Difference between revisions of "Mesh/Uploading a mesh with the Model Wizard"

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{{Navbox/Mesh_QSG}}
{{Multi-lang}}
{{Navbox/Mesh|basics}}
{{KBnote|This window is not currently enabled in the Second Life Viewer.  To learn how to upload a model, please see [[Mesh/Uploading a mesh|Uploading a mesh]].}}
{{:Mesh/Prerequisites}}


{{KBtip|The user interface described in this article is currently undergoing redesign and is subject to change.  Check back regularly to stay current with UI updates.}}
== Using the upload wizard ==
 
{{:Viewerhelp:Upload Model Wizard}}
==Choose a mesh file to upload==
# Open your Inventory in the sidebar by clicking the {{TabIcon_Inventory|Inventory}} icon.
# Choose {{Icon_Add_Item}} '''> Upload > Model...'''
# Select a compatible COLLADA ''.dae'' file from your system and click '''Open'''.
# Inspect the model by rotating and zooming your view in the preview screen using Second Life's [[Camera|camera controls]].  You can view the object at different levels of detail (LOD) by using the '''Preview''' dropdown menu.
# The Description field indicates how many equivalent [[Primitive|prims]] and [[Textures|textures]] this object represents.  These numbers directly affect the upload cost of the mesh.  (Note - this is only a simulated estimation.  Uploads are free for now on First Look.)
# Enter a name for this mesh, then click '''Upload''' to upload the mesh to your Inventory.
# Two new items appear in your inventory: the coalesced mesh object, and a new mesh inventory item type that represents the mesh data, similar in application to a [[Sculpted_Prim|sculpt map]].  The icon for the new item type is {{InvIcon_Mesh}}.
 
{{KBnote|Your computer may slow down for several seconds as the Second Life viewer parses the ''.dae'' file and generates LOD information.}}
 
===Optional parameters===
{{UIref|Hard Angle|Changes the number of vertices in your mesh.  If your object appears too angular, try raising this value to smooth it out.  Click '''Generate Normals''' to see the result.}}
{{UIref|Generate Normals|Applies the '''Hard Angle''' parameter to your object, changing the number of vertices and potentially changing the object's prim equivalence value.  Prim equivalence values will be displayed in an upcoming version of the viewer.}}
{{UIref|Generate LOD|Automatically generates any undefined LOD models for each level of detail.}}
{{UIref|Consolidate|Attempts to reduce the number of submeshes in an object by consolidating as many of them as possible.  If applicable, this option can greatly reduce an object's prim equivalence value.}}
{{UIref|Show Edges|Turns on edge rendering for each triangle in the mesh in the preview window.}}
{{UIref|Physical Shape|Allows you to define a physical shape of the object for interaction with Second Life's physics engine.  A simpler physics shape can create less impact on the physics engine while the object retains a detailed visual appearance.}}
{{UIref|Upload Textures|Uploads all textures associated with the ''.dae'' file to your inventory, assuming they can be found where the ''.dae'' file specifies they are on your hard drive.  It is not necessary to use this option more than once for models with the same set of textures.}}
 
[[File:MESH_Import_Model_Window.png]]
 
[[Category:Mesh]]

Latest revision as of 08:06, 11 July 2011

KBnote.png Note: This window is not currently enabled in the Second Life Viewer. To learn how to upload a model, please see Uploading a mesh.

Prerequisites

Before you can upload mesh objects, you must:

  • Have payment information on file. You can add payment information by visiting the Billing Information section of your Second Life account page.
  • Accept the IP Terms (if you're using the Aditi beta grid, click here instead), which verifies your knowledge of intellectual property rules. Be sure you own the rights or have permission from the rights owner before uploading your mesh content. Violations of intellectual property rights can result in the suspension or termination of your Second Life account and may even cause the permanent revocation of your ability to upload mesh objects!
  • Have at least one compatible COLLADA (.dae) file on your computer. You can create your own by using most popular 3D software packages, or, if you have the appropriate rights, you can download models created by other 3D artists from online repositories. Try our sample content page for a free model if you're just getting started.

You may check your mesh upload status at any time by visiting your account page on the Second Life website.

Cost to upload

There is a Linden dollar fee to upload a model; the fee depends on the model's complexity. During the beta period the fee is discounted.

Using the upload wizard

The UPLOAD MODEL WIZARD window can be used to quickly and easily guide you through uploading a mesh model to Second Life. This upload method simplifies the choices you need to make when you upload a model, making it ideal for Residents who are unfamiliar with the many parameters that must be considered when creating mesh objects for Second Life.

To upload a model using the upload wizard:

  1. Open the UPLOAD MODEL WIZARD window by choosing Build > Upload > Model Wizard...
  2. In the UPLOAD MODEL WIZARD window, click Browse... and choose a COLLADA (.dae) file stored on your computer. Click Next>>.
  3. Visually optimize your object by moving the performance/accuracy slider, then click Next >>. Higher performance models consume less prim capacity on your land, but are less visually complex than higher accuracy models. Make sure to preview each level of detail by choosing from the Model Preview dropdown.
  4. Optimize the physics model for your object by moving the slider. Higher physics accuracy may consume more prim capacity on your land, and if the model's physics weight exceeds 32, the object cannot become a vehicle. During this step, you may preview the physics model overlaid onto the visual model in the preview frame. In most cases, the physics model is less complex than the visual model in order to maintain a low physics weight. Click Next >>
  5. Review your model upload choices, then check the I confirm that I have the appropriate rights to the material contained in this model checkbox.
  6. Click Upload to upload your mesh model to your inventory. You may wish to rename the object to something meaningful at this time.