I have looked at the Marvelous Designer a number of times but have been put off by comments about the limitation of it only producing triangles.  I was hoping that MD3 would be able to produce quads but according to the forum, while MD3 was expected to have quads, it does not have yet.  

I am again tempted but as quads have been promised for so long I am reluctant to purchase on the promise of 'quads to come'.  At the moment it is a free download so I have a chance to use it so, to ensure I make the most of the opertunity, can anyone already using MD let me now their thoughts and experiences.

Get it, learn it, love it.

No quads, still,  probably not ever.

Tri-polys are still very usable in Poser's cloth room as dynamic clothing, or the static object can be used in either Poser or DAZ Studio; so if you want to render in another program, it's a great option.  

(Although, personally, I prefer doing any dynamic simulations inside MD as it is soooo much easier and quicker!!)

I'm new to MD3. Can somebody explain me how I can get the arrangement set for V4?

You really don't need a seperate arrangement set.  When you import V4 as an avatar, the dots still work well with minimal adjustments.  I've never needed anything additional.

But the dots for the arms are in a totally different pose. That doesn't matter?

I will try it later. :)

It will still curve your 2-d textures into an arm shaped arc or cylinder.  You might have to move a thing up or down a bit before sim, but it's no biggie.

I keep reading about how you're supposed to be able to sew in the 3d window now...does anyone know if this is true?  I can't find anything on how to do it.

Quote - It will still curve your 2-d textures into an arm shaped arc or cylinder.  You might have to move a thing up or down a bit before sim, but it's no biggie.

 

I keep reading about how you're supposed to be able to sew in the 3d window now...does anyone know if this is true?  I can't find anything on how to do it.

Not sure, I have only just downloaded the beta from the revamped site.  I am trying to find more details of what MD3 different to MD2 but other than a few case studies and some short tutorials there is not a lot of info.  In fairness the site seems to have come live either late last night or this morning (UK time) as it was not working last thing before I crashed out.  

From what I can see, there is really no difference except UI in the new Beta.  In fact, the new UI makes certain areas of workflow less intuitive, slowing you down.

As far as I can tell, almost zero feature requests and/or promises for features were fulfilled for the new version, and there's been little to no interaction from the makers in their own forums for what feels like two years.

That said, an amazing piece of software.

Quote - From what I can see, there is really no difference except UI in the new Beta.  In fact, the new UI makes certain areas of workflow less intuitive, slowing you down.

As far as I can tell, almost zero feature requests and/or promises for features were fulfilled for the new version, and there's been little to no interaction from the makers in their own forums for what feels like two years.

That said, an amazing piece of software.

 

 

That has always been my problem, it looks truly amazing but it has taken me a long time to learn Poser and I have only done so with the help of forums like this.  I have been tempted to purchase MD more than once but I have seen others state that they have purchased it an not used it very much because of getting the finished product usable in Poser.  Others have stated that it is almost easier to start from scratch.  Even then it looks a great tool for running through ideas quickly.  

The beta is a free download so no problem with cost but I am reluctant to spend a lot of time if it is of little use and would rather spend the time trying to improve my modelling skills in other programs such as Silo.

It does seem a shame though that something taht appears to be quite special seems to lack support from the creaters.

The people who say they can't use it because they can't get the stuff into poser...these people are those who want to sell things.

Making clothes for still renders is so easy that I don't even keep them anymore unless they take me longer than an hour to throw together.  Making clothes for a still image is the most fun I get in the process. 

Animation is feasibly just as easy but I haven't screwed with it yet.

So if selling a finished project is your goal, you'll be disappointed somewhat, but if you're just doing your thing for you, it's delightful.

I rarely buy clothes anymore.  If I see something I like, I just try to make it in marv.

Attached Link: My first MD animation

If you need a dedicated Arrangement setup for V4: load the default setup (for the MD avatar) and use "Show bounding volume".  this shows the cylinders that the arrangement points are set onto.  These cylinders can be scaled, rotated and re-positioned as you like, and then save the result with a new name, such as "V4 arrangement" for later use.  There were some pre-made in the old MD freebies archive, but with the new website, a lot of things aren't currently available.  

