Possible to use UDK as a makeshift 3D software?

[_Crow_]

I was wondering if it were possible to use UDK's brush tools to make a working static mesh. Hopefully this question isn't too far fetched, but I recall seeing something like this done somewhere in the far reaches of the internet.

[darthviper107]

Sort of, but not really. Technically you can convert the geometry to static meshes, but the modeling tools in UDK are very poor (because you're not supposed to use them much). You're better off using Blender.

[frankit]

Hey Crow!
Basic BSP can be used to build rudimentary structures which can be converted to SM's. But just building outlines etc, not vehicles or characters or weapons.
You can also create new structures by exporting existing meshes and combining them and re-importing.
But you have to build up collision manually using brushes afterwards, which is no fun, and there's a 65535 vertices limit!..
But Max / Maya / Blender are no picnic either and it takes patience and a good deal of ability to gain the necessary chops.
In short, about the only thing you can build in UDK apart from levels are landscapes / Terrains, Materials and Emitters....

[_Crow_]

frankit! long time no see! :P (mostly because my last project failed and I lost interest in game development until now)

Thanks for yours and viper's responses letting me know it's possible. I just needed to make a basic door because I couldn't find a free version of the model (office/hospital door)

I do understand that it's not entirely practical to use the brushes as a mesh building tool, but I tried it out a bit and the door I made in 15 mins looked waaayyy better than I expected. Im sure very basic things could be made with no issue like doors and blocky looking desks and other things that just add some detail to the scene. (like doorways and floorboards).

thank you again for giving me a detailed answer that lead to me not losing hope again!