Industry Applications: A (Semi)-Complete Guide

[narenn]

Industry Applications: A (Semi)-Complete Guide
Here is a full guide to all the major 3d applications in the industry. This should clear up any discussions on "which program is better?", "why choose this?", etc...

If you feel I should add an application, just drop a comment below. I did these reviews the best I could. If you feel something is inaccurate or some details need to be added, post a comment.


Index

Digital Sculpting

Mudbox
ZBrush
Modo

Modeling/Animation

Blender
Lightwave
Cinema 4D
3ds Max
Maya
Houdini
XSI
Poser

3D Texture Painting

BodyPaint 3D
Mari

Simulation/Dynamics

RealFlow

3d Trackers

Boujou
PFTrack
Voodoo
SynthEyes
Icarus

Compositing

After Effects
Fusion
Toxik
Flame
Inferno
Nuke

Environments

Vue 7 xStream
Terragen

Renderers
Pixar's Renderman
Cebas finalRender
Mental Ray
V-Ray
Brazil

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Digital Sculpting


Autodesk - Mudbox


http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=10707763

Platform(s): Windows XP/Vista ; Mac OS X

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Pixologic - ZBrush


http://www.pixologic.com/home.php

Platform(s): WIndows ; Mac OS X

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Luxology - Modo


http://www.luxology.com/

Platform(s): Windows ; Mac OS X

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Modeling/Animation


Blender


http://www.blender.org/

Platform(s): Windows ; Mac OS X ; Solaris ; Irix ; Linux

-------------------------------------------------------------

NewTek - LightWave 3D 9


http://www.lightwave3d.com

Platforms: Windows ; Mac OS X

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Maxon - Cinema 4D


http://www.maxon.net/pages/products/cinema4d/cinema4d_e.html

Platform(s): Windows ; Mac OS X ; Linux

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Autodesk - 3ds Max


http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=5659302

Platform(s): Windows

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Autodesk - Maya


http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=7635018

Platform(s): Windows ; Mac OS X ; Linux (64-bit only) ; Fedora 8 (64-bit only)

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Side Effects - Houdini Master


http://www.sidefx.com

Platform(s): Windows ; Mac OS X (64-bit only) ; Linux

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Softimage - XSI ESSENTIALS


http://www.softimage.com/products/xsi/

Platform(s): Windows

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mysmithmicro - Poser Pro


http://my.smithmicro.com/mac/poserpro/index.html

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Simulation/Dynamics


Nextlimit - Realflow


http://www.realflow.com/

Platform(s): Windows XP/Vista ; Linux ; Mac OS X

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3d Trackers


2d3 - Boujou


http://www.2d3.com/product/?v=1

Platform(s): Windows ; Mac OS X

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The Pixel Farm - PFTrack


http://www.thepixelfarm.co.uk/products/products.aspx?PID=3

Platform(s): Windows ; Mac OS X

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Digilab - Voodoo


http://www.digilab.uni-hannover.de/

Platform(s): Windows ; Linux

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Andersson Technologies LLC - SynthEyes


http://www.ssontech.com/synovu.htm

Platform(s): Windows ; Mac OS X

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Icarus


http://www.colinlevy.com/tuts/IcarusTutorials/Icarus.php

Platform(s): Windows ; Mac OS X

-------------------------------------------------------------

Compositing


Adobe - After Effects


http://www.adobe.com/products/aftereffects/

Platform(s): Windows ; Mac OS X

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Eyeon Software- Fusion


http://eyeonline.com/web/eyeonweb/products/fusion6/fusion6.aspx

Platform(s): Windows ; Linux

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Autodesk - Toxik


http://www.autodesk.com/toxik

Platform(s): Windows ; Linux ; Mac OS X

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Autodesk - Flame


http://www.autodesk.com/flame

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Autodesk - Inferno


http://www.autodesk.com/inferno

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The Foundry - Nuke


http://www.thefoundry.co.uk/nuke

**PLE Available**

Platform(s): Windows ; Linux ; Mac OS X


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Environments

e-on software - Vue 7 xStream


http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/vue/vue_7_xstream/

**PLE Available**

Platform(s): Windows ; Mac OS X

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Planetside - Terragen


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

Platform(s): Windows

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Renderers

Pixar - Renderman


https://renderman.pixar.com/

Platform(s): Windows ; Mac OS X

-------------------------------------------------------------

Cebas - finalRender


http://www.cebasstation.com/index.php?pid=product&prd_id=136&feature=1283

Platform(s): Windows (3ds Max Only)

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[narenn]

Oky, this is a good start, but just for the sake of correctness, lets remember that Shake is not the exception in being a node based compositor - it's AFX that is the exception in being a layer based one.
Shake, Flame, Inferno, Houdini, Nuke, Toxik, Fusion, Combustion, Sabre and most if not all proprietry software are node based.

