Instant Meshes
Instant Meshes is an open-source, easy-to-use, and user-friendly interactive field-aligned mesh generator. The GitHub repository consists of a top-notch meshing solution developed to bring the goals of artists to life. It is ultra-fast, high-performance, and makes use of the Instant Meshes algorithm to apply the automatic retopology module.
The UI is intuitive, easy to comprehend, and allows you to breathe life into figures. You can start a new project by opening the mesh and implementing filters on it. The configuration details include Sharp creases, extrinsic, and aligning to boundaries. You can target the vertex count by adjusting the slider or inserting the amount manually into the box. The software is cross-platform, with binaries available for Linux, MS Windows, and Mac OS X.
Instant Meshes Alternatives
#1 CrackArt
CrackArt is a powerful, feature-rich, and easy-to-use 3D texturing app that enables you to draw figures for use in projects like games and more. It is object-oriented and has a flexible plug-in architecture. The solution is open-source and is released as per the terms written in the Zib license. Thanks to this, everyone can develop 3rd party commercial plugins without hassle.
The software is a part of The SceneEngine project and guarantees exceptional performance. It is less resource-intensive, allowing those with older systems and less-powerful CPUs to use it to the fullest. The UI is user-friendly and simple to grasp, and you can start a new project by clicking on the icon. Each project can be saved and exported via the options given on the menu bar. Other highlights of the software include Texture painting, texture baking, spline modeling, and materials editor.
#2 ArmorPaint
ArmorPaint is the best-in-class 3D paint solution that is built from the ground up for physically-based texture painting. It is easy to use, and you merely have to drag and place the 3D models and begin painting. Get quick visual feedback in the viewport while painting. You can perform the job quickly, thanks to the presence of nodes. Everyone can paint with completely procedural materials. Create fill layers with material nodes and brush nodes for the building of procedural brushes and patterns.
The aim of the solution is to work fully on the Graphics Card. Due to this, you will be able to undergo a fantastic and hassle-free 4K painting experience on medium-power integrated hardware. Those with a high-end graphics card can climb further and get a maximum of 16K texture painting. The software is backed by an in-house 3D rendering engine to help attain the top painting experience.
Use the capabilities of the GPU to bake texture maps for high-resolution poly models. Everyone can download various builds like ArmorPaintVKRT and ArmorPaintDXR containing accelerated ray-traced baking with Vulkan and Direct3D12. The software is cross-platform and runs flawlessly on Android, Windows, iPadOS, Linux, and macOS.
#3 Union Bytes Painter
Union Bytes Painter is a versatile, flexible pixel art solution developed using C#, Godot, and works the same way as apps like Substance Painter. The tool makes it easy for you to create 2D sprites and textures with metallic, color, roughness, normal, and height maps. Textures and sprites can be modified via multi-channel mode in 3D or 2D space. Other tools such as baking and filters help you apply finishing touches to the artwork with specifications like space ambient occlusion.
One of the major features of the app is that it allows everyone to draw in texture space or just on the 3D model. The editor works with each and every PBR texture channel like metallic map, color map, roughness map, and heightmap. Everyone can modify the complete scene in different layers, with each having its separate blending mode. Receive instant feedback by drawing on each PBR texture simultaneously. The tool is developed with GODOT, offering you a real-life preview of the materials in the engine. Other features include UV Editing, Stamp tool, Texture baking, Texture filters, Preview post-processing, and Normal map generation.
#4 ShapeWorks
ShapeWorks is a prominent, powerful, and flexible digital sculpting solution designed for 3D artists and game developers. It is the perfect match for artists of all experience levels and enables them to breathe life into their ideas in an effortless way. All things imaginable can be shaped via the software. There is no hassle involved, and you won’t have to jump through many difficulties and hurdles to memorize various essential shortcuts.
The UI is easy-to-use and user-friendly, and you can create a new project or work on an existing one by clicking on the File button in the menu bar. The Subdivide option in the menu bar is great for subdividing the model to a limit as the built-in sculpture module is not optimized to function on GPU. You can access the brushed tab to utilize multiple brush tools for the sculpting process. The brush tool in the menu bar provides you with 12 different tools.
#5 Quixel Mixer
Quixel Mixer is an all-in-one tool that makes texturing easier for everyone. You can add the mesh, implement dynamic materials, and 3D paint the final parts, making the whole process really simple and easier for everyone. You can exert complete control and set the special look, no matter if it is photoreal or stylized. Everyone can merge together procedural masks, sculpting, and painted layers with the complete Megascans library for the creation of any material via a single tool.
The best aspect of the solution is that it is user-friendly and fun for everyone who uses it. It doesn’t compromise the quality or power and is one of the leading texturing tools in the market. Artists can utilize the features of the software to accomplish top-notch results. You can texture the custom assets with smart materials, multi-channel 3D painting, seamless texture projection, real-time 3D curvature, procedural noised, and ID masking.
The solution is powerful and gives everyone the ability to work in the way in which they feel comfortable. You can build the best snowy ground texture that aligns with the game environment or a beautiful and stunning Viking shield for the avatar within the game. Mixer, along with dozens of Megascans and Smart Materials assets, are available for use for everyone without any cost.
