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[pnjtony]

I'm looking for an application that'll allow me to build a 3d model of a set I'm designing for a play to get a better visual on it before it's constructed. I don't need anything really fancy, just something pretty basic (walls, doors, windows etc...).

Can anyone suggest an app with not so tough a learning curve as 3d max or maya?

 

[Phoenix]

On what platform: Windows, OSX, or Linux?

 

[pnjtony]

Sorry, windows XP...I downloaded some program called POV-Ray but I can't get past it's initial screen that makes you read the license. I looked through the tutorial and it's 3d modeling that's command based...looks like PHP or some other programming language that get's translated into the 3d object which sucks so I'll be chucking that crap.

Someone told me Light Wave does 3d modeling, but I thought light wave was video editing? I guess any program that does 3d house floorplans works too, I'm looking but haven't found one yet

 

[Burger]

Buy Half-Life 2, then you can walk around in them when you are finished. The Hammer editor is easy to learn and you can make some pretty good textured scenes pretty quickly.

You could even put actors & props around the place.

 

[Phoenix]

Nah, Pov-ray is definitely not for the faint of heart. You can do like Burger suggests. Many games have very good modelling packages.

You can also try Milkshape3D.

Mirai (made by Nichimen Graphics who is now out of business) was an excellent product. Even as a non artist I was able to make stuff with that. You may be able to find a copy floating about.

Truespace is a pretty good product that also tailors to the novice as is Carrera.

One of the best places to research the possibilities is either 3DLinks.com if you're not really looking at using the content in a game, or talk to developers/artists at sites like gamedeveloper.com, gamedev.net, idevgames.com (if you have a mac in your life), and flipcode.com.

 

[Cauliflower of Love]

I'm not sure how good strat 3d is, or if it's free still, but give that a try.

 

[Joates]

Try 3d studio max

 

[Phoenix]

Try 3d studio max

Can anyone suggest an app with not so tough a learning curve as 3d max or maya?

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