modellers, which program do you use?

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Ezekel

L11: Posh Member
Dec 16, 2008
818
245
i've been looking at moving to modelling. there are 2 programs i've seen that look promising: XSI and 3DSmax.
i've tried out XSI but i've found it to be a lil non intuitive when trying to find how to do things with it (tools feel like they're hidden from the user). Whereas, in tutorial vids of 3DSmax, it seems that it presents itself better, rather than overwhelm the user.

there's also cost involved too, XSI is free, 3DS isn't. but if it's worth the cost, then that's different.

so any tips/advice anyone can offer here willbe greatly appreciated.
 

Spike

L10: Glamorous Member
Feb 13, 2008
716
82
I've learned quickly with XSI just watching videotutorials (and I'm not english speaker) and experimenting. I'd go for XSI, once you get how to do it it's easy. 3ds and XSI both work the same way, subdividing and extruding, 3ds is nicer but works the same way.
 

TheDarkerSideofYourShadow

L10: Glamorous Member
Apr 12, 2008
792
286
The XSI Mod Tool is pretty bad, especially when you want to generate render maps (its limited to 512x512). Maya is another option, but I haven't learned either Maya or 3ds.
 

Rexy

The Kwisatz Haderach
aa
Dec 22, 2008
1,798
2,533
Try lightwave. I have been told in academic communities that it is the easiest to learn. And it has support for exporting .smds, which are then used to compile .mdl models. I have been making zig's cart in lightwave.
 

TotalMark

L6: Sharp Member
Feb 13, 2008
331
78
I use wings3d, but you have to export and convert in another program.
 

StoneFrog

L6: Sharp Member
May 28, 2008
395
81
I have never attempted to model for Source, but if you want a good free modelling program, I'd just like to point out that the rumor that Blender is impossible to learn is an outright lie.

The interface takes a while to get used to, but I recommend that program above XSI and 3DS Max. Consult this amazing WikiBooks series on learning how to use it.
 

Spike

L10: Glamorous Member
Feb 13, 2008
716
82
Does Blender have a smd exporter?
 

Ezekel

L11: Posh Member
Dec 16, 2008
818
245
thanks for all the comments guys.

could people who say they prefer X or Y say why they like them though?
just so i can get an understanding.

i spend today looking at 3dsmax tutorials, and understanding them much better than the XSI ones.
 

maxtraxv2

L3: Member
Jan 23, 2009
103
3
blender its new ppl frendly( you have to learn abit before use) where as 3DsMax it pritty strait forward

plus you can convert them to blender if ya need to
 

TotalMark

L6: Sharp Member
Feb 13, 2008
331
78
Wings3d is really the first polygon modeler I've every used, so naturally I'm stubborn and won't move on.

It's just really easy.
 

Altaco

L420: High Member
Jul 3, 2008
484
120
I'd say the main thing is between 3dsMax, Maya, and XSI.
3ds and Maya are pretty much equal in power, just preference, try both.
XSI is very easy to export for source but somewhat less powerful (very nice UV mapping tools though)
 
May 23, 2009
205
34
Does Blender have a smd exporter?

yup, I've been making models all week :D A week ago I'd never done any 3D modeling at all. Blender has been very easy to pick up, its got a few quirks but all programs do.
 

Psy

The Imp Queen
aa
Apr 9, 2008
1,706
1,491
I'm a long time user of 3DSMax. I see no reason to use another modeling program. :p
 

SiniStarR

L8: Fancy Shmancy Member
Mar 31, 2009
585
116
ever wonder why tf2maps doesnt have a model/texture discussion board? granted i know the site is specifically for maps, but if its gonna carry custom models and textures shouldn't it at least have a place just for organizational purposes?