#6 Zero Brush
Zero Brush is a fully-featured solution that converts Blender into a full-fledged and top-notch production studio, eliminating the hassle of baking, painting, and sculpting. It manages the grunt work while you bake, paint, and sculpt in Blender for the creation of stunning baking and painting workflow. The solution is easy to use and install. You can download the given manual to become familiar with all the features it offers and its usage.
The tool has a great UI and design, and you can order, delete, and insert layers from the 3D view. You can import a single or more folder of images as multiple brush types like stencil and decal. Everyone can bake normal maps and materials with a single click. This leads to the baked being included as layers and can be blended, positioned, and merged similar to a regular layer. The solution consists of many features like zero setup baking for each and every bake operation, zero setups to sculpt or paint, smart layers that generate expected results, zero setup baking for all bake operations, instant normal mapping, brush hardness slider, and distraction-free mode.
#7 MeshMolder
MeshMolder is a high-performance, ultra-fast printing and digital sculpting solution that runs similar to clay, allowing you to insert and delete parts at will by controlling the intensity of coverage radius, resulting in the production of the final form. Everyone can use the solution for commercial reasons or as a hobby. It features unique tools for modeling and for allowing the breakdown of organic shapes.
This version has boosted capacity and stability, adding more details to creations. Besides the .met format, you can also export and import models in the Obj format. Other available formats include .ply for usage in other 3D software. The UI of the software is user-friendly, and you will become comfortable with it quickly.
#8 Polybrush
Polybrush is a revolutionary 3D editor for Windows to help artists bring their engineering and other ideas to life. It is best for sculpting, 3D concept art, and fast modeling. What makes it separate from the rest is that it approaches the creation of 3D models as a drawing. The solution was built from scratch by artists to empower artists worldwide. It is easy to use, and you merely have to draw the model strokes that are positioned in space.
3D brushes can have any form and can also be made up of multiple objects. The trajectory, color, and deformation may depend on tablet pen pressure and more. Everyone has the ability to choose the required parameters and utilize objects within the brush to build a vast library of brushes. The solution also comes with brushes for voxel tools, sculpting, and a special tool for instant drawing rotation bodies. Any model and concept built with the help of Polybrush and brushes saved in OBJ files are supported by many 3D editors.
#9 Putty3D
Putty3D is a digital painting solution that enables you to sculpt from anywhere and at any time. It is a top-notch 3D sketchbook for enthusiasts and artists that enables them to accomplish their objectives without any restrictions. The tool makes use of the robust graphics processor within the device for the creation of an intuitive and smooth sculpting experience.
The software supports Wide Colour, Apple Pencil, and 3D Touch and has been designed for iPhone 7 and iPad Pro. This makes it capable of delivering higher sculpting volumes and better performance. The support for STL and OBJ export makes it easy for you to move creations to animation and modeling packages on the Mac or PC. It is also possible for you to transfer these packages into reality via 3D printing. Other highlights of the software include recording videos of the creations or capturing high-resolution screenshots, utilizing materials such as Gold, Plastic, or Ceramic to breathe life into the work, and sculpting on the fly with 3D Touch Apple Pencil.
#10 KenShape
KenShape is a prominent painting solution that enables you to draw 2D shapes, configure the depth for all pixels and produce 3D models. You can draw easily via the colors, and shapes, define the required depth for all pixels, and generate 3D models with great ease. All the generated models can be exported to several 3D formats that work with many game engines, including but not limited to .vox files that run with voxel software such as MagicaVoxel.
Those that can draw pixel art can draw a 3D model with full comfort. The voxel and 3D models can be exported by choosing from STL, OBJ, VOX, FBX, gITF, and DAE file formats. You can even export vector and bitmap images as a 2D (SVG/PNG) file. Everyone can generate depth on noise, pixel luminosity, or color index.
#11 PlastiSketch
PlastiSketch is an intuitive and multi-featured software designed to help you build 3D objects from Vector graphics in little time for usage in animation, videogames, or 3D printing. There is no need for any registration, as it is cloud-based and requires only the web browser to function. Newbies can generate results in minimal time as the approach of the solution is unique from usual software.
You can think of it as a reverse MRI app. All you have to do is set a few vector shapes, after which a 3D object will be produced by filling the blanks. The solution is suitable for all 3D modeling purposes like drawing 3D objects for 3D printing, rendering, or animation.
#12 TrueSculpt
TrueSculpt is a handy solution designed for Android to help you model a virtual clay ball by positioning it with your fingers. It is bundled with a lot of tools like symmetry, draw, undo/redo, smooth, and flatten. The best aspect of the tool is that it enables everyone to sculpt everything imaginable and then share the drawn object with others.
The smooth tool is helpful in deleting undesired spikes and jerky points. It is great for moving every vertex to the barycentric center of the nearest neighbor. The parameters include a radius for choosing the size of the area. You can save each figure, assign it a name, and then share it with anyone without hassle.
#13 Archipelis 3D
Archipelis 3D is a cross-platform and feature-rich solution for Mac and MS Windows. You can use it to create 3D content and make it accessible for everyone. It doesn’t require you to be well versed in the domain of textured 3D models and organic shapes. The only requirements are passion, imagination capacity, and a system capable of running the software. The tool is a piece of cake to work with, and you can start by drawing an outline from a background image, which will result in the creation of a 3D textured model.
