posted 04-14-2001 07:33 AM          

NOTE: I will no longer be updating this thread on this forum. Look for updates in the Modeling and Skinning thread in the forums at MapCenter. Or go here for the direct link to the thread.

It's been fun. See you in the resource thread's new home.

Paul

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These posts are a selection of links relating to the process of making, skinning, and animating models specifically for Quake III Arena. Each post contains content specific to a particular phase of model creation, exporting, mapping and skinning.

If you encounter a broken link, let me know in any of these threads, let me know.

/??/ Means site is known to be down. We hope it comes back.
\DL-#K\ Means it is a direct download link to a file. For movies, you may want to right click and do a save as rather than try to download and play them. The "#K" represents the size of the file, if known.

Model Making Tools
MilkShape 3D: animator, modeler, game format converter.
\DL-88K\ Meshtools v2.5: Meshtools has been updated. This is the latest version. Learn more about this tool from the meshtools site. This 3DS Max r3 and r4 plug-in provides some "must" have tool features for mesh modeling.
gmax: gmax is Discreet’s “lite” and free version of 3D Studio Max. Software and tutorials found here.
DazGmax Importer script:Imports .dxf files into gmax
Model format import scripts for gmax: a selection of scripts that greatly expands what model formats can be imported … including wavefront OBJ and autodesk 3DS.
N'Pherno's .MD3 comiler: MAx to md3 converter with an md3 viewer.
Anim8or: Splines, Paths and Lathes to Supplement MilkShape
/??/.md3 export-only plug-in for 3DSMax r4: Pop 'n Fresh's Exporter upgraded to work with Max 4
\DL\ Alternate download for Pop 'n Fresh Exporter
OpenFX - free modeling tool: No word on whether this can output a q3dta compatible file.
Pakrat: MD3 view for the Mac (only).
www.maxplugins.de/: A site with free plugins for all versions of 3DS Max.
Lightwave .md3 exporter: Import/Export Plugins for modifying and creating Q3A or Q3:TA models in Lightwave. Updated for v6.5.
3dexe: 3dexe is a free utility from Gradiant Studios that converts a 3D Studio Max 3DS format file and a .tga file into a standalone Open-GL model viewer (for that model).
Maya v3.0 .md3 exporter: The Quake Rally team has made this tool to create Q3A md3 models from Maya files. Does not work with v4.0 of Maya.
www.blender.nl: A relatively low cost modeling tool, that can be used in conjunction with Milkshape or gmax to export Q3A models.
Win3D Converter: 3D file converter utility for the the PC. This is a commercial product.
ProgMesh: A Polygon reduction tool that works with Max 3DS r.4 formats (and others). Reduce polycount on very complex models.
qview: A model viewer for Quake engine models (quake, Q2, Q3A)
Noserider's Q3A model viewing config file: A .cfg file for viewing models inside the game.
Scriptspot: A website dedicated to 3DS Max plug-in scripts.

