MD5, MD3, ASE importers, exporters and tools for modeling : KatsBits TOOLS LIST

[back]Game Modelling Tools & Utilities

del.icio.us : Digg it : Yahoo MyWeb : Google : StumbleUpon

The master list below contains brief details and download locations to a number of useful tools and utilities for game content creation, not just for Doom 3 or Quake 3 by the way, but in fact for any game or interactive product that allows end user custom content to be created and imported.

Exporting to other formats ^

It's now possible to export models and animations from gmax to 3DS Max using the MD5 scripts below. For more info see this tutorial.

Design note : Because the skeletal 'rig' is part of the MD5 mesh, you may find that on importing MD5 mesh objects into 3DS Max and Blender3D the the bones of the rig will be orientated 'incorrectly', they will be lying on their sides relative to the upright position of the mesh.

It's important to note that they are in fact correct relative to the MD5 skeleton so although you can 'reorientate' the bones on import to point upwards, an export resulting from bone reorientation will actually be incorrect and show up 'broken' inside D3.

If you find other useful ('free' or 'GPL'd') tools drop Quake3Bits a line with the URL to the resource and we'll take a look at adding it to the list below.

MD5 Importers, Exporters and Viewers ^

MD5 - Blender export - der_ton
Blender export suite supports the MD5 formats: *.md5mesh, *.md5anim and *.md5camera. Previous version is available here. For tips on using Blender for game related modelling see the following tutorials..
- Prepping models for Doom 3 (applies to any game)
- Modelling a map with Blender3D
- Models and Smoothgroups (as applied to game models)

Note : You may need to make sure your Blender Python path is setup correctly before use.

MD5 - Blender import - der_ton
Companion script to the Blender exporter - current version 0.5. Imports md5mesh and md5anim files. Works with 2.45, previous version 0.3 available here.

MD5 Model Viewer 0.93a - der_ton
The definitive MD5 model viewer for inspecting static and animated MD5 meshes. Also has support for the ASE, OBJ and LWO model formats, very handy general purpose viewer as a result.
MD5 - 3DS Max export - Berserker
An export tool for use with 3DS Max allowing export of custom models to Doom 3's MD5 format. Supports *.md5mesh, *.md5anim and *.md5camera.
MD5 - 3DS Max import - Berserker
3DS Max importer for Doom 3's MD5 format. Supports *.md5mesh, *.md5anim and *.md5camera.

MD5 - gmax export - Berserker
A similar MD5 suite to the above 3DS Max suite; supports *.md5mesh, *.md5anim and *.md5camera. The script has a functional limitation present because of gmax's internal workings which requires output to the gmax 'Listener Window'. For small models copy/pasting the text from the LW isn't a problem but for larger models you may need to Listerner Window grabber below.
MD5 - Softimage XSI export
A suite of MD5 tools for use with SoftImages XSI 3D app.

MD3 Importers, Exporters and Viewers ^

MD3 - Blender export/import scripts
The latest version of the Blender MD3 I/O scripts have been used extensively with the Open Arena project so should be considered 'complete' (alt download). Alt download from xReal (older version).

Important note : development on the original MD3 exporter by Bob Holocombe appears to have stopped so it is now archived here - script currently only exports the MD3 mesh data, no animation or 'skeletal' system is included.
MD3 - Gmax export beta v 1.0
An improved version of Pop'N'Fresh's MD3 exporter plugin for gmax.
MD3 - 3DS Max 4.2 and 5 export v2.0.1
An improved version of Pop'N'Fresh's MD3 exporter plugin for 3DS Max.
MD3 - 3DS Max v6 export
MD3 export script for Max v6.

ASE Exporter/Importer .py scripts ^

ASE - export for Blender 2.44 or above - Goofos
New version 0.6.10 available for version 2.44 or above (minor updates for 2.45 compatability).

When exporting large meshes the ability to export 'in place' is now an option so as to save on the need to recentre mesh sections before export. The script was originally written for use with Blender 2.44 but it does work with version 2.45 of Blender. It does not work properly with previous versions of Blender (below version 2.44). Please see other scripts below for alternative versions. Previous version 0.6.9 (29 July 07) still available from here.
ASE - export for Blender 2.41 & above - Goofos
Use this version of the blend2ase export script for Blender 2.41 and above (up to 2.43).

The new GUI interface displayed during the ASE export process
- ASE - export for Blender 2.36 - Goofos
  Use this version of the blend2ase script with Blender 2.36 only.
- ASE - export for Blender 2.37a - Goofos
  Use this version of the blend2ase script with Blender 2.37a (or above, see below).
  NOTE : this version can be used as a 'fail safe' version that should work with the latest versions of Blender 3D in instances where trouble shooting is required.
  
  notes : there is a functional difference in the way 2.37a works that effects scripts, so the same ASE exporter often encounters problems when it's run from 2.36 and 2.37a. This has meant a separate script for each version of Blender. Be sure to use the correct script. You may need to make sure your Blender Python path is setup correctly before use.

ASE - import for Blender 2.42/3 - Goofos
The latest version of the ASE script should work for all current versions of Blender so it supersedes any previous versions. The ASE import script will bring in mesh data as well as any UVWmap and vertex paint data found on the selected ASE model (note: for legacy purposesd AS Import for 2.41 is available here)
ASE - USMExport for Blender - Doc Holiday
'Old Skool' ASE exporter originally for use with Unreal Tournament but equally usable as a general blend2ASE exporter.

notes : models have to be a single mesh object as the script doesn't export multiple meshes as separate *GEOMOBJECTS in the ASE file. Will only correctly export a single material.

