VRML Specific Modelers

[Bruce Lehmann]

I should preface this by saying that these are programs I ahve used or are using or learning at this time. I look at them from a amature modeler's point of view rather than a professional as I am an amature myself.
Seamless 3D

To quote Thyme " When Seamless3d is put in the hands of an artist who has both patience and passion the results speak for themselves"

It is such a great little program that it is like a good book that you try to put down, but keep picking back up because it’s sooo damn cool. I really cannot praise Thyme (Seamless’s Author and creator) enough for the effort he puts into making a free program dedicated pretty much solely to VRML. I like the look and feel of the worlds you can create with it. Thyme provides a great forum and good tutorials for it. If you don’t understand why I’m so impressed with Thyme and Seamless, go out and create a 3D modeling and authoring program, give it away free, AND actively support and provide a comprehensive forum for support, advice and help.

Vivaty Studio

This program started out as Spazz3D. I built one of my first worlds with it. Then it evolved. Spazz begat VizX 3D which begat Flux Stidio It is intuitive and fairly easy to get started in. As with all programs it is Best to check out the system requirements ahead of time as it can lag on a slow machine. One of the real atvantages now from the earlier versions is that they have incorporated Accutrans (An excellent 3D file conversion program), which means you can import/export many different formats, including importing kmz files from Goggle Earth. The most interesting facet is that, opposite from alot of other software, this program started out costing $299USD and now is completely FREE. You can't beat that kind of deal anywhere.

Internet Space Builder

Parallel Graphics has a suite of software for VRML. My 2 favorites are Internet Space builder and VRML Pad. Internet Space Builder (ISB) is an easy to understand and use program. It comes with textures and alot of premade items (in the registered version, fewer in the free one). You can import 3DS (Max), and DXF (Auto Cad). You can incorporate sounds, adjust and animate textures, and it has a “drag & drop” interface. And it will publish your work directly to the web in an optimized format. There is a free version that limits your file no more than 1400 faces, 7 textures, 2 pictures, 2 movies & 2 urls, or a registered version for $78.95 USD. Go for the registered version, you will get tired of the nagging about size in the free version.

VRMLPad

This is the real deal. Not for the noob. It is for coders. It will do just about anything you need in VRML. I am very graphically oriented so this one has been a learning experience for me. I have basically learned VRML coding by using it. If you are comfortable in code, (and I know a lot of people who are), get it. Be ready to pony up $149.95USD.

Note:

There is also the X3DV Module Suite, used with Net beans, which will code inX3DV and VRML. Go to Hiperia 3D News for more information.

For another option if you want to work in code & don’t want to fool with notepad, go to a place like sourceforge and download XEmacs. It is a truly awesome all around coding program and it is free. It WON’T be as VRML friendly though. I did my first code tweaks in it & it works well.

[Hiperia3D - Jordi R Cardona]

Hi Omind,

Netbeans can code in PHP too, and it's only 19MB. Some people use VRML and PHP together, so they may be also interested in using Netbeans + X3DV Module Suite.

[tutancamon]

Seamless3d:
Thyme's Editor, unfortunately hasn't user manual. I know, probably Thyme will read these raws and he will tell us abot his site; but on his site not exist none serious manual about his editor.
Any way, Thyme editor not work on my computer. The question is : Realy work on some computer ?
I still wait for final versions of Thyme's Editor/Client and Server.
---
I.S.B.
I know this toll. Is usefule if users has not ather editor.
OBS. Exist also another tool named 'Internet Scene Assembler' ( I.S.A.)
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VRML-Pad
:-)) I have and I use this tool. Without his 'Extrusion Editor'.
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X3Dev:
Need 'Net Beans' means need JAVA latest version ! :-(
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Vivaty Studio:
Yes, this litle '3D Max' ! And total free ! Well, so good !
ThankYou Tony Parisi !
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OMIND, exist also 'SWIRL 3D' a great tool.
And that package named 'BLENDER'.

[Hiperia3D - Jordi R Cardona]

Hi Tutancamon,

>Any way, Thyme editor not work on my computer. The question is : Realy work on some computer ?

Yes, it work on almost ALL computers. Try it again. Many people use it.

>X3Dev:
>Need 'Net Beans' means need JAVA latest version

The X3DV Module Suite is a plugin for Netbeans. Needs Netbeans as I said. I could create a standalone editor, maybe I'll do but has no sense for me now.
Yes, it needs Java, and updated as much as possible.

[Bruce Lehmann]

Also, all you have to do is post a question about Seamless on his forum and it will be answered. As far as running it, I have not had a problem on any computer I've tried it on.

PS: It isn't always Java that is slow, but in most cases it is badly implemented programs that use it. Net Beans & X3Dev are not among them. I have used it, also Chisel, and other programs that run fine.

[Hiperia3D - Jordi R Cardona]

By the way it's as Omind said "X3DV Module Suite" and not X3Dev :)

[Bruce Lehmann]

Thanks Tutanc, I am aware of SwirlX 3D but as I have not played with it i had not listed it yet

[alain]

about seamless3D "manual" :
http://seamless3d.com/tut/index.html

plus the "robots"


http://i30.servimg.com/u/f30/09/00/29/31/tutsea10.jpg

[thyme]

The Seamless3d modeller works on Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga (tutancamon)'s computer because I have chatted with him using Seamless3d chat. (He used the modeller to chat)

A quote from tutancamon from the seamless3d forum:

"ihi, hiii ... my computer love Your application !!!"

http://www.seamless3d.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=264&st=...

There is more up to date documentation on how to make avatars for VRML/X3D using Seamless3d software than there is for any other modeller that specialises in VRML/X3D that I am aware of. The tutorials can of course always be improved and this is why I welcome anyone to post questions.

I have heard there are problems with some modellers running on Vista but I know Seamless3d is used regularly on Vista and I have not heard of any problems with it.

I know from experience that it's easy to imagine some software being capable of some task because it has this or that feature but until one has used it to make something one does not know. This is why you really need examples of your work for your critical assessments to have credibility.

Thanks much Omind, Jordi & Alain for your support.