Whether you are new to 3D or have been working with it for sometime, you know there are many different software options to choose from. One of the most common questions asked by beginners is “Which app?” First off, it’s good to know that one piece of software is not better than the rest. There are many different 3D applications and each work best for different specializations. While there are many options, we’re going to focus on the three most widely used, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3DS Max, and Maxon Cinema 4D, and how they are used and what they are best for.
Autodesk Maya
Probably the most widely used, and most well-known, Autodesk Maya is currently the industry-leading 3D software application. Maya is a 3D animation, modeling, simulation, rendering, and compositing software. This application is great for 3D animators and is most often used by both the film and gaming industries because of its advanced animation and effects tools. However, it is also good for creating 3D concepts and can be used in architectural design and visualization.
Remember all those Autobot and Decepticon transformations in the Transformers movies? You can thank Maya for those incredible 3D simulations. Harry Potter fan? Yep, Maya is to thank there too! For the final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 2, Maya helped them build a fully computer-generated Hogwarts in a massive 3D environment and also added other extravagant effects. Gaming fan? Maya was used in the creation of some of the most popular games, such as Call of Duty, Halo, and Medal of Honor.
With a resume like that, you can see that this program can accomplish some really great things! Some of the most noteworthy benefits of using the program include:
- Built in scene assembly and accelerated modeling workflows, which will increase productivity.
- A wide range of tools, making complex animations easy to create.
- Real time renders, allowing artists to work in an environment that nearly matches the final output.
- Open Data Platform, enabling artists to quickly test different scene representations for the best result.
- Skeleton Rigging System, allowing for quick and easy character creation and animation.
Although there are many benefits of using this program, this program does have a lot to it. Depending on how you plan on using it, there may be the possibility of it being too large of a program for your needs. In addition, with so much involved in the program, the learning curve can be very steep as well. The bright side of this, however, is that since this program is the industry standard, it also has the most tutorials to help learn from. In addition, Maya has the benefit of being the most customizable, allowing you to create a personalized workflow for increased productivity.
Computer Requirements & Training:
Maya can be used on Windows, Apple Mac OS X, and Linux, and requires a 64-bit processor. There are free trials available on the company website, and students and educators can download a three-year license for free. Some good places to find training for Maya, is on the company’s website, autodesk.com, or through other online tutorial sites, such as digitaltutors.com, Lynda.com, creativebloq.com, and YouTube.
Autodesk 3DS Max
Another popular option from Autodesk, 3DS Max is a 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software mainly used for animation, modeling, video game creation, visual 3D effects, and architectural visualization. 3DS Max is most often used for architects and engineers because of its ability to interact with AutoCad and other Autodesk design tools.
Along with Maya, 3Ds Max was also used in the final Harry Potter films to create some of the visual 3D effects, as well as to create effects for Avatar, Alice in Wonderland, and The Green Mile, among many other great films. A leader in the gaming industry, 3DS Max was used in creating popular games, such as Assassin’s Creed, Gears of War, and many others.
3DS Max tends to have a more forgiving learning curve than Maya, and requires a relatively small amount of time to learn on a basic level. It is considered to be more user friendly and intuitive. The global community for this software is extensive, aiding in finding tutorials, advice, employment, and more. Some of the other useful benefits of using 3DS Max include:
- Nitrous accelerated graphics core, which handles larger data sets, iterates faster, in turn, improving performance and visual quality.
- The 3D modeling toolset, Graphite, which combines freeform sculpting, an extensive texturing toolset, and advanced polygonal modeling.
- Character creation is easy. Rig characters more quickly with the CAT Muscle and Skin modifiers for realistic bodies.
Computer Requirements & Training:
3DS Max is supported only by Windows and requires a 64-bit processor. As with Maya, free trials are available through the company’s website, and there are free three-year licenses available for educators and students. Some good places to find training for 3DS Max, is on the company’s website, autodesk.com, or through other online tutorial sites, such as digitaltutors.com, Lynda.com, creativebloq.com, and YouTube.
Maxon Cinema 4D
Cinema 4D is a 3D modeling, animation and rendering application developed by Maxon and is a great application for motion graphics, modeling, and texturing. While most large company’s tend to use Maya and 3DS Max, Cinema 4D is typically best for single artists or small teams.
Some of the most notable movies incorporating the use of Cinema 4D include Spiderman 3, 2012, Watchmen, and the animated film ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ which also used BodyPaint 3D to texture every sequence. For ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,’ the matte painting team at Sony Pictures Imageworks used Maxon software to create every exterior environment in the film, including the tasty-looking foods, 360° skies, hillsides, town extensions, and more.
Cinema 4D is considered to be one of the most intuitive and user-friendly of the 3D applications. Setting something up in Maya can be time-consuming and often can be done in a matter of seconds in Cinema 4D. Some other great benefits that Cinema 4D offers is:
- MoGraph and Sketch and Toon, allowing Cinema 4D to do things that other programs can’t without a lot of scripting.
- MoGraph is a great feature adding to a fast and easy workflow. It allows you to clone numerous objects, create extruded text, add effects, create motion and more, quickly and easily.
- Sketch and Toon are tools for cel shading, cartoons, and technical drawings. Learn more about Sketch and Toon in our tutorial //www.triplet3d.com/tutorial-sketch-and-toon-cel-rendering-in-cinema-4d
- In film, Cinema 4D is mostly used because of Bodypaint and the applications excellent projection mapping capabilities.
- Import and export a variety of file formats, allowing you to integrate it in almost any pipeline.
Computer Requirements & Training:
Cinema 4D is supported by Windows and Apple OS X and requires a 64-bit processor. Free trials are available through the company’s website, and there are free 18 month licenses available for educators and students. Check out our Cinema 4D beginner tutorial series to get started: //www.behance.net/gallery/8813517/Cinema-4D-Tutorials or try some of these other sites for Cinema 4D training, such as the company’s website, maxon.net, or through other online tutorial sites, such as digitaltutors.com, Lynda.com, creativebloq.com, and YouTube.
Compatibility & Test-Driving
It’s very important to note that 3D artists and animators work with a wide variety of tools and programs, and compatibility will be a huge factor when deciding which program works for you. Among firms doing motion graphics and design, Cinema 4D is very common because of its ease of use and Adobe After Effects integration. 3DS Max is compatible with motion capture software that assists in video game development. Maya is compatible with various plug-ins assisting in creating realistic environments and advanced lighting.
With free trial options, you have the ability to test-drive the different programs and decide which will work best for you. Keep in mind, what you eventually would like to accomplish and create with 3D software, so you choose the best program for your needs. The tools you learn in each program are typically universal, so transferring your skills can be done with relative ease. Choose the program that will suit you best in the long-run.