Model Making Tutorials

Psionic's Milkshape 3D Tutorials: Tutorials on modeling and skinning in MS3D.
Modeling a Simple Spaceship: And entry level 3DS Max tutorial by Max "Ghoul" Shelekhov.
ChumbalumsOft's tutorials links page: Links to specific tutorials for using Milkshape 3D and some other non-specific links.
Converting an md2 model to an md3 model: Jon "Shine" Jones goes through the steps of converting a single piece model into a 3 part model. Features NPherno tool.
Surface Tools for Low Poly Modeling: Scott Ruggels shows a method for modeling from a drawing.
Max AVI tutorial: modeling "principles" can be applied to MilkShape/Animator
3D Artists: General modeling tutorials.
Box-modeling
Tips & Tricks: By Paul Steed
3DS-Max Tutorial: Multipage tutorial by Zeo-Cartin using 3DS Max.
Backburner Export Tutorial: focuses on exporting a weapon model.
Modeling and UVW Unwrap: Downloadable Videos.
Map Object Model creation: Todd Gantzler's (toddg33) tutorial on making and skinning a simple map object model.
Q3A Head making Tutorial: Instructions from Max Breedon on making stand alone head models for regualr Q3A.
Models to Quake 3 Arena?: Tutorial by Ben Moss has a lot of info on the support files needed to make Q3A models work.
Introduction to modelling using Milkshape 3D part 1: Beginner's Milkshape 3D Tutorial by Ben Moss.
Mesh Modeling All The Way: Mesh Modeling in 3DS Max by Claes Wikdahl, focusing on Mesh Smooth modifier.
Modelling a realistic weapon : MoRPHeuSS shows how to make a simple weapon model based on a weapon photo.
Low Polygon Modeling for 3D Computer Games: Modeling a Light Post with 3 Different Polygon Limits in 3D Studio MAX by Max Zeilke
Max Modeling Tutorials: These tend to be more general in nature, that is not game related.
LightWave Modeling Tutorials: Tutorials for modeling with the Lightwave tool.
Modeling in Max (some Max tricks too).: Some1 shows using Max to build a face with a lot of character.
Beginner-oriented MAX tutorial: NilreMK shows some of the basics in modelling with 3DS Max r4, but skips through some areas easy, so it's not a "for dummies" tut....
Modeling Tutorial in Maya: Undertow shows how to use the Maya tools to create a single mesh human figure.
Convert a Blender model into Milkshape or gmax: Polycount thread post by biotek detailing the process of converting a model made in Blender into other formats. Many link resources.
General Model Optimization & Skinmapping Tips: HyPer shows how to manually (and intelligently) reduce poly count on a model.
Timelapse Modeling: A number of modelers show how they work a model or part of a model
\DL\ Bay Raitt's Time Lapse Box Modeling movie: Bay Raitt shows box modeling in Mirai in this .avi (very similar to working in Max).
More Bay Raitt Time Lapse videos: Short .gif file animations of modeling several subjects in Mirai. Similar to box modeling.
\DL\ Modeling Anime-style head: Timelapse movie by Zytrox showing head modeling. Very large download. (40MB)

GMAX Specific Tools and Tutorials
\DL-54K\ Skullbox's IK & FK setup example files: Two .gmax setups, one FK and one IK and animated walk cycle of the IK setup.

posted 10-14-2001 09:02 AM          

Psionic's Milkshape 3D Tutorials: Tutorials on modeling and skinning in MS3D.Texporter: A 3Ds Max (r3 & r4) plugin that converts and exports model mapping coordinates into a bit map.
Chilliskinner: This is a UVW making tool for use with 3DS Max r2.5 through r4. Recent updated to version 3.0.1
LithUnWrap: A stand-alone unwrapping tool. Works with the file formats of many modeling programs. Tutorials on the site.
Alias/Wavefront Utility Markers: These textures have a tool-like quality to them. They are set up so as to aid aligning textures during mapping.

UVW Skin Mapping & Unwrapping Tutorials
Creating Skin Mesh Images for Q3:A With Milkshape OR NPherno's GL Viewer:Harlequin's tutorial for getting a mesh layout from an existing MD3 model.
Ishtar's Unwrapping Tutorial: Ishstar of Quarantine Mod uses 3DS Max, ChilliSkinner and Texporter in this step by step.
UVW Unwrap Tutorial: This one by Maverik uses texporter on weapon
Chilliskinner Tutorials: Intructions for unwrapping a variety of model types.
unwrap the mesh
Mapping with UVW Unwrap in 3dsMax:
Intoduction to modeling using Milkshape 3D part 2: Skinning: Ben Moss tutorial on creating a skin map using Milkshape 3D.
Bug Limb Tutorial: Dave King shows some texture unwrap techniques and goes into material creation (not entirely applicable to Q3A modeling).
Skinning a Realistic Weapon: MoRPHeuSS shows how he creates the map for a weapon skin.
UnWrap the Skin of Character Model: HyPer shows how to select pieces of a model for planar mapping.
Unwrap Tutorial-Advanced: HyPer Unwraps a more complicated model.
Rorshach on Proper Unwrapping: Rorshach uses before and after references to show good skin map layouts.

MD3 Exporting Tutorials
Exporting model to Q3A with q3data: Polycount tutorial explaining the export process.
Export using Pop'N Fresh and NPherno's MD3 Compiler: NilreMK shows how to use these two tools to export a model.
Exporting from 3DsMax/gmax to md3: maverik walks through exporting and correcting the export of an md3 made in gmax.
Mapping and Unwrapping in gmax: Lisa milan shows how to unwrap an aircraft model in gmax.

