Meshing for free?

[Clairebearzz]

I have no idea if this is in the right category of whatever, sooo if it's not... I don't know.
Here's my question: Is it possible to make custom meshes without Milkshape or other paid software? If so, can anyone give me links to good ones?
Thanks so much if anyone can give me any answers at all!

[Deestar]

You can use Wings3D (http://www.wings3d.com/) to create new meshes. The current edition is equipped to do UVMapping but you will still need to re-save it in UVMapper (http://www.uvmapper.com/) in order to re-import it into the game. You will want UVMapper Classic which is free not UVMapper Pro. MTS has some great tutorials on meshing with Wings3D here (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=80621) and here (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=104795). I am not certain what other free programs are available as I only recently began meshing new objects in the last year or so, and the meshing class I was part of at Sims 2 Artists used Wings.

[Clairebearzz]

Wow, thanks! I'll try!

[plasticbox]

You could use blender, that's free software: http://www.blender.org/

Tutorials overview: http://www.blender.org/education-help/tutorials/

It will take a while to learn, since the interface is rather unusual (bordering on bizarre, sometimes), mostly based on hotkeys. But it's a great tool once you get the hang of it – it's very efficient particularly *because* of the hotkeys, and it's really powerful.

I wouldn't really make a decision of Milkshape vs. blender based on 25$ though (I believe that's what Milkshape costs, which is really not much) .. they're very different from one another. To me it would matter more what you're planning to do with it.

[Gena1985]

I went looking for Milkshape 3D today and my search got me this MilkShape 3D 1.8.5 BETA 1 which would be a tester right? I found it here http://chumbalum.swissquake.ch/ . I downloaded it for free which is a bonus but did I get the right program for meshing as I'm not sure I just downloaded it to try something new....

[plasticbox]

1.8.5b is beta but that doesn't mean free – it has a 30 day free trial though.

[JONESVIBE32]

I am sooo new at this and find myself getting very frustrated but.....I currently use Blender to make meshes. I tried Wings and Milkshape and I have to say that Blender is more involved but you can accomplish a little bit more with it. Plus the tutorials I found were very helpful because the instructions were listed screen shot by screen shot.