External modeling applications

Given that 3D design is an intensive discipline in itself, it is recommended that you invest in a similar tutorial guide for your application of choice. If you're new to 3D modeling, then here is a list of 3D modeling packages currently supported by Unity:

1. Maya

2. 3D Studio Max

3. Cheetah 3D

4. Cinema 4D

5. Blender

6. Carrara

7. Lightwave

8. XSI

9. Modo

These are the nine most suited modeling applications as recommended by Unity Technologies. The main reason for this is that they export models in a format that can be automatically read and imported by Unity, once saved into your project's Assets folder. These application formats will carry their meshes, textures, animations, and character rigging across to Unity, whereas some smaller packages may not support export of character rigs upon import to Unity.

For a full view of the latest compatibility chart, visit: http://unity3d.com/unity/features/asset-importing.

Common settings for models

In the Project panel, expand the Book Assets folder to...