-by Kelly Murdock
There are many, many software packages available with 3D features. They range from high-end systems that cost $10,000 or more to simple 3D packages that do extrusions for $49. This list isn't complete and is by no means exhaustive, but it gives you a sampling of what's out there.
Workstations were once the only machines that could create 3D images. As the lower-end machines grew more powerful, workstations kept pushing the limits of possibilities, at a cost: 3D packages for workstations can cost $10,000 or more, depending on the configuration.
http://www.alias.com
These masters have been around for some time. With their products, including SGI's PowerAnimator ($9,995), currently in version 7.5, you'll find a lot of power. Silicon Graphics has recently introduced a WebAnimator package to create 3D graphics specifically for the Web. The package runs on high-end workstations and cost tens of thousands of dollars, but is also responsible for a majority of the special effects you see in movies.
http://www.electrogig.com/on/info/products/gig3d/gig3dgo.html
ElectroGIG is another company that specializes in advanced modeling and rendering solutions for workstation-class computers. Their main product, GIG3DGO, incorporates many of the latest developments in computer graphics, including iso-surface modeling and parametric raytracing.
http://www.vertigo3d.com/
Vertigo version 9.6 enables you to model with polygons or splines, which gives you great control and precision over your models. Vertigo also offers many animation advantages as well, such as the Mechanix feature, which lets you apply math to objects.
http://www.sidefx.com/prisms.html
PRISMS is based around a NURBS (NURBS stands for "non-uniform rational b-splines") modeler that gives you great control over your model. PRISMS also has motion capture, particles, metaballs, inverse kinematics, and image effects.
In this category you'll find the powerhouse products of pc-based 3D graphics. These products are still expensive (in the range of several thousand dollars), but aren't nearly as pricey as workstation-based packages.
http://www.microsoft.com/Softimage/
Until recently, this package would have been confined to the preceding category, but under Microsoft's influence SoftImage has shown up on systems running Windows NT. These systems also are used to create movie effects. SoftImage doesn't look like a Windows program because the interface is identical to the SGI version, but it's still extremely powerful and costs several thousand dollars. Advanced features include its programmable Mental Ray renderer for precise control over scene elements.
http://www.ktx.com
Autodesk broke off their multimedia division under the Kinetix banner. At around $4000, this package isn't cheap, but neither are the effects that it makes possible. 3D Studio Max is probably the most popular pc-based 3D package. 3D Studio is strengthened by its ability to include third-party add-in routines, called IPAS, that extend the product's functionality.
http://www.newtek.com/3d/3danim.html
A survivor of the Amiga system, it costs less than 3D Studio (around $1495), but is still very powerful and often used in television production. Lightwave versions are available for workstations also. Lightwave 3D just came out with version 5, which includes a whole slew of new and exciting features.
These products are finally getting into the price range that 3D enthusiasts and hobbyists can afford. They range from a few hundred dollars to around $500. They are capable of creating some incredible images and animations. For most Web developers, these are the tools to consider for adding 3D to Web sites.
http://www.caligari.com/lvltwo/product/ts2.html
Though currently in version 2, a lower cost special edition version is available. The trueSpace package sports an easy-to-use interface with many advanced features; it's one of the easiest to get you started.
http://www.raydream.com/
Ray Dream is now part of Fractal Design Corporation. Ray Dream is an integrated studio with models and extensions as well as a powerful modeling package and animation capabilities. A Macintosh version is also available. Watch for the Ray Dream site moving over to Fractal's site in the near future. The current version under Fractal's name is 4.1.
http://www.hash.com/
This package uses patches (rather than polygons, as the other packages do) to represent models. Hash's main package, Animation Master, is in version 4, but an earlier version is now available for only $199, under the name Martin Hash's 3D Animation. It includes such advanced features as inverse kinematics.
http://www.macromedia.com/software/extreme3d/index.html
Extreme 3D is a fairly new, but powerful, package. This product replaces the Macromodel package with animation features. You can anticipate that Macromedia will introduce Shockwave for Extreme 3D in the future, making it easy to publish 3D artwork and animations on the Web.
http://www.okino.com/nrs/nrs.htm
The NuGraf Rendering System has a strong array of conversion filters. It also has one of the fastest rendering engines available in this class. If you work with image libraries fairly often, you'll find the batch-conversion mode invaluable.
http://www.3deye.com/
TriSpectives 1.0 and TriSpectives Professional 1.0 are both aimed at the CAD market. They ship with over 1,000 drag-and-drop models and are priced at around $300 and $500, respectively.
