Spinning Model Maker

Multimedia content can mean a lot nowadays, at least in terms of where it’s used, and the format it’s in. Animations can be created from a variety of sources, including pictures or 3D models. For instance, Spinning Model Maker comes as a straightforward tool which lets you load MOD files, rotate, and save frame snapshots.

On the bright side of things, the application comes in a lightweight package, which doesn’t even require installation on your behalf to function. You do, however, need to make sure that the Windows DirectPlay feature is installed, but the program prompts you to add it on launch in case it’s not already there.

All features are stored in a conveniently small interface, but it could have used at least a little more space for viewing larger objects when loaded. Most of the space is where the preview of the model is displayed, while a side panel lets you quickly perform file and object operations.

You need to start off from an existing file. The application works well with MOD files, and it’s also possible to load game maker GMOD files. An object preview is instantly generated. The set of controls allows you to rotate on X, Y, and Z axis, as well as to zoom in or out before processing.

Results are delivered to the frames folder under the BMP format. Each frame is captured and saved, with the possibility to specify the amount of frames, as well as the speed of the animation. Unfortunately, the application can’t really make any use of the generated frames, but you can use other programs like Beneton Movie GIF or Jasc Animation Shop to bundle them into cool animations.

Spinning Model Maker comes with good intentions, but is a little underprepared to handle all tasks as intended. It hasn’t received any updates in quite some time, but it can still be used to grab multiple frames of rotating MOD and GMOD object files.