FREE Downloadable Offline Software for 3D, CG, SL & OpenSim
I have done my absolute best
to include only the most simple and powerful tools
I discovered while exploring the world of 3D
and my purpose is to avoid anything needing
a tutorial to get you off the ground.
The following are tools I found to have
the easiest learning curve for each function...
yet producing powerful, professional-quality results.
If you prefer more of a challenge:
Find it yourself, Captain Rational.
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*ANIMATION
QAvimator - Free Animation Creator
http://www.qavimator.org/
*IMAGE REFERENCING
Foreground Reference Utility - Free Image Overlay Tool
http://www.digitalartistguild.com/misc/UtilityExplain/UtilityExplain.html
download and simple tutorial on the same page - nicely done!
*MESH
GordianKnot - Free 3D modeler for making string
(Windows 2000 & XP only - not supported in Vista or VII)
http://www.eurus.dti.ne.jp/~masasi/DOWNLOAD/gordian/index.htm
Sculptris - Free 3D Mesh Sculpting
(ok, so the project got bought up by ZBrush, meaning now, they want your email address)
http:www.pixologic.com/sculptris/
Punchcard: VideoTrace - Free realistic 3D object modeling from videos
(it's in beta - you will need to register)
http://punchcard.com.au
CB Model Pro - Free & Easy 3D Modeling from Dassault:
the makers of 3DVIA and SOLIDWORKS
(also in beta - you will need to register)
http://www.cbmodelpro.com/
*LIGHTING
IESviewer - Free Photometric viewer
http://www.photometricviewer.com/
and for a free IES Generator, go to the link on the bottom of page two here:
http://www.cgarena.com/freestuff/tutorials/max/ieslights/
*MATERIALS/SHADING/SURFACES/TEXTURING
Wood Workshop - Free Wood Texture Creator
Not satisfied with having to credit others for your wood?
http//www.spiralgraphics.biz/ww_overview.htm
GIF 2 SL Animation - Free Animated .gif Convertor
http://secondlife.mitsi.com/Secondlife/Posts/Gif/Create-Gif-in-Second-Life.htm
MaCrea - Free Materials Creator - Simple and POWERFUL
One of the single greatest contributions in 3D next to GordianKnot and sculptris itself!
(Windows Only - scroll to the development banner to download)
http://www.taron.de
SMAK - Free Super Model Army Knife
Preview 3D models and render diffuse, ambient occlusion, normal and cavity maps
(as with anything involving the word 'maps' this one takes a litlle getting used to)
http://getsmak.net
Caustics Generator - Free Water Ripple Maker
Caustics can be described as the light pattern you see at the bottom of a pool on a sunny day
(the free version is free for non-commercial use)
http://www.dualheights.se/caustics/#download
Open 3D Model Viewer - Free Productivity Tool
View objects & animations, edit & fix normals-UVs-textures, export in many 3D formats
(free, but you may be asked to donate)
http://www.open3mod.com
*VIRTUAL WORLDS
3DVIA Studio - Free Browser-based Virtual World
not just some second lindenial thing, this one supports motion capture
http://www.3dvia.com/studio/