3d Programs

[.soulty]

Here is a listing of the more popular 3d application available, please go through this thread before posting a "what 3d app" related threads.

And for those who are starting and dont know what application they should start using, start by downloading the trial versions of a few 3d applications, try them out then see which one you are comfortable with and which one is easy for you to use.

Remember you will not lose time with learning a 3d application (learning the basics of 3d.. moving/rotating/scaling object, editing vertices, texturing, rendering, animating) all 3d apps are similar to what they can create, the differences are the step to achieve a similar result.

[part updated list = 15th August 2006]

Max:
[latest release = v8]
Been around for a while, HUGE community following, many 3rd party plugins, always find help on topic on the net and in 3d specific forums. Tools are polygon dominent, based on it being the tool for game development and modeling. Can do more with each new release of max..
Rending here is with mental ray and a "ink" renderer for line art renderings.
-----------
[home page]
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=5659302 (http://www4.discreet.com/3dsmax/)

[trial - need to fill out form]
[http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=5972446]
-------------------------------------

Softimage Xsi::
[latest release = v5.1]
well i dont know what happen to this app, it was all hyped up and is used by many professionals out there but for a home user it seems to have droped off the max / maya / cinema 4d train... not entirely sure why , might be the price or i might be wrong. The tool can handle both sub d's and polygons very well and mental ray 3.2(rendering system) was in it's core so rendering was super fast.
----------------------
[home page]
http://www.softimage.com/products/xsi/

[free trial - XSI FOUNDATION 5.1]
[http://www.softimage.com/downloads/default.aspx?downloadid=1]
-----------------------------------

Maya
[latest release = v7]
Since this tool is the one i use i tend to enjoy using it.. hehe... like many have said it what is most comfortable with you...

Maya has always been around with max and both pretty much at the start tried to direct their work to a specific angle, max being games, maya being motion graphic/ movies.

Maya particles are very powerful and it can handle nurbs and sub d's very well, with each new version they are increasing the tools with the polygons , but are not really on par with 3d max yet :bad:...
Rendering also included a vector renderer(export to swf,same renderer as swift3d), and mental ray 3.2 (in maya 6)

-----------------------------
[home page]
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=6871843&siteID=123112

[free - personal learning edition]
Personal Learning edition (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=6902573)
------------------------------

Lightwave
[latest release = v8.5]


My personal favorite ------------------
[home page]
http://www.newtek.com/lightwave/index.php (http://www.newtek.com/)

[free trial]
[?]

[Lightwave v9 news]
http://www.newtek.com/lightwave/lw9_letter.php

-------------------------------

Cinema4d
[latest release = R9.6]
Great tool for beginners and even pros, cheaper than previous ones mentioned and a little easier as them as well, although it is limited it what it can do in comparison to max, maya.

Personally i have always been a fan of that bridge tool..

-------------------------
[home page]
http://www.maxon.net/ (http://www.maxon.net/index_e.html)

[trial]
[on the above page]

------------------------------------

Modo(model/render/paint)
[latest release = v202]
DDD's Pick. Very cool application, many innovative features/tools here (developers come from the lightwave family) One to look out for in the future, now includes not only the fastest modeller but a great rendering system and painting system in version 202!

----------------------
[home page]
http://www.luxology.com/whatismodo/ (http://www.luxology.com/modo/)

[trial]
http://www.luxology.com/trymodo/ (http://www.luxology.com/user/secure/eval/account.aspx)

---------------------------------

Silo(only a modeler)
[latest release =v1.4]
This is only a modelling tool in which you need a external render to render out the models you create in this app. Although its a really great tool, i ve used it just a little when it was mentioned to me again by DDD. Tools and workflow are very innovative.