This is a DOS-based package with features that rival 3D Studio at a smaller price point. Topas is included in Topas Kaleidoscope, a suite of tools for 3D professionals that includes models, textures, and a Fractal Design Painter for $1995. CrystalGraphics doesn't have a Web site, but they can be reached at 800-979-3535.
http://bytebybyte.com
Soft F/X, version 2.5, can run on various Windows platforms. Academic versions are also available. Byte by Byte also sells a Mac-based 3D package called Sculpt 3D, currently in version 4.1 for $500. Soft F/X cost $695, but competitive upgrade pricing is available.
http://www.coolfun.com/
Impulse is a DOS-based product that is another leftover from the Amiga world. Imagine is working on a Windows version, which will ship shortly. Check their Web site for pricing and upgrade options.
http://www.micrografx.com/visualsoftware/e1.html
Now owned by Micrografix, this package supports a number of integrated packages, including Visual Model, Visual Font, Renderize Live, Visual Image, and a library of models.
At the low end are simple packages that usually cost under $100. They make some simple 3D effects available for people who want only an occasional 3D element.
http://www.raydream.com/all/html/shop/add.htm
AddDepth is another product by Ray Dream that will now fly under the Fractal Design banner. It's great at extruding vector-based figures, whether text or symbols.
http://www.micrografx.com/visualsoftware/e2.html
Simple 3D is another low-cost, extrusion-based 3D package. You can control lights and materials.
http://www.3dsite.com/cgi/software/asymetrix/3dfx.htm
Marketed as drag-and-drop 3D, this product is very easy to use. Libraries of 3D models are included.
Many 3D graphics professionals prefer to work on Macintosh computers. Fortunately for them, there are several 3D packages to choose from.
http://www.electricimg.com/
A high-end tool for the Macintosh, Electric Image is often used to produce television effects and scenes. Although it's the most expensive Macintosh 3D package, its power rivals some of the workstation packages. It also sports the fastest rendering engine available.
http://www.specular.com/products/infini-d/infini-d.html
Specular is working to get version 3.5 out the door. This Macintosh-based package for the mid-range enthusiast is very versatile, and has an abundance of new features like SuperFlares, Animated Booleans, and Shadow Catchers.
http://www.strata3d.com/Main.html
Studio Pro is another strong Macintosh product. Strata recently announced the release of version 2.0. This new version will have many new features, like Quicktime VR support, special effects, and a plug-in architecture.
http://www.formz.com/
Form Z is called the 3D form synthesizer. RenderZone adds advanced rendering capabilities to the product. Both versions are also available for Windows.
http://www.yonowat.com/
Amapi is a model construction and assembly tool, capable of rapidly modeling complex shapes. The 2.11 version is available for Mac, Windows, UNIX workstations, and as a 3D Studio plug-in.
Some packages focus on creating just one type of model or animation, and they can be invaluable for certain projects.
http://www.fractal.com/poser/poser.html
Poser is used to create human models. It comes with several prebuilt models that can easily be moved around to just the right shape.
http://www.callamer.com/vrli/vp.html
Currently in version 4, this Windows-based product creates terrain and scenery images. It also can use U.S. geographical data.
http://www.animatek.com/
At $1000, this isn't an inexpensive scenery generator, but the output is worth it. This package can handle trees, plants, shrubs, and fields of flowers.
http://www.metatools.com/bryce/
Another strong landscape builder for the Mac, KPT Bryce is produced by the same group that made Kai's Power Tools. The current version is 2.0.
http://www.lightscape.com/
This product specializes in radiosity-based models and architectural rendering of interior spaces.