free version of XSI softimage

Thats cool......I got it a wile ago. My only question is...........how the hell do you use it??
 
lol yeah now if only discreet would publish a free version of 3dstudio max (LEGALLY THAT IS :p) i find it MUCH easier to use than softimage....although softimage pictures always seem to come out nicer, just more work :/
 
although softimage pictures always seem to come out nicer
Click to expand...

LOL! Well you wont be using XSI to render pretty pictures. Im sure it has render restrictions that make the render engine almost useless. As far as game content goes, the tool doesnt really matter. It always comes down to the talent of the artist. You can make just as good models in milkshape as you can in XSI.
 
Originally posted by SheepFactory
LOL! Well you wont be using XSI to render pretty pictures. Im sure it has render restrictions that make the render engine almost useless. As far as game content goes, the tool doesnt really matter. It always comes down to the talent of the artist. You can make just as good models in milkshape as you can in XSI.
Click to expand...

Yup.
And if your really talented you can type up ascii in a text editor, save it with a valve model extension, and bare witness to your fully textured, animated recreation of an entire galaxy within the Source engine! :cheese:
 
Originally posted by Piecemak3r
lol yeah now if only discreet would publish a free version of 3dstudio max (LEGALLY THAT IS :p) i find it MUCH easier to use than softimage....although softimage pictures always seem to come out nicer, just more work :/
Click to expand...

I think GMAX is a free tool from discreet that allows for game content creation.

There are tutorials out there on how to use XSI, but no tutorial can teach you how to create good content, that takes your own artistic abiltys.
There are going to be plug in for the major 3D apps (including one for the free XSI 3.0 EXP) that exports models and such to the HL2 format. It is deffintly an exciting time for moders.
 
Meh. Technically It isn't even really XSI. It is XSI|EXP.

From the XSI|EXP FAQ


What are the limitations?
The main differences are:

The EXP saves scenes to the .exp format, which can only be read by the EXP version.

The EXP only uses only one CPU when rendering.

The export of all data, except scene files, has been blocked.

There is a small watermark in the viewports and rendered images. - Danger Will Robinson, Danger

The resolution of rendered images is limited. - Danger Will Robinson, Danger
 
Originally posted by aydam
Meh. Technically It isn't even really XSI. It is XSI|EXP.

From the XSI|EXP FAQ


What are the limitations?
The main differences are:

The EXP saves scenes to the .exp format, which can only be read by the EXP version.

The EXP only uses only one CPU when rendering.

The export of all data, except scene files, has been blocked.

There is a small watermark in the viewports and rendered images. - Danger Will Robinson, Danger

The resolution of rendered images is limited. - Danger Will Robinson, Danger
Click to expand...

Gee, I never thought there would be limitations on the free version of a thousand dollar program.
 
i downloaded xsi, but i always get erros and stuff. sometimes it works, then ill go into it and it wont, so i have to reinstall it. given up now
 
U can learn the basics with free video tutorial for XSI at http://www.3dbuzz.com.

The XSI manuals are also around te web in PDF format. I learned the program at college.
 
You can also let them deliver the cd with it to you, totally free.
It's a cool program, but with my crappy 17" I can't use the resolution XSI needs (1280x1024) @ 85 Hz.
 
3dsm > softimage!
I'm sure there is a way to export files from Max to Softimage to use the plugins and all..
 
I can't use the 1280xx1024 either on my 17" monitore. I donwloaded a 1024x768 layout. Whenever you start the program you go to fill, addon, install, go to the directory you have the layout in, select the file and install it. I have found it works very well, not had any problems with this smaller layout, and things that are hidden are not much of a hinderance as you can bring it up quickly. I have found I don't need to flick between what is hidden/not hidden very much anyway.
 
good question how i use xsi ???
Let me tell you that xsi is very similar to 3dsmx 5 and for understand 3dsmax 5 you must read a book which one contain more 300 pages.

so for xsi it s the same thing.
 
Let me tell you that xsi is very similar to 3dsmx 5 and for understand 3dsmax 5 you must read a book which one contain more 300 pages.
Click to expand...

lol if you say so...
 
I did a few tutorials in 3D Studio Max 5 (they are excellent) and these are the first two models I made all by myself.

1. http://www.dinuvian.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/Mirageanimation.avi

2. http://www.dinuvian.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/Dragonanimation.avi

XSI does seem to be very similar, but also has many handy things in it that allow for fast and efficient workflow. I am by no means an expert in either of the programs (a noob actually) but watching the tutorials from www.3dbuzz.com and trying a couple of tutorials I got from the net help alot.

PS. I hope these links work :)
 
Originally posted by Gashtar
Gee, I never thought there would be limitations on the free version of a thousand dollar program.
Click to expand...

Gee, I never thought I would be flamed on an Internet forum... that is the best flame you got...

If you actually looked at my post I was commenting that two of the limitations are pretty crippling in terms of rendering quality images.
 
Originally posted by Gashtar
Gee, I never thought there would be limitations on the free version of a thousand dollar program.
Click to expand...


Bud, try $11,000 dollars for the advanced and around 6 grand for the essential.
 
I have about $35,000 worth of graphics design and 3D software for around $17,000...

It's called...student discounts. ;)
 
I recommend Maya as the one to learn on because many of the interface innovations are brilliant. 3dsmax may make it easier to stick a primitive on the screen, but modeling tools are much better for messing around than actually trying to get your ideas into the computer. Also, Maya's customizable interface means you can eventually use just about the whole screen for your viewports and still have easy access to stuff once you know your way around. Don't know much about XSI except that it also uses a node system like Maya's.
 
you can set max to have the whole screen usable too. +the new right click system gives you access to sh^%loads off stuff. I think softimage looks cool but its gonna be tough relearning another bloody 3d app :/
 
Yes, I'm sure Max has fullscreen viewports too, but what I'm saying about maya is that it's particularly elegant about access to all the menus and tools from a fullscreen mode.
 
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