---------------------------
[home page]
http://www.nevercenter.com/silo/ (http://nevercenter.com/index.php/Silo/493)

[trial/learning edition]
http://www.nevercenter.com/downloads/

[Announcing Silo v2.0]
http://www.nevercenter.com/silo/silo_20/

------------------------------------

Houdini
[latest release = v8]
Houdini- very pro like, hard to use but extremely powerful
-------------------------------------
[home page]
http://www.sidefx.com/

[free education version]
Apprentice (http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=213&Itemid=89)

---------------------------------------

Swift3d
[latest release = v4.5]
"Advanced" model features and rendering out to swf format are a few features of swift3d that make a great addition to flash users, it can render to bitmap and render pretty well. Limited with its modelling tools but very capable as seen by some excellent work for our very own member "Rainman" and his recent work "Mercedes SLR". (http://www.kirupa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=214739)

Swift3d is also great for quick and easy 3d work (eg.. 3d logo spining)

----------------------------
[home page]
http://www.erain.com/products/Swift3D/

[free trial]
http://www.erain.com/downloads/trials/
------------------------

Blender
[latest release = v2.41]
blender is free, a pretty cool tool from what ive seen but i havent used it.
--------
http://www.blender3d.com/
-------------------------------

Carrara [posted by PincMX regarding version 3]
[latest release = v5]
It's easy it's powerful and extremely fast, just what I need. I guess the main thing for creating realistic things are textures and a good engine for rendering like raytrace that Carrara uses.
--------
[home page]
http://www.eovia.com/products/carrara5/carrara.asp

[free trial]
http://www.eovia.com/resources/download.asp

----------------------------------------------

Hexagon [NEW]

New development from Eovia. It's described as a 3d Polygonal modeler for 3d artist and Illustrators // yet to check it out / if anyone has tried it pm the details or post.

[home page]
http://www.eovia.com/products/hexagon/hexagon.asp

[free trial]
http://www.eovia.com/resources/download.asp

----------------------------------------------

Zbrush
[latest release = v2]
Great organic 3d modeler.
----------
[home page]
http://209.132.69.82/zbrush/zbrush2/Z2Home.html
--------------------------------------------------

Wings 3d
[latest release = v0.98....]

"it's one of the best modelers out there! and it's FREE!" ------------------
http://www.wings3d.com
------------------------------------------------------

Rhinoceros 3d
[latest release = v3.0 release 5]

I find it quite easy to use, and there is also a very good and helpful forum on their website. Quick response!
Combined with the Flamingo render-plugin you can create professional renders. Not too expensive, but not in the cheap list either. Student license: 200$
[home page]
http://www.rhino3d.com/

[free trial]
http://download.mcneel.com/rhino/3.0/eval/

------------------------------------------------------

Bryce
[latest release = 5.5]


i find it pretty easy and fun to use, perfect for scenery i can tell you that

Personally, I own Bryce 5. It's a nice little graphics program and I can use it well and I am no computer genius. The manual is long and boring, I only used it for a few minutes to learn the basics and online tutorials etc. get you where you want to go so that, if you can master it, you can create some wonderful renders.
[home page]
http://bryce.daz3d.com/55index.php

[free trial]
[not available at this time]

------------------------------------------------------


;)

[.soulty]

also check out the listing here at cgtalk


Here is an interesting article:
http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?t=19315

[B3NKobe]

Iv been learning Lightwave [8] for 2 weeks now, Compared to other 3D applications that iv used, I think its one of the easiest and best apps!!

Lightwave [8] -- Its Worth It Kirupians !

[GTAVC]

I have Cinema 4D, it's ok, but its pretty complex to use [even though i havent tried any other programs] but i think i will stick to Photoshop CS for a while still, lol!

[G]

I learnt 3DS for a year and I found it quite easy to use after you got to grips with the array of modifiers etc. I used Maya also for about the same period of time and found that I was a lot more comfortable in 3DS.

[johnlouis]

hey,why isn't Wings3D here? it's one of the best modelers out there! and it's FREE! :D
wings3d (http://wings3d.com)

[.soulty]

updated ;)

[tommythewolfboy]

Trained on 3DS Max and love it but expensive. Now use Lightwave - very intuitive modeller.
Should also mention that for both you can get the swift 3d plug-on and therefore export animations as flash :D Love it.

