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View Full Version : Free 3D Programs "To which to learn with"


gmd3d
September 25th, 2008, 01:55 AM
Every now and then someone asks what? Programs are there to make 3D Models and Renders ETC.. mostly by reformed Lurkers who have taken the
chance to come out and ask.

Here, There are users of different 3D Programs.

Some are at cost and others are free..

Here we will list these free ones! or Shareware ..

Some I have tried and some not.

If you locate another Program's post them here in the following Post and I will add to the list for ease of use.

Not only tool for 3d will be added here but other useful Tools

gmd3d
September 25th, 2008, 01:55 AM
DesignWorkshop Lite
http://www.artifice.com/dw_lite.html
DesignWorkshop Lite is a simple to use 3D program.

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PovRay
http://www.povray.org/
PovRay is a free ray tracing program.

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FreeCAD
http://www.askoh.com
freeCAD is a 3D CAD program with moving simulation. It looks like a
very good way to learn the basics of this type of program.

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3D Canvas
http://www.amabilis.com/
3D Canvas is a free 3D modelling package. Tutorials available too.

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Anim8or
http://www.anim8or.com/main/index.html
Anim8or is a 3D modeling and character animation program

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Terrain Texture Generator
www.insanesoftware.de
Terrain Texture Generator is a small toy for those who like to create interesting shapes from images.

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PlantStudio
http://www.kurtz-fernhout.com/PlantStudio/index.htm
PlantStudio is freeware for creating plants, (non woody) of all types for your projects.

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Behemot Editor
http://www.behemot.com/
Behemot Editor is a graphics program which allows to model and render 3D objects and scenes.
(Note: there is not much help with this)

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ZPaint
http://www.steffengerlach.de/freeware/
ZPaint is a program for making 3D objects easily. Looks like fun.

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Caligari's TrueSpace
http://www.caligari.com
http://cart1.caligari.com/web/Truespacemainreg.aspx
This is the page for getting the free version of Caligari's TrueSpace 3D program. There are tutorials here also.

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Blender
http://www.blender3d.org/
Blender, the open source software for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, post-production, interactive creation and playback. Available for Windows, Linux, Irix, Sun Solaris, FreeBSD or Mac OS X.
Current version of is Blender 2.64a

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Terragen™

http://www.planetside.co.uk
Terragen™ is capable of photorealistic results for professional landscape visualisation, special effects, art and recreation.

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Wings 3D
http://www.wings3d.com/
Wings 3D is an open source box modeling (one of the easiest forms of 3D modeling) subdivision modeler that is quite powerful and has a lot of great features.

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Kerkythea
http://www.kerkythea.net/joomla/
Though not a modeling program, Kerkythea is a free and powerful rendering program that comes in handy if you're using a freeware program like Wings, that has a powerful modeling engine but lacks in the rendering area.

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rendersoftwarelinks
http://www.mega-tex.nl/links/rendersoftwarelinks.php
On this site you´ll also find free-textures, free-3dgraphic-programms and free-3ds-meshes.

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DAZ Studio
http://www.daz3d.com/products/daz-studio/daz-studio-what-is-daz-studio
DAZ Studio is a software application released by DAZ 3D Inc. It is compatible with most files intended for use in the Poser human animation application. It is available free of charge (registration required). Version 1.0 was released in Fall 2005. Version 2.2 is the current release as of June 2008. Until version 1.7 it was officially known as DAZ|Studio, which is still used by many users of the program.

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GMax
Introducing GameFlood, the premier destination for artists, modders, mapmakers, and gamers to create, customize, and play third-party game content. With our powerful, free project and team management tools, you can get your ideas out of your head and into gamers' hands more quickly and easily than ever before.
http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax

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doga
DoGA project started in 1985 by university students in Japan, to support the newly born culture of CG animation.
"CG animation is a efficient way to approach visual creation and is also a lot of fun.
But the technology is so complex that it needs to be simplified and be brought down to a reasonable price for everyone."
That was the belief the students had.
While they were creating CG animation of their own. Research and development of a new CG tool kit began.
http://www.doga.co.jp/english/software/index.html

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bryce5
For over a decade, artists of all mediums - print, video, multimedia or the web - have known Bryce, the affordable 3D software for achieving breathtakingly realistic imagery.
http://www.download.com/Bryce/3000-6677_4-10696716.html
http://www.bryce5.com/

Vue 7 Pioneer
Vue 7 Pioneer The download is approximately 350 MB and includes 32 and 64-bit Windows versions and Universal Mac builds. In order to be able to use the product, you will have to create a Cornucopia3D account (if you don't already have one).

