Creating 3D models: program overview, description

Programs for 3D modeling will help transform interesting sketches into beautiful prototypes and models, which can then be used for a variety of purposes. This type of software allows you to work with 3D graphics, regardless of the level of training. The bulk of 3D editors is quite simple (like Netfabb or Google SketchUp), so that in a relatively short time even a beginner can master them. Modeling in three-dimensional space is used in a variety of spheres: architecture and design, cinema and computer games, and much more.

Creating 3D models and choosing the right program for this is often a very difficult process, so many people just try everything in search of the right functionality and impact. Let's try to designate a list of the most popular and deserving applications, which have distinguished themselves with rich functionality, comparative simplicity and accessibility.

Wings 3D

3D-graphics, created in Wings, is considered advanced and quite realistic. Software has a wide range of tools with which you can create almost any 3D model. The interface is simple enough to be configured "by itself", and after several hours spent for the leadership, you can quite quickly manage the main functionality of the program.

The application has a built-in tool for displaying objects in AutoUV (symmetric modeling) and easily exports the models made to most popular 3D formats. The only thing that users complain about is the lack of animation: 3D graphics are drawn quickly and qualitatively, but to look at all this "live", you have to turn to other programs. But this shortcoming can be attributed, rather, to the game layout, and for architects and designers this point is unimportant.

Support for operating systems: "Windows", "Linux", OS X.

SketchUp

The Google SketchUp platform is considered a professional software for almost any actions with three-dimensional models. The program has many templates and built-in effect generators, which greatly facilitates the work for beginners, and in some cases professionals. The application supports all sorts of plug-ins and additional macros, so with fine-tuning the problems should not be.

The developer positions the platform as a tool where the creation of 3D-models is optimized for architects, designers, furniture of premises, that is, for the sphere "Building a house". But if you want and install additional plug-ins, the program functionality can be significantly extended. After the installation of add-ons, it is possible to create 3D models from photos, capture animations, imposition complex geometry and much more - everything depends only on the task and your imagination.

It should be noted that the platform is in high demand among Russian-speaking users due to full localization and a large number of training documentation in both photo and video formats. And its system requirements are more loyal, in contrast to venerable analogs.

Support for operating systems: Windows, OS X.

"Compass-3D"

This platform is extremely in demand among a narrow range of specialists: it is the production of auto parts, the modeling of technology, the calculation of three-dimensional objects for proper drilling, etc. By and large, the creation of 3D models in Compass is the construction of voluminous associative models, And ending with a full-sized assembly unit.

The main feature of the platform is that once created 3D prototype allows you to quickly create models of a variety of typical products. The program supports "complex" 3D formats - SAT, IGES, XT, VRML, STEP, and is able to transfer geometric packages to various kinds of CNC equipment, which makes it irreplaceable in production areas.

Support for operating systems: "Windows", "Linux".

Daz Studio

The program is distributed free of charge, but this does not prevent it from being a sufficiently powerful platform for creating 3D models. The program is far from easy to master the tool, so newcomers will have to study 3D lessons on this platform for a long time and persistently. But the forces and time spent for detailed acquaintance are worth it. The newcomer will be rewarded with extensive functionality, ample opportunities and really beautifully turned out projects.

The creation of 3D models in Daz Studio makes them extremely realistic due to the work with GPU acceleration and advanced rendering. The platform supports the creation of critical 3D scenes and is armed with extensive functionality for animating models of any complexity.

Support for operating systems: Windows, OS X.

AutoCAD

In some special representation, this platform does not need, because it is familiar to almost everyone - from novice engineers to professional architects working in large companies.

If you have skilled hands and a small knowledge pack in your arsenal, creating 3D models in AutoCAD will be quick and relatively simple. And replenish the knowledge of this platform can be quite a long time, because of its versatility and multifunctionality. The benefit of all kinds of literature, lessons and articles on AutoCAD training abound.

The main direction of the platform is the design of the drawings, but the latest software versions and additional plug-ins greatly expand the program's capabilities. Therefore, the creation of 3D models for games, interior and design chips is not uncommon in AutoCAD. However, venerable experts believe that the platform is sharpened exclusively for technical modeling and excellently succeeded in this area. But if you suddenly want to "upgrade" furniture in your apartment or play a game design - AutoCAD will be a great help in your endeavors.

Support for operating systems: "Windows", "Linux", OS X.

Netfabb

The developer positions the platform as a visualizer of interactive 3D scenes, but the enhanced version allows you to analyze, edit and make any changes to the 3D models built. One of the main features of the program is support for 3D printing. It is also worth noting that the software is distinguished by its exceptional simplicity along with its wide functionality.

The platform is extremely easy to learn, it is easy to install and support most of the known 3D formats. In the network, you can find amateur (and very good) localization, so problems for beginners should not be. Users give a warm response to the program's possibilities, but nevertheless consider it a kind of help for performing more grandiose projects on venerable platforms.

Support for operating systems: "Windows", "Linux", OS X.

Open SCAD

An interesting and free platform for 3D modeling Open SCAD allows you to seriously engage in interior design, prom design and architecture. Any artistic aspects interested developers much less, therefore, unlike similar programs, this platform is not an interactive tool.

By and large, creating 3D models in Open SCAD is a compilation of projects where your attention is shown the smallest details and details of the object in three-dimensional space. Many use the platform as an intermediate tool (similar to Netfabb), giving more serious programs to perform finishing touches.

Support for operating systems: "Windows", "Linux", OS X.

AutoDesk 123D

The platform is equipped with a rich functionality and has a large set of tools for 3D and CAD-modeling. Soft allows you to create, design and visualize any 3D projects, with the exception, perhaps, of critical-geometric designs.

It is also worth noting that the platform supports 3D printing technology in full. Official application support will provide the user with a variety of interesting and free 3D models that you can use for your experiments and other purposes. Multitasking and extensive functionality allow the platform to be autonomous and independent of any third-party programs, that is, the entire modeling process can be performed on the AutoDesk 123D.

Support for operating systems: Windows, OS X, iOS

Meshmixer

The platform is considered an ideal tool for compiling and visualizing several projects or individual 3D models. Literally in two clicks you can cut out a part from one model and insert it into another.

Also, the platform supports molding, that is, the possibility of creating virtual sculptures and images, and forming and refining the surface at any stage of construction, as if the model was molded alive from clay. And the whole process can be put on "real time" and corrected by visual progress.

Support for operating systems: Windows, OS X.

3D Crafter

Another free platform that allows you to work with three-dimensional models in real time. The main feature, for which the program was loved by beginners and experts, is an intuitive "drag-and-drop" function.

The function allows you to build more complex models or projects based on simple forms and sketches. The program also supports sculptural design, modeling and the possibility of 3D printing. Many users consider the platform to be the ideal tool for creating simple and average in complexity animated objects. Amateur localization will help beginners get comfortable, and simple functionality will allow you to easily navigate in the course of work.

Support for operating systems: "Windows".

LeoCAD

This is a highly specialized platform for designing virtual objects of LEGO models. Soft can be a good alternative to the expensive and difficult to master the program LDD (Lego Digital Designer).

The utility has a relatively simple interface, can work in animation mode and supports key frames. And it is the support for object animation that distinguishes the product against the background of other similar programs. If you want, you can find amateur Russian language support and additional text and video materials for a more detailed introduction to the platform.

Support for operating systems: "Windows", "Linux", OS X.