No doubt, 3D modeling and rendering are a great alternative to traditional product photography. Today, you don’t need an actual photo studio and backdrop to get stunning catalog images. CG artists can provide you 100% photorealistic CGI using the best 3D modeling software.
But before you order 3D models from a 3D modeling company, make sure their CG experts have the latest equipment. For that, ask their manager what 3D modeling soft they use and find it in this article. If it is on our top-7 list, chances are your CG artists are true professionals!
#1. Autodesk Maya
OS: mac OS, Windows, Linux
Price: $1620/y
Autodesk Maya is considered to be one of the best 3D modeling software on the market. Many CG specialists appreciate this soft for its versatility and use it for 3D modeling, texturing, animation, simulation, and rendering. Although Maya is not a totally new product, its developers constantly upgrade it and add new features like the Automatic retopology they’ve recently announced.
#2. 3ds Max
OS: Windows, Linux
Price: $1620/y
Some 3D modelers call 3ds Max the best 3D modeling software out there. Surely, it’s an iconic 3D program for 3D modeling and rendering that’s improving from version to version. And although Maya is an unofficial competitor to 3ds Max, though from the same developer, the latter has a more user-friendly interface that even beginners can manage with little problems. This year, Autodesk has also updated Max’s retopology tools to provide the best 3D modeling in the next 2021.
#3. Rhino
OS: mac OS, Windows,
Price: $995
Rhinoceros is the best 3D modeling software for those 3D artists who prefer NURBS modeling. It’s a mathematical type of modeling based on creating 3D models from calculated curves and surfaces instead of the polygonal mesh. Thanks to its mathematical formulas, it’s very popular among architects and engineers. In Rhino, one can create 3D models of any complexity based on 2D drawings.
#4. Blender
OS: mac OS, Windows, Linux
Price: $0
Many CG artists love Blender and call it the best 3D modeling software for professionals. It’s not the easiest to learn for beginners but gives plenty of opportunities for CG experts. In general, Blender is an open-source platform with great functionality, so CG artists all over the globe use it for 3D modeling, texturing, UV unwrapping, sculpting and 3D rendering. They also leave their comments on the software cons so developers create new versions of Blender based on professional recommendations.
#5. SketchUp
OS: mac OS, Windows,
Price: $99
The best thing about SketchUp software is that it’s an intuitive CG tool for working with 2D and 3D concepts. You just draw sketches in there, and software transforms them into 3D objects right away. This option allows creating not only product 3D models but also architectural and interior 3D scenes. SketchUp is both a 3D modeling and rendering tool, thus, CG artists can make the whole project literally from a sketch. And finally, SketchUp is compatible with all the major 3D programs, which provides the best communication and trouble-free workflow for all parties involved the project.
#6. ZBrush
OS: mac OS, Windows
Price: $895
ZBrush is a 3D modeling and sculpting software that is based on so-called “progressive detailing”. It means that CG artists can build their 3D models by molding them layer by layer. For that, they can use special brushes from ZBrush’s library and master their 3D objects like real-life sculpture. All in all, ZBrush is one of the best software for the game and movie industries, as well as product design.
#7. Solidworks
OS: Windows
Price: depends on the reseller
Solidworks is a 3D modeling CAD software that works on parametric design. This program is more engineering-oriented and it provides both 3D models and 2D drawings of the objects. Solidworks is a popular CAD tool for architects and engineers, however, it also works perfectly for industrial design. In fact, you can export 2D drawings as patterns or parts and send them to suppliers so they can manufacture and assemble the product right away.
As you can see, the market is full of 3D modeling software for various purposes and budgets. Therefore, when ordering 3D models, describe your task to CG experts so they can pick the best 3D modeling software specifically for your project.