Vue 7 Pioneer currently only exists in English. German, French and Japanese versions will follow.
http://www.cornucopia3d.com/products/vue/vue_7_pioneer/
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amapi-3d
http://www.renderosity.com/mod/subcom/community/amapi-3d/
Tut link : http://www.staigerland.com/amapi/tutorials.html
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sculptris
http://www.pixologic.com/sculptris/
Sculptris is an elegant, powerful and yet easy to use 3D sculpting software, allowing the artist in you to simply focus on creating amazing 3D artwork.
Note: Registration required.
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faces
http://www.relativitybook.com/CoolStuff/faces.html
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evil_genius_180
September 25th, 2008, 09:16 AM
Good idea for a thread, Ger. It's good to have a list of these readily available for anyone who needs them. There are even a couple on your list I didn't know about. If anybody else knows any, please feel free to share. :)

http://www.wings3d.com/
Wings 3D is an open source box modeling (one of the easiest forms of 3D modeling) subdivision modeler that is quite powerful and has a lot of great features.

http://www.kerkythea.net/joomla/
Though not a modeling program, Kerkythea is a free and powerful rendering program that comes in handy if you're using a freeware program like Wings, that has a powerful modeling engine but lacks in the rendering area.

ulimann644
September 25th, 2008, 10:28 AM
Very good idea for people who can´t or won´t sell for expensive render-software. Here is another link I´ve found some month ago with links of free render-software.

http://www.mega-tex.nl/links/rendersoftwarelinks.php
On this site you´ll also find free-textures, free-3dgraphic-programms and free-3ds-meshes.

gmd3d
September 25th, 2008, 12:24 PM
Thanks Guys .. I thought it would be handy to have it availible for prospective newbee's to the craft :)

I have taken the liberty too add the links and infomation to the main Links I posted toi keep altogether ..

I will keep adding any new links we come across.,

Fretslayer
September 25th, 2008, 08:09 PM
Also, while its not not a modeling program - Daz Studio (D|S) is one of best free rendering programs I've come across. Not only does the company constantly update and upgrade this program, they also have tons of really nice free meshes to get you started.

D|S is the program I was using that got me to pony up the dough and buy Carrara.

http://www.daz3d.com/i/software/studio?_m=d

gmd3d
September 26th, 2008, 03:57 AM
Nice addition .. I will add it to the main links. I must have a look at that prog sometime ..

Also If anyone finds a broken links, PM me and I will remove them

Nardi
October 2nd, 2008, 11:43 AM
I also started off using Daz studio. Its a good program to learn 3d art with.

gmd3d
October 14th, 2008, 01:05 AM
I have found 2 links dead.. they have been removed .. and one Wings3d that I am not been able to connect. but I have left that there....

and I have highlighted the progs for ease for use

mcmiller
October 14th, 2008, 02:42 PM
This won't fit into the definition of shareware or free software (so pardon for the slightly divergent post), but Silo is a fairly inexpensive, yet powerful modeling program that someone can get started with.

http://www.nevercenter.com/

Once again, not really free. You can use all the features during a 30-day trial, then you gotta pay to play beyond then.

gmd3d
October 14th, 2008, 02:52 PM
No that's ok .. It can stay .. :)

maybe I should open a new thread for the non free one that offer free trials too ... I'll look into that tomorrow.. and start look at them:)

Oh welcome aboard mcmiller :)

Darrell Lawrence
October 14th, 2008, 08:18 PM
Don't forget the Lightwave free trial as well. LW 9.5:

http://www.newtek.com/lightwave/lwtrial/

UrbanArmitage
October 15th, 2008, 12:00 AM
I think this is a great idea Taranis. :)

If we're talking about apps that have free trial periods, don't forget about Rhino3D. It's a great NURBS modeller with some really funky interfacing options to CAD/CAM machines etc to flesh your designs out in the real world.

http://www.rhino3d.com/

UA

evil_genius_180
October 15th, 2008, 12:31 AM
Free trials are a good suggestion for people starting out in 3D. That way, they can try demo versions of expensive software (or not-so-expensive, in the case of Silo) to know if they want to spend the money on the full version.

gmd3d
October 15th, 2008, 02:18 AM
Great suggestions. I work on that today and start the thread..

