3D Modelling Programs - Cross Platform

 

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FormZ

Commercial Application

 

For : Architecture, Product Design

 

Education Program - JSP for education :

http://www.formz.com/Joint_Study.html

 

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Archicad

Commercial Application

 

For: Architecture

 

Education Program - Free Student/Teacher offer

https://eduregistration.graphisoft.com/apple.aspx?SiteCode=uk

 

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Blender

Free - Open Source Application

 

For : General 3D, Animation

 

 

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Maya

Commercial Application

 

For : General 3D, Animation

 

Export from Maya

1.       Export selected as .flt  files for best quality.  Also export as .obj file to export texture files.

2.       Can export only polygons and textures from files, not NURBS, subdivisions, dynamics, animation or procedural textures.

3.       Polygons- beware using combine/ separate as some transformations may not be exported.  Group everything before export.  Test normals are correct way round by observing with back-face culling switched on in viewer.

4.       Textures- files are preferable to using single colour which will not fade.  Use .jpg or .tif files.  PNG files will not be recognised.   Adjust texture placement in UV texture editor not in 2D placement node.

5.       Spot lights are exported in a limited way –are fainter and exported as directional lights