The popular platform, Snapchat, has recently made and released 3D Bitmojis, making any 2D Bitmojis obsolete and replacing them entirely. Despite the hope of people taking well to the new addition, not many people are thrilled with the 3D Bitmojis. While it might not have worked out well without a lot of users, the use of 3D survives to be used in different ways.
3D programming has improved over the years and has been used in video games, films, short animations, and gifs. There are many programs used by professionals that are available to those who want to try out. Whether it's for fun or to try to make it into a profession, there are a few great choices for beginners to try out.
Autodesk 3ds Max
There are a lot of great and impressive programs used by professional animators and video game designers. One of these programs is made and owned by the company called Autodesk, which is known for top of the line programs used for such purposes.
One of Autodesk's most popular and well-known programs that are used predominately for 3D designing and modeling is 3Ds Max. It's a powerful program that includes rendering and asset libraries, allowing users to create premium designs. It's one of the industry standards so the sooner users can get to grip with it the better. It can be tested out with a 30-day trial period, but if this program seems ideal, the costs can deter people unless they have the funds to purchase it. The options are $225 paid monthly, $1,785 paid annually, or $5,085 paid every three years.
Cinema 4D
There are plenty of alternative programs and services, such as the types of VPN software a user would use to stay safe or what kind of program would be more ideal for design. The same goes for those who want to look at what 3D program would be good to start with.
The Maxon-owned program called Cinema 4D is an easy-to-use program for beginners to test animation functions and simulation and rendering software. It's intuitive making it a good program to get to grips with alongside similar types like Autodesk. Cinema 4D does come with a 14-day trial period by downloading the Maxon App and is a bit cheaper than 3Ds Max, which could work for some. The payment options are $59.99 a month or $719.00 annually.
ZBrush
Plenty of companies have more than one version or type of software that provides the same or similar functions as some of the others they own. The company Maxon has a few of these kinds of programs.
Alongside Cinema 4D, ZBrush is another excellent program Maxon has available for users to test out. ZBrush provides tools for 2D drawing and 3D modeling and is a great 3D program for sculpting and 3D printing. Like Cinema 4D, it comes with a 14-day trial period by downloading the Maxon App and is a cheaper option than Cinema 4D, allowing users to pay $29.91 a month or $359.00 annually.
Modo
There are some brands some people haven't heard of or haven't heard much about. But that doesn't mean they are not worth looking at, as many of the ones people don't usually talk about end up being some of the best programs.
One program some people may not be familiar with is Modo, an excellent flexible program for 3D modeling and animation. It also provides texturing and rendering toolset for artists and is a great starter program for those interested in transferring to digital art. The program comes with a 30-day trial period, and if the program is the right fit, there are two options, one for existing members and one for new ones. New users would be looking at a $68 monthly fee or $689 a year.
Blender
Not every program or item is a great fit for everyone. Such is the case with people looking at great alternatives for products like GoPro. The same also goes for 3D programming.
The program Blender is an excellent option for those who enjoy free content. Blender is a free-to-use, open-source 3D modeling program with various powerful tools. Many of these tools consist of UV mapping, texturing, and digital drawing, along with other great traits that are wonderful for anyone wanting to start out playing around with 3D modeling programs. For beginners, it's a great way to dip a toe in the water of modeling without a price point and a lot of what's learned on there is easily transferable to 3DS Max, among other programs. Since it's a free program, there is nothing to lose, and may just be a perfect fit for the user trying it.
Fusion 360
Like the company Maxon, Autodesk has a variety of programs that provide similar to completely different functions depending on what the user is looking to do. Some of these programs even have the option of a free version of the program.
Fusion 360 is one of the many programs owned by Autodesk, and the free version of the program has a few different things and is a great start for beginners to learn and practice 3D modeling. If users find that they enjoy the free version and wish to upgrade to get more features, there are a few options. The options include paying $1,555 every three years, $545 annually, or $70 monthly.
SketchUp
There are plenty of meme-worthy things, including the recent memes involving the James Webb Space Telescope. While this may be meme-worthy due to some things people have pointed out, some programs haven't received any memes yet.
Like Fusion 360, SketchUp, or SketchUp Free, is a beginner version of the 3D modeling program that allows users to start off and learn the basics of 3D modeling. The program has beginner tools , such as rendering, and if it's to the person's liking, there are other versions with more advanced features. SketchUp Go is $119 a year, SketchUp Pro is $299 a year, and SketchUp Studio is $699 a year.
Tinkercad
Technology has advanced far beyond what most had initially expected. So much so that there are certain recommendations on what should be automated with a Smart Home. Alongside things like these, new 3D modeling programs continue to come out and improve.
Autodesk is a major company that has left its mark on the 3D modeling world, so much so that it has more than one program. While most of them can get very expensive, programs like Tinkercad are free for everyone to use. Tinkercad is the more simplistic form of 3Ds Max that is a browser-based 3D program that is great for primarily creating models for 3D printing. If this is something of interest, it's a good starting point for users to introduce themselves to other Autodesk programs.
Sculptris
When people see the word "free," it automatically piques their interest. But when it's a free program that comes with tutorials, it sweetens the deal.
Sculptris uses a modeling clay concept that is easy for anyone to pick up. It also provides Dynamic Tessellation that assists with the model geometry and automatically divides the area under the brush being used. The free program also includes various materials and automatic UV mapping, making the process easier for beginners.
Meshmixer
Considering the number of programs that are available to users, Autodesk has a variety of options that users can test out to see what program fits their needs. Alongside Tinkercad, another free program that Autodesk provides is called Meshmixer.
Meshmixer is a free CAD software that assists users every step of the way. The program helps users in the animation and modeling process, zippering, hole filling, and hollowing, alongside 3D surface stamping and auto repair of any pre-existing that the user can modify. It is certainly worth a test run for anyone who wants to try animating 3D models and could use the extra help starting off.