[tommythewolfboy]

Note: the price for softimage basic package has also been slashed massively recently

[.soulty]

cheers tommy , i will go through the list and add some and update some version numbers.

[tommythewolfboy]

cheers tommy , i will go through the list and add some and update some version numbers.

Also meant to confirm that Discreet's 3d->swf app, plasma, did get binned. No longer sold or supported: http://www4.discreet.com/company/company.php?id=788

[Gupps]

Shade ver7 is another 3d apps. never tried it but over 200,000 asians have.

[.soulty]

which is why i dont have it in the list tommy ;)

Gupps, you got a link?

[eilsoe]

I tried googlin' Shade, I found it, but it's ALL in japanese, I couldn't immediatly find an english site.

(I didn't search very hard either)

[Vexir]

God, 3DS is so hard to learn, and the tutorials that come with it are tediously boring. Anyone have any good ways to learn this l33t prog? I know Cinema 4D pretty well but I really only use it for abstracts. It's all its good at, really.

So I decided to move to 3DS to start modeling, but I'm really finding myself overwhelmed. Help me Kforum!

[Machuse]

I wouldnt say that 3ds is Game related at all. Maybe some people used it that way, but up until release 5 or 6 their wasnt any game specific features or anything, Most users I would dare say [of max], home users at least, dont use it for games at all, but as a pure high poly modeler - have heard through the years of people modeling in 3ds max and animating in Maya though. Or doing mechanical stuff in max and organic in Maya - opinons? although i dont want to get side tracked on this, b/c at the end of the day, you can do whatever you want with these programs if you know what ur doing

[ya3]

Anyone wanting to get started on 3D for the very first time should go for C4D :thumb:

Ultra-basic polymodelling tutorial:
http://webdesign.templatemonster.com/web/3d-graphics/tutorials/basics-faces-and-the-bridge-tool.4992.html

An excellent basic modelling tutorial:
http://www.c4dportal.com/portal/forum/showthread.php?t=3

[subsonic]

if youre new and don't want to spend any money try anim8or. it's free and supports 3ds

:: link::
http://www.anim8or.com/main/index.html

[sWo0p]

add this one.. earth textures..

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/BlueMarble/

[Sephyr]

Machuse its true that 3dsmax is hardly used for games, but Gmax (also from autodesk/discreet) is solely made for game modeling. And free too.

My experience with 3d ? Started with C4D, then after a time went over to 3DS after getting over the mindbogglingbutton/setting frenzy the program has :P (well it looked that way back then to me hehe)
Tried some very simple (organic) things in Maya, but im most comfortable in 3DS

Vexir, hop over to www.deviantart.com (http://www.deviantart.com) and download a few 3DS tuts, and just do them, its the easiest way to get used to 3DS and create the things you want.
www.3dcafe.com (http://www.3dcafe.com) has some nice start-off tuts as well

[Horrel]

Personally, I own Bryce 5. It's a nice little graphics program and I can use it well and I am no computer genius. The manual is long and boring, I only used it for a few minutes to learn the basics and online tutorials etc. get you where you want to go so that, if you can master it, you can create some wonderful renders.

[ya3]

Personally, I own Bryce 5. It's a nice little graphics program and I can use it well and I am no computer genius. The manual is long and boring
Bryce has a manual?? :lol:


My experience with 3d ? Started with C4D, then after a time went over to 3DS after getting over the mindbogglingbutton/setting frenzy the program has (well it looked that way back then to me hehe)
Agreed. The difference with me is that I have tried switching, but failed miserably several times. I hate 3dsmax :) It can die in a fire.

[Talkfreelance]

I used 3d max for my university assignment and it's really easy to grasp the concepts of. I've heard its quite good for game modelling though.

[DDD]

Modo is still on version 1.XX and Lightwave is still on Version 8.5

Soulty you got my heart racing for nothing, I thought they both dropped their new shizznit and I was the last to find out.

My .02
I think Modo is the future of all 3d programs, powerful, plays well with others, high customizeable, innovative tools.

