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filip c
A Regular
Belgium
126 Posts |
 Posted - 01/15/2010 : 20:43:55
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| * sky light (sun) -> where position (lattitude and longitude), date and time of day can be set to change its position and intensity. |
Edited by - filip c on 01/15/2010 20:44:32 |
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filip c
A Regular
Belgium
126 Posts |
Posted - 01/15/2010 : 21:07:01
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* a point slide tool -> might be a real time saver if you don't have to use the guide tool with every point slide
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Antaguar
A Regular
Germany
111 Posts |
Posted - 01/16/2010 : 09:51:41
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quote:
Originally posted by jrpmedia
A USEABLE Scripting Language so we can all develop Scripts or Plug-Ins, share these, and get Strata back in the 3D competition.
I agree with most of these requests, however LUA is sure one of the most useable scripting languages. Poser uses Python - there is no big difference. I think it was mainly the lack of documentation that prevented users to programm Strata with LUA. As the documentation is now growing, it's up to us to start working with it.
I think it could be helpful to have a scripting language above LUA that scripts the most common actions (initialisation, dialogs etc.) and allows direct access to well known Strata features. And we should have the possibility to exchange code between the LUA window and good exitors with syntax highlighting (e.g. TextPad).
- Benny (Bernd Gutmann)
Strata CX 6.1
Windows XP SP3
Athlon X2 6000, 2 GB RAM, nVidia 8800 GTS
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Mark Sweeney
Inquisitive
79 Posts |
Posted - 01/16/2010 : 11:16:02
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I'm still on 5.1.
UV unwrap/mapping, and creation of normal maps. I'd rather pay for a Strata 3D CX upgrade than pay for another app like Silo/Cheetah to do this, and be able to do everything I want to in Strata.
http://www.mark-sweeney.com |
Edited by - Mark Sweeney on 01/16/2010 11:16:35 |
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MrChristopher
Regularly Educational
USA
1716 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 13:55:54
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Well the great thing is that if you want to do cheap UV mapping you have Wings3D. I use it in my demonstration and tutorial material precisely because it's free (no monetary investment) and fairly robust for doing UV mapping.
I do agree that this being native to Strata would be nice. By the way, the jump between 5.1 and 6.1 is pretty substantial. The rendering performance difference alone between the two is worth the upgrade price. |
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Mark Sweeney
Inquisitive
79 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 15:32:14
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I've been using Wings3D and a 30 Day Trial of Silo. I just downloaded the newest version of Wings3D, and found I can now do 2048x2048 textures (1024 was the largest with previous version), but the hard-coded texture sizes are still a little too restricted - I'd like to be able to do 16, 32 and 64 pixel sizes as well.
My main use for Strata is for developing the assets for iphone games, so UV mapping is a must for me.
I'd like to upgrade to 6.1, but until I can afford to upgrade both Strata and photoshop (I'm on CS3) to take advantage of importing 3d into PS, I have to work with what I've got.
Thanks for all your tutorials and the help you offer everyone here - I've learned a ton from them, and your "Art of Science of Strata 3D CX" dvd I got with my 5.1 upgrade.
I will be looking forward to upgrading, if only to get rid of a glitch when reshaping polygon meshes - after about 3-4 minutes Strata totally bogs down. I have to quit and restart it to get it going full speed again, even when it's not a complex poly.
http://www.mark-sweeney.com |
Edited by - Mark Sweeney on 01/17/2010 15:40:27 |
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Tom Macie
A Regular
USA
186 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 15:58:01
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A better way to manage texture and shape assets, especially when combining files.
Better grid snapping along with architectural and engineering units.
Architectural and engineering units throughout, for that matter.
More stock views, i.e, right and left isometric, (and rears) This would require and restructuring of the num pad assignments, as I mentioned previously in the beta forum.
Mouse wheel capabilities for zooming.
Add "distribute" command to align/replicate functions, so a number of objects gets spaced equally between two selected objects.
A 2nd on the motion for 64bit, I'm hitting the ceiling now on some projects.
Have the program remember the last entered values in fields for replicate, offset, etc. during a session.
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Edited by - Tom Macie on 01/17/2010 15:59:53 |
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MrChristopher
Regularly Educational
USA
1716 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 19:22:54
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I agree that 64 bit is an important inevitability. Now that Apple has put a platform in place I think this is something most applications will move towards, but I'm also guessing it's not a trivial matter to do it.
I'd be interested in ti know what kind of grid snapping you're like to see relative to architecture and engineering. The current Snap tool actually has more functionality than most people realize. The new grid/guide system actually makes doing accurate architecture stuff more feasible too.
I agree that a new view manipulation system would be nice too. |
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Tom Macie
A Regular
USA
186 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2010 : 18:18:48
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Chris, a big one for snapping would be objects snapping to other object boundaries and points when creating, scaling or moving an object. Ideally this could include a system of constraints that toggle for various functions, i.e., intersection, tangent, edges, or a parallel offset.
It would also be helpful to enable some kind of snap mechanism when relocating the center of an object or group. Couldn't command-drag gravitate to nearby vertices as we drag?
While I’m on the topic of the center point, it would be great if scaling of object could be relative to something other than center. It would save having to relocate or realign scaled objects.
I am aware that Strata is not intended to be a CAD program, but there is a widening gap between what we have now and the smart cursor functionalities out there.