Fretslayer
October 15th, 2008, 04:00 AM
Carrara Pro 6 has a 30 day demo available also. While it's not one of the programs people usually think of when talking about CG, it's one powerful app. Don't take my word for it - go have a look.

http://www.daz3d.com/i/software/carrara/default?_m=d&

gmd3d
October 15th, 2008, 04:11 AM
I am creating a new thread for these programs now .. I will move the links there when ready.

gmd3d
October 15th, 2008, 04:18 AM
The new thread is ready all non free programs are to be posted there ... Thanks for your help lads

http://www.3dgladiators.net/forums/showthread.php?p=255993&posted=1#post255993

gmd3d
October 15th, 2008, 07:37 AM
Blender News
Blender 2.48 released
October 14, 2008

Blender 2.48 includes all the work done on the Blender Game Engine and the Apricot Open Game "Yo Frankie!", with much better functioning game logic editing, character animation, and Blender Material based real-time shaders. And as last minute surprise a Bullet physics update with Softbody support.

We also included a lot of new development in this release; Windows 64 bits support, Grease Pencil for sketching annotations, Sun/Sky/Atmosphere rendering, new modifiers, and an improved text editor with Python API support.

evil_genius_180
October 15th, 2008, 09:08 AM
I downloaded Blender 2.48 last night but I haven't installed it yet. Fortunately, that's a small program to download, since they update it about once a month. ;)

Fretslayer
October 15th, 2008, 09:46 AM
How about GMax?
It's sort of the 'little brother' to 3DsMax. I used it back when I first cut my CG teeth and it was pretty good. I just took a look and it's no longer supported by either Discreet or Autodesk but I did find a working download link. In it's time GMax was used by a lot of people who were making custom skins and other things for their games. For a beginner looking to get into MAX this program is a pretty good place to start. Also, modeling with it is very simple stuff.

http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax

gmd3d
October 15th, 2008, 12:18 PM
Added .. I was going to look for the link today .. you saved me the time :)

Fretslayer
October 15th, 2008, 12:26 PM
Added .. I was going to look for the link today .. you saved me the time :)

Happy to help.
It was a bit of a trick to find it.
Since it's no longer supported I had to look through a few sites.
I had one site but I got a bad feeling about it as I've never been to it before and I don't want anybody to download something that could have 'someting extra' attached to it. Then it hit me - TurboSquid.com has tons of MAX goodies and as luck would have it they're still hosting the file. I've purchased meshes from them before and they're a 'safe' site to download an exe file from.

UrbanArmitage
October 15th, 2008, 11:29 PM
Hmm, you've given me an idea Fretslayer. Teranis, if we start providing you with links do you feel like setting up a couple of lists like this for free and commercial mesh, texture and related 3D assets sites?

UA

gmd3d
October 16th, 2008, 12:00 AM
It will have to checked with warrior, on the Models commercial side. I don't see a problem.

My orignal thinking was for the free Programs to have a single thread to reference and
encourage people new to modelling or interested in it. to join up and start a model or Render a picture.

3D asset sites. Models, Textures, Plugins would go with that. I know I am always lookingfor a neat plugin for LW.. and there are some sweet ones out there.

so I'll wait until warrior or any of the big cheeses give a go on the commercial side..

UrbanArmitage
October 16th, 2008, 03:11 AM
Gotcha. No problem, i'll keep an eye on this thread and if they give us the go-ahead i'll start feeding you with links. :biggrin:

UA

gmd3d
October 16th, 2008, 03:19 AM
Cool . I will possibly create a new thread for that and you can post there.. I'll let you know when..

Thanks for the help .. there are a number of website for learning programs .. these could be included..

darkwing_duck1a
October 19th, 2008, 02:44 AM
http://www.doga.co.jp/english/software/index.html

Free if you are content with the "locked" version that only allows still renders. ~$40 if you want the full version.

