mdl, md2, md3, dpm, iqm, etc... Optimal model format.

[Ace12GA]

So, what is the optimal model format, that balances work flow, features, and compatibility? It seems most people think iqm is that beast, however I am not so sure.

I have hit a point where I am comfortable sticking to Darkplaces as a mod platform because I like the .dpm model format, and the work flow it creates. It closely follows the half life model work flow, and is easy to code without resorting to CSQC.

The down side of course being that as a mod, restricting to one engine is sort of not considered friendly.

My work flow is as follows:

1) Model, texture, rig and animate in 3DS Max. (I'm using version 7 if anyone cares).

2) Export the base mesh reference(s) to smd. Export the animations to individual smds.

3) Compile the smds into a dpm model.

4) Tweak the origin, rotation, and scale through the dpm model compiler.

5) Done.

I like this workflow. Its clean, easy to go back and make changes, and the animations are easily reusable.

Now, looking at iqm, right up front they have a compiler to build a model from smd files, just like dpm. So in theory the workflow should be the same. It is not however.

Primarily this is in step 4, where you cannot tweak the origin and rotation at compile time. You need to tweak the source files in your source editor each time, and re-export everything, and re-compile everything. So the smooth and easy to use workflow just went out the window due to that lack of feature in the compiler; this can probably be fixed in the compiler.

Finally, iqm compiler has so far generated iqm files that are missing mesh parts (noesis shows this), and crash Darkplaces.

So.. what am I missing, or better, what is the best format to use that will actually work in Darkplaces, and other engines, while maintaining a smooth workflow, and still being skeletal.

I am stubbornly not willing to move to blender for a lot of reasons.

[toneddu2000]

iqm exporter works JUST great on Blender. I also tried to use .smd files sequence like you did but DP crashed too. I think is not the best way. I think IQE is the best method you should use. If you export your model as FBX, you could import it in Blender, export it as iqe and then edit it as you wish, because it's editable! To build the iqm there's the iqm compiler for Windows iirc. Of course there's the blender step in the middle but, hey, you could discover another FABOULOUS tool to use!
Let me know if you have found another simpler step
cheers

[goldenboy]

Check out Noesis.

[Spike]

blender actually has an option to reposition the in-blender viewpoint to match games, or something.

noesis can supposedly import+export everything, which generally means its handy in cases where other tools fail.

[Ace12GA]

I'm familiar with Blender, and to this point I have been trying hard to not start a "my 3d suite is better than yours" pissing match. To be blunt, I do not like Blender. Yes, I have used Blender many times over the last several years, from early versions to current versions (last version I played with was 2.63 last week). I find it clumsy, cumbersome, and lacking. I do like the polygon modeler, which is more similar to Maya than Max (although, Max's poly objects and edit tools are pretty good in newer versions, after they purchased Maya...). Ultimately, I do not have the time to learn a new suite to the level I know 3DS Max; I have two kids, a 3 hour daily commute, and a wife. I have literally been using 3DS Max since version 1; I'm on 9 now, I think.

I am looking for a solution that does not run through Blender in short.

I did look at Noesis, and I can see that the compiled IQM from SMD files is missing mesh parts, and is incomplete. Clearly the SMD compiler portion of the IQM compiler is broken on some fundamental level. It could have been written for the older smd file format from the HL1 tools, or it could simply be missing something. I honestly don't know.

Is the IQM developer active around here, or somewhere? I would be perfectly happy to provide source data for him to work with if it means he can fix the SMD compiler issues.

[leileilol]

eihrul developed iqm, you should be able to find him on anynet irc at least.

I only use IQM to exchange to a different format with Noesis, since 'standard' formats done by those big companies such as fbx and bvh and collada really suck I use IQM to make MDRs and PSKs.

[toneddu2000]

of course it wasn't my intention to force you using Blender!
Iirc Noesis can't import dpm so it could be a problem. I'll check tonight a rather simple process
Keep in mind that, if fbx export is done well you should not suppose to learn Blender. Just open it, import fbx and export it as iqm/iqe. That's it.
But I'm pretty sure that will be another way

[Ace12GA]

[Ace12GA]

Further experimentation has shown me that the path of smd to iqm is not working so far. There are some significant problems with the ability of iqm.exe to properly compile smd files in to an iqm model file. Smd files that work fine with Half Life 2, and Darkplaces dpm compiler, do not work with the iqm compiler sadly. When viewing the resultant files in noesis they are missing large portions of the mesh (whole mesh objects are gone), and the files crash Darkplaces.

I will be trying the path with blender in the middle, but I have to say that so far dpm, while only supported in Darkplaces, is panning out to be a great format. I had some problems with texture paths initially, but otherwise it works great.

[goldenboy]

Whatever works is the best format for you, but I have to say that you seem very set in your ways and expect new stuff to work with what you're currently doing (the SMD thing). This reminds me of mappers unwilling to give up Worldcraft when there are clear benefits to doing so.

Maybe you should just adapt your pipeline if you're looking to use new formats.

[Ace12GA]

[Ace12GA]

[toneddu2000]

[leileilol]

the usual md5sucks WARNING: MD5 LACKS NORMALS

[Ace12GA]