If I had to do it all over again I would have jumped on the XSI train as well. But Lightwave is still my Fav :love:

[.soulty]

^ ah sorry dude, must of jumped the gun on that.. ill edit that. To add to the future apps Z-brush 2.0 is getting huge play with 3d artist and 2d as well for its illustrative type modelling method, seen some intergration of zbrush with maya would looked pretty dope.

:: when i get some time ill update the comments/release version (feel free to do it DDD if you want ;) )

[matthewjumps]

Blender is at release 2.41...not 2.37

And it rocks...

[.soulty]

^ i need to find some time to update the list, ill try over the weekend ;)

thanks for the info :)

[mikken]

You should include Rhinoceros 3d in the list too.

www.rhino3d.com (http://www.rhino3d.com)

I find it quite easy to use, and there is also a very good and helpful forum on their website. Quick response!
Combined with the Flamingo render-plugin you can create professional renders. Not too expensive, but not in the cheap list either. Student license: 200$

[chrisleger]

Hey, i don't know if anyone here has tried Bryce v5 but i find it pretty easy and fun to use, perfect for scenery i can tell you that

[.soulty]

Alrighty I have finally got around to updated the list. I have added some suggestion and a new app from evoia which i havent used yet called Hexagon.
If any one has tried Hexagon pm some info / comments on it or post them here.

Since i have added bryce now i may as well add the other environment 3d apps, there is one similar to bryce which i can't think the name of, if someone knows post it here. ;)

Now if you see any errors or comments/descriptions you don't agree with pm me the details;)

cheers,
soultorous!

[KIERIOSHIMOTO]

im getting maya

[mario_hater]

ive done a little 3d work before at school on pro desktop but i was wondering which of the 3d programmes are easiest to pick up and use :h:

[.soulty]

easiest?... depends on what your comfortable with really or what you want to have easily done. Have a look/read at the first post in this sticky I think that will help you.

[Deice]

does anyone know a good ( meaning very... very good) tutorial site for blender??? if it has moveis to gudie you that'd be even better

[Pasquale]

file too large in size and dimensions :)
@ mario_hater - all of them are equally easy to start with :)
Personally I'd stick with maya ( I do because its THE thing for film animation and motion graphics )

[mirshand]

You all can find the best of the best at http://www.3dtotal.com and you can see wich software they use and the final renders.:smirk2:

[.soulty]

i have part updated the list with the updated MODO info.

[eiwit666]

i know my way around in maya and 3d max , i prever maya because im used to the hotkeys :P , working in d max , confuses me alot when im trying to move my way across the stage :P , 3d max is much easier to learn i suppose , but maya is my true love :)

[squishy]

New one.

Animation master
www.hash.com

[DDD]

AM is not new. And sucks tremendously.

oh you meant new to the list...lol yea

[ronnie]

Strata3d belongs on the list as well. Good rendered, okay modeler, reasonably priced, good user community.
STRATA (http://strata3d.com/)
STRATACAFE (http://www.stratacafe.com/)

[DDD]

Strata does belong there, especially with that new PSD renderer thing is awesome.

[.soulty]

^you feel like updated the list dude, lol

[mlk]

mudbox deserves to be mentioned here as well

[Pasquale]

update maya to v8 :)

[.soulty]

i will try to update the list soon. keep info updates coming :)

[johnlouis]

Silo 2 Beta 10 Demo is publicly available. :love:
-link- (http://www.silo3d.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10722)

[sdpkelkar]

Not quite in the same league as Max and Maya but Moray (http://www.stmuc.com/moray/)and POV-Ray (http://www.povray.org/) made for an awesome combo, especially for raytracing, when I started learning 3D.

[ar]

Max is at version 9
Maya is at version 8.5
XSI is at version 6.1
Zbrush is at version 3
Lightwave is at version 9.2
Houdini is at version 8.2
Cinema4d is at version10
Modo at version 203

Just being on the topic of updates :D.

