PoisonKitchen Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 I am looking for a simple 3D modeling tool that I can use to brainstorm some craft prototypes in preparation for the Alpha on September 30th. Any recommendations? I would prefer something free or at least cheap. I'm not looking for the power of a 3DS Max, Maya, or something like that. Just something to play with some designs to see what looks good. Thanks in advance, PK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadow Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 Hi, The reference is blender (https://www.blender.org/), but it may be a bit too much. Paper sketches are also a good start. You can also check this thread: I also remember a thread from someone in the community showing how he/she was creating models for future ships, but I cannot find it back, sorry. Regards, Shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haunty Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 There's MagicaVoxel, which is quite simple PoisonKitchen and Megaddd 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croomar Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 Hello PoisonKitchen, I know the situation you're in just too well. 9 months ago, I stood exactly where you are now. I was looking for a simple programm as well, especially for DU designs. I'm gonna be straight forward and tell you:SketchUp is the tool you're looking for. It's free, it's super-easy, maybe the easiest program out there, and yet really powerful. The only downside to it is that you'll need exponentially more time for detailed art than you would with professional programs, as they are automated to a degree. SketchUp does not provide any automation, but that is one less thing to worry about since a lot of these automated functions in professional software also cause a few problems if not used 100% correctly all the time. SketchUp also only has less than 10 tools, where professional software has hundreds for everything imaginable. But that also means less to learn, and you can still do everything with those few tools provided. Maybe another, possible downside is that SketchUp does not have a built-in renderer. There are plugins for that though, some a free, some are cheap, and some will cost you 300 bucks. But rendering is a whole different topic. Have a look at my first few creations. Each of them took be between three to five hours to finish. SketchUp also has a free upload platform where you and others can 3D view your models with, I believe, umlimited storage space. Like this:https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/9cf408f4-7a59-476a-872c-1878c1e2dc6a/Dual-Universe-ODY-Exploration-Crusier-Bulldog-V2 Hope I could be of help. PoisonKitchen, GunDeva and kirito 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aesir Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 Very nice answer, I may give it a try, even if I'm a way to creative to build twice the same stuff, could be a very dangerous tool for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoisonKitchen Posted September 14, 2017 Author Share Posted September 14, 2017 Thanks for all the great info! I'm definitely going to try out SketchUp and MagicaVoxel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Kamikaze Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 Hmm i my as well try Sketchup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LurkNautili Posted September 22, 2017 Share Posted September 22, 2017 Well, despite being a huge Blender fanboy... For a simple use case like that, I agree with others above who've recommended Sketchup, it's probably striking the best balance between easy and feature rich enough for your purposes. If you were doing more detailed modeling, texturing, rigging, animation, rendering, etc... I'd recommend Blender. But for quick ship concepts for a novice? Definitely Sketchup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AcedBit Posted September 24, 2017 Share Posted September 24, 2017 Sketchup is great, I use it for my work where I create large airports for simulators, and it does the job just fine. You can even get plugins that let you do things in a whole different way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drewdus42 Posted September 30, 2017 Share Posted September 30, 2017 gotta put my eggs in the Sketchup basket Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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