Here is a list of training material for Softimage. The majority of these tutorials is compatible with Softimage Mod Tool, but some of them require a professional version of Softimage and additional softwares.
i3D Tutorials
Free Softimage|XSI Tutorials
These tutorials are a good introduction to Softimage. It will help every beginner to quickly understand the core features of the software.
- Choosing an Interaction Model
- Accessing Menus
- Accessing Tools
- About Transforming Objects
- Transforming with the Bounding Box Manipulator
- Transforming Objects with the Mouse Pointer
- Nudging Objects
- Center Manipulation
- Creating Hierarchies
- Navigating in hierarchies
- Scene Layers Overview
- Duplicating and Cloning Objects
- Creating Presets
- Override Properties
- Weights
- Clusters
- Modeling a CD Jewel Case
- Modeling a Realistic Rope
Softimage|XSI Tutorials
- Introduction to SOFTIMAGE|XSI
- Maya to SOFTIMAGE|XSI Conversion: Introduction
- Introduction to Polygon Modeling
- Introduction to Polygon Modeling: Softimage 2011
- Introduction to SubD Modeling in SOFTIMAGE|XSI
- Introduction to Dynamics
- Mastering the Art of ICE Volume I: Breaking the ICE
- Mastering the Art of ICE Volume II: Lagoa Multiphysics
- Introduction to the Render Tree
- Introduction to mental ray in SOFTIMAGE|XSI
- Rendering with SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.I: mental ray
- Rendering with SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.II: mental ray
Softimage Production Series
A subset of the Softimage Production Series DVDs has been published on The Area. These tutorials are free.
Modeling & Texturing in Softimage|XSI
Selection
- Selection Overview
- Selection Options
- Selection Tools
- Selection Filters
- Component Selection
- Selection Loops
- Selection Explorer
- Selection Wildcards
- Parenting
- Changing Selection
Manipulation
- 3D Style Manipulators
- 3D SRT Manipulators
- Local and Global Modes
- Additive Mode
- Reference and Planes
- Proportional
- Snapping
- Temporary Pivot
- Symmetry
- Child Compensation
Components
- Points, Polygons, Edges
- Cluster Overview
- Cluster Overlaps
- Cluster Editing
- Cluster Groups
- Hard Edges
- Weight Maps Overview
- Face Maker Weight Maps
- Display Modes
- Relative Mode
General Modeling
- Modeling Sections
- Topology Operators Overview
- Contextual Menus
- Extrude and Duplicate
- Adding Components
- Symmetry Modeling
- Transferring Properties
- Polygon Modeling, Part 1
- Polygon Modeling, Part 2
Modifiers and Deforms
- Polygon Topology
- Dissolve and Collapse
- Knife
- Bevel
- Curve, Cage, Spine, Surface, Volume
- Lattice
- Deforms and Weight Maps
- Waves and Particles
- Relax and Smooth
- Shrinkwrap
Surface and Curves
- Topology Types
- NURBS Topology
- NURBS to Mesh
- NURBS Modeling, Part 1
- NURBS Modeling, Part 2
- Curves Topology
- Curves Editing
- Lofting
Object Tools
- Subdivision Surfaces Overview
- Duplicating Options
- Clones
- Instances
- Army Maker
- Particle Instancing
- Groups
- Reference Models, Part 1
- Reference Models, Part 2
Materials and Textures
- Materials
- Material Editor Relational View
- Texture Projections, Part 1
- Texture Projections, Part 2
- Polygon Texturing
- UV Dataset
- Multiple Projections
- Texture Projections Camera Mapping
Texture and Layer Editor
- Texture Layer Editor Introduction
- TLE Overview
- TLE Map Lookup Mask
- TLE Clusters
- Texture Editor Introduction
- Head Texturing
- Unwrapping, Part 1
- Unwrapping, Part 2
- Unwrapping, Part 3
- Contour Stretch
Animation for Production with Softimage|XSI
Animation Structures
Transformations
Digital Tutors
Digital Tutors have released several training materials for Softimage. They have published a good tutorial that covers the Softimage-XNA pipeline. You need a membership to have access to the tutorials, but the Artist’s Guide to Softimage is free.
The Gnomon Workshop
The Gnomon Workshop has a great collection of professional training. The following tutorials are more oriented toward character design and require the complete version of Softimage, plus additional softwares, like Photoshop or ZBrush.
- Creature Design with Aaron Sims Vol. 1
- Creature Design with Aaron Sims Vol. 2
- Building Creatures in ZBrush
- Character Design and Modeling for Next-Gen Games
- 3D Design for Production
cmiVFX
For people who are interested in learning to work with ICE, cmiVFX has published two lessons that cover the new Interactive Creative Environment.
