Open Source (FREE) 3D Software List: Must See Update

[FigMaster]

Don't forget about DigiLab Voodoo. This is a free 3-d tracking program that integrates with Maya, Max, Lightwave, After Effects, and a number of other programs. It isn't the best tracker, but for free it certainly beats having no 3-d tracking in After Effects.

On a side note, though, I would recommend you just stick with Maya Live if you already have that. It works considerably better inside Maya then Voodoo, though it doesn't integrate with After Effects nearly as well as Voodoo does.

[Ownage]

Although it was a great idea to display some very diverse programs which are even free... you may lead certain people astray therefore you should include recommendations so people can get a head-start if they are somewhat new and may not find their way.

[moviemaker93]

Hey guys, I downloaded Terragen a few days ago and its been great so far, except I can't make an animation without campath, and the site that had that available for download has closed down. I'm wondering if there is another download location or something else that would allow me to animate the camera.

Thanks, Josh

[CappyJoe]

Great list, but you might want to remove the words "Open Source" from the title. At least half of the apps listed are freeware rather than Open Source. They are quite different types of software.
Freeware = free of charge for regular use (free as in beer)
Open Source = Can be used, studied, and modified freely - the source code of the program has to be available (free as in speech)

[chicoi08]

Wow! nice list!

Thanks!

[David_97]

I downloaded Icarus and it just keeps quitting unexpectedly on my mac. Any suggestions?

I've had some issues with it too; though, namely, it was on XP (now on Windows 7). Perhaps it isn't fully compatible?

I'm new to program issues, since I namely do effects rather than that

[FigMaster]

http://www.sculptris.com/

http://thinkinetic.com/

Two new freeware softwares were just released, Sculpris, a Zbrush substitute, which I really like, and Pulldownit, a dynamics sim plugin for Max and Maya. Haven't tried it yet but it certainly look better than Maya's usual dynamics sim, though it may not be as good as Reactor if you're already using that in Max.

[reetblak]

All this software is free. Any redistribution must be with the source and copyright ust be respected. This list is not exhaustive, and is always subject to updates, but this is an open source best when it comes to work in 3D.

[maghoxfr]

Does anyone knows if some compositing work like the ones in this tutorials (or the ones in the freddiew's youtube channel) could be acomplished with open source software?

Because the thing is that even though I put a lot of time and effort learning After Effects I don't really own it, and I don't think I could buy it, at least for a long time.

I have no idea about 3D modelling but I know Blender has a node compositor, I might give it a try but I don't want to start and invest a lot of time in it just to realize it doesn't fit my needs. I've asked around the Blender forums but people didn't give me a concrete answer, mainly because they are mostly focused on 3D modelling, not so much on video compositing.

Thanks a lot

[maghoxfr]

Hello, even though I've been watching videocopilot's tutorials for a long time, this is my first post.

My question is if the examples on the tutorials, specially the compositing ones, not so much the motion graphics, or stuff like feddiew's channel on youtube, could be acomplished using only FOSS (Free Open Source Software)?

I've been asking around Blender forums but I haven't a concrete answer for my question. I know Blender has compositing nodes, but people on the forums is very focused on 3D modelling which I have absolutely no idea of.

Before investing time on learning it I would like to know if it's useful form me, because I put a lot of effort and time in learning After Effects so far. The thing is that I don't own it and won't be able to purchase it for a long time. For now I have the trial version, once and again.

Thanks a lot!

[Faust]

Hello, even though I've been watching videocopilot's tutorials for a long time, this is my first post.

My question is if the examples on the tutorials, specially the compositing ones, not so much the motion graphics, or stuff like feddiew's channel on youtube, could be acomplished using only FOSS (Free Open Source Software)?

I've been asking around Blender forums but I haven't a concrete answer for my question. I know Blender has compositing nodes, but people on the forums is very focused on 3D modelling which I have absolutely no idea of.

Before investing time on learning it I would like to know if it's useful form me, because I put a lot of effort and time in learning After Effects so far. The thing is that I don't own it and won't be able to purchase it for a long time. For now I have the trial version, once and again.

Thanks a lot!

Theoretically you could, but after effects speeds up the process. However, don't think that you need to use expensive software to create good VFX. That money is better spent on production equipment like cameras, lights, mic's etc.
Learn free programs and learn them well. It's skill, not software, that makes good VFX.

[maghoxfr]

Hello, even though I've been watching videocopilot's tutorials for a long time, this is my first post.

My question is if the examples on the tutorials, specially the compositing ones, not so much the motion graphics, or stuff like feddiew's channel on youtube, could be acomplished using only FOSS (Free Open Source Software)?

I've been asking around Blender forums but I haven't a concrete answer for my question. I know Blender has compositing nodes, but people on the forums is very focused on 3D modelling which I have absolutely no idea of.

