Updated: So I downloaded Wings3D as a simple modeller. I've yet to install it, but I've just discovered that I probably need to support very simple bone/skinning animation - see here. Does Wings3D allow this, and if not is there any free modeller which makes this relatively easy to do? I was looking at the FAQ for free 3D modellers. I'm not after anything powerful, but rather the easiest product to use (for Win9X). Exporting to .X is a bonus but .3ds would do since the DX sdk has a conversion application. So on this criteria, what is fastest to generate simple models (basically place-holders of like 100 polys)? [Edited by - d000hg on July 4, 2005 7:17:14 AM]

You might want to look at
http://www.gamedev.net/reference/art/features/blender1/

A good article from the looks of it. Is Blender then the easiest tool to use - all those hotkeys may be fast but it's a bit of a jungle I'd imagine to begin with.

Is this what other people would recommend to a modelling newB?

I dunno, I played about with 3D Studio Max before, I think any modelling package isn't going to be 100% intuitive and easy just because what you are doing is complex. I'm a complete 3d modeller newbie too but I get the sense myself that Blender (being free and with an active community) is probably worth persevering with.

Game books I've read have also suggested "Milkshape", though I've not tried that one myself.

Anim8or is the easiest.... But you won't go anywhere from there.

Start with Milkshape or Blender (A lot better and more difficult; worth the extra work, though).

Quote:

Original post by d000hg A good article from the looks of it. Is Blender then the easiest tool to use - all those hotkeys may be fast but it's a bit of a jungle I'd imagine to begin with. Is this what other people would recommend to a modelling newB?

Official Release Download Page, Currently: 2.37a
Interface Tutorial
Modeling & Animating a gingerbread man
Blender Manual
Blender Reference Guide
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The Blender Community
Blender Website
Blender Development Website
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Link to zip that contains an html file with like a bazillion links to various Blender tutorials in English and other languages
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If you are planning to go with Blender, check those links above.
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Haven't tried it before but I've heard Wings3D was a good modeling program.

Wings3d is good (In that it's simple and fast), yes, but it does lack power.

[Edited by - videodragon20032003 on June 18, 2005 1:09:27 AM]

dudes, he's looking for the easiest app - and you're recommending blender. That's just wrong. I have nothing against blender but it's definately one of the hardest and most unintuitive programs out there.

if you want something really easy to use try Metasequoia - it's a really nice little modelling app. it doesn't have skinning or animation features, but once you've gotten hang of modelling in it, you can do the rest in some other app. There are others too, but I can't remember their names right now.

In my opinion Metasequoia is the only modelling app that is really easy and fast to use. You'll be churning out those little models in no time.


When you do know about modelling, you can move in to milkshape or even blender. However, these take very technical and annoying approach to the modelling - I rather just click and create faces on the fly than first plot vertices and then group them into faces, while desperatedly trying to make the vertex stay in the right place using the 3 views.

As stated, Anim8tor is the easiest...but has very annoying factors about it. I suppose its good for somebody new into 3d modeling.

I would recommend Blender even though it might not be the easiest to start with :)