betsy662 said:

At least those tires have tread, think of all the cool gta cars that I have that don't, because I can't get into the material files for the gta models! Let alone the crappy wheels n tires that appear on many of the sketchup cars.

The textures are in a .txd format file that comes along with the car. There is a little stand alone program you can get for free that will convert the .txd file into .tga files that Daz will read just fine. If Blender won't read .tga files, then Gimp or Photoshop will open them and you can resave them as ,jpgs. I use this little program on each of my conversions. It is called txdworkshop. I am sure you can google it and find the site. If you need help getting it, just PM me and I will help you find it.

http://www.gtagaming.com/downloads/gta-san-andreas/tools/4272

:-)

I do all my quick models in Google Sketchup and export as an OBJ. Its free, fast, and has a quick learning curve. I'm pretty experienced with 3D Studio Max but I still end up using Sketchup for quick props.

At least those tires have tread, think of all the cool gta cars that I have that don't, because I can't get into the material files for the gta models! Let alone the crappy wheels n tires that appear on many of the sketchup cars.

i hardly count as a noob, but wouldn't miss the chance to say hello
i'm khali, 21 years old from Nigeria

Yeah, i've already met lots of helpful people on this forum...

@Ariela, there are other modeling apps out there. Free too. I use blender, personally. But i'd recommend wings3D or Sketchup. They are both hopefully easier to learn than hexagon or blender. You'll be making your own clothes in no time!
As for the sherlock part, sorry i'm not that good with replicating real faces :)
good luck! and stay strong.

@Dave: Really love the direction you're going with Dufus. One thing I noticed in the fire pit scene is that the flames look further away from Dufus then I would expect seeing.

@David: Your latest landscapes are great. The first three uv videos are really informative. I would like to have know about straightening the edges before I tried a uv map some time ago.

@fictionairomance: Boar scene looks nice.

@fran: Your beetles are awfully nice looking. It's also a novel idea to have the ant driving that one beetle. And adding the background in the second scene is a very nice touch.

@Horo: Those landscapes David is using are terrific. Nice work.

@Pam: Both of your latest scenes are really good. I like the atmosphere those clouds create in the second scene.

@electro: The landscape is looking good, though something in the foreground is giving me pause. It seems out of place.

@TLBKlaus: Need I say how lovely those images are, as usual.

I wan't real happy with the way the chosen material laid on my first image of the kitchen cabinets. So I went back into Sketchup and rebuilt them so they had rails and stiles. Then, when imported into Bryce, I could orientate the wood grain as would be seen on actual rails and stiles. But when I put the cabinets in and sized the back wall for the view I wanted, I saw the entire scene was going to look rather sterile without something on top of the cabinets. So thanks to Archive 3D, I found several things which after a bit of work, I added to the kitchen cabinet scene. The image below is the result of adding more than just my uv mapped boxes.

Sweet sculpt! Bravo!
Cool, thanks for your insights... I love to here how people feel about this and that, and it can be hard to find folks that have tries so many different ones. Maybe not that hard if I looked outside this forum! LOL

Never tried Sketchup. Heck I've never even tried Blender! I was meaning to, but when I started modeling my stuff that I needed in Carrara, there was no real need to look elsewhere... yet. Same here, 3d polygon modeling didn't seem like something that interested me at all. Although I Loved modifying textures for the models, the though of messing around, making that stuff with dots (LOL - that's how I thought they were made back then) just sounded like a headache. The guy I was doing textures for taught me. When he said "Insert Cube" I felt like saying, okay... enough of this for me... but I didn't. He instructed me to make a simple shape given the few instructions that he had given me... and I made a human head. He was awed... which I didn't get. He's a professional 3d designer, but not in the realms of organic modeling. I always had a knack for females. I just like the way they look :) But I could draw and sculpt guys too, just never did, unless it was needed. But I usually did ladies and dragons, mermaids, fantasy landscapes and stuff like that.

