bit. If the Blender modeler is too complicated you can try Wings3d which is also opensource and but like blender it is very shortcut orientated but it has a very simple interface you may like it. You can always use more than one tool as well. For example: Model in the software that you are most comfortable with and do your uv mapping in Blender then import into Hex and use its bridge to take it into Studio. Hope this helps
You could start here : https://www.google.co.uk/#q=3d+modelling+programs+free
Look for Wings 3D in there too.
I would or may do all of the above only because I do not want to limit my self at the moment. The OS I am using right now is windows 7.(I will pick up windows 10 once it is out.) Well me personally I would not want to invest my time and money learning a program where the development has pretty much stopped or has stopped. Why is because from the information I can gather when software like that has stopped or pretty much stopped it can have glitches or slow down in the software. Also when anything new comes along you have to do more things to said software to get it to work. Are all these things to much to ask for?
Well documented and actively developed by more than a couple of guys? the list is very short: for free, Blender, shelling out money 3D Studio, Maya, MODO, Cinema4D, Houdini.
I'd go with hexagon for a little while then, i found it really easy to learn (or blender if you want to give it another try, but like you noticed it prolly has a steep learning curve). The basic principles of modelling are the same for all programs, independent of the actual tools you use. Once you got a hang of the basics and want to start focusing on getting an actual workflow with specific tools, then I'd start looking for a better program. By then you'll probably have a better idea of what you want and what you need to get it done.
PS: All programs are able to do hard and softbody modelling, but in a program the tools are generally more focused on one of the two. I use Zbrush now for softbody and Modo for everything else... though they are still not ideal for me :p
Sculptris is also free by pixologic the lot who make Zbrush
Gmax is a free version of Max 10 available on Turbosquid forum
Zmodeler trialware but useable
123D app from Autodesk and a few others for Android and iPad too
http://www.123dapp.com/
http://pixologic.com/sculptris/
http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax
http://www.zmodeler2.com/index.php the "free" version is limited in some ways
ooh and http://www.artofillusion.org/
I'd recommend Z-Brush, if you're willing to pay some money for software. It's professional level software and feels much more like an intuitive artist's tool to me than traditional 3D modeling software does. And it has a lot of features now for hard surface modeling in addition to character sculpting (which is what it is famous for), so you get both worlds. Check out some of the free Z-Brush tutorial videos on Pixologic's website to see if it's something you'd be into. PLUS - sculpting your own custom morphs for DAZ characters in Z-Brush is addictive.
Are you a student? Are you willing to become one?
There are amazing discounts available for graphics software if you are a student. You can't use these to produce commercially, but if you're at the hobby stage, this might be an option.
Sorry, but since I am not into organic modeling I forgot to list the superstar of sculpting, ZBrush.
I don't mind paying just want it at a reasonable price. The most I could afford is $200 and that is pushing it somewhat. Thank you for the options. What I plan to do with it over all is just make things that will work with daz3d.
Zbrush ... whoa. That's... not cheap.
I'd also recommend Hexagon as well.
Sculptris is free and really cool for organic modeling.
I'm terrible at modeling, but Sculptris Alpha is pretty cool for organic modeling
I create all my products sold here with Hexagon. It's quite a good modelling program tool.
I been looking around for some software as well. I must ask though what do people think of shade 3d? Would that work with what I want to do? Or how about 3DCrafter? I have used a wiki to help narrow down my search a bit. I have also been reading up on what was suggested here. I want to know if the two I listed would be any use to what I wish to do?
The important thing to remember is:
1) for the better part, modeling is modeling. Tools can vary. Interfaces definitely vary. Try different programs that give you demos (or are free) to see if you like over the other.
2) keep in mind that as you learn one 3D program, it becomes easier to understand and use other 3D programs.
3) opinions about what one person likes over another, is just that, an opinion cultivated by that user's experience, level of knowledge and particular gravitation to one UI style over another.
My favorite could be your worst nightmare. Learn 3D, in general, and try different programs and retry them after you have some modeling experience.
That is the best recommendation I can give you.
Carrara 8.5 Pro - $65 here in the store if you're a PC member. Works with Poser and Studio (.DUF) content. V4/M4/Genesis no problem (G2M/F are not fully supported - no HD, and geografts have problems with UV-mapped shaders). It even comes with M5 Pro and V5 Pro bundled (worth over $50 at PC discounted prices).
Full modeller - vertex, spline, metaballs, trees, terrains, oceans, dynamic hair, physics, animation, a surface replicator to kill for. Plugins for Octane, Luxus etc. I'm told it can easily make conforming clothes for Genesis etc, but that's not something I've ever tried.
I do hear good things about Hexagon, but it doesn't run on a Mac, and since I'm a Mac user, that makes it a non-starter for me.
Here's an example - Katherina, submarine and backdrop came from the store, but everything else was modelled in Carrara. And rendered in Carrara.
You forgot to model the cork for your bottle.
Yeah. Don't you just hate when that happens? ;)
I don't know either, but looking at the website it seems shade3d is no longer available. And 3dcrafter seems very limited for 3d modelling.
...I could be wrong on both :)
Hexagon is good but I wish they would hurry up and make hexagon 3 64 bit.
I don't know either, but looking at the website it seems shade3d is no longer available. And 3dcrafter seems very limited for 3d modelling.
...I could be wrong on both :) They split from that company and now they work on there own to supply to out side of Japan. Link for the software below.
http://shade3d.jp/en/
The modeling tools are the same for most modeling programs they serve the same functions. If you can't get your head around the interface it doesn't matter what tools are there, and what tools are missing. (You are only going to use about 20% of the tools anyway.) It also doesn't matter how expensive or how cheap the program is. All that matters is ease of use for you.
Once you found a program that works for you and understand the basics, then you can move to other modelers, and their interfaces are likely to make more sense to you but you have to get past the first hurdle which is the basics and that requires an interface you are comfortable with or you will never learn the tools.
Try as many as you can. The free ones like Blender, trueSpace and Wings3D. The low to mid priced like Hex, Silo and Milkshape. The high end trials like Max, Maya, and Houdini.
What works for one person may not work for another. Once you find a modeller that works for you, practice. Make freebies. Refine your skills. When you're ready, find a brokerage for you first product.
I have to echo several people in several ways.. I also use Hex for my products, either partially or completely. I additionally use Z-Brush and Marvelous Designer for some projects. Hex is pretty easy to pick up and use, so is Silo.. neither of them require hotkeys (but can use them if desired) and they both have understandable UIs without important stuff hidden where you can't find it. Silo has a free demo and Hex has the DAZ 30 day money back guarantee (and maybe a demo? IDK) Both have displacement painting ability so don't think you >need< to learn Z-Brush or Sculptris to make wrinkles or do more organic modeling, they are the best at it but most polygon modelers can also do it. So those two would be my recommendation for where to start.. but try every one you can, modeling programs are very personal things, it has to click with your brain.
Edit: if you like Silo the best way to get it is through Steam, its regular price is much lower. http://store.steampowered.com/app/100400/?snr=1_7_7_151_150_1
..I concur with the above, though I have stability issues with Hexagon on my system, others like Fisty and DZFire do not. and both create superb models with it.
Hexagon is only 14$ I believe, while Silo is 159$
The one advantage with Silo is it is 64 bit.
I'm not too sure about the Steam version as for one you need their software on your system to run it, and second, as I understand, the version they have is a slightly older one which is still 32 bit. It isn't clear wither if it is more optimised for game development rather than full 3D modelling. I do know their version of Modo is an optimised version for game development only.
Hexagon runs perfectly fine in my Mac O.o