NOT a "geometry up" program...it uses a parts box of pre-generated shapes and textures. Still, it's easy enough to use and good for the "causal" modeller who doesn't mind that he's not going to get ZOIC or ILM quality results.

gmd3d
October 19th, 2008, 02:53 AM
That's an interesting one .. I will added it to the top list

darkwing_duck1a
October 19th, 2008, 03:00 AM
That's an interesting one .. I will added it to the top list

If you want to see an example of it's output, check out my "Rag tag fleet" thread I just started...

Forgot to add, the version you want for the most parts, textures, etc is L3...

Fretslayer
October 21st, 2008, 05:36 PM
For those of you using Poser or Daz products, Michael 4 (base) is being given away free at the Daz website. You have to register but it's well worth the time. M4 - FREE!

:)

Kai
October 21st, 2008, 05:51 PM
For those of you using Poser or Daz products, Michael 4 (base) is being given away free at the Daz website. You have to register but it's well worth the time. M4 - FREE!

:)

and a Eunuch. (his....Appendage is payfor... SO MANY JOKES!!!)

Fretslayer
October 21st, 2008, 06:44 PM
Well, I guess if it's that ...er... big of a deal (HA!) you can always use the 'appendage' from M3. It's pretty easy to place it anywhere you need to.
You should see the 'Mind Flayer' I once made.
LOL!

gmd3d
October 22nd, 2008, 01:28 AM
I got M4 .. I will have to learn how to add to poser.. what goes where ??

UrbanArmitage
October 22nd, 2008, 03:35 AM
Taranis, when you run the M4 installation make sure that you are running the 11.5 Meg file. The other 2 are specifically for Daz Studio and contain the Power Loader and materials for DS.

Once you have run the installer and gotten through the legal waffle, when it asks you for a 'Target application' select 'Poser - all files' and continue. Next it will ask you for the destination directory. Just like with V4 you have to install M4 to the directory that contains your Poser.exe executable file. This will be something like 'C:\Program Files\MetaCreations\Poser' or 'C:\Program Files\e-frontier\Poser'. Just use Windows Explorer to check where you installed it to.

If you are using Poser 7 Pro (and I know you are using Poser 5 atm Taranis :) ) you will need to make sure that you have a file called Poser.exe in your Poser directory. Daz have had some major problems getting some of the advanced figure features to work anywhere outside of the main Poser directory, so they try to force you to use the Poser install path by looking for this file called Poser.exe. The problem is that with Poser 7 Pro they changed the file name to PoserPro.exe which breaks the Daz installer. Stupid I know.

What you do to get around this is simply create a text file with nothing in it and save it to the Poser 7 Pro installation directory. Then rename it to Poser.exe which lets the Daz installer work properly. Nasty hack but a functional work-around.

Good luck and give me a shout if you are stuck. :)

UA

Fretslayer
October 22nd, 2008, 04:49 AM
What he said.

LOL!

On a side note, if either of you were using Carrara Pro 6 you'd never even look at Poser again. :D

gmd3d
October 22nd, 2008, 05:10 AM
Thanks UrbanArmitage.. I am trying that ..

I will have a look at Carrara Fretslayer:)

gmd3d
October 22nd, 2008, 05:13 AM
$549 for Carrara Pro 6 .. not at the moment :)

Kai
October 22nd, 2008, 05:15 AM
"The problem is that with Poser 7 Pro they changed the file name to PoserPro.exe which breaks the Daz installer. Stupid I know."

Daz still haven't fixed their installer? figures.. typical daz....


as for carrara... I tried... I really did... but god how can anyone get anything done in that? the way it works is totally twisted...

evil_genius_180
October 22nd, 2008, 11:40 AM
I got M4 ..

I used to carry an M4 when I was in the Army. :laugh: :D :nervous: :shock: :tongue: :nonono:

*runs*

gmd3d
October 22nd, 2008, 11:47 AM
I used to carry an M4 when I was in the Army. :laugh: :D :nervous: :shock: :tongue: :nonono:

*runs*

ah ha I use to carry The Super Soaker – Aqua Master Krypton
http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/wp-images/waterpistoldiagram.jpg

evil_genius_180
October 22nd, 2008, 11:56 AM
I also carried an M240B machine gun (like an M60 but by a different manufacturer) for a while but that was mostly just to terminate with extreme prejudice. :cylon:

Fretslayer
October 22nd, 2008, 02:25 PM
Well, Kai I guess I am totally twisted! LOL!
I've suspected that was the case for quite some time now! :D

I've used everything from Bryce v.1 through v.5, Max v.4 through v.9 and Lightwave v.7 through v.9 and Carrara Pro 6 is the one that works with the way I work.