I build things with stone - just starting to retire from that before I break my body too much more. I do have a small diamond saw, but I love my chisels. I have made most of the waterfalls in this area, and quite a few cool custom stone works. So going digital is nice for me, yet a curse. I'll never lose that yearning to grab a nice big sheet of flagstone and get to chiseling!

Attached is a single mesh sketch I made and half way textured in 3D-coat. it's just a screenshot. I probably won't finish it since it was just for practice, but it gives the idea of a basic sculpt with 3D-coat. As you can imagine.., If I had bothered going in and refined and textured everything.... added a light or two... it's capable of quite good results all on its own. Maybe I will do a creature sculpt for fun next

As for software I have tried. I have tried almost any software I can get my hands on either through trial purchase or free. So, not a lot that I haven't tried. Sculptris has pretty much become the dynamic tessellation add-on for Zbrush with the use of GoZ. Although, I don't find myself using it much since Zbrush added Dynamesh to it's arsenal. Blender is amazingly capable for a free application, but it's UI just doesn't make me happy. It is not the most intuitive for me, though I have modeled a building or two in it including some ornate additions. I'd just as soon use Zbrush even for buildings most of the time. When I need to be terribly accurate Google sketchup is actually easy and not bad for building simple to moderate complexity base meshes. I don't create for games or animations though so my 3D-assets can get overly complex for most "professional" uses. If I had my druthers, I would probably add Modo (wih Mesh Fusion), Formz, Vue Complete 2014, and Marvelous designer to my existing set of tools. Maybe Optitex if I was swimming in extra money.

I've invested much more heavily into 2D image manipulation and art software. I come from a traditional art background of painting, drawing and sculpting with anything that crossed my path. So not much has changed now that I have mostly transitioned into the realms of digital art. 3D was insanely intimidating to me at first. Even Zbrush took me a while to wrap my head around. I'd never learned any kind of C.A.D. So, diving in I floundered around for quite a while and dabbled for years until I started seeing some of the amazing examples out there. Eventually, I just knew I had to learn, and while by no means a master I have gotten most of the basics, even some of the esoteric. It is rather painful the lack of standards from app to app... the need to flip textures and what not which is why I love things like GoZ when they work properly. I prefer to spend my time creating rather than worrying about the technical details.

There are a lot of capable apps out there, but there are few intuitive pieces of software for 3D. A lot of it likely depends on personal preference and background, but sculpting apps are just more of a pleasure for me to use most of the time. Blender is an okay tool for sculpting. They have added dynamic tessellation to it. It's possible to do good sculpts with it, but I would not say that it excels in that area. Blender is more like a swiss army knife... the Gimp of 3D. While you can accomplish many of the same things in Gimp as PS. it is not as refined or focused. Given the price tag, both Gimp an Blender are incredible. They are not however my absolute favorites. There are however a few aspects of each that I like better than pay for counterparts. Just not enough to make me want to stick with them.

I don't use Sketchup, but hopefully what I'm about to say won't be totally useless to you.

The website for Sketchup 2014 (http://www.sketchup.com/) says:

"With importers for DXF, DWG, 3DS, DAE, KMZ, TIF, JPG, PNG and a few more, you can bring in drawings, models and images to your heart’s content. SketchUp Pro also exports all of those formats, plus PDF, OBJ, FBX, XSI, VRML, MP4, WEBM and AVI."

and

"All versions of SketchUp can export DAE and KMZ files."

So right there, that should tell you that Sketchup Standard (if you're not using Sketchup Pro) supports Collada (*.DAE) export and import, and I'd be willing to be bet it also supports *.OBJ, both of which are supported by DAZ Studio (in addition to Biovision (*.BVH), Autodesk (*.FBX), and Poser (*.pz2, *pz3, *.cr2, etc.)). I haven't used Collada myself, but I import OBJ files all the time into DS, and you should be able to find tons of information about importing both file types into DS fairly easily in these forums.

