I thought I might pass-on some information concerning a free iPad (only) application called "TreeSketch," created by Steven Longay.  This iPad app is simply a marvel of coding, as one can easily create excellent procedural trees (and bushes).  I recently purchased a used iPad 3 to use this free app.

It exports files in FBX and OBJ format.  The resultant meshes are high resolution, and do pretty good in high res. renders.

If anyone has an iPad, this app is a no-brainer.  If anyone is thinking about buying an iPad, this app is something any 3D artist might use to weigh the decision (BTW, I also have a decent Android tablet).

The attached tree rendering is a TreeSketch (OBJ) file downloaded from my iPad to iTunes -- to my PC, and rendered in Vue.  I initially loaded the file into Carrara 8.1, as Vue (11 Infinite) seems to have crappy OBJ import filters -- the branches have much sharper angles than those on the iPad, or Carrara.  So, I smooth the branches in Carrara, then export as a 3DS file.

One thing I also did was to initially load the OBJ file into Vue, adjust the leaves transparency slider from 100 to 0%, and reduce highlight.  I then used the saved leaf image as the basis for a bump image.

For those, this might be a solution for those who already own an iPad 2 and above, and don't want to spend the absurd $$ for The Tree Factory, and have the TPF Designer version lock-out the export files in DRM fashion.  It is, of course, excellent for any 3D application that can import 3DS or OBJ files.

cool

Do you have a link to this?

It's on Apple's iTunes store.

Looking cool...

We've just had a friend over with an Ipad, so I tried TreeSketch myself and I'm impressed by something that as free and yet so good. Does anyone know the license on this application? I've looked for it, but I can't find one anywhere. I'd like to know if I can use these trees in renders I do sell?

TreeSketch was created by Steven Longay, and I believe it's open source code.  However, you might want to contact him, and discuss your commercial interests.

His contact information can be found here: http://vimeo.com/user7899797.  I guess quite a few folks have pleaded with him to port this application to Android, Mac, and Windows.

I think he could do well financially if he were to develop it into a full-blown 3D vegetation modeler, and go commercial.

Thanks, I'll contact him. Though I must say it's very weird to have such an application without any license at all.