For William_the_Bloody:  I, too, never got into the MD animation side (being a still image artist myself), until just a few weeks ago.  It turned out to be pretty easy to figure out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HeojUUlO6c

and there are plenty of folks at the MD forum who have been working on getting MD animations into other rendering programs, so the information is out there, for anyone who is interested in that side of things.

As for the 'sewing in the 3d window' thing, that was there briefly in Version 2, but seems to have been dropped since.  Don't know why.

And to the general appearance that the company hasn't been around their own forums much, remember that this is a very small company, and much of their research/development team's time this last year has been spent trying to crack the tri-poly to quad conversion problem.  And while they haven't been able to do it (heck, it took ** Pixologic** a while to get there, and ZBrush is a much bigger, older program), the MD team does listen to it's user base.  

Thank you so much Rosemaryr, it works. :)

I would argue that they don't.

"Reverse Normals" has been on the request forum since the first month of release, and to date not only has it not been done, but completely ignored...no response as to why they can't or won't do it...just one big lead balloon.

Nobody liked the new way properties works, and that didn't seem to matter to anyone nor, again, did they comment on it.

It's like stuffing prayers into the wailing wall, except that sometimes that works.

Well I think I will give up on the 'open beta' .  I managed the open an MD account and activate it.  I downloaded the program and installed it but if I try and launch asks for a ID and Password.  I entered the details for the account but it then says no license.

Tried to log back into the site using the same details for earlier today but it will not log me in.  Use me email address to confirn my user ID which is what I used.  Used the same email for the password but it sasy email not found.  Try to register again and it says my user ID is already uesd and so in my Email.  If this is a sample of the attention to detail I think I will give this program a miss for a few months yet.

I can't download the open ver 3 beta, the download button does nothing (tried different browsers/machines). Is it supposed to be working now?

It must be intermittent becuase I started yesterday with the problem you're having then one time I randomly was able to get it, install it, and log in to it no problemo.

I don't think the site's quite up and running as it should be yet. Think I'll try again in a couple of days.

Indeed they appear to have some startup problems with the new site. MD3 works fine for me, but I agree in some aspects my expereince is a step back from MD2. Also, some of the new functions do not work as promised. One strong point: Simulation seems to work better and more smoothly.

Wish I could get that far, last night I could not long into the site now I have managed to log in but I cannot sign out.  Unable to update my profile or change my passoword and I still cannot launch the software.

I have even tried to de-activate my account and got the warning I would not be able to use the software or re-register with the same ID or Email.  Guess what, I can't even deactivate it.

Still it has made my mind up after considering this for so long.....great idea, shame about the company.  Not for me.

"I went to McDonalds last night after midnight and tried to get a Filet O' Fish sandwich, but they aren't making them after 12 anymore, so I guess that's it for me and McDonalds forever..."

Quote - "I went to McDonalds last night after midnight and tried to get a Filet O' Fish sandwich, but they aren't making them after 12 anymore, so I guess that's it for me and McDonalds forever..."

 

 

Point taken but if that was the case you would have been able to decide you liked Filet O' Fish for a good few months.  I have been trying to decide if MD, in whatever version, was of use to me and if it was worth investing time in it.  As I am very much in my advanced years I tend to try and concentrate my efforts where they would be most productive.  So it is very much a very personal decision based upon my situation, but I have decided I would rather spend time on Silo for making some clothes as I have purchased it and is working.  I just think time spent here is preferable to spending time getting another program working that may or may not meet my needs.

That would go for any peice of software not just MD, infact that is also true for another well known piece of 3D software but I am not trying to start any flame war or upset anyone. I really do like the look of MD but as I am unable to decide for myself I will move on.  

I am really happy for those that do use it and get fun from it and in no way am I trying to rain on their parade. Just sort of sorry I even started this thread now but it was an honest attempt to try and work with it.

