3D softwares are essential tools for certain industry categories: animation, games, industrial design, architecture, 3D printing. And for good reason! 3D is the key to high-end digital production. Each industrial professional should choose his 3d software carefully in order to accomplish his tasks. Indeed, due to the multiplicity of these softwares on the market and the difference of the 3d systems of each one, choosing a software incompatible with the needs of the user would be problematic. Thus, some parameters must be taken into account when you choose your 3D software.
Choose your 3D software according to your industry
The tasks assigned to 3D technicians influence the functionality of the 3D software they need. These features differ from one 3D software to another. Therefore, it is essential to choose your hardware according to your sector of activity: animation, cartography, architecture, mechanics, etc.
You must choose between the two types of 3D software. The first type allows parametric modeling. It promotes the technical and functional design approach. This category is suitable for example for engineering, architecture, cartography. Parametric modeling is used during 3d prototyping. It is the manufacturing of a functional part, an essential step during the design of a product. It is mainly used by engineers and designers. Some 3d softwares, like the ones proposed on this site, lighten considerably the tasks: tests and observations in real conditions.
The second category of 3D soft performs in direct 3D modeling. This approach is far more creative than the first one. The user has more freedom during the design process. Direct 3D modeling is suitable for animation: special effects, motion design, etc. Animation and special effects industry professionals usually work in groups and perform their respective tasks on the same 3D software. It is therefore common for some industries to require all employees and applicants to master a specific software. In general, this software will be used to work on movements, to animate characters, to produce particle flow effects and to optimize virtual reality. Motion designers should prefer modeling software that is intuitive and includes a maximum of visual tools.
Which 3D software is right for you?
Studying the 3D software offering is an important step when choosing your 3D tool. It provides you with information about its features so that you know what to expect when you use it later. It also allows you to avoid regretting your choice afterwards.
This analysis consists, first of all, in determining whether your potential 3D software is specialized or general-purpose software. The generalist software has the advantage of being able to perform several tasks on its own and to be able to meet the needs of various sectors. It could possibly include parametric and organic functionalities. However, its functionality is limited, which could handicap you when performing complex designs. On the other hand, the specialized software answers exhaustively to the needs of a specific sector. It is therefore incompatible and inefficient for other sectors. If you choose a specialized software, you must make sure that it is compatible with your work.
In addition, to compare your potential 3D softwares, ask about the strength and support of your 3D software editor. Paying a license fee to a software editor gives you the right to enjoy genuine support and service. Nevertheless, their qualities differ from one publisher to another, as does the quality of training. In addition, you can evaluate them by their speed of execution, whether they resolve bugs and whether they offer solutions.
Defining your needs: the key step
Some 3D software have similar features or offer equivalent functionality. It becomes difficult to distinguish between them. To remedy this, you must evaluate each 3D software in the running in relation to your needs by asking yourself the right questions: are you familiar with the handling of the modeling software or do you feel comfortable with it? Do you have enough time to learn the software? Is the 3D software adapted to your learning level? Are you satisfied with its production quality ? ...
Other points also allow you to find the 3D software that suits you : the way you pay for the license and your future prospects. As your expenses for license fees, training and materials depend on your choice, the budget is an important parameter. But, of course, the main criterion is the effectiveness of the software for your company's modeling project. Acquiring and mastering several complementary 3D software packages is ideal to take advantage of a whole arsenal of possibilities and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Evaluate the software's specific features
First, you determine your needs by conducting a needs assessment and then you make a list. Then, you estimate the level of design complexity you are capable of and the production methods you aspire to. These two points tell you which software you can move towards.
Next, you need to consider the purpose of the model you want to make. For example, you must consider the 3D printer available and the material to be used in case of 3D printing. Incompatibility between the modeling software and the 3D printer can lead to future complications for the technician. To avoid this problem, it is important to understand and differentiate between additive manufacturing methods and to choose the software with the appropriate method. Finally, it would be wise to choose software that has an active community on the Internet. You will be able to ask for advice and get help if you encounter difficulties.