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Using trueSpace to Export Sculpt Maps For Use in Second Life
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These pages are a copy of the official truespace forums prior to their removal somewhere around 2011.
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Using trueSpace to Export Sculpt Maps For Use in Second Life // New Users
Post by TheKeeper // Feb 13, 2009, 8:51am
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TheKeeper
Total Posts: 3
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Heyla and well met!
I wasn't exactly sure where to post this question (or, rather, series of questions), but since I am a new user of trueSpace, I decided to post it, here. If this is the wrong place, I do apologize. (The reason why I post these questions here, at all, is because there don't seem to be any experienced trueSpace users on the Second Life forums who can answer my questions, there. In fact, they had recommended I ask, here, since they really didn't know.)
I play Second Life, and I had been researching software that can be used to create something called sculpted prims. In my research, I had found that trueSpace had been listed as having many of the features needed to create sculpt maps.
http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Sculpted_Prims:_3d_Software_Guide#Resident-made_Sculpt_Creation_Tools
I'm hoping there are trueSpace users familiar enough with Second Life and sculpted prims to answer the following questions:
Is there a way for me to use trueSpace to simply export any pre-existing models I've already made as a sculpt map? Are there any plug-ins for trueSpace available for this purpose?
I had asked a similar question on the Second Life forums, which can be seen, here:
http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=295021
One of the responses was quite interesting, as it had mentioned plug-ins for other programs. Can any of these plug-ins be used or adapted for trueSpace?
Hi there,
Unfortunately there is no easy way (depending on your perspective) to create high quality sculpts. In addition converting existing meshes to sculpties requires more processes to achieve.
That being said, yes it can be done, however you may need to invest in some software if you do not already have these programs.
If you have Zbrush or plan to get it, you can use a program called sculptie maker from
Vlad Bjornson. He has put a number of tools and tutorials on his page here.
http://www.shiny-life.com/sculpty-maker/
This method does not actually convert existing meshes to sculpts but rather allows you to use
a compatible mesh (for sculpts) to use your existing mesh to "project" onto the sculptie compatible mesh.
Also there is what looks to be quite an amazing plug in for 3ds Max called "Prim Composer" by
Shack Dougall.
http://liferain.com/downloads/primcomposer/
This one allows you to create SL Prims inside of 3ds Max as well as sculpties. I believe that you would use a similar projection method to create a sculpt of your existing mesh in this one as
well. The big news on this process is that you can create whole scenes complete with textures,
baked textures, shadows and lighting and then import them into SL where your scene or build
is then automatically constructed. There is alot more to it than my brief description here.
But you can get full details from the link listed above.
Neither of these processes can be described as simple as each of them requires a number of steps. While the tools and plugins are free the primary programs you will need to use them are
not.
So the barriers lie in the cost of the software as well as the effort required to use the methods.
But if you can master any of these techniques the upside is that it is definitely a marketable skill. Especially if your creating sculpted clothes as there are plenty of people in SL that would
buy high quality results. Initially it may be easier to use your existing meshes as references to
just create new sculpts of the clothes you want.
Thank you for your help!
TheKeeper |
Post by Délé // Feb 13, 2009, 9:23am
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Délé
Total Posts: 1374
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Hello TheKeeper, welcome to the tS forums. :)
I haven't used SL in some time, and even then I only messed around for a couple of weeks. I think I understand what you're asking though.
If you are looking to sculpt on 3d models and export the displacement maps or normal maps, I would recommend using another program like Silo or 3d Coat. Those are both fairly inexpensive programs that are excellent at sculpting and can export the displacement or normal maps.
Unfortunately, displacement sculpting in tS is currently not nearly as advanced as other 3d applications. There are quite a few other programs that can do a WAY better job with sculpting. Also, while you can use displacement maps on 3d objects in tS, there is no way to export a displacement map of a sculpt as far as I know.
If you just want to export regular 3d models, tS might work. I don't know of any specific plug-in that exports for use in SL though. |
Post by clintonman // Feb 13, 2009, 9:25am
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clintonman
Total Posts: 304
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Here are a couple of older threads on the subject. The sculpt texture template has a starting object built in.
http://forums1.caligari.com/truespace/showthread.php?t=3023
http://forums1.caligari.com/truespace/showthread.php?t=3017&highlight=llsculpt
Clinton |
Post by TheKeeper // Feb 13, 2009, 10:28am
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TheKeeper
Total Posts: 3
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Oh, thank you, both! This helps, a lot! |
Post by butterpaw // Feb 14, 2009, 1:43am
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butterpaw
Total Posts: 831
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I do use SL and agree that trueSpace would be a great way to produce the the sculpties .. however a plugin of some sort is needed (I believe there is one for Blender), and I have been begging Frootee to make us one.. I believe it's on his list - I sure hope so - I am eagerly awaiting :D
I think SL is an excellent marketplace for the creativity of 3d modelers and I would love to see our friends using trueSpace be able to take advantage of it! |
Post by frootee // Feb 14, 2009, 4:33am
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frootee
Total Posts: 2667
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Yes, this is on the list butterpaw.
I am still supporting the fluid sim importer plugin (currently making tutorial videos).
Since that is the first plugin I've made, I was not sure about the time
required to complete it.
I'll take a look at the sculpty issue as soon as I can. :)
Froo |
Post by TheKeeper // Feb 14, 2009, 9:00am
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TheKeeper
Total Posts: 3
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A plug-in would definitely be nice! As one who is swamped with projects, herself, though, I can understand you or anyone needing to take some time making it. :p |
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