Mesh/Creating a mesh

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Mesh

• Basics

• Advanced

• Project Information

• Technical Information

• Mesh creation tools
  • Sample mesh content
  • 3DS Max
  • Blender
  • Maya
  • Sketchup
  • ZBrush
  • Other tools

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

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.