Idiot Proof Modding tutorial

[mrmcp1]

I am not sure if this is the correct place to post this but does anyone know of a tutorial (preferably a video series) that gives step by step instructions on how to make a simple part. I have tried to look but either they only cover one part of making a part or look far too complected. I can just about grasp how to make a model (but find it difficult) but I don't know were to go from there. Thanks for any help.

[xrayfishx]

A better idea would be to ask for help when you get stuck. Show some pictures if necessary and explain what you are having problems with.

[astropapi1]

A better idea would be to ask for help when you get stuck. Show some pictures if necessary and explain what you are having problems with.

Damnit man, I check my mouse every time I see your sig!

[Justin Kerbice]

Maybe you could take a look at the sticky thread of add-on dev sub-forum, which hold a lot of useful informations to start modding and if you are not good at modelling, check for your software dedicated tutorials (better than absolutely wanting a "modelling for KSP tutorial" as the basics are the same for everything).

[mrmcp1]

Thanks for the suggestions, I have used googlesketchup before would that do to start with.

[nli2work]

don't use sketchup. don't use sketchup. don't use sketchup. one more time. don't use sketchup.

[mrmcp1]

don't use sketchup. don't use sketchup. don't use sketchup. one more time. don't use sketchup.

Ok, can you recommend any other software that is easy to use.

[Justin Kerbice]

don't use sketchup. don't use sketchup. don't use sketchup. one more time. don't use sketchup.

Before writing this, you may take a look at this article.

[WooDzor]

don't use sketchup. don't use sketchup. don't use sketchup. one more time. don't use sketchup.

Why? Never finished my little project, but managed to easily get a sketch-up model into unity..

Edited June 27, 2014 by WooDzor

[nli2work]

"The problem lies in the fact that SketchUp is just so well designed and so easy to start with that lots of users jump into modeling straight away, prior to learning about any optimization techniques, general modeling rules, and so on (which is generally not a bad thing unless it involves someone else trying to use the resulting models)." That's one way to look at it.

I claim SketchUp is specifically designed so users can avoid learning optimization techniques, general modeling rules, and so on... It's not impossible if you want to use Sketchup, but you can avoid some headaches if you learn "optimization techniques, general modeling rules, and so on.", in something like max, maya, modo, blender. I used to be big user of Wings3D because it was so stream lined and quick to learn; but in the end it was lacking in the tools necessary for real-time 3d assets and I had to give it up and use 3dsMax. I believe SketchUp is the same.

At the end of the day, if your assets works in game, and is easily passable to a different artist, that what matters.

Let me rephrase: I strongly recommend against learning real-time asset creation with SketchUp.

Edited June 27, 2014 by nli2work

[nli2work]

Sorry for pushing this off topic.

here's a good video tutorial by nifty255 on making a part for OP

[frizzank]

Maya LT is $30 right now on steam. Its a good package to learn and is used a lot.

re.steampowered.com/app/243580/

Blender is free. Has some quirks but you get what you pay for.

http://www.blender.org/

3ds Max offers a free 3year student version.

http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/3ds-max

[Kerba Fett]

For simple non animated parts you might want to look at Wings 3d. It just does modeling and has no animation tools so I find the interface simpler than Blender.

There is also a video tutorial on YouTube that's pretty easy to understand on how to make a fuel tank from start to finish.

(google it or search YouTube for KSP modding)

A lot of people like Blender. It's also free and can do animated parts, but I find it confusing and don't like it much.

[mrmcp1]

Sorry for pushing this off topic.

here's a good video tutorial by nifty255 on making a part for OP

Thanks that video series looks very useful. Also thanks for the advice I will check out some of those other programs.

[Guest]

Sketchup is free and it works just fine for simple models and people like me who just model for fun.

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/entries/1386-Sketchup-to-Blender-to-Unity-to-KSP.

You are still going to need Blender to clean up the model and make the uv map. There are ways to get around using Blender, but they are a major pain.