Perhaps it's because I approach animation less as a modeler and more like a film director.
There are things I can do in Carrara in under 5 minutes that takes me hours to do in Lightwave or Max and it's not because I suck in either of them - it's because I have to fight their interface to get where I need to go.

I guess it's all just a matter of what you're used to and how you approach your art.
With both Max and LWO never finished a single animated project.
With Carrara Pro 6 I make an animated short film about every two weeks or so.
I have one comin' down the pipe right now that with luck should be available in about two months. It's running time will clock in at 35 minutes and I need to get with my voice actors for the dialogue. The more voices I have in the short the longer it takes me to animate it. The best thing about my friends who do the voice work is that they work for beer...Good thing I brew my own! LOL!

Taranis - there is a 30 day demo available for the program. Much cheaper than the $500.

gmd3d
October 22nd, 2008, 02:39 PM
I had great difficulty with Truespace 3.2 and 5....... and thought it to be worthless ..
That was until I saw what EvilGenius180 and a few others has been able to do. I could not model a box .. well I could only because its simple.. I have long since changed my opinion regarding TS ..:)

it depends on how you approach your work. Like Fretslayer said he coming from a director me I work like a modeller and less like an artist which is how I started .. with LW

and always I find it more difficult jumping between Modeller and Layout (the art bit)

Fretslayer
October 22nd, 2008, 03:07 PM
I honestly envy you guys with the killer modeling skills.
My modeling is pretty basic IMO but it's because I've only developed it enough to be able to tell a story. My animations were never about my modeling ability but story.

Well, with one exception - I did a Godzilla spoof that was designed to look like one of those old 'Rankan/Bass' Christmas specails (like Rudolph or Frosty) - My goal with my modeling was to make it look cheasy and awfu. I was most successful. LOL!!!

UrbanArmitage
October 22nd, 2008, 11:51 PM
I also carried an M240B machine gun (like an M60 but by a different manufacturer) for a while but that was mostly just to terminate with extreme prejudice. :cylon:

LOL! Yeah that's about the finesse of a half-brick! :)

Michael 4 (M4) is the first Daz3D adult male figure to come without anatomically correct genitals, so you could say that your M4 had more lead in it's pencil than Daz's EG. :D

UA

evil_genius_180
October 23rd, 2008, 08:32 PM
My lord. I don't even think I want to know for what someone would use an anatomically correct 3D figure. :blink:

Fretslayer
October 23rd, 2008, 08:37 PM
I've been using Daz figures for a long time now and I've not needed the M3 penis once.
I can't imagine it being a 'make it or break it' factor in the deal.
LOL!

But you know, there are a lot of people out there who make 'Poser Porn' so I guess it's important to somebody. LOL!

UrbanArmitage
October 23rd, 2008, 11:21 PM
I've been using Daz figures for a long time now and I've not needed the M3 penis once.
I can't imagine it being a 'make it or break it' factor in the deal.
LOL!

But you know, there are a lot of people out there who make 'Poser Porn' so I guess it's important to somebody. LOL!

LOL, yeah me neither Fretslayer. I really can't see the attraction of polygonal genitals. :confused::laugh:

There is obviously a market for it though. Sites like Renderotica wouldn't exist if there weren't I guess.

UA

evil_genius_180
October 24th, 2008, 09:56 AM
But you know, there are a lot of people out there who make 'Poser Porn' so I guess it's important to somebody. LOL!

