3DS Max

[beezneez]

is it necessary to have 3ds max to edit new units? if so, can i download it somewhere for free? so far i have only found the software available for hundreds of dollars. is there a free version you can get?

[Bwian]

Good news is, you CAN import RTW models into G-Max...which is free. You can edit them there, and make lots of changes.

Then comes the bad news....you CANNOT EXPORT from G-Max into CAS format. You would need to find someone with MAx to finsih off the project.

Thats really purely down to the fact that the guy who made the script for tthe import/export used MAx. If someone else cares to write a plugin for another format, I am sure they can....but I can't.

[Ciaran]

The alternative, if you don´t want to rely on someone else, would be to use G-Max and finish all you want to do and then get the 30 days 3ds Max trial to convert to .cas, even though it´s not that plain simple.

[Epistolary Richard]

The cheapest method of getting into modelling that I've heard is to use GMax to make the models and then use the 3DSMax trial to convert them into the cas format.

Apparently, if you uninstall the trial and then reinstall it the next time you need to use it, you won't use up any of the time in the interim - so you can make your usage of the trial time more efficient.

I, however, have never tried this out myself and have no knowledge of the whole modelling thing anyway. I'd really like someone to try it out and write up a step-by-step guide for how to get started modelling, not in a technical way within a modelling programme, but just the best way to use what programmes available.

Modellers are such a prized commodity to every mod team that I think something like a step-by-step guide to the programmes - that would greatly increase the accessibility of modelling - would be of great use to the community.

[Bwian]

Can give you a few pointers that might help here.

What software to use.... this is a tricky thing. There are several issues here to overcome, starting with getting the models OUT of RTW to mess about with. For this, you need G-Max or 3DS Max. Once you have the basic skeletons outline and proportions sorted out, you can make new models around this outline.

I personally don't like modelling in Max for low poly applications ( and RTW is low polygon in 3D modelling terms ). It's over complicated and fiddly to use. This means I have some knowledge of format swapping!

First thing I did was to export a set of skeleton outlines form Max. These were made by placing a small cube on EVERY joint in the model, with some thin triangles joining them up. These were then exported in 3DS format. 3DS is an IDEAL format for messing about with, since just about EVERY piece of 3D software ever will read it in and export it too. Including Max.

With my skeleton outlines, I can make sure EVERY model I build elsewhere is correctly proportioned to fit well over a stock RTW skeleton, and helps to make sure that the scale will be right too. Even if I screw up the scale, the Max scale tool set to uniform scale all dimensions will sort it out.

IF you find you need to mess about with file formats, then a program like 3D Exploration is an invaluable tool. IT opens and saves just about any model format you care to mention. IF you don;t want to model in Max, then something like this can really get you out of trouble.... but it assumes you are familiar with a piece of software incompatable with Max's available plugins for model import. ..... like me....who models in Lightwave. There is NO suitable LWO import plugin for Max.

Does this help any?

Once you have something like my skeleton outlines, you can vuild your mesh and texture it ANYWHERE and just use Max as a final conversion tool.

So...what to choose....

There are several cheap / free options available here. Go with whatever you feel happy with, just so long as it can export 3DS. This includes software like Anim8or, Blender and cheap options like AC3D or Milkshape 3D. There are others ... like 3D Canvas.

Make sure :

1) It exports 3DS format WITH TEXTURES
2) You can properly UV map
3) It is well documented and easy to work with

Then....when you are confident that you have made some models you REALLY want to have in game, download the MAx demo, and convert away! Import your textured 3D models in 3DS format, and you will be good to go.

[snevets]

Can give you a few pointers that might help here.

Blender and cheap options like AC3D or Milkshape 3D

Ah milkshape, an old standby.

2) You can properly UV map

Lol. IF theres a hard part its that.

Anyone who needs a quick problem solution in 3d modelling should :

Read:

The scriptorium (but you know that)

The online 3ds max volumes at www.autodesk.com to understand 3ds max and 3d modelling (not the whole thing your head will explode)

Not:

Be discouraged by a seeming lack of information because it is there.

Hesitate to bug community modelling members for specific help, they should realize they were in your shoes once too (don't abuse them though please, we're people too.... )