If your problem is on accounts and activation maybe you just picked a bad moment for your retry. MD for reasons best known to themselves did choose to combine a peak in data traffic (people downloading Beta MD3) and new registrations with the launch of a new website that appears to be less than ready for service.

I use a 'floating' license, that is I use different computers and activate and de-activate at every session. For me this works and has worked without problems also over the last weeks. 

Experience with other 3D packages is not an advantage per se when using MD. It helps, but the approach of MD is different form the start. Experience in actual cutting and seaming of fabric may be more helpful than experience in 3D modelers.

Quote -  

Experience with other 3D packages is not an advantage per se when using MD. It helps, but the approach of MD is different form the start. Experience in actual cutting and seaming of fabric may be more helpful than experience in 3D modelers.

  

Thanks for that, as my skills with cutting fabric is well below my minimal skills in 3D you comments are useful.  In fact in most cases I am not allowed to work/play with anything sharp.

I also understand that your comments regards the web site and I may well try again in a few weeks when things have settled down.

I would also add I am based in the UK which is having a heat wave at present (or for other parts of the world a period of mildly hot weather) and I have never coped with the heat well, a situation that has got worse with age.  I only mention this as it may explain if my responses seem a little more impatient/non-sensical than normal.

Quote - Making clothes for still renders is so easy that I don't even keep them anymore unless they take me longer than an hour to throw together. Making clothes for a still image is the most fun I get in the process.

Forgive the blundering newb careening about the thread knocking stuff over, but I'm interested. This sounds very similar to my current workflow using the Poser cloth room. I hack a basic mesh together, simulate it to my target pose (often in a separate stripped-down scene file), export and tinker, import, render, discard. I hadn't realised that MD could work that way.

Is there an affordable hobbyist licence? I can't seem to get any pricing information or feature comparisons from the site, just an invitation to try the beta, and I'm not sure I'd be up to speed with it by mid-August. The sun is shining and Real Life beckons. :)

I seem to recall that the full version was eye-wateringly expensive, but in view of WtB's workflow I may only need whatever the basic version is.  

I think I paid special introductary price of 100 when 2 first came out.  Maybe they'll do the same for 3?

HaHa... yes. While I love MD to bits I do have problems as I know absolutley nothing about real world sewing. Even some of the terms have me completely lost. I do enjoy constructing my own stuff, but I'm really hoping for the day when some of the really talented MD clothing creators out there get their own stores going and save me from my terrible sewing efforts!  :biggrin:

Still having no luck with downloading the beta, but I'm happy with MD2 for now anyway - MD3 didn't get quads did it?

nope

Indeed pricing info is still missing. For MD2 they had 3 levels of license, with the 'personal' license indeed selling at or around USD 200.-, a 'developer' license at abt USD 400.- and an 'enterprice' license at USD around 600.- In the latter two versions the animation editor plug-in (USD 100.-) was included, but otherwise functionality was the same. The choice of license had consequences for what you were allowed to do with the models. I frogot full details, but as I understood it, my personal license allows me to sell models only at the MD marketplace and make generated .obj's available as freebie, and of course otherwise I am free to use the models in my own artwork.  

I understand that as a registered MD2 user I have a 50% discount on an upgrade to MD3 until 15 July 2014. Consequently, I think there will be no or far less introductory pricing for new users.  

By the way, the MD site appears to be on the way up. 

3. Permitted Uses and Restrictions.

(1) ¡°Personal License¡± is a named-user license which restricts the use of the software to the person who purchased that license. The license allows for installation of the software on different computers (at work and/or at home), provided that multiple instances of the software will not be used at the same time. A Personal License is not available to a company or an individual who expects reimbursement of the license fee from a company. A Personal License is property of an individual who have purchased it using his/her own funds and should be limited to only one per each individual. Transfer of a personal license to a company or other individuals is prohibited by this License Agreement. Personal License is categorized into two products, Basic and Advanced. Advanced Personal License includes several more features compared to Basic License as notified on the website. The pricing is different for each License. Licensee may sell or distribute its original works and their derivatives in any file formats and Licensor acknowledges that it has no right, title, or interest in and to any such original works and their derivates. The usage is prohibited in companies, government organizations and educational organizations.

