Wings3D and SL

I've heard of some ways others are using 3DMax, DAZ, etc to help them with building and texture checking (I think I heard something about a program someone was working on to import items from one of these programs?). Anyone know a way Wings3D can be useful in this?
Wings3D is a decent, not-too-technical way to model stuff (not really for humans/animals), equipped with a number of prims and variety of ways to manipulate them. Free, too, for those of us who can't afford higher-end software (or don't have the graphic cards for it).

Does anyone else out there even USE Wings3D?

I used to play with Wings 3D for a short while. Its inspired by the Mirai / Nendo modeler from some time ago which was ahead of its time. Its a decent software to learn the basic principles of 3D modeling from without the limitations of using a Personal Learning Edition like those from Maya or Softimage.

The importer you speak of is more of a curiosity than a practical solution, as it generates too many prims from meshes. But is still worth a try. Refer to this thread or you could possibly ask Jeffrey for a copy.

/54/09/32283/1.html

On another note, also take a look at Silo, which is a similar subdivision modeler at

http://www.nevercenter.com/silo/

And also Modo, which was made by ex-Lightwave 3D programmers.

http://www.luxology.com/

Both are interesting applications for the curious.

I use Wings, its great, do all my modelling in it, then finalize in Maya. Wings supports the Alias format of FBX, and Alias offers plugins for all major and not-so-major 3D appsfor free. I've used converters and such, and exported in OBJ format, but I find I invariably lose data or something goes wrong. This is true when using OBJ outside of Wings as well (It's not always the case, but when it does happen, its hard to fix).

So I recommed you go with whatever propgram that import to SL will eventually support, model in Wings, and throw it into the app that feeds in the importer via FBX.

...

I just checked the thread, it looks like the improter supports OBJ, so you can just output OBJ from Wings. I suggest trying it out with simple stuff, and when you can, use simple SL like primitives. I know its nice to make custom prims in Wings (It's all still polygons/subdivisions afterall), but, I doubt the importer can handle that.

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I haven't tried Lux, but I have tried Silo. Personally, i have yet to find a modeller as intuitive and fast as Wings, but thats just me, and I really don't want to get into a debate on the issue. Wings makes subdivisions yes, but its a curve based modeller, so it handles differently than other apps, try it for a month and see for yourself.

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(Yes I like to type ... when I swtich topics ;-p )

Final note, Alpha Vargas, would you like to start up a Wings3D group in SL? Perhaps we can attract others who use the app, make a little SL support community, and work with using it with the importer.

I saw prims numbers as being a problem too. That, and how to translate them into mutations that SL understands. But that's for another thread...

Thanks for all the links. I'll have to try those out! I programs like these - free or low-cost, some even work without the support of a vid card (for my poor desktop). It'll give me something to chew on when the grid is down (which seems to happen a lot as or late).

Beat me to a reply!

Yeah, Wings can pretty much export to any format, even if some of that requires an add-on of sorts. I made a few things in Wings for Active Worlds a few years back.
Wings would be a good way to model outside of SL, probably faster and easier for those of us that prefer a little more control. Added benefit of less lag and freed bandwidth! =D

You'll have to tell me more about what a subdivision and curves-based modeler are. I just sort of jumped into 3D and got my hands dirty without learning what I was working with was call clay. Lingo not found. =P

If you start that Wings group, I'd love to join. I can't contribute anything to making an importer, but it would be nice to meet with some other Wings addicts.

going further OT: what format does SL use? It was RWX for Active Worlds, but what is it here, if anyone knows?

I was about to post a question asking what 3d modeler would be good to learn the basics, and found this thread! Wings3d looks like it'll do the trick, and "free" works for my budget very well.

So, thanks to the original poster and to everyone who replied!

eta: BTW, what about MilkShape 3D ? It's low-polygon, so would that do, too?

Welcome to the Wings3D side! We've formed a group in SL for Wings3D. Interestingly enough, the group is called "Wings3D". You're welcome to join.

Sorry, I don't know anything about Milkshape. Hopefully one of the other posters here does...

As I recall, Milkshape 3D is meant more for people to mod stuff for games.

Wings 3D however is a general modeler, and is a good place to learn the basics of polygonal / sub-division modeling without having to worry about a lot of unecessary things. Plus its really free and not crippled in some way.

I mentioned Silo as well, which is 100USD that you might not be willing to spend. But give the trial a try tho.

If you're more adventurous and have ambitions to venture into the field of 3D modeling/animation as a career, you can try the free personal learning edition of Maya.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=6902573

We did end up creating that group in SL, its called Wings3D and its open membership so join if you want. Maybe I'll set up some classes to show people how to work with the program.

Definately need to post up my Wings mods etc.

I too like using Wings3D, so would be interested in an SL based Wings3D group, unfortunately, due to having various vendors, I have no free group slots left. :/