Before investing time on learning it I would like to know if it's useful form me, because I put a lot of effort and time in learning After Effects so far. The thing is that I don't own it and won't be able to purchase it for a long time. For now I have the trial version, once and again.

Thanks a lot!

Theoretically you could, but after effects speeds up the process. However, don't think that you need to use expensive software to create good VFX. That money is better spent on production equipment like cameras, lights, mic's etc.
Learn free programs and learn them well. It's skill, not software, that makes good VFX.

Thanks, I just got myself a canon t2i with some gear and there went all my money saved, so now I don't have much to invest. I may give Blender a chance.

[Faust]

I may give Blender a chance.

Do that for sure, and give all the software on this thread a try. Also take a look at cinefx. It's sort of like after effects but free and a bit more complicated.

[maghoxfr]

I want to say that LIghtworks went open source a short time ago. That's good news.

[patrick198]

MUST HAVE: Gmax: http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax
Gmax is developed from the source code of 3DS Max and has an identical GUI, but is made for modelling and basic texturing. No reactor, particles or rendering free online movies. Still, I own 3D Max, and still have a copy of this. It is avidly used among artists who develop flight simulators.

Softimage XSI Mod Tool: http://softimage.com/products/modtool/
Like Gmax, this is a free alternative that is based on XSI's UI. Full XSI modelling and animation tools, for free. AND IT EVEN HAS I.C.E!

Terragen: http://www.planetside.co.uk/content/view/19/31/
Terragen is much like Vue, only it is free for personal and non-commercial use. If you register the free version (Terragen Classic) than the image size restriction is lifted and you can render HD. There is also a cheap version that allows limited animation. I used this a bit before I finally broke down and got Vue 6 xStream. Some would say that Terragen is better than Vue, but that is kind of laughable. Anyhow, a must have for the hobbyist.

Ogre: http://www.ogre3d.org/
Ogre is a game engine that is being used in many new games, and it is open source. Runic Games is even using it.

Wings 3D: http://www.wings3d.com/
A subD modeling app that is widely respected and used. It even has Renderman support.

POV Ray: http://www.povray.org/
A ray tracer that has close integration with Blender. It also comes with a recently acquired modelling software that allow you to create POV ray scenes utilizing a GUI.

K-3D: http://www.k-3d.org/wiki/Main_Page
Another powerful free app that has integration with Render Man (I am implementing Renderman right now in my Max pipeline, so you might see a trend plugging the apps that support it)

Blink 3D: http://www.pelicancrossing.com/Blink3DOverview.htm
A free(?) environment creator that allows real time immersive viewing.

3D Via: http://www.3dvia.com/
A modeller with a UI that is alot like Art Rage.

More to come as I find them.

Great post! It's very nice. Thank you so much for your post.

[creeduk]

Any one using Blender with AE might like this:

Exporter from Blender to AE for object positions
Blender 2.49

Blender 2.5x (beta)

I was very impressed with what I saw.

For Max there is MaxtoAE

And this - AE POSITION EXPORTER TO 3DS MAX

They are not as fluid as the Blender one does any one have other free scripts and or resources that are better?

(was no sure if I should add this in 3D area or AE area as it covers both..but free 3D resource area seemed good)

[r1381]

machStudio Pro 2.

anyone have any experience, reviews of this (now) free software? what is the catch w/ it being free now?

http://www.studiogpu.com/

looks awesome. my crap video card at work doesn't support directx 11, so i cannot use it. argh.

[AlekB]

Blender will have a camera tracker by the end of Summer 2011.

[AlekB]

Even during SIGGRAPH, Blender development marches on!

Ton Roosendaal writes:

Here’s a short summary of what was discussed on today’s meeting:

2.59 release, plans for 2.60

Branches mentioned that could get included for next release:
Joshua Leung’s work on animation system
Benjamin Cook’s work on motion capture input
Joerg Mueller’s audio/speaker work
[these] will get further reviewed or decided next week.
Other projects

BMesh progress; Campbell is ready to work on it, will work on a planning for it. We have to define when it’s ready for trunk (i.e. how much can temporarily not work yet).

Google Summer of Code:
“Pencils down” soon, we’ll update students with requirements as soon Google tells more details

For those who don't know, Bmesh is the implementation of better mesh tools, including n-gons which were previously unavailable to Blender. Cycles is the new render engine, which is amazing. GSoC projects, such as camera tracking, will be implemented soon Check this stuff out on Blendernation and Blenderartists. Is anyone else as excited about this as I am?

[ShadesODesign]

Awesome !!!

Thanks a ton!

[snickast]

This is an amazing list! I'm glad I finally joined the forum! thanks for putting this together

[simpit]

I´m looking for a free tool that´s easy to handle if possible in a intuitve way and which is compatible to Element 3D (*obj or else). Blender is much too complicate cause I have no time to read the whole but only parts of the 1000 pages manual.

Any recommendations?