You'll use the magic of voxels to transform your sketches into 3D model using Goxel designs.

Download here: https://goxel.xyz/download/

Instructions:

1.  

    Introduction to Goxel Basics

   • Download and Open Goxel: Download Goxel for your operating system and open it. You’ll see a blank canvas with a toolbar on the left and a color palette at the bottom.
   • Navigation:
     • Rotate Camera: Click and hold the right mouse button and move the mouse.
     • Zoom In/Out: Scroll the mouse wheel.
     • Pan: Click and hold the middle mouse button.
   • Tools Overview:
     • Brush Tool: Add voxels to your model.
     • Eraser Tool: Remove voxels.
     • Move Tool: Move selected voxels.
   • Try Out: Start by selecting a color from the palette and clicking on the canvas to place voxels.
   • 2. Building Simple 3D Models
   
   
   • Adding Shapes: With the Brush tool, click on the canvas to start creating a shape. Hold down Shift to quickly add multiple voxels in a line.
   • Basic Shapes: Experiment by creating simple forms like cubes or stacks. Adjust the brush size using the toolbar to place larger or smaller voxels.
   • Stacking: Layer voxel blocks to create 3D shapes. For instance, start with a base layer and build upward to make a pyramid or cube.
   • Undo: If you make a mistake, use Ctrl + Z to undo your last action.
   • 3. Using Layers in Goxel
   
   
   • Open Layers Panel: On the right, you’ll see a layer section. Click “+” to add a new layer.
   • Organize Your Model: For example, create one layer for the body and another for the head if designing a character.
   • Moving Between Layers: Click on the layers to switch between them. Each layer can be shown, hidden, or merged, which is useful for organizing complex models.
   • Editing Layers: Select a layer and use the tools as usual. Only the selected layer will be affected.
   • 4. Advanced Shading and Lighting
   
   
   • Color Selection: Select subtle variations of your main color for shading. For example, if your model is blue, pick slightly lighter and darker shades of blue.
   • Manual Shading: Apply these colors to areas that would naturally be in shadow or light, such as darker colors on the underside and lighter ones on the top.
   • Lighting: In Goxel’s settings (gear icon), adjust lighting settings to see how different angles affect shadows on your model.
   • 5. Exporting Models for Game Engines
   
   
   • Export Options: Go to File > Export. Choose a format depending on your needs:
     • .OBJ: Common format for most 3D applications.
     • .VOX: For voxel-based engines.
     • .PNG: For simple 2D images of your model.
   • Adjust Scaling: Game engines like Unity may require scaling adjustments. You may want to test different scale settings when importing.
   • Check for Issues: Ensure your model has no floating or unconnected voxels.
   • 6. Designing Characters with Goxel
   
   
   • Plan the Character: Begin with a sketch or rough mental image of your character.
   • Build Body Parts on Separate Layers: Use layers for different parts (head, body, arms) so you can easily modify each.
   • Details: Use the smallest brush setting for finer details like eyes, mouths, or accessories.
   • Symmetry Mode: In the toolbar, toggle the symmetry option if your character is symmetrical, which will mirror changes on the other side automatically.
   • 7. Tips and Tricks for Optimizing Voxel Art
   
   
   • Keep Voxel Count Low: Too many voxels can slow down your model. Simplify shapes where possible.
   • Avoid Overlapping Layers: Place parts close but avoid overlap unless necessary for structure.
   • Optimize Colors: Use a limited palette to create a cohesive look and to make your model easier to render.