Free 3D softwares recomendation?

[Plake Snissken]

Hi all, first, sorry if it is on the wrong place.
So anyone have a free 3D modeling software recomendation? I want to learn how to create organic models to export to Source filmmaker & Garry's Mod. Currently I have 3Ds max knowledge but I lack the license so I would like to know what are the best free softwares (also to use in the future in other personal projects).

I did some initial research and found some lists, they say Blender is pretty good but my concerns are about organic modelation, I want to make characters and box modeling them is pretty hard compared to organic modelation, also I don't know if it supports or have any plugin to export to Source engine.

I also found about SOFTIMAGE XSI Mod tool, but I found that Autodesk discontinued it some months ago (shame). Then I found Sculptris, from the makers of Zbrush, but I remmember downloading it some time ago and it doesn't allow to export to other softwares, neither it handle skinning/bones.

So please my fellow 3D enthusiasts, what 3D modeling (both organic and geometrical modeling) softwares do you use and recommend?

[Zappy]

Blender. Yes, I did read the post, but Blender is probably the best way to go if you want something free to use. There is a plug-in called the Blender Source Tools, allowing SMD/VTA and DMX exports. Though I can't help you with modelling.

[Plake Snissken]

Originally posted by Vintage:

Blender. Yes, I did read the post, but Blender is probably the best way to go if you want something free to use. There is a plug-in called the Blender Source Tools, allowing SMD/VTA and DMX exports. Though I can't help you with modelling.

Thanks for the quick reply!
I will download it when I got to home.

[Zappy]

Just note that it may be very hard to get used to Blender quickly.

[ConfederateJoe]

Dude, everyone ever will say blender because it really is a pretty good free software. I've use it a lot here and there, its not a incredibly intuitive program though.

I tend to work in modo, which is a very expensive 3D program which has some limited functionality in the department of dynamics currently, but its modeling UV and material workflow inside the amazing UI make it worth it to me. If you ever get a chance to use modo, do it.

Anyways, as far as free goes you can get the educational license for Maya, 3DS Max, Houdini, or stick to blender. Out of all of those blender is probably easiest next to 3DS Max.

Softimage would be ideal for getting things into SFM as a specific version allows native exporting into source, but that's kind of hard to set up, and you've got to tolerate softimage's archaic UI.

[Zappy]

If one can get to learn Blender, one can do some pretty amazing things with modelling in it. Here, the problem for me just is I'm bad at modelling...

[raptornx01]

the only other option that I know of it Milkshape3d. I know one or two gmod and sfm modelers use it, or have used it.

[Plake Snissken]

I downloaded and followed some beginners tutorials on Blender.
I really aproves it! Nice to see it have an option to organic modeling.

[Zappy]

So you can figure it out? So soon? Did I pass out for a year or something?

[ConfederateJoe]

Originally posted by Zack Royer:

I downloaded and followed some beginners tutorials on Blender.
I really aproves it! Nice to see it have an option to organic modeling.

Yeah blender is really great, but it's modeling is not to intuitive and lacks some time saving features. Other than that it's functionality and features are pretty good. plus it has the .smd exporter plugin which is really important for getting stuff into SFM.

[Zappy]

Originally posted by ConfederateJoe:

plus it has the .smd exporter plugin which is really important for getting stuff into SFM.

If you use Blender for Source stuff, I'd highly advice you to use the Blender Source Tools instead of whatever plug-in you're currently using.

[Plake Snissken]

Originally posted by Vintage:

So you can figure it out? So soon? Did I pass out for a year or something?

I had experience with 3Ds max, Blender as I saw yesterday have a lot of features that I'm familiar with. The biggest issue with learning new softwares is that they all have different layouts, but once you get to know where are the tools most of 3D softwares are the same. Well, knowing how to do is easy, now doing something good...

I have the feeling that the real trouble will be when I export to Source the first time... I remember when I first exported an animated character to Unity 3D in college... ugh.

[ConfederateJoe]

Originally posted by Vintage:

Originally posted by ConfederateJoe:

plus it has the .smd exporter plugin which is really important for getting stuff into SFM.

If you use Blender for Source stuff, I'd highly advice you to use the Blender Source Tools instead of whatever plug-in you're currently using.

That's the one I was referring to.

[raptornx01]

Blender source tools will also compile the model for you. you just need to create a qc for it.

then once you have the mdl you just make the textures with gimp/photoshop and vtfedit (or the vtf plugin for gimp).

[ConfederateJoe]

Originally posted by raptornx01:

Blender source tools will also compile the model for you. you just need to create a qc for it.

then once you have the mdl you just make the textures with gimp/photoshop and vtfedit (or the vtf plugin for gimp).

Raptor, what you mean it will compile it for you, how do you set that up!?

[raptornx01]

install the tools and it'll add a compile option under the export section on the right side way at the bottom. you have to point it to the studiomdl in the sfm bin folder. and give it a qc ofcourse.