True true...like I said, I got to add a few...

[Mylenium]

Complete? Far from it!

Lightwave 3D
modo
Carrara
Shade
trueSpace
Animation Master
Cheetah 3D

Mylenium

[50yrExperiment]

I think you might have overlooked the camera motion tracking tool "SynthEyes"... I use it and it has produced great results for me... and for a price of $399.00 I think it's worth mentioning...

Jim

[Goulgag]

Some 3DApps which you should mention here:

Forgetting these is unforgivable:
ZBrush
Mudbox
XSI

These should also be in there:
Lightwave
Bodypaint
Silo
Modo

[Jamsta]

yeah, there's a tonne of 3D apps missed, but most have been listed above. There's also Vue, RealFlow...

I'm a little confused on why you listed only two Composit programs though? If you were adding them due to their 3D or 2.5D capabilities, then shouldn't you add the others??? Fusion, Flame, Flint, Nuke, Toxik and the list goes on......

[Graffe]

I will. I've just been crazy busy. I hate chemistry...

Your studying Chemistry?

[yosefanan]

one more thing

as blug in as somthing unique

Vue 7 xStream - The Integrated Solution

"Vue 7 xStream offers professional CG artists a complete toolset for creating and rendering exceptionally rich and realistic natural environments in 3ds Max, Maya, LightWave, Cinema 4D and XSI.

Access all the power of the world's leading 3D scenery program directly from within your favorite application. Create and edit beautifully detailed natural environments using your application's standard manipulators.

Render everything together inside 3ds Max, Maya, LightWave, Cinema 4D or XSI, with full interaction between Vue and native elements, including 2-way mutual shadow casting, reflection, refraction and GI."


the source link

http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/vue/vue_7_xstream/

its cool ...

[Psycho-Designs]

here are some additions for the guide:

Mudbox:
Cons:
- not as powerful as other sculpting tools


Zbrush:
pros:
- industry standard
- very powerful
- strong fan base
- tons of free tutorial videos
- highly customizable

Cons:
- unusual UI


Blender:
Pros:
- includes powerful node-based compositing tools

cons:
- unusual and unintuitive UI
- very steep learning curve


XSI:
Pros:
- Powerful and flexible animation tools
Cons:
- was bought by Autodesk


This guide is a very good idea to cut down on the maya vs max threads.. thank you

[Strandli]

@Psycho-Designs:
This may be off topic, but why is Autodesk buying Softimage a bad thing?
Avid had problems, and Softimage saw problems coming their way. They talked to many companies, and Autodesk was the ones Softimage preferred, so Softimage asked Autodesk for help, and it was not just Autodesk doing their usual power play, buying everything they come across over.
It's still the same people making the software, it's just someone else paying the paychecks. And now they have access to all the technology Autodesk has to offer.

Might add to Mudbox:
Pros:
- Real-time HDR rendering
Cons:
- May be buggy.

other than that, great list HighDefw!

[Heff]

Hey guys, just wanted to mention DAZ studio. It's a free, content driven, 3D posing and animation app. There are hundreds if not thousands of free models including the most popular female 3D model in the world Victoria 4. The program is extremely easy to use and even a begginer can create amazing art and animations in minutes. There are thousands of items of clothing, hair, and accessories to dress up the very realistic characters. There are even scenes ready to load and animate in seconds that are so realistic you wont believe it . Daz studio is not a professional grade 3D program, although I have used it many times for print graphics as well as motion graphics with amazing results. If you're thinkin I must work for Daz, I don't, I just think it's an amazing program for beginners in 3D and serious fun for anybody. Daz3d.com check it out . Also worth mentioning are Poser, Bryce, and hexagon.

