Best 3D modeling software for beginners

**JRR** · December 11, 2010, 08:10 AM

What is the best 3D modeling software i can use, i am a total beginner at this and i want to lean and make skins for total war models. So whats the best 3d modeling software for a beginner?

**Dewy** · December 11, 2010, 08:26 AM

Depends on money.

**JRR** · December 11, 2010, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by Dewy

Depends on money.

Well i dont really mind, free of course is better... but i know that to get the best thing for me as a beginner i might need to spend some money

**~~removeduser_4536284751384~~** · December 11, 2010, 08:33 AM

3dsmax?

**Dewy** · December 11, 2010, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by irelandeb

3dsmax?

Debatable seeing he wants to model for total war games.

**Big Boss** · December 13, 2010, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by Dewy

Debatable seeing he wants to model for total war games.

Not all that debateable because you need 3ds Max to model for RTW, and it can be used to model in M2TW.

**Ishan** · December 13, 2010, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by Big Boss

Not all that debateable because you need 3ds Max to model for RTW, and it can be used to model in M2TW.

I agree with BB 3dsmax is solid and more flexible in many cases than MS3d. Making strat models etc for handling .cas files which can be opened by 3dsmax with .cas exporter script.
There is one python converter for MS3D also but 3ds does more job with whole set of options.
But it's best to start with milkshape and free tools available here first.

**The Dutch Devil** · December 11, 2010, 09:12 AM

Well if you want free software you can try out Blender, it has a lot of good tutorials. The only con might be that it doesn't support the Med II 3d file format/ doesn't have any export plugins. The other alternative would be Milkshape, it's also free and I believe that it also supports file formats used by Med II.

**JRR** · December 11, 2010, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by The Dutch Devil

Well if you want free software you can try out Blender, it has a lot of good tutorials. The only con might be that it doesn't support the Med II 3d file format/ doesn't have any export plugins. The other alternative would be Milkshape, it's also free and I believe that it also supports file formats used by Med II.

Thanks !, i will check that out

**The Dutch Devil** · December 11, 2010, 10:49 AM

No problem, I hope you have fun modding and if you've got any questions just ask. ;P

**Dewy** · December 12, 2010, 01:32 AM

Milkshape isn't free but it is the best for M2TW since the mesh converter only supports ms3d files. I wouldn't recommend Milkshape for anyone serious about 3d modelling though. 3ds Max or Maya would be the best but that's a lot of money, I also suggest Blender it's free and feature packed as 3ds Max. It did have a really bad UI though it got better in an update a couple of months ago.

**Ishan** · December 12, 2010, 04:09 AM

Originally Posted by caius_titus_ceasar

What is the best 3D modeling software i can use, i am a total beginner at this and i want to lean and make skins for total war models. So whats the best 3d modeling software for a beginner?

For making skins you don't need a 3d modelling software. For assigning a skin or UV mapping one needs Milkshape have to be purchased but there is a 30 day trial on that.
GOM, GOAT, Milkshape and 3dsMax that will complete all your 3d modelling needs.
You will also need python 2.6 as most of the skinning scripts are based on it for M2TW.

For skinning you need GIMP or Photoshop.

Some textures are based on .dds, .tga and CA's .texture for that you need DxtBmp excellent for M2TW and\or the DDS plugin for GIMP or Nvidia's DDS plugin for PS 32-bit version only.
.tga files can be opened and edited directly in both of them without any plugins.

**JRR** · December 13, 2010, 02:43 PM

Thanks

**Doono** · December 13, 2010, 05:17 PM

If you happen to be a student it's possible to download pretty much all of autodesks software for free, if i remember correctly all you need is an academic email address.

http://students.autodesk.com/

**Bolkonsky** · December 14, 2010, 10:44 AM

I'd recommend Wings3D above all the rest. I don't know if there'd be export issues, but it can export in .obj

**english tyrant** · December 14, 2010, 11:58 AM

Personally I use both 3DS Max and Blender, and honestly, I prefer Blender's interface. But then that was what I used first.
If I were you and knew what I know now, I'd start on 3ds Max mainly because its the industry standard and is very good in most areas.
It is however excessively expensive unless you're a student when its free!
If you're not a student then you might as well use blender, it's really not that far off 3ds Max, and in some area's it's better.

**Remlap** · December 14, 2010, 12:46 PM

Also secondhand licenses are a lot cheaper for these programs. There are stores online that are allowed to resell them, as they have been given permission by autodesk or pixologic. Personally I found the cheapest way is to find a friend or relative in the industry and pay the license shifting fee from their studio for an older version of the program. Just something to keep in mind.