[-Sara-]

Maya and Max. Nowadays both are free to download from Autodesk, if you use them to the capacity a student would. Which for example is making models for a mod, under the intent to study how to 3d model and apply them within an engine for an interactive graphics platform (Freespace Open). As long as that mod isn't sold or published as stand-alone, it's fine.

[Colonol Dekker]

-----------Max. -------free to download from Autodesk,

???

[AndrewofDoom]

I use a 3D modeling program by the name of Nevercenter Silo. I was introduced to it by lead dev of SAFSO Quanto, and I really enjoy how easy it is to use over cumbersome Max and designed-by-aliens Blender.

[Colonol Dekker]

-----------Max. -------free to download from Autodesk,

???

1.     Eligibility.  You acknowledge that you are 13 years of age or older, and, if under the age of 18, are using this Site under the active supervision of a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult who has read and agreed to these Terms on your behalf.  Individuals who are under the age of majority in their jurisdiction are not allowed to use this Site or transmit or otherwise submit personally identifiable information to Autodesk.  To access and participate in the Site, you must be one of the following: (a) a faculty member; (b) a student; or (c) an Autodesk-sponsored design competition mentor or participant.

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Damn students.

Nevercenter Silo.

 

[blowfish]

Blender

... and SketchUp

[Oddgrim]

blender for converting , maya for everything else. c:

[headdie]

Blender

... and SketchUp

Sketchup has a unique style from what I have seen.  what's it like to use?

[blowfish]

Sketchup has a unique style from what I have seen.  what's it like to use?

It's very easy to pick up and very intuitive.  It lacks many of the features of more powerful 3D modelers though.  For instance, good luck trying to create any 3D curve beyond an ellipsoid.  It also lacks any real UV toolset, but Blender provides that.

[Colonol Dekker]

I'm guessing that some bright spark finally made a sketchup format converter?

* Dekker hasn't used sketchup since the first release when it lacked A LOT MORE output features

[pecenipicek]

i find sketchup to be the equivalent of taking a cheesegrater to your face when it comes to modelling. at least for what your typical use in the freespace modding might be

[headdie]

I'm guessing that some bright spark finally made a sketchup format converter?

* Dekker hasn't used sketchup since the first release when it lacked A LOT MORE output features

sketchup has had dae export for a while

[blowfish]

sketchup has had dae export for a while

SketchUp's DAE export had compatibility issues with Blender the last time I checked.  I'm not sure if it's still the case, but I think it boiled down to Blender not recognizing certain parts of the DAE file which SketchUp used.  It was fixable by hand if you knew a bit of XML.

[headdie]

I think its something to do with positional data, I have imported several sketchup models into blender 2.49, you get a load of empties which if you delete them it barfs up the positioning of the mesh object attached.  it's resolvable in Blender but its fiddly

[Kopachris]

I think its something to do with positional data, I have imported several sketchup models into blender 2.49, you get a load of empties which if you delete them it barfs up the positioning of the mesh object attached.  it's resolvable in Blender but its fiddly

Seems to work fine with 2.65.  You'll want to remove doubles after you import it, though.

[blowfish]

Yeah, I just tested the new version and it seems to have its own problems, mainly splitting the mesh into several chunks for no apparent reason.

[Moonred]

Wings 3D (and Blender Cycles Renderer for renders)

[bobbtmann]

My work bought a 3ds max 2011 license for me to use. I've been using it to build assets for promotional material for my employer, and to mod when I'm at home.

[Hades]

I use Wings3D 1.4.1. It's just awesome, love the intuitive UI setup, it's just regrettable that it's so limited.