So, I'm trying to make a custom model using TileEntitySpecialRenderer (and succeeding, so far). Yes, I am not in fact an idiot, and know that the .json system was added for that very purpose, but so far I'm finding it much easier to use TileEntitySpecialRenderer than that system. It's probably because it's new, and I'm guessing it'll grow on me at some point, but I'd just rather use what I know as long as works (probably not for long, considering they just implemented the .json point). Anyhow, my problem is that while I DO want to render the inventory version of the block, I don't want to render the normal version. So what I'm asking is if there's a way, in the blockstates file, to set the normal variant to null, meaning that it doesn't pass anything to the renderer when it asks for the normal variant. I don't want to pass an empty cube, as that would simply render the invisible cube instead of the TileEntitySpecialRenderer. Thanks in advance!

You should only use TileEntitySpecialRenderer for models with animations. For non-animated blocks, I highly suggest you move on to the JSON system to be consistant. It may seem difficult at first, but you'll get used to it after a while.

Is that so? In 1.7 I used it all the time for anything and everything that need a custom model. What's the best free .json model creator out there in your opinion (I REALLY don't want to go and write the code myself, as it seems like that would take on the order of x3 the time it would take in a model creator)?

There are multiple in my opinion. I haven't used any of them, but Cubik is a very good one. It also lets you export in multiple formats, and let's you import Wavefront models.

Cubik DOES cost money though...

Personally, with both the models and the JSONs, they are all just made up of cubes and ultimately are pretty easy to just code directly if you sketch out your idea on paper. It is annoying, but not difficult, and you can get pretty fast at it. Cut and paste, adjust the corners and UV mapping values and you're done.

 

Certainly use a good editor if you find one, but don't be hung up on it either.

Cubik DOES cost money though...

There's a reason there's a Lite version...

 

And I agree with Jabelar, if your model is very simple, you can ultimately code it yourself. Atleast, that's what I do...

I'm using MrCrayfish's Model Creator. That has no cube or size limit (*cough cough* Cubik Lite *cough*), and it exports pretty well.

I'm using MrCrayfish's Model Creator. That has no cube or size limit (*cough cough* Cubik Lite *cough*), and it exports pretty well.

 

So then you're already set. Just use JSON exports instead of special renderer.