3d Design Programs.

Hello Guys,

I'm looking for some simple 3D design programs to make small objects in Unity - preferably using the FBX format.

Now, I know the overwhelming choice would be Blender, but, are their any other alternatives or assets within Unity that would allow me to build small objects. So I don't have to learn how to use a full blown 3D Modelling package. The object I would like to build right now is something like a small bridge with handrails to cross over a river that isn't very large at all. I could do it with graphics primitives, but, that wouldn't allow for easy changes later on.

Thanks and Regards.

 

You are probably going to have to invest the time in learning a 3d software program if you want to make the bridge you described. Nothing I know of to date will allow you to actually 3d model to that degree in Unity. I don't think anyone has invested a great amount of time to create a 3d modeling plugin for Unity as Unity is a engine and blender is free. If you look online for blender character modeling tutorials, you can learn the majority of what you need to learn to know about modeling in blender in a few hours or less.

I think some people have recommended wings3d as an alternative to blender but I've never checked it out myself. There is maya and 3ds max if you are willing to invest the money. Max has a simpler interface design than maya but maya probably has more advanced tools. I'm sure there is more 3d software recommendations on the forums here as the subject of 3d programs pops up every month.

 

I really don't have the money the buy Maya/3ds Max they are about $5,200 apiece and I've seen that Cinema 4D isn't much better at over $3,000.

I've been trying to make a wooden beam in Blender, and, after an hour I still haven't gotten anywhere, the interface compared to Unity is mystifying - a least a wooden beam in Unity is easy, hell, I made a flagpole two days ago and attached some cloth to it. Blender is totally foreign, I'm going to have to look out for Absolute Beginners tutorial, and then pray to figure it out .

I'll check out wings3D thanks for that info .

Cheers.

 

I Think pretty much any modeling program has mystifying interfaces compared to unity
I use Blender myself and that's what my recommendation would be if you don't want to spend Money buying maya or 3ds, since Blender is actually a really good tool considering it's free.

3d modeling take some time to figure out and learn so be patient

 

For small models you don't need to buy the 3000$ vesion of Cinema 4D. C4D Prime will do just fine and has all the modeling, UV and painting tools for regular polymodels.
The higher versions are only necessary if you want Sculpting, Advanced Character stuff or need some sort of Rendering/Video Features like MoGraph.
Maya LT could also be an option, BTW. Or the Indie edition of Modo, though I've heared that it is rather limited in some ways.
Though, really, for any modeling task you will have to learn at least the basics of a "full blown 3D app". No matter which one.

If you want just very simpel models why not have a look at Pro Builder?

 

Oh, thanks for all those options. I never knew about the lighter versions of Cinema and Maya . The Maya one in particular being very cost effective. But, of course, I check out Modo too.

Also, looking at ProBuilder - I happened across the program called "Prototype" in my travels, which is the free version of Probuilder, and that allowed me to create that basic bridge in no time. So that is a real option!

Thankyou and Regards.

 

Have a look at Sketchup. Might be what you need.

http://www.sketchup.com/

 

def get ProBuilder or ProCore Complete Bundle its very good and simple to use

 

I suggest trying Lightwave3D, as it is very easy to build something with just primitives and adjust that later (you can build on separate layers for easy adjusting). Besides that, it also isn't an intimidating mess of a UI. I remember when I started 3D design I was quite overwhelmed by all the buttons and settings 3DS, Maya, Rhinoceros and even Blender had. I've tried a lot of tools and eventually started using LightWave and never looked back ever since. Most feature complete modeler/renderer imo and very easy and efficient to use! Lightwave also has built in support for Unity. You can build up complete scenes in LightWave and export those to Unity in FXB format seamlessly.

Read more about LightWave here: https://www.lightwave3d.com/overview/

Try here: https://www.lightwave3d.com/try/

 

+ 1 for Lightwave and it is not as expensive as the others

but all the others will do it too.

For the price you should look at Blender.

 

Thanks guys for all you input

I was surprised to see someone mention LightWave, years ago I came across that program, when I was looking at programs for Adobe Atmosphere (was never released) and it was over $6,000 . Times have certainly changed .