Animating Tools
Q3 Dopesheet: A spreadsheet form for those working on animation configs for Quake3 models.
Animation Master from Hash: This lower cost modeling and animating program can export DXF model formats and BVH animation files ... which should be able to be converted through other low cost programs.

Animating Tutorials
Walking the Walk: Paul Steed on creating a Walk Animation
Adjusting Your Biped: Paul Steed on adjusting biped form to fit model in Character Studio
Character Studio (part 2): Paul Steed, part 2 of biped tutorial
IK Blends in Character Studio
Bringing a Character to Life: Character studio tutorial
How to animate wings using Character Studio: SkullboX shows how to use "dummies" to add additional controls to the standar CS biped.
Animating Weapons: This is programming oriented tutorial on animating weapons in first person view.
Setting up a Q3A model with a 3DS Max biped: Paul steed shows an in-depth walkthrough on connecting and adjusting the biped model to a character.
Dragonknight walk cycle video: Magarnigal, the author of the quake2 quake3 Dragon Knight, shows how he animated the walk cycle for the quake3 version. (13.4 mg download ... Requires divx codec for display)
Rigging a Leg in gmax: Skullbox shows how it's done in this polycount forum post.
\DL-10.1MB\http://www.3dbuzz.com/downloads/Char_Rigging_7Min.avi: An .avi movie (with audio narration!) about doing IK rigging on a leg. Done in Maya, but probably relevant for 3DS Max too.

posted 10-14-2001 09:05 AM          

Skin Making Tutorials
Team Skins ... making the files work: Chemical Burn explains how to make team skin files work in Q3A v1.29h and up.
Quake 3 Voodoo - A Beginners Guide to Shaders: Harlequin walks the beginner through creating the scripts that are the core of Q3A's special effects department.
baneforge: Chemical Burn has tutes on Pakfile making, skin making, and creating an alpha channel.
Harelequin's qbranch: Harlequin shows how to set up a skin layout, create several texture effects, has one of the best shader tutorials, and has an avi of his work in action on painting a head model.
gameart
skintutor: Slaine focuses primarily on Q1 and Q2 model skin painting. Still, some good painting techniques here.
PC Resources for Photoshop: interesting photoshop tutorials and a lot of links.
Painting Hair: Bladekiller shows how she does hair.
Painting Armor: The king of Daveness shows how he paints body armor.
Bug Limb Tutorial: Dave King shows some texture unwrap techniques and goes into material creation (something not entirely applicable to Q3A modeling).
Skinning Visor: Rorshach discusses how to best work with the Visor model and mesh (from the original Q3Test).
Dark_Horizon video tutorial #1, tutorial #2, tutorial #3, tutorial #4, tutorial #5 : These five downloadable .avi files [not streaming video] show Dark_Horizon working on the face of his cacodemon skin. The files total about 130+ meg and the vids run about 9-10 minutes long. You will need the Techsmith's Camtasia Player codec to make the videos run.
Redlemons’ Paint Shop Pro tutorials: This is a nifty collection of how-to’s for painting Q3A appropriate game content using Paint Shop Pro v6.
Digital Painting: Darrel Pattenden shows how to creating an organized arrangement of layers for painting skin

General Painting Tutorials
DigitalFusion: A number of "special effects" techniques.
Orion net photoshop tutorials: A collection of fairly basic photoshop useage tutorials.
Adobe Photoshop- digital hair: Nuts and bolts tutorial on creating hair on photographs, including creating custom brushes.
dhaibih
3dpalette tutorials page: More general in nature
3dcafe
Redlemons’ Paint Shop Pro tutorials: This is a nifty collection of how-to’s for painting Q3A appropriate game content using Paint Shop Pro v6, including making Icons and some general skinning tips.
Wacom's Photoshop Tips: Some tips and tricks for doing some basic things with Photoshop.

posted 10-14-2001 09:07 AM          

Bot Tutorials and Resources
Bot Building 101: Brian "Slug" McDonald walks you through building bots.
Slug's Docfiles: Documents Slug Refers to in his tutorial. Get them.
Q3ABotEdit.zip: MrElusive's Original Bot Editing Documents
FilePlanet mirror for above
Adding New Bots in Quake 3: Arena: Eutectic's tutorial on the topic
Bot CVARS: From Commander Keen's list of Q3A variable commands, most of the bot related ones are here.
DeadZoneHQ: another source for the bot cvar list.
Bot Epidemic Q3A page: Other bots for Q3A.
Optimizing Maps for Bots: Includes recommendations and bot creation and more cvar data.
Bot Section of Q3Radiant Manual

Miscellaneous Tools & Utilities
Turkey McRibb Site:: A site with a generic pak file creation tool.
Pakrat, a PK3 creator: For Macintosh computer only.