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MrChristopher
Regularly Educational
USA
1716 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2010 : 01:02:28
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The Snap tool allows you to snap a surface to a surface, an edge to an edge, either non-constrained or constrained perp-to-grid or along the grid. So there are some more snapping abilities we have that aren't widely known.
But I agree more snapping abilities would be nice. I know Rhino has a lot of very good snapping abilities (as NURBS modelers tend to do). |
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Tom Macie
A Regular
USA
186 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2010 : 13:44:15
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| You are correct, I nearly forgot about this. I messed with it a while back, and found it a little cumbersome. This is just personal preference.... |
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jrpmedia
Infrequent Poster
United Kingdom
35 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2010 : 16:26:36
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I can understand how exciting it is to have ‘new’ Mods and additional extra Features to what we have already, but I struggle to see the point when there are also so many existing tools crying out for being completed. Like Rendering, Animation and Textures. These need to be addressed and fixed to function as they were intended to years and years ago.
We really need to up the ability to render a lot of work (via. a Render Pro solution), Animate a lot of work (paths not to self adjust), and for plug-in's to be brought up to a competitive level (collisions’, hair, fountains...).
The lead for development choice has unfortunately been on the side of the few for too long, while the rest of the world has cashed in on these and more 'pipeline' production solutions which is what the industry wants commercially as opposed for hobbyists.
Strata is good at still images, but the world, and client expectations, have moved on into the moving image. Deflation of services requires a competitive tool set.
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Edited by - jrpmedia on 01/19/2010 16:27:09 |
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steveB
Inquisitive
75 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2010 : 16:38:03
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| I ABSOLUTELY agree with jrpmedia. I've been waiting years for significant improvements to the animation capabilities. ScriptFX is "nice", but it still doesn't allow for adequate and precise control of motion that an animator needs. |
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MrChristopher
Regularly Educational
USA
1716 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2010 : 19:52:41
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I agree, improved animation (motion/velocity graphs, etc.) are very important. I want them also.
jrpmedia wrote, 'but I struggle to see the point when there are also so many existing tools crying out for being completed'
Well actually Strata has been improving existing tools in significant ways. The polygon modeler was virtually re-written for 6.0 and with further enhancements in 6.1. Subdivided UV's is a great example of a feature that was 'completed', the same with the new cut and paste functionality.
The renderer also received substantial under the hood improvements which result in a much faster renderer with much greater quality. There are of course further enhancements that should make it into the 'short list' of items next to be plucked from the low-hanging fruit of the development tree. SSS, anisotropic reflections, absorption (for better glass), etc.
Animation wasn't the focus for 6.0 and while I have no idea what Strata has planned I would say this is a known area for enhancement. I would love to see the kind of velocity graphs that C4D has.
UV mapping is high on my list of course as are selection sets and a bevy of other items to 'complete' current tools. |
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silversurf
A Regular
Australia
219 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2010 : 06:31:22
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- Strata Wiki, online documentation and reference.
Blender Wiki is a very good sample as a case study, the information and reference are clear, easy and well organised. This can be very beneficial for both novice and experienced users.
Perhaps this can be a good opportunity for Corastar to involve the experienced user and forum's member to produce a Strata Wiki. It is thanks to member's knowledge at Strata Cafe forum, power users, users tips and tutorial that makes this software somehow viable to use.
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tbgriswold
Regularly Educational
USA
1055 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2010 : 09:18:49
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A wiki might be a very good thing, But past attempts have fallen rather flat. Just taking a look at the tutorial section on this site makes you wonder if there is the energy to do a wiki. This forum is as close to wiki as we have. Maybe one should be added to the Cafe and see how it goes.
Britt |
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tbgriswold
Regularly Educational
USA
1055 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2010 : 10:04:02
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Turn any object into a custom grid. Or any bezier or edge into a custom guide. Then you could apply new objects to its surface or move them around on that surface or edge.
Britt |
Edited by - tbgriswold on 01/20/2010 10:58:05 |
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jrpmedia
Infrequent Poster
United Kingdom
35 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2010 : 10:16:51
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I'm always trying to take into account that Strata is a small company and so suggestions need to be 'do-able' with the greatest market impact for cost.
That's why I try to focus on 'strong' reliable tools, as the rest of the market suffers so much from rushing stuff out the door and really pissing off their client base.
I'm always a bit of a 'hold your ground' Guy and make it 'perfect' before advancing.
FYI and with best intentions at all times. |
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jrpmedia
Infrequent Poster
United Kingdom
35 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2010 : 10:24:27
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quote:
Originally posted by tbgriswold
Turn any object into a custom grid. Then you could apply new objects to its surface or move them around on that surface.
Britt
Oh yes!
Aligning and positioning to a point cloud on an objects surface, or maybe even a fountain or particle cloud. Great for water droplets or HellRaiser type effects :-)
Lanscapes with Tress planted over it too...etc... |
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tbgriswold
Regularly Educational
USA
1055 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2010 : 10:56:23
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Replicate on custom grid using a guide for direction or rotation of replication.
Flatten to custom grid using a custom guide for direction. |
Edited by - tbgriswold on 01/20/2010 11:38:27 |
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Topic |
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Design 3D 7.0 - What would you like to see?