(2) ¡°Enterprise Licenses¡± are available to legal entities, including, government organizations and educational organizations. Enterprise Licenses that are registered in a legal entity name allow for use of the software on any computer, operating system, and by any employees within a legal entity, provided that the total number of concurrent users never exceeds the number of purchased licenses. Licensee may sell or distribute its original works and their derivatives in any file formats and Licensor acknowledges that it has no right, title, or interest in and to any such original works and their derivates.

(3) ¡°Trial License¡± is granted to use the Software for evaluation purposes without charge for specified period. Licensee's use of the Software shall be limited to the internal evaluation of the Software for the sole purpose of determining whether the Software meets Licensee's requirements and whether Licensee desires to continue use of the Software.

Seeing this I presume MD will forgive me taking a small step ahead and tase you all and attach a little something of my own making: A corset for Antonia. Link above. Remove the .txt at the end. 

BTW: the basis was the original pattern here: http://www.tudorlinks.com/treasury/freepatterns/w1869scorset.html

thanks to this thread and an artist in DA I finally dl'ed the beta on MD...fought with it for about a week. seriously thought I was going to pull my hair out.  BUT then it worked for me. Now....I can through an outfit out in about two hours.

As for the issue some have of bringing it into poser? I have had no issue(except for sizing the OBJ down to fit v4 again >.<) In fact the first render I did with my first dress because I couldnt get it to do what I wanted in MD I did it in poser and was plesantly surprised and the drape in poser.

All I can say is get it, learn it. You WILL love it.

Quote - As for the issue some have of bringing it into poser? I have had no issue(except for sizing the OBJ down to fit v4 again >.<) In fact the first render I did with my first dress because I couldnt get it to do what I wanted in MD I did it in poser and was plesantly surprised and the drape in poser.

I wrote a tutorial earlier this week (Rendo has to approve it though) detailing how to get an avatar from Poser to MD, how to get your Poser pose into MD, and how to export your draped clothing item from MD and get it into Poser.  No scaling needed.  No idea when they'll or if they'll approve it.

 This part is pretty easy:

Import your m4/V4 into MD using Import>OBJ and click on the AutoScale box. 

For export: Select the cloth pieces, and click on the 8' Poser scale.  When importing in Poser, uncheck the "Centered" and "Percent of Standard Figure Size" boxes.  It should then come in perfectly.  

Quote -

As for the issue some have of bringing it into poser? I have had no issue(except for sizing the OBJ down to fit v4 again >.<) In fact the first render I did with my first dress because I couldnt get it to do what I wanted in MD I did it in poser and was plesantly surprised and the drape in poser.

All I can say is get it, learn it. You WILL love it.

Official Poser scale is 8.6' in one Poser unit. Figure designers tend to scale their figures at 8' to a Poser unit, so when you use the 100% scale export your figure in MD will be 8.6/8 = 1.075 times too large. Now this does not sound serious, but a female figure intended to be an average 1.68 m tall becomes 1.075*1.68 = 1.81 m tall.

This does not matter as long as you just use MD to make clothes 'as fitted'. However if you work to real life examples fom for example Burdastyle you suddenly need to scale the patterns.  

I suggest therefore to use export from Poser at a slightly reduced scale of 93%, and fit the clothes to that. Then if you choose the 1 Poser unit = 8'  export scale, you will get a nice fit. If you used a full scale avatar, you will need to use the 8.6' export scale. 

Quote -  This part is pretty easy:

Import your m4/V4 into MD using Import>OBJ and click on the AutoScale box. 

For export: Select the cloth pieces, and click on the 8' Poser scale.  When importing in Poser, uncheck the "Centered" and "Percent of Standard Figure Size" boxes.  It should then come in perfectly.  

Yup. Your instructions have always worked for me with no problem. Nice and simple. :) (Well except once - but that was just Poser having a floopy moment!)