It is also possible for you to utilize a blank view and draw your favorite shapes in minimal time. The best aspect of the app is that it gives everyone the opportunity to create 3D models by drawing shapes with their fingers. Simply draw the contour of different shapes of the model, such as legs, body, the head, and the software will implement the textures. Other highlights include Boolean operations, improved speed, improved accuracy, emboss effect, modeling with images, shape management, texture management, and rendering styles.
#14 Fragmentarium
Fragmentarium is a high-profile, advanced, and open-source IDE for navigating pixel-based graphics on the GPU. It takes inspiration from Pixel Blender by Adobe but utilizes GLSL and is designed with generative systems and fractals in mind. The solution is enriched with dozens of features to enhance the experience for everyone. One of the major highlights is the user widgets which are usable for the manipulation of parameter settings.
The best aspect is that everyone can browse over 100 examples which include Kaleidoscopic IFS, Mandelbulb, Quaternion, Mandelbox, Spherical Julias, Mandelbrot, and Ducks. Other great features of the solution include Progressive rendering for distributed ray tracing and high-quality AA and modular GLSL programming.
#15 Agama materials
Agama materials is a top-notch solution that makes it easy for you to build PBR resources and paint 3D models with great ease. It helps everyone create materials and utilize them for painting models. You also have the option to use pre-made textures instead. One of the best features is its Non-destructive workflow that enables everyone to undo any action or modify resolution in real-time.
The solution offers an easy and hassle-free creation of procedural materials, and there are over 60 nodes for you to choose from. It has an easy export functionality and support for UDIM workflow. You can read through its in-depth documentation to become familiar with all its quirks. Other features include Ambient Occlusion baking and a User-friendly interface.
#16 Autodesk Mudbox
Autodesk Mudbox is a 3D sculpting and painting tool for Windows platforms designed by Autodesk. It is a computer-based high-resolution digital sculpting, texture, painting, and displacement platform for normal map creation and other designing purposes.
Integrated with the latest and advanced proven technologies, Autodesk Mudbox enables users to easily create high-resolution digital sculpting and texture maintenance. Moreover, Autodesk Mudbox can also be used as a design tool.
Most designers and developers like to use Autodesk Mudbox for their projects because of its intuitive 3D interface and environment that make them able to create movable cameras that can be bookmarked.
The other technical features of Autodesk Mudbox are the availability of 3D sculpting and painting tools, accessible workflow, best brush-based workflows, relax brush, sculpting falloff options, and professional & advanced digital sculpting toolset, etc.
#17 Blender
Blender is a 3D and open-source application for design animations and graphs. It is best for scientists, students, experts, VFX experts, game artists, modders, and many others. Blender is a free and open-source application used for any purpose.
It is quite simple and easy to use and offers a massive range of new tools that helps users to create high-quality animations or graphics without any limitation. Whatever you create by using the Blender is your property, and Blender will never charge for it.
Blender lets users do any artwork, either it is images, movies, blend files, or any other type of data files; all can be controlled on the Blender. The stunning features of Blender are photorealistic rendering, fast modeling, fast rigging, animation toolset, fast UV unwrapping, full compositor, game creation, simulations, etc.
#18 Sculptris
Sculptris is a virtual sculpting tool designed for beginners to experts. It comes for entering into the world of digital sculpting and involving yourself to create the best products. The two main functions are the availability of 3D sculpting and 3D painting in addition to others. Sculptris is developed on the concept of modeling clay, and its focus is entirely on the same idea.
Sculptris lets designers and artists pull, pinch, push, and twist the virtual clay to make what they want. The other best thing about Sculptris is its user-friendly relation external environment, and that is the import of 3D meshed (.obj) into the Sculptris for further detailing generation normal and displacement maps.
Sculpting, dynamic tessellation, UV texture painting, and cavity painting are its primary functions. The list of technical features includes easy-to-use, ZBrush navigation controls, free moving navigation, hotkeys toggled on/off the system, various plugins for advanced projects, immersive interface, optimizing brushes, etc.
#19 ShapeShop
ShapeShop is an advanced and professional 3D design and modeling application that comes with an easy-to-use and user-friendly interface. It enables users to create sketch-based shape creation and editing tools to translate the ideas into a 3D shape.
ShapeShop is a sketch-based shape creation and editing tool that lets designers and artists transform their virtual idea into a 3D form. The best about ShapeShop is that it has a drag and drop system that makes the texturing simpler as compared to other programs. The advanced technology used by ShapeShop is the state-of-the-art technology that enables the designers to drag-and-drop the 3D parts directly to assemble a seamless and smooth surface quickly.
The involvement of procedural modeling means that the user can easily create the meshes at any resolution they need, like NURBS or SubDs. The advanced decal texturing tools of ShapeShop also supports the simple drag-and-drop interaction as well.
#20 Misfit Model 3D
Misfit Model 3D is a 3D model editor that operates with triangle-based models. It can easily support the various multi-level undo, simple texturing, batch processing, skeletal animations, image filtering, and many more functions. Misfit Model 3D supports multiple file formats, including Misfit MM3D, Milkshape MS3D, Quake MD2, Quake MD3, COB, and some others.
