Hi there!
So I have been wondering whether CAD software might be the better package to create my high poly models with. I've seen some pretty nifty functions possible in CAD type software that are just simply not possible in Max, Maya or ZBrush. Does anybody have experience in this?
Now my main question is. Which cad-software is the best for creating 3D shapes (not caring about functionality or stress testing)?
Replies
We use it extensively when working with CAD, and we've even quickly modelled stuff directly in it, bypassing Maya/Max.
Fusion is also worth a look.
In many ways, these packages are superior in much of their modelling capability, the issue is though, you're often dealing with NURBS and not actual polygons, and though you can convert NURBS to polys which works fine, you won't get the kind of clean topology that you would get if you 'hand' modelled. You'd have to retopo.
I saw some videos online where people didn't need to do this because they worked in a CAD product. Since I create assets for games exclusively I will use the CAD model as the High poly surface and then the Low I will create in 3Ds Max or another package.
Do you happen to know how fluently this process works?
But cynicism aside : how does one get to try Spaceclaim ? Last time I looked into these apps and "requested a demo" it only led to chatting with some reps on the phone. But maybe it was for another suite, can't quite remember.
I'm not looking for a replacement in my workflow. Merely an addition. Main functions I see myself using and having great advantage is Booleans & Filletting.
On the topic:
I'm trying out MOI this week and see if it fits. In case it is too restrictive I will move to Fusion 360, Thanks to everybody for replying!
For years in games and vfx, models are more or less expected to have good and clean topology and with good reason. But now there are examples and situations emerging where you might not necessarily need this. Some of the auto tessellation and LOD/optimisation tools are becoming very good now, and in some cases what they produce is adequate, depending on the type of asset of course. We're not perhaps at a stage where these tools can replace huge steps in pieplines, and many are sceptical but the tech is definitely maturing.