Technologies for creating 3D models

Currently, the leading 3D editors on the market are:

• Autodesk 3Ds Max;

• Blender;

• Autodesk Maya;

• Cinema 4D;

• Zbrush.

Most 3D modeling programs have a very wide range of functions, from creating models to animation and visualization.

Autodesk 3Ds Max

Autodesk 3ds Max is a three-dimensional application that allows you to create models, visualize and animate them.

The program has tools for working with various methods of modeling objects, such as polygonal modeling, NURBS modeling, modeling based on Bezier curves, spline modeling, and also includes a library of standard primitives, the parameters of which can be customized.

The creation of each model begins with the selection of one of the suitable primitives by shape and characteristics corresponding to the modeling method. Each object is divided into separate components, which can be changed as needed. When modeling solid surfaces, the polygonal modeling technique is widely used. Polygonal objects consist of several main components: vertices, edges, faces.

The 3ds Max program for working with objects provides an approach that allows not only to manage individual components of the object, but also to apply parametric modifiers that affect the entire object or its selected elements. Several modifiers can be applied to one object, displayed in the stack, each modifier can be edited at any time, but the result of some modifiers depends on the current state of the object's elements. In addition, a number of modifiers can be applied to several objects simultaneously, changing their parameters in a uniform way.

For internal needs, as well as the development of scripts and macros, including a list of commands for quickly performing a sequence of actions, the 3ds Max program uses its own programming language MAXScript. In addition, the program has a huge number of plug-ins created not only by users, but also by large companies.

The 3ds Max program has two types of license:

Both versions have the same capabilities, but the difference is that the student version can only be used for non-commercial purposes.

Blender

Blender is a multifunctional software for creating 3D graphics. Blender allows you to use tools for modeling, editing objects, creating animation, visualization, video editing. This software is available for Windows, macOS and Linux, is licensed under the GNU license and is provided free of charge.

One of the widely used functions of Blender is rendering. The Cycles tool allows you to skillfully render meshes, lighting effects, terrain, camera effects, and more, making it possible to create attractive digital images. This tool is known for its ability to realistically render hair physics, which is usually difficult to work with.

Another important feature of Blender is its modeling capabilities. It allows you to create complex shapes using various brushes and mesh modification methods. This allows you to create characters and interactive scenery. Modeling can be done in two ways: basic and geometric, which allows you to work with shapes and planes, and a more natural sculpting method, which allows you to create highly detailed meshes.

Creating and editing objects in the scene is possible using different methods: polygon meshes, Bezier curves, primitives, sculpting and NURBS surfaces.

In the process of its improvement, Blender has gained a good reputation among the 3D graphics development community and is the most popular and well-known software among other free 3D graphics editors. Blender has gained most of its popularity from indie developers, the program is free.

Blender allows you to use various methods for modeling, from simple polygonal modeling to complex modeling of curves and sculpting. The program also allows you to implement animation of any complexity, apply textures.

Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya is a versatile software for creating 3D graphics and visual effects in video games with a huge range of capabilities. Contains a comprehensive list of tools for modeling, rendering, simulations.

Autodesk Maya has a user-friendly interface, a large list of tools for working with the model, and various functions. The main advantages of Maya:

• Standard of various industries;

• Universal functionality;

• High quality rendering;

• Extensive selection of plugins and support for custom add-ons.

Maya has an extensive list of functionality and availability, most often the program is used to create computer games, creating characters and making animation for them, in cinema, creating various visual effects. The program is quite well known and has gained popularity in the world of cinema and animation, finding application among leading studios and companies.

Cinema 4D

Cinema 4D is a popular universal tool for creating 3D models, animation and rendering. The program has a standard set of tools with three-dimensional graphics. The software is used to implement photorealistic and stylized various objects, characters, and the surrounding world.

Cinema 4D's toolset is fast, powerful, flexible and stable, making 3D workflows more accessible and efficient for design professionals, VFX, AR/MR/VR motion graphics, game developers and all types of visual professionals.

Cinema 4D makes it easy to integrate digital 3D projects into real scenes thanks to a variety of tools. One of the tools is motion tracking, which makes it easy to add 3D effects to existing shots. The scene reconstruction function allows you to recreate the environment and replace real objects with those created in the 3D model.

One of the main features of this graphic editor is the support of the Russian language. The program also has a fairly simple interface, making Cinema 4D easy to learn.

The program also provides several versions for work:

• Lite – a simplified package, comes with Adobe After Effects;

• Prime – available with a basic set of tools for working with 3D graphics;

• Broadcast – has all the features of Prime, plus additional toolsets for motion design for television;

• Visualize – has all the features of Prime, contains tools for working with visualization;

• Studio – has a full set of Cinema 4D tools, contains everything that is in Prime, Broadcast and Visualize. Also contains new additional features;

• BodyPaint 3D – contains Prime features, as well as additional tools for working with sculpting and 3D graphics.

Zbrush

Zbush is one of the industry-standard high-poly modeling software. Zbush is a standard software in the field of digital sculpture. The latest version has introduced an updated Anchors Brush system, which offers an intuitive method of deforming the mesh by placing anchors on it and allows you to perform various actions. The process resembles sculpting in real life.

Zbrush is a key tool that allows developers to create 3D models with a high level of detail for use in the film, video game, and animation industries. Companies such as ILM, Epic Games, and Electronic Arts use Zbrush to create ultra-detailed models.

Zbrush features dynamic levels of detail, which allows sculptors to make both global and local adjustments to their work. The program is notable for its ability to generate mid- and high-frequency details, which are typically represented in bump maps, and export these details as normals for use in simpler models.

Once the work is completed, the 3D model can be projected onto a map, to which various effects can be added. This process allows complex scenes to be created with minimal CPU usage, allowing the ability to switch to working with other 3D models that can be used in the same scene.

Zbrush operates on a high-polygon mesh of models, using unique rendering techniques to improve efficiency in the creation process. Models exported from Zbrush are not ready for use in other programs as is and require additional processing, including topology reworking – a complete rebuilding of the mesh of the object to minimize the number of polygons. Applications that support real-time rendering are extremely sensitive to the complexity of the polygon mesh, which makes this aspect critical to reducing the cost of using 3D sculpting programs.

Summary

All the presented 3D programs demonstrate similar functional characteristics. However, some of them differ in their approach to creating different types of models, in particular low-polygon solid objects. Also below is a comparative analysis table between the tools considered.

I think that after reading this article you will be able to make it easier for you to choose a 3D editor to create your own models. Good luck!