Yeah, that was basically what I was getting at. I'm just trying to fathom what kind of loser goes in for that crap. I prefer the good ol' fashioned human action myself.

psycoderek
November 11th, 2008, 11:38 AM
Oddly you have all mentioned software that I use. I use different software for different applications. Blender to make a model and Bryce to texture it and put it in a scene. Daz studio 2 For human characters or something a little different like fantasy or scifi. I can add the finishing touches to my art in paintshop pro and will try truespace to see what it does. i tried the maya learning editionbut found it way beyond me. I like it simple where I can create a shape and then create anothe shape to go with it and so on until i have a result I like. Of all the software I use only Bryce cost me any cash because I have generous friends or the makers offer it for free. Now when some one designs a 3d package that has power tabs for easy working such as mesh splitting or UV texturing I will carry on regardless. I think that any software you can get for free is worth a try and should be at least given it's due. Oh as for human models with all the attachments, they get in the way unless they add extra shape to the model. male genitlas are pointless unless you are doing adult rated material and i am sure the people here are more inclined to make a model that has that extra special technical look to it rather than an anatomically perfet human figure that plays it's own bedroom golf.

gmd3d
November 11th, 2008, 11:40 AM
Welcome aboard .. psycoderek..

well said . I hope you will be posting some art here some time

psycoderek
November 11th, 2008, 12:40 PM
I'll check the faq's to make sure I do it correctly and in the proper place and at the right size.
Soon as that's done i'll put some up. I hope they are to a high enough standard.

Cheers.

gmd3d
November 11th, 2008, 01:00 PM
cool .. There is no standards here only Art and Design admirers .. I am not a pro .. and I am always stunned at the work shown here over the years..

we want to increase the amount of art posted .. and help new comers to CGI or traditional art to post work .. ..

gmd3d
November 12th, 2008, 04:10 AM
I have just added links for Bryce3d .. I am trying them out .. you have to registered to receive a licence number ..

psycoderek
November 12th, 2008, 04:19 AM
It's worth registering so tht you can access the forums there. Check the freepozitory section where you will find hundreds of links for bryce and daz material and links for other software too.

gmd3d
November 12th, 2008, 04:55 AM
I going to have a look through it later .. hope I can do a scene too .

gmd3d
December 18th, 2008, 10:11 AM
Added Vue 7 Pioneer beta .. free ..

cloudwkr55
February 18th, 2009, 01:11 PM
While researching free apps, I ran into this one I didn't see in your main list: Amapi 6.1

http://www.renderosity.com/mod/subcom/community/amapi-3d/

gmd3d
February 18th, 2009, 02:24 PM
Thanks its been added

jjrakman
February 20th, 2009, 09:56 AM
Here's some more that I don't see listed here:

http://sketchup.google.com/

http://www.sausage.com/reptile-free.html

http://digilander.libero.it/giulios/Eng/Index.htm

http://www.jahshaka.org/

http://www.planetside.co.uk/terragen/

http://www.apophysis.org/

http://www.detonationfilms.com/missionstatement.htm

http://www.cs.utexas.edu/~okan/Pixie/pixie.htm

http://www.thebest3d.com/dogwaffle/free/

jjrakman
February 20th, 2009, 12:56 PM
just a thought, how about a free audio applications thread?

gmd3d
February 20th, 2009, 01:57 PM
I add them soon ..

as for a free audio application thread sound like a good idea ... its some thing I have never ;looked into it myself .. send me a list and I will set it up ..

jaqknife
April 6th, 2011, 02:14 PM
I have been using this. DeleD CE http://www.delgine.com/

I thinking of trying Blender. http://www.blender.org/

gmd3d
April 6th, 2011, 02:16 PM
I have been using this. DeleD CE http://www.delgine.com/

I thinking of trying Blender.

Can say I have heard of that one ..

Blender is a fast becoming the free prog of choice

evil_genius_180
April 6th, 2011, 08:49 PM
I've done a few things in Blender (I made a couple lightsabers and a planet.) It's way different from what I'm used to. I'm looking forward to Blender 2.6, which will finally be able to handle n-gons. (f-gons just don't do the trick because the "f" stand for "fake," it's only pretending to be an n-gon) Maybe then I will feel less like a fish out of water in Blender.

jaqknife
April 8th, 2011, 12:14 PM
I've done a few things in Blender (I made a couple lightsabers and a planet.) It's way different from what I'm used to. I'm looking forward to Blender 2.6, which will finally be able to handle n-gons. (f-gons just don't do the trick because the "f" stand for "fake," it's only pretending to be an n-gon) Maybe then I will feel less like a fish out of water in Blender.

ya it took me like 2 days to get use to blender. I feel like whenever I was trying to do something; it felt like trying to hammer in a screw.

blender does grow on you and it has a lot of functionality to it.

evil_genius_180
April 8th, 2011, 01:10 PM
Yeah, but I've been modeling for 10+ years in another program, so it's not just a matter of learning Blender, I have to retrain my brain to do things completely differently when I'm using it. If I'd started using it years ago, I think I'd be fine.

