"Mesh"-Objects ("Blender") in Opensim / Simonastick

Create and import Mesh objects into Opensim / Simonastick using the program "Blender"

As a beginner, start by using finished Blender objects, offered by other users.

Blender elements can be downloaded for free, for example here:

http://tf3dm.com


https://www.blender-models.com/model-download/


The process consists of 4 steps. Omit the steps you already know:

A) Install and open „Blender“
B) Import „Blender“ object into „Blender“
C) Export „Blender“ object into Opensim / Simonastick format
D) Import „Blender“ object into Opensim / Simonastick


A) Install and open „Blender“

Blender is not very easy to use at first.
This is why I will give a detailed description of the process.

1. Download “Blender” (Opensource freeware):
https://www.blender.org/download/

2. Install “Blender” (simply double-click on the install file).
After installing, open the “Blender” program.
The program opens.
A little note appears, which we do not need. 
Just click into the grey working surface underneath it and it disappears.

3. A little square box on the grey surface is highlighted. 
Click the key „del“ or „x“ on your keyboard.
A little note appears asking you if you want to delete the box. 
Click the key „enter“ on your keyboard and it disappears.


B) Import „Blender“ object into „Blender“

Go through the following steps:
1. On the top left, click on „File“.
2. In the opening menu, scroll down to „Import“, 
then click on „Wavefront (.obj)“.
3. A new menu window opens.

4. On the top left, there is a tab called „System“.
Click on the letter of the hard drive containing your Blender object file.
5. In the line at the top, the letter of your hard drive appears.
Below that, the single folders are listed. Click on the correct folders until you get to your folder containing that Blender object file. 
In that folder, two files are listed:
One with the file ending „.mtl“ and one with the file ending „.obj“.
The „.obj“-file is your Blender object file.
Click on that file.

6. IMPORTANT: BEFORE YOU GO ON, on the left hand side,
you must click on some options:
The tab at the very bottom is called „Import OBJ“.
Below that, there are two options: „Split“ and „Keep Vert Order“.
YOU MUST CLICK ON „KEEP VERT ORDER“.
(Otherwise you will not be able to export the textures of that object into Opensim / Simonastick.)

7. On the top right, click on „Import OBJ“.
Your Blender object file is imported.
(Normally, you see your object without its textures, i.e. in plain white.
If you want to check your textures:
at the very bottom, it says „Object mode“.
In the little window to the right of it, click on “texture”.
Now the textures should be visible.)


C) Export „Blender“ object into Opensim / Simonastick format

1. On the top left, click on “File”, then on “Export”, then on “Collada (Default) (.dae)”.
Now, again, YOU MUST MAKE SOME SELECTIONS FIRST, before you go on:
There are several menus on the left. Look for “Texture Options:” and click on “Include Material Textures” (otherwise your textures will not be exported).

2. Then look for “Amature Options:” and click on “Export to SL/Opensim”.

3. Now, in the menu on the top left, click on the hard drive, into which you want to export the Blender object file.
Again, in the center window, the various folders of that hard drive are displayed.
Click through the folders until you get to the folder into which you want to export the Blender object file.

4. In the top bar, the name of the new file can be chosen. It is “untitled.dae” by default. Change that file name into a name of your choice (“yourfilename.dae”).

5. Then, on the top right, click on “Export COLLADA”.


D) Import „Blender“ object into Opensim / Simonastick

1. In your viewer (I use and recommend the “Singularity viewer”), on the top left, click on “File” and then on “Upload Mesh”.
2. Two windows open.
In the window in front of you, click through the folders until you get to the folder, into which you published your Blender object file. Click on that file and then click on “Open”.

3. In the second window now visible, make sure the name of your file is displayed correctly in the top line. Otherwise change it to your desired name.

4. AGAIN, YOU MUST MAKE SOME IMPORTANT SELECTIONS FIRST:
Click on the tab “Upload Options”.
Then check the box on the left “upload textures”.

5. On the left, click on “Calculate weights an& fee”
6. Wait some seconds. Then click on “upload”.



Now, your Blender object file should appear in your inventory.
It should be highlighted, so you can find it easily.
Drag it into your Opensim / Simonastick world and use it as you like.