The feature list of Misfit Model 3D includes multiplatform applications, availability of up to 9 Orthographic canvas & 3D perspective viewports, viewport zoom & pan, a comprehensive plugin system for adding more tools, commands, and models, etc.
It also allows to create rectangles, cubes, ellipsoids, cylinders, apply materials & skins to models, alpha blending system, native support for PCX & TGA files and texture-mapped element can clamp at the edges or wrap; skeletal animations, frame animations, multiple named animations of both kinds, a system for converting skeletal animations into frame animations, etc.
#21 Sketchfab
Sketchfab is a web-based platform for creating and sharing 3D content. It provides a 3D model viewer based on the technology of WebGL that ultimately enables users to display 3D models on a desktop or mobile web page. Sketchfab is a platform of over 400,000 models.
The list of available tens of thousands of 3D models includes 3D scans, 3D printable, animal, architecture, characters, objects, science, scenes, engineering & technology, vegetal, vehicles, and many more. Sketchfab is one of the best platforms where you can upload, publish, and share 3D models with others. Sketchfab also lets designers and artists embed the interactive 3D files.
Sketchfab is available in three plans, mainly free, pro, and business. The good news is that the basic plan of Sketchfab enables users to upload unlimited models. Email support is also available in the free model. The other two plans include more advanced features.
#22 3D-Coat
3D-Coat is an application for PBR, voxel sculpting, retopology, and UV-mapping. It is used to render and enable texturing with smart and fully designed materials — 3d-coat for creating free-form organic and hard surfaced 3D models from rough ideas and scratches.
The tools let users sculpt, add polygonal topology, create UV maps, texture the resulting models with natural painting tools, and also render the static, animated, or images turntable movies. The best about 3D-Coat is that it can modify imported 3D models from various commercial 3D software products by using plugins titled App links.
Moreover, it can be converted into voxel objects or refinement and for adding more high-resolution details, UV mapping & wrapping, bump maps, specular color maps, diffuse color maps, adding textures for displacement, and much more.
#23 MeshMixer
MeshMixer is a designing application for giving your virtual idea with solid shape. It lets designers transform their boring stuff into 3D stuff. MeshMixer is a multiplatform 3D designing application that is available for Mac OS X, Windows (32 & 64 bit), and Ubuntu Linux 64-bit.
Basic designing tools like selection, drag & drop, filling, smoothing, making parts, basic controls & hotkeys, volume brush tools, etc., are also part of the MeshMixer. The software comes with a simple editor full of new tools that help you efficiently design any design quickly and easily.
Its most prominent features include pivot system, 3D design option in file menu, texture support, vertex color painting, duplicating linked pivots, new create modes, incorporation of 3D hubs, and ability to add an alternate proxy server. The solution also offers texture maps, create pivot tools, transform tools, align tools, pivot-to-pivot snapping, adaptivity settings, anti-aliased rendering, support structure generation, multi-user installations, etc.
#24 SculptGL
SculptGL is a WebGL sculpting application that is powered by JavaScript. It is a web sculpting application for sculpting 3D models in browsers and publishing them as well. The dashboard of SculptGL includes files import & export system, scene, history, background, camera, language, extra UI, rendering, topology, sculpting & painting, and much more.
SculptGL made a fork of the old SculptGL version with a new design. Camera tools in SculptGL include projection, fov (for perspective), camera mode, and camera pivot on picking. The rendering tools include shader, flat shading, show wireframe, curvature, exposure environment, environment texture, and madcap texture.
The other miscellaneous tools are five international languages, show mesh online, outline color, show grid, scale and center mesh at import, show symmetry line, Wacom plugin, shortcuts, and much more.
#25 SharpConstruct
SharpConstruct is a 3D modeling application designed to enable users to create and develop polygon models in real-time. The best is that it lets users create model organic shapes. Most of the tools integrated into SharpConstruct are based on the technology of ZBrush.
The software was initially developed for Linux/GNU, but now it is available for Windows as well. It is a free 3D modeling application and licensed under the GPL. The best about SharpConstruct is that it is straightforward to perform regular 3D programs as compared to other 3D modeling applications.
SharpConstruct works as advanced sculpting than conventional modeling. The user of SharpConstruct can draw bugles, shapes, and pits directly on an object, smooth surfaces, pinching, and pulling the edges. SharpConstruct also supports the pressure-sensitive ritbrador providing high and more control over the creation. Users can also increase the number of polygons properly on selected parts.
#26 Curvy 3D
Curvy 3D is a dedicated 3D modeling application for artists and designers. It is such a 3D making platform that assists both beginners and professionals in drawing 3D models, maintaining, sculpts, and much more in real-time. Curvy 3D is one of the best and easy-to-use yet powerful sculpting application for Windows for rapidly sketching natural forms direct to 3D.
The non-technical interface of Curvy 3D makes sculpting fun with speedy model development. Curvy 3D lets artists sketch, paint, and even trace. The software is a straightforward route to 3D modeling for the 3D modelers. Curvy 3D is integrated with an advanced volumetric sculpting tool that makes base mesh creation incredibly easy and straightforward.