[mlk]

Max is at version 9
Maya is at version 8.5
XSI is at version 6.1
Zbrush is at version 3
Lightwave is at version 9.2
Houdini is at version 8.2
Cinema4d is at version10
Modo at version 203

Just being on the topic of updates :D.

This could evolve on a day to day basis

XSI is at 6.5
Modo is 303 and
Houdini @ 9
Maya and Max @ version '2008' ( = 8.5/9 ?)

[.soulty]

^haha.. i'll update this one day... unless one of you guys want to go through it? you would basically have to copy and paste the text then pm to me with the updates and i will replace the text you give me. :)

[M@Ti]

Mudbox - v.1.0.7
Max 2008 (=10)
XSI 6.5

[Fire-port]

I want to draw 3d cermonial ribbon in Photoshop cs2 , i want to know whether is it possible ? and also i want to learn it from some video tutorial.......... please help me guys with links.....

[Pasquale]

I want to draw 3d cermonial ribbon in Photoshop cs2 , i want to know whether is it possible ? and also i want to learn it from some video tutorial.......... please help me guys with links.....
Start a new thread for this - seeing as you don't even want to use a 3d package :)

[prg9]

Not sure if this thread is still breathing but for what its worth Blenderis version 2.45 and has many, many more features than 2.41 had. (in case anyone happens upon this thread).

Blender
[ latest release = v2.45 ]

You can review some of the features at the Features Gallery (link)

(http://www.blender.org/features-gallery/features/)Also when the Blender Foundation finishes the Peach Movie Project (http://peach.blender.org/) and Apricot Game Project (http://apricot.blender.org/), a new release with many new features will follow. I personally think its amazing software for free, and it just keeps getting better and feature rich all the time.

EDIT: and then add to that, that Blender now has export capabilities for Papervsion and others.


Blender > ActionScript Exporter (http://www.blendernation.com/2008/01/22/blender-actionscript-exporter/)

Anyone who works with Flash should find this interesting. Blender user Dennis Ippel has created a script which can convert Blender objects in Flash ActionScript 3.0 objects. This allows the creation of realtime-3D rendering within Flash (which is more typically used to render two-dimensional vector imagery). For more information, visit the exporter's official page (http://rozengain.com/?postid=54), or its wiki entry (http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Scripts/Catalog/ExportPage4#ActionScript_3.0_Exporter).


:thumb:

[Loyx]

When I studied the associate degree in Design Engineering I learnt a lot of 3DPrograms... but mainly focused in the Industrial Design... In the list is Rhinoceros which is a Nurbs program (focused to the industry as well). So I think that maybe anyone would take a look at these 3D programs which are used to design all the tangible things (cars, planes, motors, furniture, electronic and mechanical pieces, etc..)


Autodesk AutoCAD (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=2704278)
Autodek Inventor (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=4246282)
Catia (http://www.3ds.com/products/catia/)
ProEngineer (http://www.ptc.com/products/proe/)
ANSYS (http://www.ansys.com/products/default.asp)

etc...

Fun fun ... xD

[.soulty]

^ thanks.. i will update the list when i can get around to it :)

[tkmk]

Um,
isn't Maya's latest realease v8.0?

[.soulty]

^ it's actually maya 2008 and there is a 'Extension 2' release, which from what i see in the PLE it's up to v8.5 lol... yes yes, update update...:sigh:

[Pasquale]

yuppers^^ It's awesome

[prg9]

Blender
[ latest release = v2.46 ]

Review the NEW features in the: 2.46 Release Log
http://www.blender.org/development/release-logs/blender-246/

Also be sure to check out the Peach Movie Project (http://peach.blender.org/) and Apricot Game Project (http://apricot.blender.org/). Each made with Blender 2.46.

[gixmi]

Same now use Lightwave - very intuitive modeller.
Should also mention that for both you can get the swift 3d plug-on and therefore export animations as flash :D i Love it

[smithshn]

For the best 3D Graphics or programming is Silverlight and Lightwave.
It is a comfortable and easy application.

[richimgd]

I'm a fan of Cinema 4D myself. :king:

[donniebrasco]

woow. thx for the share! :)