Technically, 3 Dimensions refers to objects that are constructed on three plans (X, Y and Z). The process of creating 3D graphics can be divided into three basic phases: 3D modeling, 3D animation and 3D rendering. Three dimensional (3D) computer graphics are widely used and they are almost too common to see anywhere, let it be movies, products designs, advertisements, etc. Although they are commonly seen, that doesn’t mean they are easily created. In order to interactively control a 3D object, it must be created in a 3D authoring tool which usually cost a lot to a non-professional user.
A 3D model is usually originated on the computer by engineer using some kind of 3d modeling tools. Creating 3D models is not easy and the software alone can cost a fortune Therefore, we thought it might be interesting to check out the availability of open source 3D modeling tools out there. Crawling from sites to sites, reading through end users comments and feedback, we bring you 25 Free 3D Modelling Applications You Should Not Miss. Full list after jump.
Blender 2.49a is the latest release from the Blender Foundation. To download it, please select your platform and location.
K-3D
K-3D 0.7 has a new, cross-platform build system based on CMake, and major improvements in scalability and performance. Up to now Binaries are provided for Win32. Later we are planning for Linux and Mac OSX.
Art of Illusion
Art of Illusion is a free, open source 3D modelling and rendering studio. It is written entirely in Java, and should be usable on any Java Virtual Machine which is compatible with Java 5 or later.
The current version is 2.7.2, released April 19, 2009. This version is both stable and powerful enough to be used for serious, high end animation work. Many of its capabilities rival those found in commercial programs. Some of the highlights include subdivision surface based modelling tools, skeleton based animation, and a graphical language for designing procedural textures and materials.
Click here to download the program.SOFTIMAGE XSI Mod Tool
Autodesk® Softimage® Mod Tool software (formerly XSI Mod Tool) is a free* 3D modeling and animation package for creating non-commercial games and "modding" (modifying games). Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 is based on the same professional toolset found in Autodesk® Softimage® 7.5 software, used by game developers to create 3D characters, levels, props and animation. Game developers can use Softimage Mod Tool to help extend the life of games and recruit talent with a modding community.
Zmodeler
ZModeler v2.2.1 is available for download. It includes import-only initial release of GTA IV: WFT filter. Additional structure changes have been made, so you should update whole ZModeler by redownloading it from the site. This release has the same system requirements as version 2.2.0, so you might need to download and install additinal redistributive packages as stated in release notes. Refer an associated discussion thread for more details.
TopMod3d
TopMod3d is a free, open source, portable, platform independent topological mesh modeling system that allows users to create high genus 2-manifold (watertight) meshes.
Feel free to download the latest version here. If you need help getting started, please visit the Tutorials/Help page and the Discussion Forum. The wiki holds the current version of the user manual and the developer’s manual as well. Join the forum to ask any questions about the use and development of TopMod3d let us know how we can improve it..Google SketchUp 6
You can use Google SketchUp to create, modify and share 3D models.Learn more about Google SketchUp »New! Build models and add them to Google Earth
AutoQ3D Community – 3D Editor
If you need someone with excellent knowledge of C++ programming along with 3D experience, especially in OpenGL® API, Multi-platform development, user interface development, experience in games development,expertise in C++ combined with an academic background in mathematics, computer science, electronics, instrumentation and control.
Research & Development projects exist in the areas of modeling (creation of 3D geometry) with AutoQ3D CAD Project, animation (time-based motion tools) with AutoQ3D Animation Project, dynamics/simulation with AerX Game Simulation and Real Time Vision System.Anim8or
Version v0.95 is now available. Anim8or has come a long way since the first release called v0.1. There are still may areas that need improvement, primarily the renderer, but it's getting close to what I had originally imagined as the magic v1.0. I don't plan on stopping there, but it'll be a nice milestone along the way.
Seamless3d
Seamless3d is open source 3D modeling software free and available for all under the MIT license.
The 3d models you see here were made using Seamless3d, which is very powerful and practical 3d modelling software for anyone who wants to make quality 3d animated content for the web.BRL-CAD
BRL-CAD is a powerful cross-platform open source solid modeling system that includes interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, image and signal-processing tools, a system performance analysis benchmark suite, libraries for robust geometric representation, with more than 20 years of active development.