Curvy 3D lets designers quickly draw the shapes for their model and then merge the forms to create a seamless base mesh. This feature is best for instant content creation and creates an even mesh for detailing in other modeling programs as well.
#27 MARI
MARI is a 3D texturing and painting software integrated with the power performance tools that enable designers to handle even the most complex assets. Nowadays, challenging the world of VFX, animation, and game development, MARI is one of the best options to deal with complex projects in a high creativity environment.
The advantages of using MARI are to paint quickly & intuitively in 3D, keep the creativity flowing in a professional & creative environment, work in a user-friendly yet high-quality context, eliminate frustrating & time-consuming multiplication workflows, and enjoying seamless pipeline integration.
MARI features are painting, texture mapping, realistic interactive preview, sophisticated geometry handling, color management, and dozens of others. MARI is a multiplatform software that is available for Windows 7 or higher, Mac OS X 10.9.5 or higher, Linux 64-bit operating systems. However, MARI is also capable of working on many older and prior-generation systems, as well.
#28 ZBrush
ZBrush is a digital sculpting utility that mingles 3D/2.5D modeling, texturing, and painting. It utilizes a proprietary ‘Pixel’ technology, which stores lighting, color, stuff, depth information for all objects on the screen. It is employed for producing high-resolution models to be used in games, movies, and animations by companies ranging from ILM to Electronic Arts.
ZBrush is one of the best digital sculpting tools used for creating high-resolution and high-quality models that are then used in movies, games, and animations by movie makers. It used dynamic levels of resolution to enable sculptors and designers to make local or global changes to their models.
ZBrush’s other best function is being capable of sculpting medium to high-frequency details that were otherwise traditionally painted in bump maps. ZBrush’s available features are Zmodeler, instances, details, ZBrush to key shot, other external addition, sculpting, texturing, rendering, import & export, etc.
#29 Cheetah3D
Cheetah3D is a 3D software for modeling, rendering, and animation. It is designed initially for amateur artists, and so it focuses on offering features for originating simple 3D scenes. Its selection of attributes is narrow but aimed to add in its usefulness and simplicity. For instance, it supports a range of geometric primitives, including polygon meshes and Bezier curves.
Its aspects also offer box modeling with subdivision surfaces. Additionally, it comes with simple animation support, including spline-based camera paths and targeted objects. The utility makes use of modern rendering settings that allow for antialiasing, retraced shadows, depth of field, HDRI, ambient occlusion, caustics lighting, soft shadowing, and photon-mapped caustics.
The technical features of Cheetah3D are best modeling tools, animation system, integrated industrial strength bullet physic engine, dynamics, UV editing, rendering, global illumination, scripting, file exchange (import & export of 3D models and animations), sharing of content, easy-to-use & earn, and much more.
#30 Deep Paint 3D
Deep Paint 3D is a fantastic tool for painting and texturing 2D & 3D models instantly. The best is that it lets users transform 2D models into 3D models. Deep Paint 3D is a software for painting and texturing 2D and 3D models interactive in a 3D environment.
Deep Paint 3D works as both standalone and can be integrated with other workflows as well through plugin support for the existing DCC authoring tools and apps. The software designed for improving the quality of the video, file, or other types of interactive entertainment products.
The technical features of Deep Paint 3D are brushing cursor, print preview, stroke preview, pressure-sensitive digitalizing tablet support, export to Adobe Photoshop, splines, batch operations, lock paint layer, image stamp, and much more. Moreover, there is also an integration plugin for Adobe Photoshop that links the Deep Paint 3D with Adobe Photoshop.
#31 InkScape
InkScape is a free, professional, and open source vertical graphics editor and is regarded as one of the best replacements for Autodesk 3ds Max, Adobe Illustrator, Corel DRAW, and Xara X. It is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.
It is suitable for illustrators, designers, web designers, and those who want to create vector imagery. The core features of InkScape are flexible drawing tools, broad file format compatibility, powerful text tool, Bezier and Spiro curves, free availability, suitable for all, either beginner or professional, and many more.
InkScape is one of the best software for creating and editing vector graphics, including diagrams, charts, illustrations, logos, line arts, complex paintings, and much more types of designs and artworks. The best about InkScape is that it always welcomes the files of other like products as well. That’s why InkScape is considered as an application that supports import and export for almost all formats and allows them to be edited in InkScape.
#32 Autodesk Maya
Autodesk Maya is developed and produced by Autodesk Inc. It is also known as simple Maya software and available to use on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. It includes various Maya features as well that are parallel rig evaluation, sculpting toolset, adaptive foam in Bifrost, etc. It assists the graphic designers and architects in creating challenging digital animation products.
It is integrated with the various effects, extensible CG pipeline core. The other technical features of the product are dynamics & effects, 3D animation, 3D modeling, pipeline integration, 3D rendering & imaging, etc.
Autodesk Maya is regarded as the best one 3D modeling and rendering application that can be used for creating 3D apps such as video games, animated movies, TV series, visual effects, and much more. The recent version of the Autodesk Maya is the combination of two products, and now the joint functions of Autodesk Maya are fur, fluid effects, Bifrost, classic cloth, nHair, Maya Live, nCloth, etc.
