Exporting a Pre-Existing 3D Model As a Sculpt?

Heyla!

I've tried experimenting with the Wings 3D sculpted prim exporter. I got the impression that the way it works is that I have to manipulate the prim templates into the form I want, then export it as a sculpt map for use in SL. The problem with this is that I have made some nice 3D models for use with Aiko 3, a human 3D model for use in Poser, a while back, and I was thinking that it would be quite nice to be able to modify these clothing models to fit the default SL Female model and simply import it into SL, but since these models weren't made with the prim templates, I can't seem to do this with the Wings 3D exporter.

So, I was wondering if there's a way for me to simply export any pre-existing models I've already made as a sculpt map? Anim8or is my primary modelling tool, so I don't mind being pointed in the direction of a program that is used as nothing but an exporter.

Thanks for the help!
Keeper S. Karu

You can't just import a non-sculpty mesh.
The sculpt mesh is square so you can TRY to unwrap the UV and manipulate it so that it IS square and conforms to the sculpt map rules.

Blender now has a shrink-wrap feature. I've been playing with this recently. It can wrap a sculpt mesh around any mesh (given enough prodding) and come out with something , not too bad.

Im just a flunkie so my answers don't really count and I have never heard of Aiko3 or Anim8tor.
Someone will be along shortly to answer you properly.

Hm.. well, I've tried using Blender and decided I wanted to keep my hair, so I don't know too much about it. For some strange reason, I've found that a lot of people don't seem to know about anim8or. It's a nice, user-friendly, free 3d modelling program that you can get at: www.anim8or.org It's not as fancy as Wings or Blender, but, like I said, it's fairly user firendly for a beginner. I tried it after looking at Wings and Blender and never looked back. People have recommended that, now that I'm familiar with 3d modelling, that I should work up to Blender, but I just don't like that it's not very intuitive. So, I stick with anim8or.

As far as Aiko, goes, unless you're a Poser artist, you're not likely to know who she is. If you're curious, you can check out www.daz3d.com. Lots of free 3D content, if you like making 3d artwork.

Finally, if that's the case with sculpted prims, I guess I'm stuck with the regular prims. I can't really stand working from a high-rez object, off the bat. I like to use a box-modelling method to model my items, then subdivide them so that they become nice and smooth. Oh, well. I'll just use what I have available in SL. But, thanks for the info, anyhow.

Keeper S. Karu

Hi there,

Unfortunately there is no easy way (depending on your perspective) to create high quality sculpts. In addition converting existing meshes to sculpties requires more processes to achieve.
That being said, yes it can be done, however you may need to invest in some software if you do not already have these programs.

If you have Zbrush or plan to get it, you can use a program called sculptie maker from
Vlad Bjornson. He has put a number of tools and tutorials on his page here.

http://www.shiny-life.com/sculpty-maker/

This method does not actually convert existing meshes to sculpts but rather allows you to use
a compatible mesh (for sculpts) to use your existing mesh to "project" onto the sculptie compatible mesh.

Also there is what looks to be quite an amazing plug in for 3ds Max called "Prim Composer" by
Shack Dougall.

http://liferain.com/downloads/primcomposer/

This one allows you to create SL Prims inside of 3ds Max as well as sculpties. I believe that you would use a similar projection method to create a sculpt of your existing mesh in this one as
well. The big news on this process is that you can create whole scenes complete with textures,
baked textures, shadows and lighting and then import them into SL where your scene or build
is then automatically constructed. There is alot more to it than my brief description here.
But you can get full details from the link listed above.

Neither of these processes can be described as simple as each of them requires a number of steps. While the tools and plugins are free the primary programs you will need to use them are
not.
So the barriers lie in the cost of the software as well as the effort required to use the methods.

But if you can master any of these techniques the upside is that it is definitely a marketable skill. Especially if your creating sculpted clothes as there are plenty of people in SL that would
buy high quality results. Initially it may be easier to use your existing meshes as references to
just create new sculpts of the clothes you want.

I suggest you try my tutorial in sculptmaps, it might be what you search, however its by no way an automated way to do it.

http://kdc.ethernia.net/?page_id=342

Oh, thanks, both, for your answers! I hadn't expected anyone else to reply to this post. At this point in time, I don't have the money to invest in 3ds max or ZBrush. However, I'll keep this info in mind when I'm able to purchase a program of that calibre. Thanks, again! Much appreciated!