Scatha
May 9th, 2011, 04:02 AM
I've tried Blender, but just could not get my brain around their UI. Hexagon is more natural to me and easier to use in my case with Daz Studio 3 Adv, which I use as my rendering program of choice.

evil_genius_180
May 9th, 2011, 07:57 AM
I mostly learned the UI for Blender 2.49 and then they changed everything for 2.5X. :nonono:

Scatha
May 9th, 2011, 04:41 PM
LOL, I heard about that. I haven't touched blender since, as I consider it to be evil.

evil_genius_180
May 9th, 2011, 09:03 PM
It's not evil as much as it's tailored to someone's specific needs. It started as a in-house program designed to do what the people using it wanted it to do and how they wanted it to do it. Then it got released, people got hooked on it, and now it has its own foundation. However, for those of us who use other programs, it's like looking at a completely FUBAR version of what you're used to using. But then I've seen people say the same thing about my program of choice, so what do I know?

Scatha
May 10th, 2011, 01:23 AM
No doubt there'll be folks that say the same regarding Hexagon, as it does have it's limitations, but it's the best I can afford at the moment and I have no problems with the interface.

In fact, the interface resembles that of Daz Studio, which is what I began using when I started in 3d rendering.

Jabba101
July 14th, 2011, 02:57 PM
evil_genius_180 suggested Scriptis to me in the welcome thread. I've just been watching some of the videos and it seems pretty awesome stuff for static props. It even looks simple enough for an old coffin dodger like me to give it a bash, hehehe.

http://www.pixologic.com/sculptris/

evil_genius_180
July 14th, 2011, 07:53 PM
Oh yeah, I forgot to post that here. :blush: Though, for a while there, I wasn't sure if it was going to stay free. A guy made it and released it but then the company that makes ZBrush bought it, I guess they decided to keep it free. (kind of like a free version of ZBrush)

gmd3d
July 15th, 2011, 12:27 AM
I have added the program to the first page listing.

evil_genius_180
July 15th, 2011, 10:37 AM
Yeah, it's a cool program. I've seen some people at 3DSciFi do some really crazy cool stuff with it. Though, my personal attempts to do anything with it have not gone well. I managed to make a 3D smiley face but that's about it. :lol:

Rbug
October 29th, 2011, 08:44 AM
i didnt think amapi was still around hmmmmmm

Jabba101
February 10th, 2012, 03:28 AM
For this month only, special offer over at DAZ 3D...

DAZ Studio 4 Pro
Bryce 7 Pro
Hexagon 2.5

ALL FREE UNTIL THE END OF FEBRUARY 2012 - after that, they'll go back to their normal prices!

www.daz3d.com

gmd3d
February 10th, 2012, 04:30 AM
thanks ..... I forgot to add these

tseyres
May 7th, 2012, 12:46 AM
I dont know if anyone has considered 'FaceGen' or 'Faceworx', I have just started having a play with these and they seem quite useful.

I thought they might be useful for those who want to put specific people into their art.

Here is a link to a review, with links within to the actual freebies: http://www.relativitybook.com/CoolStuff/faces.html

gmd3d
May 7th, 2012, 02:45 AM
looks interesting I will add it to the list.

Welcome aboard tseyres

evil_genius_180
May 7th, 2012, 08:44 AM
That's really cool.

tseyres
May 18th, 2012, 01:18 PM
Glad they are of use, I am still learning and found this little tool which may also help some people: http://www.pullin-shapes.co.uk/page8.htm.

tseyres
May 22nd, 2012, 02:50 PM
I am working through a tutorial at the moment and I needed a bump mapping tool, I found this one did the job http://www.crazybump.com.

herby3d
October 12th, 2013, 09:48 AM
im working on BLENDER is fantastic 3d Free program.
Sorry for my bad english.
Herby3d

blender.com

gmd3d
October 17th, 2013, 02:08 PM
Blender is a very good program, I don't use it myself but have seen some great work by others ..