Audio/Voice/Sound Resources
VoxFeminae: Caryn "Hellchick" Law's site on making voices and sounds for games ... several tutorials on various subjects.

Quake III Model & Skin Sources
polycount Quake III Arena skin archive
Q3Center: Has some models that haven't shown up on polycount yet.
Quake Female Skin Archive: skins for female models
Baneforge: Chemical Burn's place.
qbranch: Harlequin's place
http://www.quakequakequake.com/
dukieskinz
ChiQ.Net: Domain of Milla, the skinner formerly known as "ChiQ".
Gutboy's hole: Gutboy's stuff and his favorite models/skins by other artists
Quakerszone Skin page: Some very distinctive, well-rendered skins for many models. Be warned ... this site's web page automatically goes full screen and removes your browser menu bars.
U Must Die: A skin repository with an interesting presentation.
Map Object Model source: Bill Brooks has created the most complete (to date) source for map models created for Q3A.

posted 10-14-2001 09:09 AM          

Editing Links

posted 11-19-2001 07:10 AM          

The pop 'n fresh tools for 3DS Max r3 do both import and export.

posted 11-24-2001 06:50 AM          

11/24/2001
* Tutorial by Maverk on exporting with gmax
* New link to the ISO Milkshape modeling tutorial AVIs
* Link under Resources to Maverik's modeling tutorial page.
* Bot Tutorials section and a number of links therein.

11/27/2001
Alias/Wavefront Utility Markers: These textures have a tool-like quality to them. They are set up so as to aid aligning textures during mapping.

posted 12-03-2001 03:50 PM           

I just downloaded Milkshape 1.5.9, surfed this topic, and came away with enough knowledge and skillz to make trees fall in the Amazonas!
I was even able to make my first head.
(Yay!)

posted 12-04-2001 05:05 PM           

This is one Harle posted to Polycount's board - very good tutorial.

posted 12-31-2001 07:37 AM          

Added Dec. 31, 2001:
Psionic's Milkshape 3D Tutorials: Tutorials on modeling and skinning in MS3D.

Added Jan 10 2002:
Noserider's Q3A model viewing config file: A .cfg file for viewing models inside the game.

posted 01-12-2002 06:13 AM           

I just realized that it seems to be a md3 export plugin only

So long

P.S. I haven't tested the plugin yet, so I don't know whether it works or if there are any changes !

posted 01-15-2002 06:25 AM          

Added January 15, 2002
MODELING TUTORIALS
\DL-88K\ Meshtools v2.5: Meshtools has been updated. This is the latest version. Learn more about this tool from the meshtools site. This 3DS Max r3 and r4 plug-in provides some "must" have tool features for mesh modeling.

Scriptspot: A website dedicated to 3DS Max plug-in scripts.

ANIMATING TUTORIALS
\DL-10.1MB\http://www.3dbuzz.com/downloads/Char_Rigging_7Min.avi: An .avi movie (with audio narration!) about doing IK rigging on a leg. Done in Maya, but probably relevant for 3DS Max too.

posted 01-15-2002 10:50 AM          

The sound on that file is hardley hearable, how'd you get the volume up?

posted 01-16-2002 06:37 AM          

I seem to be missing the audio codec for this download. Anybody got any ideas?

------------------
My maps:
God of Emptiness Prayer Of Hatred CTF

posted 01-26-2002 07:00 AM           

Btw, heres my latest, figuerd it should be added too http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~polycount/ubb/Forum8/HTML/000382.html?00006

posted 03-15-2002 10:54 PM           

[This message has been edited by Troodon : 03-15-2002.]

posted 03-16-2002 06:56 AM          

You may want to check the the computer art sections of your local bookstore for good books on animating ... though they won't specifically tell you how to rig and animate a Q3A character.

Edit: This entry level book on animation has a great rating on amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0517886022/qid=1016291530/sr=5-6/ref=cm_lm_asin/102-3648919-4054508