Program Name:
		Swift 3D V4
		Developer:
		Electric Rain

After a much publicized preview via their official blog, Electric Rain launched their highly anticipated sequel - Swift 3D V4 - on July 2004. The new version of the program looks similar to the previous versions, but behind the scenes there are a lot of notable and useful changes. Overall, Swift 3D V4 picks up where its predecessors left off and further bridges the gap between graphic designers and 3D designers by providing easy-to-use tools that make creating, editing, animating, and exporting 3d models a breeze.

Swift 3D V4 sports the trademark ease-of-use and new advanced features that make it a great program for both beginner and veteran designers.

This review will give a brief overview of almost all the important features of Swift 3D that I think you would enjoy. So - here goes!

The Interface
Since the first thing you will notice about Swift 3D or any other program is the interface, I think it is fitting that I mention this. The interface for Swift 3D is very simple and clean, and it retains the ease of use that make it appealing for first-time 3D designers.

While the collection of text fields, buttons, drop-down menus, giant spheres, etc. may be a little overwhelming at first, you will find that you will hardly ever have to use most of the various various screen elements unless you really want to.

The interface is very simple and provides easy access to almost all of Swift 3D's features in one click via the familiar tab-style navigation found in various imaging and animation products. You don't have to go through various menu options...unless you want to!

The following is a screenshot of the Swift 3D v4 interface (click image for a much larger picture):

[ click above image for a larger picture ]

Unlike other programs that go through an interface overhaul every few versions, Swift 3D's interface has remained the same over the years. The interface is simple, and you can access the main features of the program by navigating through the tabs with ease.

Overall, this interface is great, for it is able to retain functionality without overwhelming you with details. Just make sure you have a monitor/graphics card capable of displaying in high resolutions. Your Swift 3D experience is much more enjoyable when you are able to devote more screen space for your various camera views.

One minor gripe would be the look of the interface itself.  Having been spoiled by the pretty icons Macromedia and other design companies use in their products, some of the icons and graphics in Swift 3D could use some aesthetic touch-ups.

There is plenty more that you may like to see. Onwards to the next page!

---

page 1 of 5

---