Tenement
February 2nd, 2014, 03:41 PM
Some fun software available for free. (Share on Facebook to receive link. Deadline is 4th of Feb 2014. :)


http://fxhome.com/news/get-hitfilm-2...ed-time-offer/

https://fxhome.com/photokey/free

gmd3d
February 6th, 2014, 10:54 AM
Interesting links..

evil_genius_180
February 6th, 2014, 08:21 PM
OK, I'm going to say it. The only thing making that not free was the requirement to share the link on a site that steals and sells user data. So, it's not exactly free. There, I said it. (I feel better now ;))

gmd3d
February 6th, 2014, 11:49 PM
Good for you.. now take a deep breath, stand on one leg and say beep.

evil_genius_180
February 7th, 2014, 09:48 AM
In all seriousness, I think it's a lame requirement to have to share a link on Facebook just to get something for free. Free should be free, end of story. But, that's just my opinion.

gmd3d
February 7th, 2014, 10:01 AM
Serious now

I agree, it should be free if its giving free without condition of anything.

Seriousness ended at least from me.
:)

SonicJordan
November 1st, 2018, 04:28 PM
I'm using Blender.

gmd3d
November 6th, 2018, 07:09 AM
I'm using Blender.
very popular program

alfabia
August 2nd, 2019, 02:37 PM
I also use Blender. The program is not easy to learn but has a lot of features. It is stunning since with the Cycles shader your results can be photorealistic. Even the new (instant) EEVEE shader, which is used for the viewport, is very close to Cycles.

steerpike
September 16th, 2019, 01:26 PM
"HAVEN'T BEEN HERE IN A WHILE?" says the site's front page. No; not since 2012... I had to guess my username and password.

I found a program called pcon.planner a few months back -

https://pcon-planner.com/en/

It's actually a room designer / planner, but I've found it useful as a Sketchup alternative. It reads and writes all but the most recent .SKP files and has more viewing and rendering options than Sketchup. It comes with the YAFRAY and OSPRAY (64-bit only) renderers built-in.

Open/save and import/export options also include .DXF and .OBJ. Newer versions are 64-bit only but they have an older downloads section with the 32-bit versions. It's quite heavy on resources but I think it's worth it.

gmd3d
September 16th, 2019, 01:42 PM
"HAVEN'T BEEN HERE IN A WHILE?" says the site's front page. No; not since 2012... I had to guess my username and password.

I found a program called pcon.planner a few months back -

https://pcon-planner.com/en/

It's actually a room designer / planner, but I've found it useful as a Sketchup alternative. It reads and writes all but the most recent .SKP files and has more viewing and rendering options than Sketchup. It comes with the YAFRAY and OSPRAY (64-bit only) renderers built-in.

Open/save and import/export options also include .DXF and .OBJ. Newer versions are 64-bit only but they have an older downloads section with the 32-bit versions. It's quite heavy on resources but I think it's worth it.

useful for scifi interiors possibly

Bridger
December 6th, 2019, 09:49 AM
What would you say is the best programm to start?
I was thinking to start with blender.

ulimann644
December 6th, 2019, 06:58 PM
What would you say is the best programm to start?
I was thinking to start with blender.

I guess Blender is the best non-commercial prg. Ideal for the first steps.

I personally use actual LIGHTWAVE 2019. Before I used MAX and I also use CINEMA 4D R.20 sometimes.

All programs have their positive and negative sides. My workflow is the best with LW.

I have also permanent an actual version of Blender installed on my HD, because it has some very good features. But I didn´t like the interface. Still too much chaos for my taste.

BTW: Welcome on board. :)

gmd3d
December 7th, 2019, 04:27 AM
Blender,

I don't use it myself, Lightwave3d is the program I found easier to use but if I was starting out Blender, the right price for a hobby.

you can find video tutorials to say build the classic USS Enterprise by Eric J. Reinholt AKA ScifiEric on youtube.

Bridger
December 10th, 2019, 12:23 AM
Thanks for the replies I am going to try out both (Blender, Lightwave) to see what suites me the best.

gmd3d
December 10th, 2019, 02:38 AM
Thanks for the replies I am going to try out both (Blender, Lightwave) to see what suites me the best.

best way.

I found LW easier to use, I believe the key way to use Blender is get to know shortcut keys to speed up your building time. my memory is shocking so that out for a start :D