#33 Cinema 4D
Cinema 4D is a graphic editor for professional 3D editors and artists. It can be used for modeling, materials & textures, animation, sculpting, motion tracking, lighting & rendering, etc. Cinema 4D is the hallmark of MAXON for professional 3D artists and designers.
For those artists and designers who are looking for an advanced, high-tech, and professional studio to create jaw-dropping graphics instantly, then here is the Cinema 4D that is among the priority list of the top class designers.
The technical features of Cinema 4D are full rendering & modeling, comprehensive 3D editing, easy sculpting with various sculpting tools, python, written in C++, motion tracker, integration of pipelines, import & export for materials, workflow & interface, meatball enhancements, etc. Cinema 4D is integrated with the tools that provide the users with a comprehensive system of visualizing & broadcast, advanced character tools including a physics engine, client network for rendering, hair, and many more.
#34 K-3D
K-3D is a graphics tool that offers seven different tools for designers. It is a free 3D modeling and animation tool for Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and Mac OS X. The interface of K-3D is straightforward and user-friendly that is very easy to understand and lets the professional and beginners do their task quickly and effectively.
It features a plug-in oriented procedural engine for all its content, making it a powerful package for editing. The other technical features of K-3D are multi-platform, workflow, viewing, modeling, animation, materials & textures, scripting, compositing, supported formats, etc.
In addition to the above features, then there is a comprehensive system for procedural and parametric workflows. The properties of K-3D can be adjusted interactively, and results appear immediately. The powerful and node-based visualization pipeline system of K-3D lets designers more possibilities as compared to the traditional modifiers and designing tools. K-3D gives the freedom to users to create combinations.
#35 Carrara
Carrara is an advanced and professional 3D computer graphics software integrated with those professional tools that assist the artists during editing, posing, nature modeling, animation, rendering, and texturing. The best about Carrara is that it is also an expert in dealing with dynamic hair & fur simulations, soft & rigid body dynamics, and particle effects. The other thing that makes the Carrara a choice for designers and artists is its support system for third party add-ons and plugins that make an addition to its default tools and features.
The list of available features in Carrara includes availability for Windows & Mac OS X, multi-threading system, bullet physics library, native DSON importer, editing of posed meshes, native AutoFit, sequencer, keyframing, animation tools, animation commands, general weight mapped figures, legacy parametric figures, keyboard shortcuts, 3D paint & UV editing/unfolding, vertex & symmetrical modeling, etc.
#36 BodyPaint 3D
BodyPaint 3D is a 3D painting tool by MAXON used for creating high-tech and professional-level unique sculptures and textures. The hassle-free texturing system lets designers and artists create quickly paint highly detailed textures directly on the 3D objects.
Such an excellent platform that is integrated with a comprehensive pack of sculpting tools that are for the convenience of users to make them able to transform a simple object into a detailed work of art. BodyPaint 3D is considered as the best 3D product because of its advanced texturing tools that include a variety of image editing tools, brushes, selection tools, erasers, filters, etc.
In addition to its default texturing tools, BodyPaint 3D can even utilize the Adobe Photoshop .abr brushes. Then there is a projection maintaining system that has kicked off the need to spend a lot of time on creating perfect UV maps. Paint whatever you like, and view it on the 3D model, apply the projection, and then BodyPaint 3D will automatically adjust the painting.
#37 MODO
MODO is a next generation 3D content creator used for subdivision surface modeling, 3D painting, animation, sculpting, and rendering. It is a multiplatform application that is available for MS Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X operating system. Among various features, key modeling, key animation, and critical rendering are the main features.
MODO is regarded as the best solution to design exploration, video game content, character animation, and creating high-quality and high-tech advertising images. The solution has made the creation of digital content and designs easy and straightforward. MODO lets the designers and artists to freely explore the tools of MODO and maximize the quality of output.
The features of MODO are animation tools, presets system, rendering system, UVing, sculpting, rigging, painting, modeling, collaboration & customization, hair & fur, effects, retopology tools, tool pipe for creating customized tools, mesh instancing, dynamic parenting, layerable deformers, morph target animation, extensive file input & output, customizable user interface, etc.
#38 FaceGen
FaceGen is a program for creating realistic 3D human faces by using one or more than one photograph. It lets designers adjust the gender, age, race, and many other identities of a genuine person by using the FaceGen. The Singular Inversions develop this 3D modeling middleware and 3D face-generating application.
FaceGen is available in the free and paid version. The free version includes almost the same features as of paid version except for some high level and advanced importing, exporting, and editing tools. FaceGen is used in crime branches for making the models of suspects.
The best about FaceGen is its ability to render accurate 3D models of people with far more options to choose from to create precise and detailed images. In addition to creating 3D faces of people and suspects, FaceGen is also used for research purposes in social psychology.
#39 3DCrafter
3DCrafter, formerly known as 3D Canvas, is a 3D modeling and animation software designed and produced by the Amabilis Software. It is available for Windows operating system in three different versions, mainly – 3DCrafter, 3DCrafter Plus, and 3DCrafter Professional. 3DCrafter is an entirely free product.
However, the remaining 3DCrafter Plus and 3DCrafter Professional are paid versions. Most of the features of the Plus and Pro version are also part of 3DCrafter. It also offers import/export and other additional functions that are part of the Plus and Pro version only.
