Modeling: For those who don't know

[bazola]

Found this out today and I'm not sure whether the community is aware. You can get a free version of XSI (a 3d modeling program) from here: http://www.softimage.com/products/modtool/

The only real restriction seems to be that it is for non-commercial use only, but for me that's not a problem. Considering that their software can cost 5,000 dollars... well this is a good way to go about getting it legally

There is a tutorial here: http://developer.valvesoftware.com/...your_map_into_a_prop_static_with_XSI_Mod_Tool
That explains how to turn your brushes into models. From what I understand this is mostly important if you reach the brush limit in your map.

 

[DJive]

awesome!.

Should post this in the TF2 Level Editing & Modeling Link Resources

=)

 

[spaceweasels]

Yeah, I've played around with the mod tool. It's a good tool to learn XSI, but I had buggy experiences with it. I've started using Blender (which the full program is free), and installed the Half Life 2 smd converter.

Here are a couple of TF2 props I'm building in Blender for an upcoming map of mine:

 

[Hawk]

I've played with Mod Tool as well. Its bugs and glitches aggravate me, so I make and texture my models in another program and simply run them through Mod Tool to get them where I want them.

 

[DrHaphazard]

Wow nice bomb. I did not know blender is free, ill have to check into that.

 

[Scotland Tom]

Blender is indeed free and also a very capable program. I'm learning it myself actually, though I'm not sure how much modeling I'll do for TF2.

 

[Shmitz]

The only downside to blender is I have yet to find a way to make it give me a polycount. Other than that, two thumbs up. Love the interface.