3D Tool

Introduction

This page gives you an simple overview of 3D modeling, animation, and rendering tools used by many custom track authors. To learn about using 3D tools to create custom tracks, read the article Modeling with 3D Editor.

Autodesk 3ds Max

3ds Max is a program for Windows and distributed by Autodesk. It is a powerful 3D tool, widely used by professionals, but it's quite expensive. A free version is available to students.

Links

• Autodesk Homepage
• 3ds Max Design
• Autodesk free versions for students

Blender

Blender is the free open source 3D content creation suite, available for all major operating systems under the GNU General Public License.

Links

• Modeling with Blender
• Blender Homepage

SketchUp

SketchUp, formerly Google Sketchup, is a free modeling program developed by Google, and later Trimble Inc. The DAE exporter might not be compatible with BrawlBox, so a converter or another 3D editor might be needed. There are many other user-made plugins available that can expand the functionality of the free version of SketchUp.

First-time users should complete the basic video tutorials before starting their first model for Mario Kart Wii.

Links

• SketchUp Homepage
• SketchUp Video Tutorials
• TIG's OBJ-exporter used for exporting OBJ files
• TIG's OBJ-importer used for importing OBJ files

Plugins

• CleanUp³ used to purging unused materials, objects, faces, lines and clean and simplify the model (see Slow Motion Bug)
• Point Gadget 2 used to define points, get their coordinates and a list of all points created with coordinates
• Triangulate Tool used to triangulate faces and solids