Google SketchUp

[(RAPTOR)BENSTWO{SGT}]

I know you can use XSI to make custom assets for you mod, but I was wondering if you could also use this program called Google SketchUp. I am pretty shure the awnser will be no, but I am just curious to know.

http://sketchup.google.com/download/

[Teancum]

Nope, just XSI.

[Taivyx]

Well I mean you can create 3d models in other programs, you'll just have to export them to a common format like .obj, then give it to someone who has XSI Foundations to port into battlefront 2.
(that's what I do )

[(RAPTOR)BENSTWO{SGT}]

So will the free virsion work? Also just to make shure I got this right you make a model on sketchup. Then you export it to .obj. Last of all you ship it to someone who has the full virsion of XSI.

[Taivyx]

I know AceMastermind did have some tutorial for the entire process of getting a sketchup model into XSI, but if you can export a sketchup model into obj format using the free version, then yes that would be how to do it.

[(RAPTOR)BENSTWO{SGT}]

Could u please send me a link. Also where is the .obj found in the mod tools?

[Taivyx]

No, the battlefront 2 engine doesn't use .obj as it's 3d model format, it using .msh, which I had hoped you knew by now.
But anyway, when you "ship it off to someone who has XSI Foundations", it's basically asking them to export it to .msh for you, and maybe set it up properly for the export.

[AceMastermind]

How to get content from SketchUp to XSI Mod Tool 7.5:
SketchUp has the ability to export directly to dae (COLLADA 1.4.1) which can be imported into Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 with Crosswalk.

1. Export your object from SketchUp:

• • File>Export>3D Model
  In the Export Model dialog for Export type select COLLADA File (*.dae) and choose a Save in location and give the model a file name then press Export.

2. To import your object into XSI Mod Tool 7.5:

• • File>Crosswalk>Import
  In the ImportCrosswalkOptions dialog browse to the *.dae file to import then press the Import button and you're done!
  You can also just drag and drop the *.dae file into any viewport to import.

3. Follow the guidelines in the art_guide.doc included in the BF2_modtools documentation to complete and prepare the scene required by the msh format for SWBF1/2, then export from Mod Tool 7.5 using XSI ZETools by ANDEWEGET.



If you want to send the scene to someone else to export it to msh for you then export using Crosswalk as Filetype ".xsi 5.0 (text)" and send it to someone who has the full version of XSI.

You could also download one of the four XSI Foundation Trials available and export it yourself using the Pandemic Tools, the links and info are here.


The only real benefit I see from using SketchUp is the ease at which you can apply textures to your models, just click on the paint bucket icon, select a texture and click a face on the model to apply it, but other than this everything else can be done in XSI just as easy.


Alternate tutorial:

Hidden/Spoiler:

You can export your models from SketchUp with THIS (mirror) obj export plugin (tested with SketchUp version 7.1.6860) and import the resulting obj into XSI Mod Tool 7.5 with the improved obj import plugin from THIS webpage or from HERE.

[list]The obj export plugin for SketchUp (ObjExporter.rb) should be placed here:
C:\Program Files\Google\Google SketchUp 7\Plugins

The improved obj import plugin (gwObjImp.dll) for XSI should be placed here:
C:\users\<UserName>\Autodesk\Softimage_Mod_Tool_7.5\Application\Plugins[/list]

To export your model from SketchUp with the ObjExporter select your objects and go to:
Plugins>OBJ Exporter
[list]Type a save destination in the Output directory field and select the options you want, these seem to work well:
[list]Export front faces
Use UVHelper
Export selected only[/list][/list]

To import the obj file into Mod Tool with the improved obj import plugin go to:
[list]File>Import>gw::ObjImport[/list]

If your textures aren't displayed on the object when in Textured display mode you'll have to reassign them.
[list][*]Select the object then press 7 to open the Render Tree
[*]Select the material cluster to work on from the cluster drop down
[*]Refresh the Render Tree window
[*]You will need to add an Image node:
[list]Nodes>Texture>Image[/list]
[*]connect this node to the diffuse port of the Phong material node.
[*]Double click on the Image node then browse to your image for that cluster.
[*]Done, repeat for each cluster if more than one.[/list]

Old Tutorial (obsolete)

Hidden/Spoiler:

In the free version of SketchUp: Go to -> File>Export Model>3D Model
Save it as Google Earth 4 model *.kmz
Then change the .kmz file extension to a .zip file extension.
Extract the contents
Open the extracted folder and inside will be a couple of folders,
the "models" folder contains a .dae (COLLADA) file that can be imported into Autodesk Softimage 7.5 Mod Tool,
the "images" folder contains your textures that go with that model.
Place your textures in the same folder as the dae file before importing.

In the free Autodesk Softimage 7.5 Mod Tool: Go to ->File>Crosswalk>Import
Browse to the location of your dae file and click on "Import".

You can get older versions of SketchUp here.

[wazmol]

I used to use SketchUp as a first step but, when you compare it to XSI, it just sucks completely.

If you want to be modeling, some decent props ect. Get the XSI modtool 6. And there are a number of decent sites on tutorials. Digital-Tutors is a free one, with a mild selection. The getting started tutorials are best.

But still, its just choice. I mean at least 2 very decent modelers here at GT use 3D studio max (3ds) and it works very well for them. However, due to most of us here being based around the Star Wars: Battlefront games we have just got used to XSI.

Sure, use Milkshape, SketchUp, XSI, 3ds. But remember, there is only 2 decent gateways into getting a custom model ingame and that is through the use of:
1. XSI full versions, pandemic tool.
and,
2. RepSharpshooters .obj-.msh converter.

As i said before its all about choice and what fits your style.

Good Luck.

[(RAPTOR)BENSTWO{SGT}]

Thanks everybody so much for the help. I think I will give both A try and see which one I like better.

[PsYcH0_]-[aMsT3r]

LOL! I never knew you could do this. I love sketchup personally and might even model with it since its nice and simple.

[Eaol]

Eh, I'm a bit new to the Softimage Mod Tool Program mentioned above. Why exactly is it that my textures don't show up in the program after I import a .dae model and put it on textured view? I have placed the textures in the same folder as the models, but they wont show. All I get is an invisible model with a floating window pane in the center(its the only part that shows up). Tell me if this is the wrong thread lol.

[AceMastermind]

http://www.gametoast.com/forums/viewtop ... 45#p337345

I may end up merging that topic with this one to keep it all together...

[B-1Burt]

Hey thanks, I saw that thread a while back but didn't download the exporter. And seeing as how I have some models I need converted this is just perfect. We need a "All Modeling Exporting Solutions" thread for the FAQ's.