If you're trying to import one of the other file formats (like AutoCAD (*.DXF, *.DWG), 3ds Max (*.3DS), Keyhole (*.KMZ), or Softimage (*.XSI)), I'd say that's gonna require the file to be converted into Collada or OBJ, since DS won't be able to read them. (And if a file has to be converted into OBJ, then it's gonna lose any UV mapping or rigging that it might have had in its previous format.) Someone else might know how to bring these formats into DS without converting them, but I don't.

BTW, there's nothing cheap about importing models into DS or any other program. Lots of people create content that's distributed as OBJ files (usually as they're learning modeling, to share what they've created and to show off their developing skills), lots of people start out building their content libraries or round out existing libraries by collecting this stuff, and you'll find loads of it shared this way in the freebies section of DAZ 3D, Renderosity, and Runtime DNA or on sites like ShareCG. Just be aware that quality varies widely, support is usually not an option, and considering the price (typically free) you get what you pay for.

Hope that helps.

I wanted to know how to import third party content from say sketchup into daz3d. There is a tutorial out there but only one? and it was a little bit over my head. I know there are a lot of people out there that cant afford to buy set complete with furniture, etc and I just wanted to know why no one is doing any video's on how to import content.

I am a disabled man and living on disabilty it is very diffucult to afford even a fifteen dollar set when it's that or food...lol SO please don't think I am a cheap skate or something.

Thank you good folks for your assistance

Danny Bright

I just went through this very thing with three models I created in Sketchup. When I imported them into Bryce, opening up the Mesh window, there was a small down arrow at the bottom of that window. And when I reached the end of the list, an up arrow at the top of the screen. The largest model had 52 meshes.

Xenomorphine said:

Does anyone know if Hexagon has been made more stable for Windows 8 64-bit use? Heard a lot of stories of woe, but love how user-friendly the interface seems on tutorial videos.

The only thing I've found like it is Google Sketch Up, but so far as I know, there's no easy way to import finished models from that to Daz Studio for posing in art projects.

All the C++ GUI tools would have to be re-tooled for Windows 8 probably. The version of WxWidgets is old I bet. Then the compiler used for Hexagon may no longer work with Windows 8, so that C++ code needs a do-over to work with the new stuff. Then add 64-bit to that. Might be easier for DAZ3D to just buy another modeler from someone than to write their own, if they don't have any spare full-time programmers.

I'm using SketchUp 8 (basic) and exporting models to OBJ using a Ruby script written for it.

I wouldn't think too much would have to be given up. The slower developed project simply wouldn't support the bleeding edge of the more frequently updated one. It's not as if old content is constantly updated (excluding transitioning to smart content). Which is fine, just have to code in a little error handling in to notify the user of an incompatibility. With the next update it catches up as best it can. Being able to use a Send To feature MOST of the time would be better than no Send To feature at all. Shaders and such can be approximated... the same type of thing is done when using Lux Render for example, so I don't see a huge problem them using different renderers. Sure maybe not every map type will be cross compatible, but again approximate conversions could be made. I can see it not supporting say Genesis Trinity (three) should it arrive before Carrara's next update. But tight integration and workflow's that save time are all the rage in higher end (more expensive) packages which is why I assume Daz is starting to go in that direction at least with Studio. I for one am all for saving steps. I'm not really into creating animation, but I do like to create, pose, re-purpose and modify 3d assets to set up scenes for reference for artwork I often end up painting from scratch. I'm odd like that. The history of the separate paths the software took previously explains the former lack of integration. Hopefully, Daz continues to narrow the gap moving forward . Studio has a more polished if unconventional interface, but it is effective for the purpose for which it was designed (playing with and showcasing what I assume is their real bread and butter.... 3d assets).

For now I am going to have fun trying to get the cloth simulator in Carrara to work for clothing and such. Maybe some set design curtains. Natural looking drapery is not a "fun" thing to sculpt speaking for myself that is. One reason I have my eye on Marvelous Designer. It allows importing of obj's... So I assume you can do all sorts of fabric related modelling not just clothes, but I do like making characters. So, I could get a lot of mileage out of clothing alone. Too bad it can't export out dynamic clothing for use with DS. Optitex is more than I want to get into. It's not like I run a studio or anything, just an independent artist ever trying to explore and learn more.

