From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A 3D modeler is a 3D computer graphics software application used to visually produce polygonal 3D models, or the title of a professional who uses the software to produce 3D models. The 3D model is most often described by a geometric mesh of triangles or other polygons located in 3D space, with other popular descriptive models including NURBS and subdivision surface models. This article is about 3D modeling software.

A 3D model of a character in the 3D modeler LightWave, shown in various manners and from different perspectives

Many 3D modelers are general-purpose and can be used to produce models of various real-world entities, from plants to automobiles to people. Some are specially designed to model certain objects, such as chemical compounds or internal organs.

3D modelers allow users to create and alter models via their 3D mesh. Users can add, subtract, stretch and otherwise change the mesh to their desire. Models can be viewed from a variety of angles, usually simultaneously. Models can be rotated and the view can be zoomed in and out.

3D modelers can export their models to files, which can then be imported into other applications. Many modelers allow importers and exporters to be plugged-in, so they can read and write data in the native formats of other applications.

Most 3D modelers contain a number of related features, such as ray tracers and other rendering alternatives and texture mapping facilities. Some also contain features that support or allow animation of models. Some may be able to generate full-motion video of a series of rendered scenes (i.e. animation).

3D modelers are used in a wide variety of industries. The medical industry uses them to create detailed models of organs. The movie industry uses them to create and manipulate characters and objects for animated and real-life motion pictures. The video game industry uses them to create assets for video games. The science sector uses them to create highly detailed models of chemical compounds. The architecture industry uses them to create models of proposed buildings and landscapes. The engineering community uses them to design new devices, vehicles and structures as well as a host of other uses.

Some of the most popular and heavily used general purpose 3D modelers on the market include:

• 3D Studio Max
• Alias
• Blender (open source)
• Cheetah3D
• Cinema 4D
• Generative Components
• Houdini
• LightWave
• Maya
• MilkShape 3D
• modo
• Rhinoceros 3D
• Softimage|XSI
• trueSpace
• ZBrush

Some free modelers available via the Internet include:

• Anim8or
• Art of Illusion
• AutoQ3D
• Blender (open source)
• K-3D
• Quake 2 Modeler
• ShapeShop
• SketchUp
• SmoothTeddy
• TopMod
• Wings 3D
• Zanoza Modeler