Is NVil worth using over Silo?

Calabi

So I've been trying to get back into modelling, with Modo, and its been frustrating, I think the problem in part is Modo, I've forgotten how to use it and it doesnt make it easy to get back in.  I hate it.  I dont like the triple action for using the tools.  I dont like the fact there is no context awareness for any of the tools.  The selection system and creating edges never works that well.  It does have its good points but I just hate that it's so slow and clunky.

I have Silo but it isnt being developed anymore, and I've noticed Nvil formerly Voidworld seems to be interesting and still in development.  The UI seems a mess, but I dont know, does anyone actually use NVil is it any good, any problems or downsides with it?

Yuri

A bit off-topic, but why don't you get 3ds Max? Assuming you're a student, you can get it for free and there are a ton of tutorials on how to use the program. 

Calabi

I'm no where near a student, but I do know how to use 3DSMax, but dont see the point in using software that expensive when I'm only a hobbiest.  

Joopson

I suppose my question is, do you have any issues with Silo? Assuming you like it and it suits your needs as it is now, there's not really a need to change software. Even if they never update it, so long as it can run on your PC, it'll stay usable.

PolyHertz

Well, for reasons to not use silo anymore, there's always this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9nKqOZjPjk

MmAaXx

auhauhauhauhauh
XD

Calabi

Yeah I had seen Polyhertz'z video before.  But anyway I am going to have a mess about with NVil(might as well).

I did come up against my first problem, all selections were selecting verts and edges through the model, I thought the program was broken.  

After an extensive search through their forums turns out Sub Object Selection was disabled by default which is kind of stupid.

thomasp

there's also this: http://www.wings3d.com/

i am not sure if wings is still being developed much but this is by far my favourite approach to polygon modelling. ideally suited to start (again) in my opinion. transfers easily to 3ds max or blender, too.

Calabi

Wings3D is the program I started in, its great.  I just want something that I can use my tablet with, that handles more polys and has a widget that can align things off axis.

2bytes

I love Nvil and use it exclusively for SubD modeling after many years with Maya.  Its getting monthly updates...and the developer is listening to good ideas if you have them. I am of the opinion that if you understand the core concept of streamline tools, you will be able to model faster then in any other application.  Streamline tools will allow you to map only few hotkeys to all of your tools because every mouse button is mappable and context sensitive to each component mode. You still need an app for UVs though.  The UI is customisable with some available presets if you want an icon workflow.  The quick search is genius...allowing to find any command instantly. And there are some modelling tools that are essential That are not available in Maya.

The biggest weakness is the outliner..still needs a more standard solution.

Calabi

On second thoughts I think I'll stick with Silo.  The UI really is kind of a mess, I cant be bothered to sort to it out to how I want it when I dont know how I want it(and I've tried the custom configs).  Plus there's no anti aliasing.  Its kind of a mess and not really close to finished yet.   

Mogul

if it for modelling i choose NVIL. i agree with you the UI its totally mess. but if you start learning and reading the documentation you will get the point. The streamline tools its amazing. You can do a lot of command with one key. heres the example of mine.

[img]http://i.imgur.com/VPOAkoO.gif[/img]
just using alt+g and scroll wheel up to fill border edge, and alt+g again if i select face to change the NGON face with quads. All the commands for filling hole (vert mode,edge mode, and face mode) use one key (alt+g) with some of your mouse (scroll wheel up, scroll wheel down). Maybe you can do 9 commands with single key. And there is qmesh extrude like zbrush has. Plus you can change type of bevel with SPACE BAR.

Yeah same problem with me about the AA. You can force doing AA for NVIL with your graphic card.