The best about 3DCrafter is that its interface is based on the drag and drop interface, making it a user-friendly 3D animation and modeling application. 3DCrafter is best for those who want to familiar with their self with 3D animation and modeling. 3DCrafter Plus is for those who want to create detailed models or create low-polygon models for game development. 3DCrafter Pro is an advanced version for full-fledged 3D modeling and animation.
#40 Wings 3D
Wings 3D is a free and open-source subdivision modeler and 3D computer graphics tool that is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X operating systems. It can be used to texture and model the low to mid-range polygon models. However, there is no support for animation in Wings 3D. It is integrated with rendering facilities and can export the files to other external rendering programs such as YafRay and POV-Ray.
The best about Wings 3D is that it can be used as a standalone application or in collaboration with other software like Blender for better rendering and animation. It is an entirely free application used for both personal and commercial purposes without any legal requirement.
The technical features of Wings 3D are selection & modeling tools, modeling tool support for magnet & vector operations, customizable hotkeys & interface, tweak mode for quick adjustments to a mesh, AutoUV mapping, Ngon mesh support, a comprehensive plugin infrastructure, etc.
#41 Sketchup
Sketchup, formerly known as Google Sketchup, is a PC-based 3D modeling platform used for performing various types of architectural, interior design film, video game design, civil & mechanical engineering, and much more designing.
There are three different versions, such as simple Sketchup that is free, and the other two are paid versions, namely – Sketchup Makeup and Sketchup Pro. It is a platform where every type of designer finds almost all tools for their creative works. Sketchup is the library of several 3D models.
The other best thing about Sketchup is that in addition to being a customized application, it also supports various third-party add-ons and plug-ins that further extend the features and functions of Sketchup.
Either it is about creating 2D documents or 3D models, Sketchup is perfect for all. There is an online library of free model assemblies in Sketchup that includes doors, windows, automobiles, and much more. The user can also contribute by uploading their models.
#42 Autodesk 3ds Max
Autodesk 3ds Max is a modeling, rendering, and animation software. It enables designers, architectures, graphics maker to customize, collaborate, and create 3D content instantly. The technical features of Autodesk 3ds Max are 3D text tool, Geodesic Voxel, and Heatmap skinning, max creation graph animation controllers, camera sequencer, dual quaternion skinning, populate crowd animation, fill enhancements, character animation & rigging tools, general animation tools, animated deformers, 3D modeling, dynamics & effects, workflow & pipeline and many more.
Autodesk Media develops Autodesk 3ds Max and is integrated with many functions like the modeling capabilities and a flexible plugin system. Autodesk 3ds Max is only available for Windows 7 and higher versions. In addition to 3D modeling and rendering, it is used by artists, designers, video game developers, TV commercial studios, architectural visualization studios, used in movie creation for movie effects and more pre-visualization purposes.
#43 CorelDraw
CorelDraw is the world’s most leading Graphic Design Software solution created by Corel Corporations. It comes with a suite of many cutting-edge features that helps users to create beautiful photos, design, graphics, and websites. It is simple and easy to use software specially designed for experienced designers and first-time users.
The solution has lots of different tools that make it simple to get started and also provide versatile in-product learning high-quality content that allows you to unleash your creativity right from the start. It also offers a reliable workspace designed to match your workforce needs and helps you be productive. It provides you with the freedom to customize your design space. CorelDraw allows you to create your ideal workspace with your favorite devices, icon size, color, and all the other related things.
The graphic design solution introduces the high-caliber LiveSketch tool, and this tool features an open-enabled device that instantly allows you to capture your original idea. Permanent interactive sliders, a user-friendly interface, powerful stylus enhancement, multi-monitor, and font manager are key features of the solution.
#44 Adobe Fireworks
Adobe Fireworks (formerly Macromedia Fireworks) is a Graphic Design software specially designed for those users who want a powerful yet lightweight image editing solution that makes it easier to create graphics for websites and applications. The solution allows users to get things done with ease and without diving deep into the color palettes or coding. It supports CSS creation, iQuery Mobile theme skinning, and offers API access.
While Adobe Fireworks is not meant to replace Adobe Photoshop, but it does provide powerful tools that make it easier to draw and edit vectors and bitmaps easily. The image editing software primarily focuses on creating assets for websites and applications. It’s an advanced-level optimization tool to help achieve the right balance between visual quality and size that is an essential element of web and app graphics. With the help of this software, users can also select the quality size balance according to their requirements and content.
The graphic can easily be exported to the web after optimization in a variety of formats, including JPEG, GIF, and HTML tables, etc. Adobe Fireworks is a complete solution and also contains all the significant features such as vector and bitmap support, API access, mockups, enhance color tools, previews, image export, and CSS code extraction, etc. Adobe Fireworks is a commercial solution and has different price plans; each plan has its own cost and features.
#45 Wacom MobileStudio Pro
Wacom MobileStudio Pro is one of the most powerful graphic design software that comes with lots of creative tools that are packed into the free pen computer, which features the Wacom Pro Pen 2. This combo solution allows artists and graphics professionals to unleash their creativity through pinpoint accuracy. Its latest iteration has designed from the ground up, keeping creativity in mind, and provides artists, designers, and photographers all the tools they need to stay ahead of the curve.