[Psycho-Designs]

@Psycho-Designs:
This may be off topic, but why is Autodesk buying Softimage a bad thing?
Avid had problems, and Softimage saw problems coming their way. They talked to many companies, and Autodesk was the ones Softimage preferred, so Softimage asked Autodesk for help, and it was not just Autodesk doing their usual power play, buying everything they come across over.
It's still the same people making the software, it's just someone else paying the paychecks. And now they have access to all the technology Autodesk has to offer.

Thats kinda true, but after Autodesk bought Maya, Softimage's XSI was pretty much the only competition left between the high end production programs. Obviously, there is more than Max, Maya, and XSI, but these 3 are considered the best and most used by the big studios, and there is a big gap between them and the rest of the other 3D packages. Autodesk also layed off many people from softimage, including 2 of my friends. But it's not personal, I'm worried about the lack of competition and possible deteriorating support/development of XSI [which will be called Softimage]

On another note I'd suggest to anyone planning to learn XSI to hold off till autodesk releases the next version because I foresee lots of changes in the UI and features [like what happened with maya]

[Strandli]

Thats kinda true, but after Autodesk bought Maya, Softimage's XSI was pretty much the only competition left between the high end production programs. Obviously, there is more than Max, Maya, and XSI, but these 3 are considered the best and most used by the big studios, and there is a big gap between them and the rest of the other 3D packages. Autodesk also layed off many people from softimage, including 2 of my friends. But it's not personal, I'm worried about the lack of competition and possible deteriorating support/development of XSI [which will be called Softimage]

On another note I'd suggest to anyone planning to learn XSI to hold off till autodesk releases the next version because I foresee lots of changes in the UI and features [like what happened with maya]

That's my only concern, now that Autodesk have total control, they're either gonna take some chances and give us some good new tools. Or they're gonna say "oh what the hell, we can just pig out now", meaning new releases without any content. And the price is another concern. But only time will tell. Hope they aren't THAT stupid, f'ing with XSI's interface to make it autodeskish. But they'll definitely inject some bugs right into the code, just to give it a authentic Autodesk feel.
"Another crash? *white flash of rage* "

[narenn]

I don't think Autodesk will do a great job with their new software. Remember, they are an industry leader. They will never put their relationship with clients (especially post houses) at risk.

I have to admit, Maya 09 is buggy as hell, especially with Mental Ray...

[DanTD715]

Thank you very much for posting all of this! WOW! i cant believe how much some of this software is. $10,000 for boujou?? dont think ill ever be getting that.. i thought pftrack was a lot less, like $100?

[narenn]

Thank you very much for posting all of this! WOW! i cant believe how much some of this software is. $10,000 for boujou?? dont think ill ever be getting that.. i thought pftrack was a lot less, like $100?

Keep in mind not all these prices are exact. Some companies offer different version with more or less features at different prices. These were just the "norm" for what people in the industry and the community are familiar with. Like for Boujou, I believe there is a much cheaper version for a few $100 bucks.

And your welcome!

[Leigh]

What about MASSIVE:Prime [Crowd Generation - about 20K]? and FaceRobot [Face Animator - about 100K]?

[Ben Wotton]

Nice list.

Smith Micro's 'Poser'

http://shop.smithmicro.com/dr/sat4/ec_M ... _ID=316240

[ArAbBoi]

hi there
im new here ... and thanx 4 this site it's really helping alot especially from some1 as beginer as me..
i have 3d max , maya . after effect,lightwave and 3d cinema do u think it's enough 4 me or should i have more...
i know u will asking me what i want first before i have any other programs?lol
well let say i wanna learn to make a human walking.. and i need make short movie with that human? what's king of program i need?
thanx bro............
by the way im from saudi arabia so if u misunderstand that's cuz of me cuz my languge not that good
wish u best and 4 all

[narenn]

hi there
im new here ... and thanx 4 this site it's really helping alot especially from some1 as beginer as me..
i have 3d max , maya . after effect,lightwave and 3d cinema do u think it's enough 4 me or should i have more...
i know u will asking me what i want first before i have any other programs?lol
well let say i wanna learn to make a human walking.. and i need make short movie with that human? what's king of program i need?
thanx bro............
by the way im from saudi arabia so if u misunderstand that's cuz of me cuz my languge not that good
wish u best and 4 all

All the programs you "purchased" and no idea how to use them?