I'm more at home in ZB, 3DC, Sketchup, PS CS6 Ext and the like than Carrara, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. It's nice that there are people to talk to if I ever feel the urge to knock my head against the nearest wall in frustration, but I generally don't get that impatient. May as well ask for any pointers to decent Tuts (while I'm typing here)? Might cut down on my learning curve.

Thank you for the replies to you both :)

music2u4u said:

Lots of cool renders Betsy! So, you're saying that when the trial period ends, you can still export .obj and .3ds files? All of the previous builds cut off the .obj and .3ds exports when the trial ran out, then you had to pay for them back with the pro version upgrade. If this is so...WAY COOL!

I got a few real nice bikes to work with.

:-)

I've never had the pro version of sketchup, of course when I converted stuff from sketchup 8, I would have to go through the trouble of loading everything in Blender and start the smoothing process, sometimes it was a pain, don't have to do that now, yes, sketchup 2014 allows you to export obj's without the need for a RUBY!

The path is file+export+3d model, when the window opens, it will have the file name space, below that is the format window, it has a dropdown menu, that is where you will find obj, 3ds, collada and skp formats.

That trial period was for 2 other items and formats that are for the professional version of sketchup.

Maybe it was just a bad hair day, or something. I imported several things from Sketchup without any problems.

@Jay: Thanks. That is a really good light bulb. And yeah, about the wire...

@Horo: Thank you. Ah, no, a bit at a time. Except for the Hungry Man dinner. Your latest images are wonderful, especially the Mars ones.

@mermaid: Thank you. That is a lovely image you've put together.

@dana: I use the built in scanner on our HP printer, and I have never changed any of its settings. I make sure I hold the box either as straight as possible in the center of the scanner bed, or tight against an edge of the scanner bed. I found it's best to compile the images before importing them into Wings 3d, so I edit them using GIMP; the program I can afford. I'll crop the images if necessary before saving them in GIMP. Then once that's done, I'll open either the front or back images in order to have a larger canvas to work with once the image is resized. Subsequent images are opened as layers, resized, and moved so that the other images can be placed. One thing I discovered, after doing the Ritz box, was to leave space between the images and the boarders to insure easier uv mapping. Then, once image placement is done, I'll merge down each layer so that I get an image which contains all of the separate images. Again, I don't resize anything, just save it then export it.

When that image is imported into Wings 3d, it comes in at the same size as I exported it from GIMP. And image size doesn't seem to be that much of a problem when the face of an object is uv mapped. The image is fit to the size of the object face, at least that's what I've found. Once everything is mapped, I'll save the object in Wings 3d, then export it as an .obj and import that file into Bryce. Now when it's imported into Bryce it will have to be resized to fit the needs of the scene, but that's done just like you'd resize anything in Bryce.

@David: Those are marvelous looking glass globes, as is adding the bridge to that landscape. I'll have to give those tutorials a try out. I did watch the one YouTube video about the topology and found it rather interesting.

@M1chael: That's a sharp looking scene, though if something that large came walking of the grass I'd be on the first train to wherever.

@Dave: Really cute bunny scene, though you not have me wanting a tab bit of chocolate. As if there's such a thing as a tab bit of chocolate.

After doing David's uv mapping tutorial, and my Ritz box, every time we empty another box I take it to the scanner. What's in the previous post is all the ones I had done, but I added one more after polishing off the contents. But what to do with them all, how do I display them? Well, I've got Sketchup, I can make a kitchen wall cabinet, I can also make a base cabinet to go along with the wall cabinet. I can also make a counter for the base cabinet. And after I thought I was finished with the scene I created in Bryce, an electrical wall outlet.

