3D Object files - edit with ??

Reece · 07-31-07, 08:22 AM

Hi, could someone point me to where I can download a freeware or relatively cheap application that will edit .obj files.

Many thanks,
Reece.

Chock · 07-31-07, 09:56 AM

I guess your best bet would be something like GMax with a suitable plug in for the app you want to make stuff for. GMax is a free, slightly cut-down version of the industry-standard 3D editing software package, 3DSMax. A lot of people use 3DSMax for modding, but I think it is fair to say that many who do will be using a hacked version, because a legit copy of 3DS will set you back several thousand bucks.

As far as I'm aware, you can still download GMax for free from turbosquid, or, failing that, GMax is often bundled with software (such as most current versions of MS Flight Simulator - so you could buy MSFS 2004, i.e. the old version and get GMax for about a tenner if it is still not freely available, check the box to make sure it is included in that version though, and make sure there is a plug-in for what you want to do). GMax comes with comprehensive tutorials, although expect about a two-week learning curve to be able to do stuff reasonably well.
GMax requires plug ins in order to export in formats suitable for various games and sims, but you can usually find these on the net for free.

I did hear something about Maya releasing a chopped down free version of their software, but I've not checked that out.

If you want a really good 3D software package that is very intuitive, another (not free) option would be Animation Master, which is about 200 dollars or so as far as I recall, not sure, I bought it quite a while ago. This software is aimed at producing 3D animations along the lines of Toy Story etc, and is a real bargain considering its capabilities, very easy to use. But aside from its capabilities, it will also export and import .obj files and allow you to edit them.

Then you have things like Blender et al, versions of which you can get for free, but personally, I don't think the interface for it is very intuitive.

Another option is to look out on PC magazine cover disks, where they very often give away older versions of such software packages, look out for back issues which did this, you can usually check this out via the magazine's website and ordewr back copies there.

Chock

bigboywooly · 07-31-07, 10:15 AM

Wings3d is free
AG124 uses that plus a few others

http://sourceforge.net/project/downl...or=superb-west

Reece · 08-02-07, 09:28 AM

Thanks Guys, I'll do a search, the professional ones are a little too pricey for hobby only use!

jumpy · 08-02-07, 10:02 AM

Yer Gmax is pretty good, the basic tutorials are concise and to the point; I was able to draw a ww2 mosquito airoplane (basic fuselage, props wings etc) in a little over an afternoon. All I had to get round to then was assigning it 'properties' so it could be used in an application/game etc.

For a freeby, Gmax pushes all of the right buttons. Compared to AutoCAD, drawing a helix in Gmax was as easy as falling off a log

TLAM Strike · 08-02-07, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumpy

Yer Gmax is pretty good, the basic tutorials are concise and to the point; I was able to draw a ww2 mosquito airoplane (basic fuselage, props wings etc) in a little over an afternoon. All I had to get round to then was assigning it 'properties' so it could be used in an application/game etc.

For a freeby, Gmax pushes all of the right buttons. Compared to AutoCAD, drawing a helix in Gmax was as easy as falling off a log

Yes GMAX is very good I do all my modeling with it. If you havent seen any of my stuff go check out the DW Mod Forum...

LithUnwrap or 3D Exploration might have .obj capablities but I'm not sure since I've never worked with that format.

Iceman · 08-03-07, 01:49 AM

Bryce 5.5 is free as well as I am thinking you can get Auto Cad Light for free the trialversions or something like that...Bryce you can import the .obj's and manipulate them but out of thin air not sure...

Blender may help you out...haven't gotinto using it but this may help ya..

http://www.blender.org/

a free 3d program from microsoft....yep just tested it out...this is one cool ..FREE 3D program...enjoy...can import/export .obj's

07-31-07, 08:22 AM	#1
Reece CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Down Under Posts: 34,709 Downloads: 171 Uploads: 0	3D Object files - edit with ?? Hi, could someone point me to where I can download a freeware or relatively cheap application that will edit .obj files. Many thanks, Reece. __________________ *Sub captains go down with their ship!*

07-31-07, 09:56 AM	#2
Chock Sea Lord Join Date: May 2005 Location: Under a thermal layer in chilly Olde England Posts: 1,842 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I guess your best bet would be something like GMax with a suitable plug in for the app you want to make stuff for. GMax is a free, slightly cut-down version of the industry-standard 3D editing software package, 3DSMax. A lot of people use 3DSMax for modding, but I think it is fair to say that many who do will be using a hacked version, because a legit copy of 3DS will set you back several thousand bucks. As far as I'm aware, you can still download GMax for free from turbosquid, or, failing that, GMax is often bundled with software (such as most current versions of MS Flight Simulator - so you could buy MSFS 2004, i.e. the old version and get GMax for about a tenner if it is still not freely available, check the box to make sure it is included in that version though, and make sure there is a plug-in for what you want to do). GMax comes with comprehensive tutorials, although expect about a two-week learning curve to be able to do stuff reasonably well. GMax requires plug ins in order to export in formats suitable for various games and sims, but you can usually find these on the net for free. I did hear something about Maya releasing a chopped down free version of their software, but I've not checked that out. If you want a really good 3D software package that is very intuitive, another (not free) option would be Animation Master, which is about 200 dollars or so as far as I recall, not sure, I bought it quite a while ago. This software is aimed at producing 3D animations along the lines of Toy Story etc, and is a real bargain considering its capabilities, very easy to use. But aside from its capabilities, it will also export and import .obj files and allow you to edit them. Then you have things like Blender et al, versions of which you can get for free, but personally, I don't think the interface for it is very intuitive. Another option is to look out on PC magazine cover disks, where they very often give away older versions of such software packages, look out for back issues which did this, you can usually check this out via the magazine's website and ordewr back copies there. Chock __________________

07-31-07, 10:15 AM	#3
bigboywooly Rear Admiral Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Swindon, England Posts: 10,151 Downloads: 35 Uploads: 0	Wings3d is free AG124 uses that plus a few others http://sourceforge.net/project/downl...or=superb-west __________________ My mediafire page http://www.mediafire.com/?11eoq19bq9r41

08-02-07, 09:28 AM	#4
Reece CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Down Under Posts: 34,709 Downloads: 171 Uploads: 0	Thanks Guys, I'll do a search, the professional ones are a little too pricey for hobby only use! __________________ *Sub captains go down with their ship!*

08-02-07, 10:02 AM	#5
jumpy Admiral Join Date: May 2003 Location: Midlands, UK Posts: 2,139 Downloads: 22 Uploads: 0	Yer Gmax is pretty good, the basic tutorials are concise and to the point; I was able to draw a ww2 mosquito airoplane (basic fuselage, props wings etc) in a little over an afternoon. All I had to get round to then was assigning it 'properties' so it could be used in an application/game etc. For a freeby, Gmax pushes all of the right buttons. Compared to AutoCAD, drawing a helix in Gmax was as easy as falling off a log __________________ when you’ve been so long in the desert, any water, no matter how brackish, looks like life

08-03-07, 01:49 AM	#7
Iceman Ace of the Deep Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mesa AZ, Arizona, USA Posts: 1,253 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Bryce 5.5 is free as well as I am thinking you can get Auto Cad Light for free the trialversions or something like that...Bryce you can import the .obj's and manipulate them but out of thin air not sure... Blender may help you out...haven't gotinto using it but this may help ya.. http://www.blender.org/ a free 3d program from microsoft....yep just tested it out...this is one cool ..FREE 3D program...enjoy...can import/export .obj's