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What is the best alternative to Lightwave 3D?
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Cinema 4D
All
9
Experiences
Pros
7
Cons
2
Top
Pro
Easy to learn
Cinema 4D is heralded for its approachability. New users are not hindered by lack of familiarity with similar tools.
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Con
Expensive
Starts at $995.00 with the complete version costing $3,695.00.
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Pro
Clean UI
Customizable floating palettes and configurable view panels let screen space be dedicated to the artwork, not the interface.
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Con
Doesn't make true Booleans like most other 3D Softwares.
It works in a parent and child structure, so when you subtract one object, from another, it remains there invisible, and can be moved around.
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Pro
Great modeling and animation Software.
It's super easy to learn, and there are lots of tutorials online. What really ticks me off, is that it's always rated below Blender, by Blender fanboys. Sure Blender's UI is way better now, after it's 2.8 release but not better than C4D's. Blender is open source, and has really good 3rd party plugins, and is always being updated which is great.. But it's not better than C4D. Just because Blender is "FREE" doesn't make it a better Software, while again I repeat it is a good Software. C4D is also capable of the same things, and possibly even more. C4d is really underrated. And I don't understand why there wasn't a "YES" under the (3D) section on the list for C4D.
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Pro
Rendering
Is simple for making good rendering
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Pro
Includes great tools for animation and motion graphics
Mograph is a set of tools in C4d that speeds up the process of making animations and motion graphics.
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Pro
Useful content browser
Cinema 4D comes fully-loaded with an extensive library of preset objects, materials and scenes that make it easy to get started with your 3D project. Use this outstanding resource to quickly develop concepts without spending time modeling (or wasting money buying models), or dissect complete scenes created by top C4D artists to develop your own skills. These highly curated libraries are custom-tailored to specific markets, with a wide variety of assets including models, materials and customizable presets.
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Pro
Sketch & toon
Very flexible toon rendering solution helps you to create amazing 2D cartoon style renders.
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Experiences
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40
9
Blender
All
25
Experiences
Pros
16
Cons
8
Specs
Top
Pro
Free and open source
Blender is licensed under the GPL. Some Blender modules such as the Cycles rendering engine are licensed under the Apache 2.0 license.
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Con
Too many possibilities, no unified workflow
The operations are not optimized enough for specific tasks.
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Pro
Wide import and export format support
Support lots of modern 3D formats including DAE and FBX - ideal for game developers.
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Con
The physics engine is a bit lagging behind, especially the destruction physics
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Pro
Has a powerful rendering engine
Blender runs the Cycles path tracing engine under the hood. Cycles is a very powerful rendering engine capable of full path tracing (light fall off, caustics, volumetrics). It is mostly compatible with OpenCL and CUDA rendering, and is implementing mycropolygon displacement features. The upcoming release has a viewport engine called EEVEE whereby you can see and interact with your work in render mode in real time!
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Con
Difficult learning curve
Blender has a history of being unintuitive, but the 2.8 overhaul made the program far easier for beginners to pick up, and changes continue to be made to further improve the experience. However, there is still a learning curve.
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Pro
Python extensibility
Blender embeds Python 3, which can be used to write add-ons, tools, extend the interface, rig characters and automate tasks.
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Con
Not good for Industrial Design because it uses average vertex normals
You can not create a hard surface with a radius continuity degree along a surface using a specific radius value.
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Pro
Powerful animation suite
Blender provides a full rigging system, and automates animation by interpolating between keyframe positions.
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Con
Vertex normal issues on edges after boolean operations.
After creating a simple boolean operation the vertex normals are broken. A lot of work to fix the issue and you loos surface continuity.
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Pro
Supports both low-poly and hi-poly modeling
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Con
Bad vertex normal after boolean operations
Does not handle well polygon intersections. And need tweaking by hand points or adding average vertex normals via modifiers.
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Pro
Regular release schedule
Releases are made every ~3 months.
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Con
Does not handle NURBs
Is not capable of real hard surface for industrial design because is not able to reproduce surface continuity degree as a NURBs does and average vertex normal destroy surface radius.
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Pro
Sculpting and 3D painting features
Although Blender's 3d painting and sculpting tools (mostly painting) are not at par with specialized software like Substance Painter, ZBrush, or Mari, it is more than capable of getting most jobs done if the user takes the time to learn and understand it.
