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
Fragmotion Yes Yes Import (Only Mesh)/Export via Collada exporter 1.1.7 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. 601. Collada plugin on sourceforge. 601 has Collada import/export.
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[1]
ROKURO(FREE) No C-SP Export Tutorial Video 3.0.9 and up
ROKURO Pro No C-SP Export Tutorial Video 3.0.59 and up
TATARA No C-SP Export Tutorial Video 6.0.200 and up
NOMI No C-SP Export Tutorial Video 4.0.47 and up
KUMIKI No C-SP Export Tutorial Video 1.0.31 and up

Notes

C-SP: compatible with sculpted prim
  1. Autodesk ceased further development on MeshMixer in September 2021, but it's still available as a free download; Windows version only.

General Tips

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.