3DPlus
With 3DPlus you can create outstanding 3D designs in just a few minutes – with no need for any complicated VRML or other programming. 3DPlus is the amazing 3D design software that enables you to create stunning 3D graphics for your home, school or business – no experience required!
3D Canvas
3D Canvas is a real-time 3D modeling and animation tool that incorporates an intuitive drag-and-drop approach to 3D modeling. Complex models can be constructed from simple 3D primitives, or created using 3D Canvas’ Object Building Tools. Modeling tools are provided to deform, sculpt, and paint 3D objects.
eDrawings
eDrawings is a freeware utility which will give the user the power to view, create and share 3D models and 2D drawings. eDrawings offers unique capabilities like point-and-click animations that make it easy for anyone with a PC to interpret and understand 2D and 3D design data.
Blink 3D
Blink 3D is an authoring tool for creating 3D environments. The 3D environments are immersive, just like today’s modern games and can be viewed using the a Blink 3D Viewer on the Web or locally.
Minos
MINOS extends the capabilities of your existing 2D-or 3D-wireframe-based systems, so you can take advantage of all the benefits solid modeling offers right away. MINOS makes it easy to design 3D parts and assemblies. The design methodology is based on defining simple geometric elements including lines, curves, and circles, and then linking them together to form contours.
freeCAD
freeCAD is a basic 3D CAD with advanced Motion Simulation capabilities. It is suitable for anyone interested in learning 3D CAD and Motion Simulation for free before using more sophisticated packages. Its motion simulation capabilities are comparable to the best and can provide accurate answers to engineers and scientists in diverse fields.
Bishop3D
Bishop3D is an interactive modeler and animation tool for the popular freeware raytracer POV-Ray™, a world-class renderer for creating three-dimensional photo-realistic images. Bishop3D allows you to model the scenes interactively and it will automatically generate the correspondent POV-Ray SDL script. It offers native keyframe animation support, POV-Ray SDL import and a powerful texture editor.
K3DSurf
K3DSurf is a program to visualize and manipulate Mathematical models in three, four, five and six dimensions. K3DSurf supports Parametric equations and Isosurfaces. K3DSurf can be used by every one interested in 3D Mathematical drawing functions and don’t require any special competences by users.
DesignWorkshop Lite
DesignWorkshop is a three-dimensional modeling program for architectural design and related endeavors. Its unique interface makes it more profoundly "Mac-like" than any prior modeling software. This interface allows it to support actual design in three dimensions, as opposed to just recording design ideas already worked out with other media.
GDesign 2.0
GDesign 2.0 is a 2D/3D free generative art application for Windows. With GDesign you can interactively build, test, and edit complex models. You can create, edit, build and preview huge 2D and 3D objects with extended LSystems and Cellular Automata tools.
Sweet Home 3D
Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design application that helps you place your furniture
on a house 2D plan, with a 3D preview. Sweet Home 3D helps people to design their interior quickly. The user may: draw the walls of his rooms upon the image of an existing plan, change the color or the texture of the walls, import additional 3D models created by himself or downloaded from different Web sites, change the size, view the changes in the plan simultaneously in the 3D view, either from an aerial view point, or from a virtual visitor view point, print the home plan and the 3D view.trueSpace
TrueSpace7.6 is a fully-featured 3D authoring package that will let you model, texture, light, animate and render 3D content. As well as traditional images and movies, you can also make 3D content for online shared spaces, and for Virtual Earth.
Alibre Design Xpress
Alibre Design Xpress is a rich and capable 3D solid modeler for creating mechanical parts, assemblies and 2D drawings – and is free. Alibre Design Xpress equips the person needing basic 3D design capabilities. Alibre Design Xpress has a rich set of integrated tutorials that you can use to learn the product quickly.
3DVIA Shape
3DVia Shape is a free online 3D modeling application that eases you to create, publish and share ideas in 3D. There are 3DVIA archive of prototypes and modeling software you can choose to create three-dimensional. Each model can be viewed at any angle, spun around and zoomed-in on.
