• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Best graphic design and 3D Animation Software

I

IanE

Senior member
I'm thinking about 3d animation and graphic design to tie in with Architecture (virtual and real) for college and I'm looking for the best software and programs for designing and rendering. Any thoughts?

Thanks much,

Ian
 
I think Maya has a 'free' version - but be warned, it watermarks all generated images. It'd be good for evaluation purposes.

I remember back in HS doing architecture - we used Autocad (r 14 or 15, I think). I had a blast with it - perhaps you can find a copy of the older versions around cheap.
 
Lightwave is a really powerful program . . ..

If you're looking for 2D, you can't beat good ol' Photoshop and Illustrator. :thumbsup:
 
Originally posted by: diegoalcatraz
I think Maya has a 'free' version - but be warned, it watermarks all generated images. It'd be good for evaluation purposes.

I remember back in HS doing architecture - we used Autocad (r 14 or 15, I think). I had a blast with it - perhaps you can find a copy of the older versions around cheap.
Click to expand...


I have a bunch of versions, even the latest 3D CAD stuff, I love it too.
 
I'm looking for all-out fully operation 3D... something you would use in college courses or what Pixar or Dreamworks uses... Price doesn't really matter, even though I'd love to get it free. Something along the lines of 3ds Max 7. I watched over half of the little trailers on the site, purely incredible. I'm looking for something similar to that, but for$3,500... that's a lot haha.

My girlfriend uses Bryce a lot... that looks cool.
 
Truespace was real confusing... =\ I don't work well with it haha... fun though. Thanks, FrustratedUser.
 
Originally posted by: IanE
Truespace was real confusing... =\ I don't work well with it haha... fun though. Thanks, FrustratedUser.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the interface is wacko. I played ariund with it way back. It's really powerful but as you say the interface is weird.
 
Softimage XSI, IMO is the best that there is. 3DS's interface is to cluttered. Maya's learning curve is high. Softimage is sinple but extremely powerful and no other 3D software can touch its price.
 
I'm so happy you guys have all this info! Anyone know of any programs that they are certain are used in college courses?

Right now I'm playing with a program called Anim8or, www.animator.com, it's really easy to use and I think it's an awesome little program.

Ian
 
i had a friend who went to animation school, they used lightwave and maya. I actually like Cinema4D alot. It seems like most schools would use something popular like 3DSMAX, maya, lightwave, autocad etc.
 
Originally posted by: asm0deus
i had a friend who went to animation school, they used lightwave and maya. I actually like Cinema4D alot. It seems like most schools would use something popular like 3DSMAX, maya, lightwave, autocad etc.
Click to expand...

Those 4 seem to be the most popular... and most expensive haha. Thanks a bunch, I'll look around some more.
 
Those 4 seem to be the most popular... and most expensive haha. Thanks a bunch, I'll look around for some burned copies
Click to expand...

I think all of the major packages have student discounts and some offer limited free versions (gMax for max, XSI has Halflife2 version, Maya learning edition, houdini apprentice ect.) before you go the warez route, they are worth a check. You'll know what classes require what when the time comes. For the most part, its not the software so much anyway. PovRay was the first 3D package I worked with, and its still available as well.
 
From what I've gathered, most of the high end applications like Maya, 3ds Max 7, and Lighwave all do the same thing, just different interface.
 
Originally posted by: IanE
From what I've gathered, most of the high end applications like Maya, 3ds Max 7, and Lighwave all do the same thing, just different interface.
Click to expand...

In a sense, sure, but that is an oversimplification. Highend3D is a good site that includes topical information on the major players with discussion forums you can check out. Its a good source of info with discussion from users as well.
 
Awesome, I'll be sure to check that out whenever I get some free time here at work or when I get home.
 
Maya 5 and 3DS MAX are the best 3D apps but both offer free lite versions for you to try it out. I used those at my work.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top