MindTex

Rendering normal or even more complex maps for games or various, other 3D projects usually involves having to work with complex 3D sketching or CAD-related apps which, as appropriate as they are for getting the job done, have steep learning curves.

Ideally, a more straightforward and lot less resource-consuming alternative software solution should be integrated into your workflow and, as it happens, MindTex is one of the best examples.

In just a few words, MindTex is a modern and very competent map generation application that allows you to build 3D map environments with a just a few mouse clicks.

The utility can be deployed on your computer with the least amount of effort on your behalf thanks to a typical installer. Upon first launching the app, you are greeted by a useful screen that makes it easy for you to either open an already existing project or start a new one from scratch.

Being designed to be as widely accessible and as less-intimidating as possible, it should not take too long until you get what MindTex is all about. The interface is very neatly designed, both regarding layout and attention to detail.

Basically, there are four main, self-explanatory sections - Maps, View, Model, and Utilities. Accessing each one of them brings up different panels with specialized features on the upper left side of the main window.

Despite its somewhat straightforward looks, the app actually offers an impressive amount of settings and bits and bobs, making it possible for you to generate a plethora of map types.

For example, you can tweak parameters like height, gloss, self-illumination, occlusion, reflection, color, opacity, brightness, saturation, and hue, just to name a few. You can add diffuse blend layers, configure the UV tiling, the ambient lighting.

Also, worth mentioning is the fact that the app bundles a small yet useful set of 3D models, such as Sphere, Box, Cylinder, Plane, Teapot, Smooth Box, Smooth Cylinder. Evidently, you can also import custom models from third-party apps.

As expected, during the whole duration of your work with MindTex, you can preview the changes in real-time on the right side of the main window. Noteworthy is the fact that you can preview your projects in 2D, as well as in 3D but, even better, with just a single click, you can make away with all the interface elements and gain an unobstructed view.

Before we draw the conclusions, you should know that you can export your projects to a wide array of formats such as JPG, PNG, TGA, DDS, TIFF, PSD, BMP, GIF and ICO.

To conclude, with its retained thirst for system resources, modern and intuitive interface, smooth learning curve, interesting collections of shapes and handy controls for tweaking almost all the relevant parameters, thorough documentation, as well as a lot of export options, there's no denying that MindTex is a very well thought-out application.