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Con
Poor particle system
The Blender particle system can at times be a little limiting and finicky (and buggy) to get working. Even if it can get most straight forward jobs done, it is far from the most advanced system, and could benefit largely from advancements.
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Pro
Includes video editing & compositing tools
Blender's node-based compositor has comprehensive video sequencing and post-processing features.
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Pro
Node based modeling support
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Pro
Keyboard shortcuts
Good keyboard shortcuts for everything. Keep your left hand on the keyboard and your right hand on the mouse.
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Pro
Very useful for a freelancer
It offers a round solution (it covers many areas and professional fields) for a freelancer, for free, constantly updated, very polished, and allowing high quality results that clients do require. After some learning, it becomes very useful for professional work.
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Pro
Has a large community
There's a huge community to help you get started immediately.
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Pro
Coherent and streamlined workflow / internal use logic
The trick with Blender is to get used to its usage philosophy, as it keeps consistent through all the application. Once you get it, every feature or addition is learnt naturally, almost effortlessly.
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Pro
Very versatile
You don't have to switch between software when you want to do different things. Because modeling, sculpting, composting, video editing etc can all be done in blender.
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Pro
Generative geometry using nodes
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Specs
Platforms:
Windows, Linux, Mac, FreeBSD
Technology:
C, Python
3D:
Yes
2D:
Yes (as of 2.8)
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Experiences
Free
663
95
Autodesk Maya
All
13
Experiences
Pros
6
Cons
6
Specs
Top
Pro
Myriad of features
Has an extensive list of tools for modelling, look development, rigging, animation, rendering and exporting.
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Top
Con
Pricey
Don't expect to get Maya cheap. It is considerably more expensive than lesser 3D programs.
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Pro
Industry standard
Maya has been the industry standard for 3d modelling and animation for years.
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Con
Difficult to learn
Expect to look at tons of tutorials.
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Pro
Combining powerful, realistic rendering with ease of use
Arnold is now the default interactive renderer, which can be found in the render settings. Solid Angle's global illumination ray tracer is used by many Hollywood studios.
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Con
Poorly organized interface
The menu organization doesn't make sense, and leaves you searching all over the place for functions that should fall under one category. For example, the option to bake your animation isn't under the Animation menu.
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Pro
Expensive
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Con
Unstable
The system can just crash unexpectedly.
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Pro
Extensible
The MEL language allows one to either write custom scripts or to download them.
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Con
Expensive
Real expensive in the long run.
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Pro
Support
Extensive support from Autodesk and users around the world.
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Con
Boolean bugs
A lot of polygon issues making boolean operations.
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Specs
Pricing:
Free trial version for 30 days or $1,620 /year for the Commercial version
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Experiences
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44
17
3D Studio Max
All
7
Experiences
Pros
3
Cons
4
Top
Pro
Huge community
As a top-end industry standard tool, 3DS Max users benefit from a rich ecosystem of third-party tools and community knowledge.
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Top
Con
Expensive
A 3DS Max license can be purchased outright for $3675. Subscription plans are available from $122.50/mo (for a full year commitment).
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Top
Pro
Excellent viewport performance
3DS Max is extremely responsive.
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Top
Con
Can no longer purchase perpetual license
It is now $185/month, $1,470.00/year, or $4410/4years - subscription only.
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Top
Pro
Great polygon modeling
Great for poly-modeling for both high and low polygon counts.
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Top
Con
Unstable and outdated
Bugs carry on from version to version. Lots of old code that still runs on one thread, even if modern systems offer 16+ threads.
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Con
Only for Windows
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Experiences
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19
16
Zbrush Core Mini
All
3
Experiences
Pros
1
Cons
2
Top
Con
Limited
It doesn't have all the features of Zbrush or Zbrush Core.
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Top
Pro
Free
This is a free educational version of Zbrush Core. It allows you to get used to the Zbrush UI without paying for it. More or less, a transitional package to Zbrush or Zbrush Core.
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Top
Con
For Non-Commercial use only
Cannot sell any products you make using this software. You'll have to upgrade your files to Zbrush Core or the standard Zbrush. Also will need License for either Zbrush Core or the Standard Zbrush depending on which one you upgrade to.
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Free
2
0
VECTARY
All
13
Experiences
Pros
10
Cons
2
Specs
Top
Con
You have to be online
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Top
Pro
Free
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Top
Con
Subject to frequent change
As this tool is rather new, it tends to change often, it may confuse sometimes, but generally the change makes it better
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Top
Pro
Simple UI
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Pro
Visually stunning
The feel of this app is really good and the beautiful design helps the overall experience.
