3D Models and how to make them

Posted in 3D Modelling by admin

Basically, a 3D model is a computer simulated wireframe representation of an object. You will need a computer and some software to make a 3D model. You can then output your 3D model by rendering it. A process that allows you to create a flat image of the model with textures and lighting added to the model. You can also output the model to a 3D printer that can laser cut the shape. Alternatively, you can output a fly-through (a preset video of the object, recorded from different angles). You will need a 3D engine to present the object in a virtual world.

The following information will help you get started at building 3D models:

You will need a powerful computer and processor to run most of the software.

3D Studio Max is one of the most widely-used off the shelf 3D animation programs by content creation professionals. It has strong modeling capabilities, a flexible plugin architecture and a long heritage on the Microsoft Windows platform. It is mostly used by video game developers, TV commercial studios and architectural visualisation studios. It is also used for movie effects and movie previsualisation.

Blender is a free software 3D animation program. It can be used for modeling, texturing, animating, rendering, compositing, and creating interactive 3D applications. It is available to install on all the major computer platforms but it does have a steep learning curve. However, it is ‘free’.

Bryce is a 3D modeling, rendering and animation program specializing in fractal landscapes. Can be run on Mac and PC. It uses a uncommon interface but it’s not too hard to get to grips with how everything works. Owned by DAZ who have just bought Carrara, a object modeling application. Expect some merging of the two.

Cinema 4D is a commercial cross platform high-end 3D graphic. It’s popular with traditional artists and is easy to use for a high end product, its price is £586, so it’s not cheap but it’s used by the big boys in the film industry to make films like Polar Express.

Lightwave is a computer graphics program for 3D modelling, rendering and animation. It is an Emmy Award winning application for it’s use in many science fiction films (namely; Star Trek and Wars).

Maya is a high end 3D computer graphics and 3D modeling software package. It really is hi-end and has an Academy Award but costs $7000 for the unlimited license. It can be run under Mac, windows and Linux.

Sketchup is a 3D modeling program with basic tools and easy to learn interface. It is available for free from google and offers a great first step for beginners or small architectural firms.

We hope you choose the right package for your needs. It’s not a comprehensive list but contains the most popular programs available for a range of 3D uses.

If you need 3D models to help you get started you can view TurboSquid here (a 3D stock site) where you can download free and paid for stock models that other people have made.