Have you ever asked yourself how to learn 3d animation software by yourself? Firstly, a big step in learning how to do 3d computer arts is choosing the right software for your needs. If you have no idea what’s going on in this article, then you have arrived at the right place. You need to know there are so many software programs out there which all claim they are the best ones. However, sometimes it is difficult to figure out which one you should install.
Although 3D animation is a very popular and creative area, many creative people don’t know how to use 3D software. The best solution for those ones is to use easy 3d animation software.
Mandelbulb 3D
What a name!
From the website, you can download 3D examples to tinker around with. This is super helpful for visual learners like me who need to see something in action to better understand it.
Not only can you download examples, but you can create a bunch of impressive fractal 3D models. The UI can prove to be a little much and could probably do with some cleaning up, but once you get it down, you will be creating some cool 3D scenes in no time.
3D Crafter
Although initially more intimidating than other programs, 3D Crafter proves to be a lot easier than originally shown. It gets that reputation from being used by professionals. It turns out that this is a winning endorsement for the program.
Again, it can serve architectural designs as well as 3D modeling, allowing you to create nearly anything you want by using a balanced interface and ‘drag and drop’ models to help you home in on specific aspects of your design.
LeoCAD
This one is truly unique. Anyone familiar with LEGO, (who isn’t?!), will immediately catch onto the basics of this 3D animation and modeling program.
You create your models using LEGO bricks, allowing a new, interesting, and creative method of making 3D assets and projects. It is open-source and includes literally tens of thousands of 3D assets to get your 3D animation project off of the ground. More importantly, all of these things are free!
VUE Pioneer
If you are all about terrain, this is the animation program for you. Think of Mass Effect’s numerous explorable planets and how cool that was to play.
Now you can create environments ten times better than the moon of a fictitious world. It allows you to manipulate some great terrain models with excruciating detail, allowing you to become a certified terrain builder, for free.
Toon Boom Harmony
Use on: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Best for: Everyone, beginner to pro
Toon Boom Harmony is an industry-leading 2D animation software. You can use it for frame-by-frame animation or rig animation. In fact, if you’re used to hand-drawing your animations, this software offers unique and robust tools for scanning and cleaning up your drawings.
While this software is appropriate for beginners, it’s not limited to those just starting out. Major studios have used Toon Boom Harmony to create shows such as “Rick and Morty,” “Family Guy,” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
Animators can choose between three different levels of the software, which each offer different features and price points. The most basic package starts at $25 per month.
Pencil2D
Use on: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Best for: Beginners
A more traditional 2D animation software, Pencil2D allows users to create hand-drawn, animated scenes. Pencil2D is an open-source platform, so multiple users—even you—can contribute to its capabilities and features. As a result, it’s one of the best free animation software options out there.
The software boasts the ability for users to seamlessly switch between raster (also known as bitmap) and vector workflows, as well as add layers. Overall, the software is fairly minimal and easy to use, so you can focus primarily on your animating. However, advanced animators may not find that the features are robust enough for their preferences.
Adobe Character Animator
Adobe Character Animator is a software product that helps you to animate characters in real time. You can utilize this software to turn any art into animated characters with webcam.
Features:
- It helps you to create an animation that matches with your facial expression.
- You can animate with arms, legs, and heads.
- This tool allows you to set up specific shots like a close-up and zoom.
- You can design characters to convey movement and speed.
- It provides a Keyframes to create a moment.
- You can sync audio to your animation.
Maxon
Maxon is a 3D modeling, motion, and rendering software designed by MAXON Computer. It is capable of animating, lightning, and texturing. This tool helps you to work on both 3D graphics as well as animation.
Features:
- This 3D rendering software helps you to create both realistic and abstract models.
- You can create high-quality product visualization using customizable models.
- It enables you to choose fonts quickly from the drop-down menu showing preview.
- This tool offers procedural objects and shaders make, which makes it easy to refine your ideas.
Mari
Mari is a 3D painting tool that enables you to add texture around any object. It is one of the best 3D animation apps that provides more than hundreds of HD textures. This tool has Python API to automates workflows and studios.
Features:
- This tool support for UDIM workflows.
- You can make adjustments and changes to your paint before working on a photo.
- It allows artists to import and convert your set of texture into a Mari material.
- You can mix paint with the adjustment layer to build shader.
- This tool supports Ptex format to UV based texture.
- It allows you to manage color transforms.
Conclusion
Have you ever wanted to create 3d animation but thought it would be too difficult? You may have even tried a few times only to give up when your results weren’t quite what you were looking for. I know, because I’ve been there! But after two years of learning how to use Blender, which is a free open source 3d animation software, I’m now able to create my own 3d characters and environments from scratch. Blender makes it easy to create high quality 3d animation, even if you have no experience in design programs.