Your question varies. As far as 3d animation goes, After effects will not be used until your model need color correction, compositing, etc...

Have you started learning any of the 3d apps yet? I suggest you spend some time learning each one. If you have never done anything 3d before, then start out with an easy app like Blender or lightwave. Possibly try 3ds Max if your up for it. I wouldn't suggest Maya straight off the bat since its has a pretty steep learning curve. Unless you know what your doing, it will be a good few months before you get anything close to a full animated human.

Besides using the community and free tutorials, websites like digital-tutors and GnomonWorkshop offer some excellent dvds and downloads to teach you all the basics. I highly recommend them.

P.S. Also be sure to search the forum. Tons of helpful content is posted everywhere.

[ArAbBoi]

All the programs you "purchased" and no idea how to use them?

Your question varies. As far as 3d animation goes, After effects will not be used until your model need color correction, compositing, etc...

Have you started learning any of the 3d apps yet? I suggest you spend some time learning each one. If you have never done anything 3d before, then start out with an easy app like Blender or lightwave. Possibly try 3ds Max if your up for it. I wouldn't suggest Maya straight off the bat since its has a pretty steep learning curve. Unless you know what your doing, it will be a good few months before you get anything close to a full animated human.

Besides using the community and free tutorials, websites like digital-tutors and GnomonWorkshop offer some excellent dvds and downloads to teach you all the basics. I highly recommend them.

P.S. Also be sure to search the forum. Tons of helpful content is posted everywhere.

thanx alot really
cuz 1st things i use 3dmax and it's hard 4 me... and i never knew about blender and lighwave even i have it but i didn't use it or waste time on them like i did on 3dmax and maya ....
so bro i got from u that i should start on 3d program and easy one like blender... and later on i can use 3d max then i will go to other programs like after effects..
really u help alot..........
thanx bro wish u luck... tc

[narenn]

thanx alot really
cuz 1st things i use 3dmax and it's hard 4 me... and i never knew about blender and lighwave even i have it but i didn't use it or waste time on them like i did on 3dmax and maya ....
so bro i got from u that i should start on 3d program and easy one like blender... and later on i can use 3d max then i will go to other programs like after effects..
really u help alot..........
thanx bro wish u luck... tc

np. I wish you luck and I look forward to any work you create.

[andys_five]

Hey all,

I'm new to this forum, but have been in the motion GFX industry for 6 years. This year, as I'm sure many of you have experienced, I was laid off and am starting my own freelance business.

With that said, I have tinkered with 3D applications on and off throughout my career and have about the same knowledge base (beginner) with each app (Maya, Cinema 4D, and 3DSMax)

At the current time I'm thinking about purchasing an educational edition of one of these programs to learn. Then, as my business progresses and more 3D is required, I'd like to upgrade to pro.

I'm trying to figure out which one would be the best choice for me. Cinema 4D seemed much more user friendly and produced some decent work with little hassle, however, with Max and Maya, I had a more difficult time. I know right off the bat that Cinema 4D is a cost effective and easy solution, yet I don't want to limit myself. Advice?

[Rafael Guerrra]

Thank You Very Much for posting this, it explains why you are a mod. I use Cinema 4d and have tried 3ds max, so far I haven´t seen anything on 3ds max that I couldn´t reproduce on Cinema 4d, and Cinema 4d is cheaper.
P.S- I don´t like chemistry a lot either, especially this stuff I am learning now about inorganic and organic chemistry...I actually had to make ana animation where two liquids were added making an explosion for my chemistry class...I used RealFlow 4 and CInema 4d--hum...i think RealFlow is the one missing there.

[narenn]

@andys_five, whatever your preference, and what you are comfortable in should have the biggest impact in what you get. As you know, ultimately 3ds Max and Maya can create more complex work than Cinema 4D, but I too have created some very interesting renders in C4D. My advice to you is, use Cinema 4D. Eventually though, if you need more, upgrade to a more pro app.

@Rafael Guerra, Chemistry... don't get me started on that 0_o

I know I'm still missing quite a bit of apps. Eventually I'll get around to them