For more info on using this script read 'Prepping models for Doom 3

IMVU developer template files ^

Blender IMVU furniture and locked room templates - Blender 2.45 only (c.5MB)

Blender IMVU furniture templates/samples

IMVU room templates/sample files

A set of 4 sample template *.blend files, two each of 'raw' and 'prepped' data for 'locked' and 'furniture' rooms respectively.

The 'raw' sample files contain the separate componants for each type of IMVU room - the funiture room sample file (as shown above) contains all the parts necessary for the production and exporting of a furniture enabled IMVU room; the 'locked room' sample file contains the parts for a locked room.
The 'prepped' Blender files contain 'completed' rooms of both types ready to be exported as an example of such (note that helpers are still in place as clarification of seating positions, they are not required for exporting).

Blender 3D template file - IMVU furniture items - Blender 2.45 only

Blender 3D IMVU furniture template file

Contained in the Blender 3D file are several ready-to-use components that will allow you to easily and quickly build custom furniture items for IMVU. IMVU furniture products can be created with or without seating nodes.
Blender 3D template file - IMVU room & furniture seat nodes - Blender 2.45 only
Contained in the Blender 3D file are a number of components that can be used as size, position and construction templates. Also available are OBJ versions of the files for import, use and conversion in other 3D applications that require base template units.

Misc. tools ^

Blender 3D reference blocks : steps

Reference blocks - a series of simple step models

A series of simple step objects for use as reference comparisons between modelled objects and Radiant brushwork (*.blend Blender file only).
Blender 3D & *.OBJ reference blocks v2

Reference blocks - includes sizes up to 1024x1024

This set of reference blocks, v2, contains the following sizes as both a Blender file and separate OBJ meshes for use by level designers and modellers wanting reference blocks to check the scale of a model against when using id softwares game engines.

File includes; 1x1, 2x2, 8x8, 32x32, 64x64, 128x128, 256x256, 512x512, 1024x1024 & NPC *.OBJ mesh objects and 1x*.blend file containing the same Blender mesh objects.
Blender 3D size reference blocks

NPC, 64x64, 128x128 and 256x256 reference blocks

A set of 3D boxes that act as reference objects for s model size whilst creating in game assets. Includes NPC (RtCW), 64x64, 128x128 and 256x256 unit blocks. These blocks are actual size and represent same sized brushes drawn out in the editor. Although an RtCW NPC block is supplied it's size is approx to other Quake based games.
CrazyBump - image to normal map generator - Ryan Clark
Considered by many as the tool for making normal maps from 2D art work. Although no longer free (there is a 30 day trail) it is the one application that is worth investing in for serious artists, especially if normal maps are a required part of the content creation process. Various licences are available - 'Education', 'Personal' and 'Professional' - note that Crazybump is the same regardless of licence.
xNormal - normal/AO/parallax generator
Constantly improving tool for generating normal maps, ambient occlusion and parallax displacement maps. Can be used for any game that supports the output. Requires .NET 2.0 on Windows XP machines (Web site link).
QuickGamma 0.1.1 - ydnar
This is an essential tool for any serious level designer or modder. When running any game in windowed mode (so an instance of a game is 'floating' in the desk top) it'll often adjust the desktops 'gamma' (it's brightness) which has a tendacy to 'bleach' the screen. Setting QuickGamma up so it run at startup prevents or limits this adjustment.
q3map2 2.5.16_win32_x86.zip
Final version that was released to the public of ydnars much improved Q3Map2 compiler for use with games running on Quake 3 engine or that can use Quake 3 colpiled BSP files. The file is provided 'as is'.
ATI's 'The Compressonator' DDS compression tool
If you're editing games powered by the Doom 3 engine then you'll need this particular version of the tool because later versions removed the specific filter used by Doom 3 to correctly compress normal maps to DDS. For information on how to use the tool read the creating DDS textures tutorial

ORB renderbump tool
Non partizan (will render many different 'types' of image) normal map renderbump tool that allows you to render normal maps (diffuse and height) for both flat art work (textures) and 'skins' for characters and other '3D' artwork. Settings can be changed and modified from an in-application command line GUI.
GMax 'Listener Window' grabber - Berserker
As mentioned above, use this script to 'grab' text from gmax's 'Listener' output window. It's necessary because gmax has a locked limit on the amount of information you can grab from the listener in one go which forces you to do several copy/pastes running the risk of missing sections of the file.
DirectX uninstaller
To accompany the Removing DirectX article on the use and abuse of DirectX. Use at your own risk - it does work but you may find side effects if there is no DirectX API installed on a system as the Windows OS uses it. You should reinstal the version of DirectX that came with your OS installation disc. e.g. Win98/DX5, WinXP/DX7.
ATI Catalyst uninstaller
Please Note : the current version of the Catalyst drivers don't necessarily require this tool as it's included as part of the installation process.

If you're using the more recent Catalyst drivers for the Radeon series of graphics products then you shouldn't really need to use this app as the 'Uninstaller' is included in the package and should take care of any previous versions.

If you do use this tool your computer system will want to reboot after uninstall, and if using Windows XP, will prompt you for drivers on reboot. You can 'cancel' this request and install new drivers properly where necessary after your system has booted correctly.
msvcr70.dll
A infamous and all too frequent 'missing' DLL file associated with many games. Download and install to the location your problematic application is saying it should be.