I'd like to try modelling some furniture for Poser but can't decide which 3D software to use. Most of my graphic work has been in Corel and have no problem drawing and assembling as isometric views (see images). My preference would be to draw the parts in Corel then export them as jpg or other format rather than design from scratch in a strange program. I'm looking for advice on something that would be capable of this and easy to learn as well without costing the family fortune. I'll be eager to hear a few opinions along with pros and cons. Thanks, Tommy.

I'm new to this too, but I got a free "D Sculpor 1.0" full program on Cd in the June edition of the "Computer Arts" magazine from the U.K. It's supposed to enable modelmaking from pictures. Sounds like what you're looking for but I haven't tried it out yet.

Can you export vector curves, especially in the Illustrator format? A lot if 3D apps (like mine, FormZ) can import these curves which then can be extruded to form 3D objects. I'm not sure which of the lower priced apps can do this. D Scuplter is also avaliable in the July issue of 3D model world and might do the trick- I'd never thought about using it with a 2D images (as opposed to photographs). Best- Dan

Most 3D modelling apps can import vector graphics and create 3D models from them.
If you are adept in vector graphics you might like a NURBS modeller, NURBS are the 3D equivalent to 2D vector graphics. Try the demo of Rhino 3D, you can save 25 times with it. Also you can head over to the Rhino forum, they have some very good tutorials there.

There are some other good free or cheap 3D modelling programs out there, I'm sure someone else will provide some links. :)

Ramnimus, I have the Dsculptor from Computer Arts but reading the magazine it needs a set number of radial views from different angles to operate, also have Photomodeller lite which is a free download and shows more promise just running the tutorial now. Dan, I've checked Corels exports and yes it can output EPS which is the Adobe Illustrator standard format, hope you can tell me some more regarding FormZ. Tommy.

Thanks Yuri, cant seem to find it right now but sure there is a magazine disc with Rhino here somewhere but I think the free reg period has expired or save disabled maybe. Tommy.

There is the free Amapi 4.15. I found the interface quite confusing, but it has some good modelling features.
Some other modellers are Wings 3D, Anim8or and MilkShape 3D.

scroll work like that is easily done with Bryce terrains just use the flat jpgs as bump maps. then they can be assembled and exported as an .obj file.

My bryce suggestion was just based on the images they showed and their prefrence for using corel 2d program for design:) most of those 3d programs are hard to learn and cost a fortune and not nessasary if one just wants to assemble several fairly flat items. those pieces could be done in bryce in about 10 minutes they'd take a lot longer in many 3d modeling programs. where the 3d modelers realy shine is organic curved shapes. and you can't get much easyer then bryce which was a stipulation of their request. and it's cheeper then the full versions of all the rest, as well as being a great rendering engine for poser images:)

Bryce is sounding good, but I remember trying it once and found the interface puzzling compared to Poser. 3Dstudio max 3 can be picked up cheap today or the Amapi free version also seems enticing too. Still trying to decide. Tommy.

Attached Link: http://www.annsartgallery.com/freeprop.html

At my tut above are some links to varous freeware and shareware modelers. Most are for non commercial use, but the registrations for commercial use are generally cheap. I'd recommend you try some of the modelers and pick one you like. Then after you get used to using modelers, you can go for the more professional packages.

"hope you can tell me some more regarding FormZ" Tommy - Very briefly, the main reasons I decided on FormZ were: 1) It's basically a modeler. No animation and other then a basic raytracer all the other renderers ($$$) are optional or plug-in. Since I wanted this for Bryce and Poser, just being a modeler was a real plus. 2) Solid, low bug programing and the Mac and PC versions are treated equally. Bug fixes posted within days of a new release. Excellent on-line/telephone support. 3) Industry leader in new modeling technologies. 4) Since it's used extensively with other apps, it has very good import/export. 5) Straight forward, no flash interface - more like you'd see in a CAD program. The caveats, as I see them: 1) Very steep learning curve - definitely would not recommend FZ as a first modeler. 2) Expensive. I think the range is $1200-$5000 depending on renderer. 3) Limited on-line resources. 4) Snooty attitude of some users toward using FZ with apps like Bryce/Poser. 5) Very basic UV mapping (but I always use UVMapper anyway) Works quite well with Poser. The hardest part for me was figuring out what .OBJ export options to use for Poser (there's about 20 options). The best part for Poser is FZ's Trim and Split functions which makes breaking up an object into Poser groups quick and easy. The above image is my second "whole nine yards" FZ/UVmapper/ProPack figure. Really a rather silly thing but I was pleased to complete it over a 4 day holiday and to keep the Poser .OBJ export down to about 2 MB (my first figure was a whooping 16 MB!) best; Dan