Source modeling program Created 14 years ago2010-06-30 21:49:45 UTC by Captain Terror

hi! i recently decided to start modeling for source...

According to this VDC article, there are many programs to choose from. I have max, milkshape, blender, and i'm downloading softimage mod tool right now, but i'm still curious to know what you think would be the best program to use; specifically, i want to build props and don't plan on animating much or at all.

I heard about this thing where you can make models in hammer and export it into a .mdl file.

... To answer your question,

I'm an XSI user. From my experience, XSI will more than satisfy your prop modeling desires for any Source game (if you end up wanting to animate something one of these days). Max is a more popular choice, and even though I, myself, have next to no experience using that modeling app, there are still a couple of folks here that are pretty skilled with it that you could go to for help.

Those two are probably the two you would want to pick from because, a) LOTS of folks use them, and b) both of them have extensive Source support (.SMD exportation, character rig guides, the whole shebang). The only other program from that short-list that I'm at all familiar with is Blender, and while Blender is wildly powerful (and free!), its interface is not very intuitive. Blender would surely suit your needs (I know some folks at Interlopers that are die-hard Blender fans and have the work to prove it), but it would take you a while to learn how to use the program before you became facile enough to produce some real results, especially as a beginning modeler (at least, I assume you are so). Also, if you wanted to do anything more than prop modeling, I'm really not sure how well it would support the filetypes that Source needs to successfully compile animations.

If you don't really like using XSI or Max, do some research about how well other modeling apps support Source, and find one that suits you comfortably. Interface is a pretty important thing, so XSI and Max have my vote, followed closely by Blender, but everyone has their own taste, so you'll have to do some shopping around!

Nice RotorSplint thanks for the detailed reply! do you use the full version or the mod tool?

Joebama: that is an intriguing idea do you have any links? I briefly searched for .vmf to .mdl and came up empty. =(

i picked up blender pretty quick. It's nice and simple and there's HUNDREDS of hi-def video tutorials out there.
I havent gotten so far as to export anything i've made into source yet, but i've done my own bipeds and some random props i wanted to make that i havent textured yet either.
this is the one i followed for the biped tutorial.

The tool that converts brushes into models is called "Propper", CapT.

I think the ValveSource add-on for XSI supports .VMF files as well, but you have to jump through a hoop or two before you can export it as a model.

Any program that can load DXF files (a simple CAD like drawing) exported from Hammer can be loaded into a modeling program and fixed up to be a model. Aside from that, using the power of a modeling program would be far better than using Hammer.

I side with Max, but Blender certainly impresses me with its open-sauce mentality. I've used it and its cake.

I don't think you should let anyone tell you what to use. First find out which programs have good plugins and compatibility, then try some and get a feel for some and choose the one you like, or if you believe in destiny, let the program choose you.

ha ty! =)

i have to say i'm leaning toward xsi, but i will surely give blender a try as well, especially since you say it's easy.

I've dicked around a little with max 7 and 9, and i have to say i don't find it all that intuitive nor stable (at least on my machine), but i plan on reinstalling it on my new rig anyway to check it out again.