DarthMaul v.1/2 Posted April 22, 2006 Share Posted April 22, 2006 Hey all you MOD Masters! I am a nOOb when it comes to all this (yes, ANOTHER nOOb question!); I was hoping for some advice from the O.G. MODders here about a couple things: - 1st) Which is the better setup for skinning and modeling?: Photoshop, 3dsMax, or perhaps another? Why? What are the major (+/-) between them (as it pertains to skinning/modeling for TSL and KotOR)? - 2nd) What is the best Hex Editor to use for MODding TSL? - 3rd) What is the best UVMap for TSL and KotOR 1? I heard 'unwrap3d' is good, so I down loaded it --- does anyone use or know about this one? Is there a better UVMap setup for TSL/KotOR? Oh, BTW, I am now using WindowsXP, and I do have OpenGL, DirectX 9.0, and a GE-FORCE 6200 graphics card --- capable of 1024x786x16 screen resolution (already set to it). Any knowledge here would be much appreciated! I am FEENIN' to learn more and start MODding! P.S. - I know ALL about the 'sticky's' and the tutorials here, but I could not find these answers there ( as in which is the BETTER to use) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackel Posted April 22, 2006 Share Posted April 22, 2006 Photoshop/paintshop/paint.net/GIMP are all good for "skinning". 3dsmax is great for modelling, though very expensive*. You cant make models with photoshop etc and unless I am mistaken you cant really make skins with 3dsmax so you are going to need a program like photoshop or paintshop etc to make the skins after you have made the models. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthMaul v.1/2 Posted April 22, 2006 Author Share Posted April 22, 2006 Photoshop/paintshop/paint.net/GIMP are all good for "skinning". 3dsmax is great for modelling, though very expensive*. You cant make models with photoshop etc and unless I am mistaken you cant really make skins with 3dsmax so you are going to need a program like photoshop or paintshop etc to make the skins after you have made the models. Hey Jackel! WOW, you were lightning fast with that reply --- I appreciate it! So, 3dsMax for modeling and then Photoshop for skinning, right? Does GIMP work for skinning as well as Photoshop, or is Photoshop superior? And to everyone else, PLEASE drop me some more hints! Also, I was able to find a FREE down load of 3dsMax ( I am currently about 80% thru a HUGE down load of it --- I am stuck with dial-up for a month or so, until I move --- so it's taking about 4 hours to D/L! ). I can't remember the site I found it, but if you guys want to check it out I'd be happy to find the link and post it for ya! It is a FREE copy of 3dsMAX 7, to be exact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Hansen Posted April 22, 2006 Share Posted April 22, 2006 Easier Comparence: 3dsMax sucks, while Photoshop owns Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthMaul v.1/2 Posted April 22, 2006 Author Share Posted April 22, 2006 Easier Comparence: 3dsMax sucks, while Photoshop owns Huh? Could you elaborate, or better yet --- DEMONSTRATE--- the technical and physical philosophy ( I am the Master PHILOSOPHIZER!) of what you were trying to sound-out in your reply, as it pertains to the "relationship" between 3dsMax and Photoshop (if UNOWATIMEAN!)? In other words, why don't you DEMONSTRATE for me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Det. Bart Lasiter Posted April 22, 2006 Share Posted April 22, 2006 Easier Comparence: 3dsMax sucks, while Photoshop owns Apparently you don't know what you're talking about... 3Ds Max is for 3D models, Photoshop is for creating/editing image files (which are 2D). You can't really compare the two, they're not the same type of program. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Hansen Posted April 22, 2006 Share Posted April 22, 2006 Apparently you don't know what you're talking about... Hell ya, I don't know that I am talking about, I don't use 3dsmax or Photoshop Then you are admitting to posting useless spam posts. Darth Hanson please read our Forum Rules. Consider yourself warned. -RH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthMaul v.1/2 Posted April 23, 2006 Author Share Posted April 23, 2006 Apparently you don't know what you're talking about... 3Ds Max is for 3D models, Photoshop is for creating/editing image files (which are 2D). You can't really compare the two, they're not the same type of program. Hey jmac! I know that you DO know what you are talking about, so would you mind helping out a nOOb Padawan like me? I screwed up my original question from the first post - I meant to ask what the differences between GMAX and 3dsMax was (I was under the impression that 3dsMax was better than GMAX), and which was better to use for modeling KotOR and TSL - I wasn't paying attention to what I was typing! Any further help would be greatly appreciated. P.S. Thanks for catching my back earlier, jmac! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthmaster50 Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 Gimp ain't as good a photoshop but Gimp is free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Det. Bart Lasiter Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 Hey jmac! I know that you DO know what you are talking about, so would you mind helping out a nOOb Padawan like me? I screwed up my original question from the first post - I meant to ask what the differences between GMAX and 3dsMax was (I was under the impression that 3dsMax was better than GMAX), and which was better to use for modeling KotOR and TSL - I wasn't paying attention to what I was typing! Any further help would be greatly appreciated. P.S. Thanks for catching my back earlier, jmac! Errr, no problem Anyways, gmax could be considered a release of the previous version of 3Ds Max minus some of the features. For instance, gmax can't export a lot of different model/movie formats that 3Ds Max can (although for KotOR modding you don't really need to worry about that), it also lacks various modifiers, tools, and customizations. If you're just wanting to model things to add to KotOR, then you should stick with gmax, 3Ds Max is mostly just for people who do 3D modelling/animation for a living and need the extra features and tools. That's just my opinion of course, but if you have a few thousand dollars (or are eligible to only pay $600 with the academic discount) you're desperate to get rid of, go for 3Ds Max Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reclaimer Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 Photoshop is best in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjpb3 Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 I use Paint Shop Pro and have for over 5 years now. It can do anything Photoshop can do (and in most cases, do anything in an easier way, in my opinion). Plus, Paint Shop Pro is much more affordable than Photoshop. I have both, but I find I use Paint Shop Pro 95% more than I do Photoshop. But, that's just my opinion really... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthMaul v.1/2 Posted April 24, 2006 Author Share Posted April 24, 2006 Anyways, gmax could be considered a release of the previous version of 3Ds Max minus some of the features. For instance, gmax can't export a lot of different model/movie formats that 3Ds Max can (although for KotOR modding you don't really need to worry about that), it also lacks various modifiers, tools, and customizations. If you're just wanting to model things to add to KotOR, then you should stick with gmax, 3Ds Max is mostly just for people who do 3D modelling/animation for a living and need the extra features and tools. That's just my opinion of course, but if you have a few thousand dollars (or are eligible to only pay $600 with the academic discount) you're desperate to get rid of, go for 3Ds Max Hey jmac! Thanks much for the info and comparison! I went ahead and got BOTH Gmax and 3dsMax --- FREE! I followed the "Getting started with MODding" thread ( THANKS darth333! - VERY helpful to this nOOb!) to the link in the tools section to a free Gmax. Then I did a general web search for free 3dsMax down-loads and found a FREE copy of 3dsMax7.exe at this site: http://www.softpedia.com - BEFORE you down-load see this: !!!!!!!!WARNING!!!!!!!! I am not vouching for the safety of this link! I have no clue about softpedia.com's credentials or anything else about them! I simply wanted a FREE 3dsMax (hey, why pay $600 if you can pay $0? ), and now I have it! So if anyone knows if this is uncommon (FREE 3dsMax), or if anyone Knows if this is a legit site, let me know! Also, if the moderators don't feel comfortable about this, please feel free to edit that part out! I am only trying to share what I found--- ALL that being said jmac (and everyone else!), in your opinion, which is the EASIER for a nOOb like me to get the hang of EFFECTIVELY using (primarily for MODding TSL and KotOR) ? I am guessing maybe Gmax, since it is the more basic version? Any more details are appreciated. Thanks! Photoshop is best in my opinion. Hey Reclaimer! I sort of jumbled two seperate Q's together in my original post: - 1st) Which is the better setup for skinning and modeling?: Photoshop, 3dsMax, or perhaps another? Why? What are the major (+/-) between them (as it pertains to skinning/modeling for TSL and KotOR)? What I meant to ask was: Photoshop vs. Paint Shop (or GIMP) and Gmax vs. 3dsMax Could you maybe list a couple comparisons/reasons why you like Photoshop? Any more help is much appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthMaul v.1/2 Posted April 24, 2006 Author Share Posted April 24, 2006 I use Paint Shop Pro and have for over 5 years now. It can do anything Photoshop can do (and in most cases, do anything in an easier way, in my opinion). Plus, Paint Shop Pro is much more affordable than Photoshop. I have both, but I find I use Paint Shop Pro 95% more than I do Photoshop. But, that's just my opinion really... Hey mjpb3! I actually got a FREE copy of Paint Shop Pro (8 --- I think!) with my new comp and windowsxp setup < DarthMaul v.1/2 pauses to embrace his NEW comp...> ... Sorry, mj --- I just got a little emotional for a minute there! Anyway, would you mind listing a few of the main reasons/comparisons as to why you like Paint Shop Pro more? Which do you feel would be easier for a nOOb like me to get the hang of? Thanks mj! - BTW - your Aeon Flux PC is one of my favorites! Good job in getting her to look like the REAL Aeon (cartoon)! ********** MODERATOR******** Oops! Sorry about the consecutive posts! I didn't mean to do it! I was just replying to the folks that were helping me, as I wasn't here when they originally posted --- I know this is a no-no, but I thought each of my replies would show under the post(s) that I was replying to --- I don't know how to combine them into one, or I would! My apologies guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedHawke Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 DarthMaul v.1/2, To combine posts, post your first post normally then quote a second post as normal and simply highlight and copy the text do not post it, then simply go back and edit your previous post and add the additional new quote and your reply to it at the bottom of your first post then save changes, repeat with the posts you want to respond to until finished. You can also do this with a whole post by copying it all to notepad or wordpad then when you have everything all set the way you want it you only need to post it once, I do this sometimes myself. I'll do this for you to 2 of your above posts, so you can see it can be done. So no more of these ok? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REDJOHNNYMIKE Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 Well, I'm saving up for a house so I choose GIMP over Photoshop($$$), I used the PS trial though and if you want to edit alpha channels (transparency and shinyness) and can afford photoshop then get it. GIMP alpha editing seems more like erasing, whereas PS allows you to edit transparency as if it was another image entirely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjpb3 Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 Hey mjpb3! I actually got a FREE copy of Paint Shop Pro (8 --- I think!) with my new comp and windowsxp setup < DarthMaul v.1/2 pauses to embrace his NEW comp...> ... Sorry, mj --- I just got a little emotional for a minute there! No problem. I've felt the same way sometimes. Believe it or not, I am still using Paint Shop Pro 6. Yes... I am Why mess with a good thing is what I always thought. Oh, I tried newer versions of PSP (7, 8, 9 AND 10), but I always go back to my PSP 6. I have it set up just like I want, know where everything is, and can finish what I start in no time flat... unless I have to paint something by hand, but even still, I know where all my tools are so it's no problem. Anyway, would you mind listing a few of the main reasons/comparisons as to why you like Paint Shop Pro more? Which do you feel would be easier for a nOOb like me to get the hang of? Well, I'm going to be biased and tell you Paint Shop Pro for the simple fact that PSP is so much more easy to use than Photoshop. I just find the steps to do certain things in PS take so long, (like 12 steps or so) when I can accomplish the same darn thing in maybe three or four steps in PSP. Plus, doing mods for K1 and K2, the alpha channels in PSP are so much easier to use than Photoshop... I learned to make graphics with PSP, so I will always say it is my personal favorite. Thanks mj! - BTW - your Aeon Flux PC is one of my favorites! Good job in getting her to look like the REAL Aeon (cartoon)! See, I made Aeon and my BloodRayne mod using PSP... and Rayne looks spectacular... well, at least to me she does. Oh, and thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthMaul v.1/2 Posted April 24, 2006 Author Share Posted April 24, 2006 I'll do this for you to 2 of your above posts, so you can see it can be done. So no more of these ok? Hail lord RedHawke, Shadow lord of the Sith! Duh, me understand now! Thanks for being so KEWL about that, RH! Won't happen again!! QUOTE=mjpb3] Well, I'm going to be biased and tell you Paint Shop Pro for the simple fact that PSP is so much more easy to use than Photoshop. I just find the steps to do certain things in PS take so long, (like 12 steps or so) when I can accomplish the same darn thing in maybe three or four steps in PSP. Plus, doing mods for K1 and K2, the alpha channels in PSP are so much easier to use than Photoshop... I learned to make graphics with PSP, so I will always say it is my personal favorite. See, I made Aeon and my BloodRayne mod using PSP... and Rayne looks spectacular... well, at least to me she does. Awesome info, mj! When I first posted this quetion(s) this was the kind of feedback I was hoping for! Now you have me convinced to go with Paint Shop Pro! I will be sure to keep you up to date on my progress MODding (I'm just getting started! ) --- and I hope you wouldn't mind me asking your advice from time to time, I could use the help from a Master MODder like yourself! And yes, your BloodRayne IS spectacular!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Det. Bart Lasiter Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 Hey jmac! Thanks much for the info and comparison! I went ahead and got BOTH Gmax and 3dsMax --- FREE! I followed the "Getting started with MODding" thread ( THANKS darth333! - VERY helpful to this nOOb!) to the link in the tools section to a free Gmax. Then I did a general web search for free 3dsMax down-loads and found a FREE copy of 3dsMax7.exe at this site: {snip} gmax is free, however 3Ds Max is not. So the version you got was either the free trial or is illegal. I'm guessing it's the free trial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjpb3 Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 When I first posted this quetion(s) this was the kind of feedback I was hoping for! Now you have me convinced to go with Paint Shop Pro! I will be sure to keep you up to date on my progress MODding (I'm just getting started! ) --- and I hope you wouldn't mind me asking your advice from time to time, I could use the help from a Master MODder like yourself! I don't mind at all. I'll try to help any way I can Master Modder, huh? Nah... just very creative And yes, your BloodRayne IS spectacular!!! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthMaul v.1/2 Posted April 24, 2006 Author Share Posted April 24, 2006 Hey all! I just wanted to pop in and say THANKS to mjpb3, jmac7149, Reclaimer, REDJOHNNYMIKE, Jackel, DarthMaster50, and the Shadow lord of the Sith himself --- my main man modERATOR, RedHawke! You guys have been EXTRA helpful --- not to mention FAST to help! I really appreciate it --- and PLEASE keep the knowledge and suggestions coming, I need all the help I can get! - mjpb3 - Your input is MOST appreciated! You made a nOOb like me feel right at home around here --- Thanks! - jmac7142 - Thanks for the info and help! I hope I can count on your help again, as I continue to understand and learn to MOD! Also, I'm not sure that the 3dsMax7.exe I found is a TRIAL offer - I didn't have to agree to any terms, and it didn't seem like the other TRIAL offers I've down-loaded before- the only thing that stood out to me was it took about 4+ hours to D/L, but I am stuck using dial-up for the next month or two (until I move), so I guess that amount of time for D/L is not unusual. It seems like the real deal to me, but I understand that it is unusual to get a $600 program for $0. You seem like the type that could benefit from 3dsMax, so why not check into it? When I did my search for FREE 3dsMax down-loads, I didn't search for "pirated" copies, it was just one of the first 2 or 3 sites that showed up for my general search. If you do decide to check it out, let me know what you make of it! Thanks again for your help, jmac! I hope I can ask more of you in the future! - Reclaimer - Thanks, Reclaimer! I saw your post about my post in the "Feedback" section - I am headed there now to edit you in! - Jackel - Thanks for the advice! Thanks for always being helpful! - REDJOHNNYMIKE - Thanks for chiming in! Just to let you know though, I still can't get your Capital Ship Mod to D/L from that site, any advice here? - RedHawke - The one and only Shadow lord of the Sith! Thanks EXTRA for your help and patience with a nOOb! You ' DA MAN'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Det. Bart Lasiter Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 {snip} - jmac7142 - Thanks for the info and help! I hope I can count on your help again, as I continue to understand and learn to MOD! Also, I'm not sure that the 3dsMax7.exe I found is a TRIAL offer - I didn't have to agree to any terms, and it didn't seem like the other TRIAL offers I've down-loaded before- the only thing that stood out to me was it took about 4+ hours to D/L, but I am stuck using dial-up for the next month or two (until I move), so I guess that amount of time for D/L is not unusual. It seems like the real deal to me, but I understand that it is unusual to get a $600 program for $0. You seem like the type that could benefit from 3dsMax, so why not check into it? When I did my search for FREE 3dsMax down-loads, I didn't search for "pirated" copies, it was just one of the first 2 or 3 sites that showed up for my general search. If you do decide to check it out, let me know what you make of it! Thanks again for your help, jmac! I hope I can ask more of you in the future! {snip} If you're referring to this, then it's the trial version. By the way, I already have a copy of 3Ds Max 7, I got the academic version Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthMaul v.1/2 Posted April 24, 2006 Author Share Posted April 24, 2006 If you're referring to this, then it's the trial version. By the way, I already have a copy of 3Ds Max 7, I got the academic version What's up, jmac? Yes, that appears to be exactly the one I D/L (3dsMax7), and the same web site (http://www.softpedia.com) I got it from. Although the names of the site and the D/L are the same, I swear the appearance of the site I got it from looked different... curious! So, this IS the trial version then, huh? {snip} - LucasForums does not condone piracy. If you can't afford 3dsmax, then get Gmax. It's free and legal. This is your warning. - Darth333 Thanks for the input, jmac! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Hansen Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Then you are admitting to posting useless spam posts. Darth Hanson please read our Forum Rules. Consider yourself warned. -RH I was kidding, I dont really model but I have the program. And I dont use Photoshop, I use GIMP, sorry for that. PS: You spelled my name wrong Please understand, you posted about things you had no knowledge of, by your own admission, as this is a help forum we have a far lower tolerance on this form of 'kidding'. No matter how I mosspelled your screen name, your posts were still spam. -RH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Hansen Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Then you are admitting to posting useless spam posts. Darth Hanson please read our Forum Rules. Consider yourself warned. -RH I was kidding, I dont really model but I have the program. And I dont use Photoshop, I use GIMP, sorry for that. PS: You spelled my name wrong Please understand, you posted about things you had no knowledge of, by your own admission, as this is a help forum we have a far lower tolerance on this form of 'kidding'. No matter how I mosspelled your screen name, your posts were still spam. -RH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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