So in the image below you'll see three kitchen wall cabinets, two of the wall cabinet before one door was opened. There's also three base cabinets, two without the counter top. I then resized the counter top to cover the other two base cabinets. And as I said, when I was almost done I decided there had to be electrical wall outlets. So I added those two. It's rendered in 64 RPP, to activate soft shadows, 4 MRD, an HDRI and default Bryce sun.

Robert Freise said:

music2u4u said:

So here is the 1958 Chevy Impala Deluxe made in Sketchup 2014. Looks ok with a few color fixes. The hood, trunk and doors open and the wheels turn and rotate.

Pretty

Just do a search for Lowriderfreak, he usually has a new gta conversion or two about every week.

music2u4u said:

Got the new Sketchup Make 2014 you mentioned Betsy. Sadly, it is just an 8 hour demo of the Pro version. Once time runs out, there will be no .obj or .3ds exports. I also didn't notice any change in smoothing with it, I still had to take this into Poseray to smooth it. This 41 Willys is nice but just a skin on frame pieces, the tires have been around for a while, but still I love them...lol. Motor is a chevy corvette in this Ford. Rear window has some real issues with being mixed with the body top, so one side comes up the color of the top. If I could punch the widows out, I could create new ones. Looks like a Bryce boleen thing needed. I had to make a steering colume and a gear shift rod. The shifter knob is there, but it too is zoned with the color of the car's top. Still a nice car for a distant render. Here it is all "shaded" up.

:-)

Not! Oh yes there is, in Sketchup 2014, you just simply export a 3D model, and when the window pops up, you select the type of file you wish to export, those addons that were 8 hours trial were simply payware addon, the freeware does export obj's.

music2u4u said:

So here is the 1958 Chevy Impala Deluxe made in Sketchup 2014. Looks ok with a few color fixes. The hood, trunk and doors open and the wheels turn and rotate.

Pretty

So here is the 1958 Chevy Impala Deluxe made in Sketchup 2014. Looks ok with a few color fixes. The hood, trunk and doors open and the wheels turn and rotate.

I like that DS can communicate with PS via a plugin, although I wish the plugin took advantage of the 3D capabilities in CS6 Ext. Working with texture maps in 2D just simply isn't as intuitive, although useful for some quick types of operations. I like that it can communicate with Zbrush via a plugin... though I wish it supported textures as well. I know that you can work around that for the visual feedback, but it can be tedious. It's also fun to then send from ZB to 3D coat once in a while and back. It's even cool that you can send to hexagon and Bryce. I wonder why then with the wonderful newish content support and nice rendering in Carrara. Why don't Carrara and DS communicate with one another? With the compatibility and development controlled by the same company, I would have thought that would be a no brainer. I like to create and/or tweak things to make them unique, plus I just plain enjoy sculpting and painting. Not much of an animator, but I needed a basic modeller, and it's nice that Carrara works with content libraries. I like Google Sketchup for modeling buildings and furniture, but I wouldn't want to try character creation in it. I plan on adding Vue and possibly Marvelous designer (nice drapery) to my toolbox eventually.

Anyhow, a nice send back and fourth between Carrara and DS would be nice because frankly I like the interface in DS better for some things and the Smart content feature I have found works with less errors making it easier to find content in DS... not to mention I have useful plugins I already know how to use in DS, Like LAMH and Garibaldi Express... redundant I know. It's simple enough to save from one and then open in the other, but I really do like the enhanced workflows that occurs when complimentary applications communicate well. Or am I missing this feature somehow as a new Carrara user?

I have some experience with blender, but I find the UI to be a bit awkward although a pretty capable bit of programming, especially for free. I like Modo, but it's kinda overkill for what I do which is generally setting up scenes and imagery to use for reference for paintings. I just love that in the 3D world that it's relatively simple to re-use and re-pose custom characters/props for themed pieces or a series. rather than working from scratch every single time. which is why I ended up with Carrara, at least for now. Oh, btw does anyone know why the cloth simulator doesn't seem to work with anything that has a thickness to it? Or is it jut not working for me? Was trying to get some drapery going on.