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Pro
Fast-evolving
This tool is progressing very nicely and often brings out new cool features.
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Pro
Any operating system
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Top
Pro
Browser based - no install required
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Pro
Easy-to-learn
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Pro
3D printing ready
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Pro
Free online support
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Pro
Great for educational use
Since there's no need to install any application, VECTARY can be a great tool for teaching 3D modelling in schools as well. Students only need to make an account and they can use the same software both in their school labs and their own PCs.
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Specs
Supported platforms:
Windows, Mac, Unix, Chrome OS
Service integrations:
Figma, Sketch
Exports:
More than 60 file formats, including USDZ, GLTF, FBX
Import:
3D and 2D formats
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Experiences
Free
26
4
Modo
All
13
Experiences
Pros
7
Cons
6
Top
Con
Crashing non stop!
If you like deleting CFG files regularly, and sending bug reports then give modo a go!
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Top
Pro
Unparalleled modeling pipeline
Even long-standing Maya users envy Modo's modeling toolset and pipeline for its power, flexibility, and speed.
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Top
Con
The most unstable 3D software
Modo takes UNSTABLE to a whole another level! Use Maya, Max, or Blender instead!
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Top
Pro
User-friendly
It's very easy to get the grasp of the modeling work flow.
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Top
Con
Very unstable with too many bugs that were never fixed
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Top
Pro
Decent user interface
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Top
Con
Poor value
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Pro
Organized layout and UX
Allow the users to take control of different aspects of the modeling pipeline with ease: UV maps, Weight maps, shader tree, selections methods included selections by statistics, falloff, workplane management.
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Top
Con
Not good for animation
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Pro
Great value
The new subscription-based licensing option brings entry costs down to $599 / year for floating licenses and promises even faster feature development.
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Con
Very slow viewport performance
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Top
Pro
MeshFusion
MeshFusion is a procedural boolean-based workflow that helps you to create complex meshes effortlessly.
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Top
Pro
A lot of learning resources exist for this program
There are great support resources for newcomers and pros alike.
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Experiences
$599
46
13
ZBrush
All
12
Experiences
Pros
7
Cons
5
Top
Pro
Plays well with others
Can transfer work between other packages via AppLink and/or Bridge seamlessly.
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Top
Con
UI is far from user friendly
Though, it's fully customizable. Like for any software, there is a learning curve.
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Top
Pro
Powerful brush system allows for lots of creativity
ZBrush lets the user sculpt an object in fine detail with customizable 3D brushes.
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Top
Con
Expensive
A single-user license for ZBrush costs $795. But, Pixologic has not charged a penny for upgrades to licensed users since inception. Anyone who has purchased Zbrush has not been left behind.
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Top
Pro
Best for hi-poly modeling
Due to the nature of the program and how it uses high poly mesh sculpting it is best to consider this app when wanting high poly models, as that is what it aims to do best.
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Con
An odd perspective view
Does not lend itself to cinematic or artistic renderings due to a strange perspective system found nowhere else in 3D which warps according to the relationships between models and rendering viewpoint - there is no real 'camera'. It is sufficient for rendering your work on a sculptural piece or industrial design, but KeyShot Pro or any other PBR rendering program that uses a camera are recommended for scene rendering, at least in 4R7.
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Pro
Has low poly modelling tools with 4r7 version
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Con
Open, Save, Export, Import not conventional standard UI
Authors refuse to use standard layout and the New, Open, Save, Export, Import are in unexpected positions. There will be no UI improvements.
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Pro
Can easily simplify mesh topology
Meshes sculpted with ZBrush can contain billions of polygons, but tools are provided to cleanly reduce the poly count.
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Con
Hi-poly only
Not, the case as there is now the Zmodeller Brush system which has a full suite of polygon Modelling options.
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Pro
Always evolving and innovating
Every iteration of Zbrush has evolved beyond the last and has kept all other 3D package devs on their toes consistently.
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Top
Pro
Best support
No other 3D package has had continued support from their parent company or community like ZBrush has had since inception.
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Experiences
$895
65
23
Sculptris
All
6
Experiences
Pros
3
Cons
3
Top
Pro
Free
Sculptris is provided free of charge from Pixologic.
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Top
Con
Small scope
Doesn't do much besides sculpting.