Just like Adobe Fireworks, it also comes with all the primary tools and services to deliver a complete experience. More than 4K resolution display offers life-like color with an accuracy of up to 96% Adobe RGB and incredible details for an unmatched creative experience. The tablet packs all the raw power pros need to run 2D, 3D, and CAD programs and complete the complex project fasters.
Wacom MobileStudio Pro is available in six different configurations that offer a great balance between performance and mobility. Settings of the software support Intel Real Sense technology to bring 3D scanning to the masses. Battery-less pen, 3D sketch on the go, customizable express keys and etched glass surface these are a key feature of the platform.
#46 Xara Designer Pro
Xara Designer Pro is graphic design software that offers illustration, photo editing, page layout, and all the primary web designing tools in a single package. The solution allows users to perform various graphic designing tasks using the only application that runs on the Microsoft Windows platform and does not require high-end computers. It includes all the tools, features, and content of photo and graphic designer, web designer and page, and layout designer.
Xara Designer Pro also allows users to create professional-level websites without prior web experience and makes it easier for them to accomplish the most web designing task. It is also known as one of the fastest graphic design software that can fulfill all the visual design needs. One of the most exciting features is that it offers a drag and drop interface that allows users to complete jobs faster using the Direct Action tools.
Its more powerful tool includes text handling, drawing page, 3D extrude and live effects, etc. Xara Designer Pro also offers prominent features such as unlimited undo and redo, top-quality screen display, 3D extrude, blends, web widgets, creative effects, magically erase, and much more. It has different price plans, and each plan has its own cost and benefits.
#47 Venngage
Venngage is a beautiful infographic design software that converts data and processes into more accessible content. It allows users to create a graphic, infographics, and charts. The program provides a wide range of easy exporting options, icons, customization templates, and themes with a drag and drop interface. In addition, the solution is dominated by robust customization and ease of use. It’s a simple program that can be used for free by seasoned designers and beginners to create a unique design. It’s particularly perfect for content marketers looking to create powerful visual content at a minimal cost.
Venngage is a complete solution and contains all the major tools and services that manage all the major tasks. It boasts various information design templates that allow novice designers to add a compelling visual to their content. It features a massive asset and interfaces that make the application stand out in the class of templates-repository competitors. The user interface provides all the tools required to edit virtually every aspect of the customization templates. Whether it’s color, text, opacity, content, or size, there is a tool to help you alter the aspects. It also supports seamless sharing on social media; you always publish and embed completed projects on your website or blog at ease. Unlike all other similar software, it also has many key features that make it better than others.
#48 Onshape
Onshape is a cloud-based graphic design platform designed to help cloud forward and designers, engineers, and manufacturers to work together from any device and web browsers. The platform provides built-in collaboration features, design, and version tools, which make it easy to create products and with fewer problems. It provides all design teams secure and instantaneous access to the single master CAD data version without the hassle of copying files.
Onshape delivers a robust set of features that includes on-cloud access, part modeling, drawing, sharing and collaboration, and much more. All features are available in each of its three subscription plans and have no expiration date. The software fully reimagined CAD for the advanced cloud and provide revolutionary parametric 3D modeling and completely associative 2D drawings.
The system also allows for a top-down design within context editing and multipart modeling that makes it better than others. Moreover, with the help of this solution, you get convenient access anywhere anytime. It allows your team to work on a single CAD system and CAD data simultaneously. Onshape is a commercial platform and has different price plans.
#49 Paint 3D
Paint 3D is a standalone graphic editing solution created by Microsoft engineered to help seasoned designers and beginners to unleash their creativity and bring the idea to life. It’s a reimagined classic paint application that comes with all the major features and an updated look and feel.
There are a variety of brushes and editing tools that allow users to create virtually every dimension. Whether it is a 2D masterpiece of 3D models, it will enable you to structure your projects from all angles. Paint 3D work with all the 2D designs and add lots of extra capabilities to the flatwork of art. Its profoundly touch compatibility comes with a new look and feel, and its UI is user-friendly with a tool panel.
Creating and manipulating objects using this solution is relatively intuitive. The tool enables you to start from scratch using the provided primitives like boxes and spheres. It also has an option to create using prebuilt 3D models that can quickly grab from the remix 3D panel. With this, you can also search for some contributed images for specific boards, or users can add sleeted images to the project bar. Remix3D integration, realistic texture, export video, and replay process are also a feature of the solution.
#50 Vectr
Vectr is a powerful free vector graphics platform that is available to use on almost all major devices. The program allows project managers, social media specialists, software engineers, and bloggers to generate vector graphics more intuitively and easily. It can be deployed either on the desktop device or used by any latest browsers.
It is a well-designed application with a shallow learning curve. It’s built with eye collaboration and sharing of vector graphics. Although the program lacks several advanced features of the high-end applications and provides all primary tools and features, most of the tools on the platform include pen, shape, arrange element and files, etc.
As compared to all the other similar platforms, it offers quite a simple interface where you get all features without any limitations. All the projects on this platform are saved online by default. This aspect comes in handy when you want to start or continue with the project on different devices. Vectr also has many features that come with advanced functionality to deliver a complete and more realistic experience.