Blender

An example of Blender 3D in action

Blender is an open source (free) 3D modeling package that can be used to create static and physics props. Although XSI is the Valve-recommended program for modeling, some will find Blender to have an easier learning curve. The free version of XSI for Source modeling has some limitations and watermark images.

Plugins

Warning:No Blender exporter currently exports all type of SMD. However, you can export to XSI and use its exporter in turn.

• dvondrake's Exporter. Use this if you are using Blender 248.1 (2.48a) or later. Supports static/reference meshes, bone animations and physics models. [Usage Info]
• Pelle Johnsen's Exporter (Read this before use).
• Dragonlord's Exporter
• .smd Importer by 3D2Toy.

Installation

Save the plugin files to:

Vista

C:\ProgramData\Blender Foundation\Blender\.blender\scripts

XP

C:\Program Files\Blender Foundation\Blender\.blender\scripts

Linux

~/.blender/scripts

See also

• Installing Blender
• Is Blender 3D Good for Source/How to Start
• Modeling props with Blender
• Exporting a model/Blender
• Normal Map Creation in Blender
• Blender Modelling Walkthrough

External links

• Blender.org - the official website.
• Blender Basics- 3rd Edition - Classroom based Tutorial Book
• Essential Blender - Full book on the basics of learning Blender.
• Blender 3D: Noob to Pro - Tutorials on Blender from Wikibooks.