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Pro
Sculpting allows for easier creative expression
Sculptris has great editing tools that allow designers to concentrate on sculpting and completely immerse themselves into making models, forgetting about all the complex methods modelers usually have to use in their daily business.
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Con
No Linux version
Only for Windows and Mac.
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Pro
Works on Lower-End Devices
Sculptris is essentially a lesser version of ZBrush that works on low-end PCs.
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Con
Limited sculpting toolset
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33
13
3D-Coat
All
9
Experiences
Pros
6
Cons
3
Top
Con
Not a voxel program
This is a paid texture program. Why is it in this list?
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Pro
A known app for retopology
3D coat is also known in the game industry to be a great app to preform retopology.
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Con
Voxel sculpting hits your system
Voxel is quite heavy on your computer, if you intent to use this as your main model and sculpt app do enough research to see if your computer can handle it and if you have the right graphic card for it. If you really have doubts , just go ask in the forums.
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Pro
Link to Photoshop, or any app that can open PSD files
You can save and open your texture work in apps like Photoshop, work on them and send them directly back to 3D coat. It will remember your layers and update.
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Con
7 layer restriction in the affordable version
The cheapest version available only lets you paint on 7 layers, which is very unfortunate.
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Pro
Professionals recommend 3D Coat for Handpainted textures
You can texture in many styles with this app, but when it comes to Handpainting, as seen in World of Warcraft and Torchlight, 3D Coat is the one that many professionals will advice you to as their top choice.
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Pro
PBR materials
3D Coat supports the creation of your own PBR materials that are ready to be used in the PBR workflow.
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Pro
Voxel sculpting
Voxel sculpting is entirely free from the bounds of polygons and topology.
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Pro
A fast and fun way to UV
3D coat has made UVing my work go super fast and it's actually quite fun because you're finished in a breeze.
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Experiences
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112
53
AutoCAD
All
6
Experiences
Pros
2
Cons
3
Specs
Top
Con
Interface is difficult to customize
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Pro
Great for engineers
AutoCAD helps make engineering drafts quickly. It's designed to help with things like plumbing diagrams and electrical wiring diagrams.
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Top
Con
Can be glitchy
The software can sometimes be laggy, glitchy and unstable to the point of crashing.
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Top
Pro
Free trial available
AutoCAD is available for free for 30 days.
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Top
Con
Mac version is weaker than the Windows version
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Specs
Platforms:
Windows, macOS
License:
EULA
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5
3
SolidWorks
All
5
Experiences
Pros
2
Cons
2
Specs
Top
Pro
Easy CAD model exchange
Because Solidworks is so used, most companies/universities/research institutes have at least some licenses for it, even if it's not their main CAD program. This facilitates exchanging CAD models in native formats between institutions.
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Top
Con
Expensive for individuals and freelancers
Solidworks typical clients are big organizations, so buying licenses can be quite expensive for individuals. Usually they only sell them in packs and will only give quotations when requested directly.
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Pro
Advanced modelling
Solidworks is one of the most advanced, commercial CAD applications on the market today. For solid modeling, it uses a parametric and feature-based philosophy. Its operations library is enough to build the products/objects that most designers/engineers will ever need to model.
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Con
Weak analysis modules
Solidworks has analysis modules ( structural, thermal, flow, ... ), but they are quite simplistic and their solving abilities aren't the best, so analysis results should be looked at with a critical eye. These modules should only be used for preliminary analysis.
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Specs
Platforms:
Windows
License:
EULA
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5
3
Makers Empire 3D
All
7
Experiences
Pros
4
Cons
2
Specs
Top
Con
This is not a voxel editor. Shouldn't be in this list.
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Pro
Works on many platforms
Supports iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.
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Con
Limited exporting formats
You can only export files as STL.
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Pro
Gamification
While only simple at this stage when you create and participate in sharing and commenting or even uploading you can unlock various, useful, purpose built items to create more detailed 3D printable models. The characters and avatars which you unlock are very cute like Japanese inspired anime.
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Pro
Easy to use navigation
Icons are easy to understand and so simple that children (as young as 4) can use it.
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Pro
Easy to use with touch controls
It is touch optimized, making for an easy touch controlled experience.
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Specs
Custom Solutions for education departments and districts:
Request quote
Makes Empire 3D Solutions for Schools:
Request quote
Makers Empire 3D software:
FREE for individuals
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Experiences
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20
13
Built By the Slant team
Find the best product instantly.
4.7 star rating
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