Mesh/Creating a mesh

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You create mesh models using a third-party 3D modeling tool. If you're a seasoned content creator, you may already be familiar with tools such as 3ds Max, Maya, Blender, or other popular professional tools; Google's SketchUp also provides a low barrier to entry for aspiring 3D modelers. Any 3D modeling software will work, as long as it can output models in COLLADA (.dae) format. Note: Second Life uses COLLADA 1.4.

A list of software that has COLLADA support can be found at COLLADA.org Products Directory A very extensive list of 3d software can be found at 3Dlinks.com under the software section. Which of either the COLLADA or 3Dlinks items will work with Second Life is not known, but at least it is a starting point to look.

To learn more about some of the available 3D modeling tools, visit the 3D software guide created for use with sculpted prims. Most of the tools that work for sculpted prims should work with mesh, as long as they can export models in COLLADA format.

Collada(DAE) Supported Programs for Mesh

Notes on mesh support for specific versions of various applications - please update if you have additional information:

Programs Bone UV Mapping Method Version
3ds Max Yes Yes Import/Export via FBX Plug-in 2009 and up
AC3D No Yes Import/Export V6.7 and up
Bentley's MicroStation No Yes Import/Export V8i and up
Blender Yes Yes Import/Export 2.49 and up
Cinema 4D Yes Yes Import/Export R11 and up
DAZ 3D Yes Yes Import/Export 2.0 and up
Lightwave Yes Yes Import/Export 9.5 and up
Maya Yes Yes Import/Export via FBX Plug-in 2009 and up
Milkshape 3D ? Yes Export ?
Modo No Yes Import/Export modo 401, 501. Collada plugin on sourceforge
PhotoShop No ? Direct open Creative Suite 4 (11) and up
SketchUp No ? Import/Export 5.0 & 7.0 and up (6.0 was not supported)
Wings3D No Yes Import/Export 1.2 and up
MeshMixer(FREE) No Yes Import obj/Export obj,dae 5.0 and up

General Tips

  • For the best results, first try outputting individual models before trying whole 3D scenes.
  • If you already have a library of 3D models and need a way to convert them to COLLADA format, try Autodesk's FBX Converter (our preferred converter) or MeshLab.
  • Check out the troubleshooting guide for more tips.
  • Check out the Kettle-Quest tutorials for a comparison of Mesh vs. Sculpted Prims
KBnote.png Note: If you use FBX converter, you may need to convert your models to an intermediate format, then to DAE, depending on the original format.