3D animation programs in direct comparison

The top 5 3D animation programs – including free 3D animation software

The creation of 3D animations is also enjoying great popularity thanks to ever more powerful and affordable hardware. However, both professionals and ambitious amateurs need a special 3D animation program to breathe life into objects.

Numerous software solutions are now available, so that interested parties are spoilt for choice.

For orientation, we would like to briefly introduce the best 3D animation programs from our point of view and outline their specific strengths. We focus on the following areas 3D animationkeyframe animation, motion capture and 3D visualization.

The good news for creatives on a tight budget: some 3D animation software is even available for free.

Since there is no such thing as the best 3D animation software – because user requirements and application profiles vary – we have arranged the following overview in alphabetical order.

SoftwareApplication areaLicense feeOperating systemProvider
3ds maxArchitecture,
Engineering,
Product Design,
3D animation		approx. 1.951,60 €/yearWindowsAUTODESK
BlenderArchitecture,
Engineering,
Product Design,
3D animation		Free of chargeWindows, macOS, LinuxBlender Foundation
Cinema 4DArchitecture,
Engineering,
Product Design,
3D animation		From approx. 952 € – 3.570 €Windows, macOSMAXON
HoudiniFilm IndustryFree basic version
Depending on license up to $ 6,995		Windows, macOS, LinuxSide Effects Software Inc
MayaFilm Industryapprox. 1.951,60 €/yearWindows, macOS, LinuxAUTODESK

Die beste 3D Animation Software

Overview
  1. What can 3DS MAX do?
  2. What can Blender do?
  3. What can Cinema 4D do?
  4. What can Houdini do?
  5. What can Maya do?
  6. contact form

What can 3DS MAX do?

Source: autodesk.com

3DS MAX-not cheap, but powerful

Our first representative is one of the most popular programs in the 3D animation software segment.

3ds Max is used in a wide range of industries from architectural modeling to video game design.

Thanks to the integrated “Character studio” and “CAT” tools, the animation of both two-legged and multi-legged figures – which can also be conveniently multiplied for spectacular crowd scenes using the “Populate” feature – is a particular strength of 3ds Max.

In addition, the 3D animation program is able to simulate appealing and absolutely realistic looking lighting effects.

The program’s own programming language MAXScript opens up numerous possibilities for users. Such a wide range of functions and support for dozens of file formats unfortunately comes at a price.

Fora license of the 3D animation software running under Windows, users currently have to pay around 1,952 euros – and that per year.

The 3ds Max advantages / disadvantages

Briefly summarized

Advantages

Wide range of 3D modeling capabilities
Many tutorials available
Technical support (available by phone + online)
Good compatibility with other Autodesk solutions and rendering tools
Access to the latest versions & updates
Cheap student version available
Programming languages MaxScript & Python

Disadvantages

High annual license fee
Available by subscription only
Not available for macOS and Linux
Comparatively difficult for beginners

What can Blender do?

Source: blender.org

Blender – free, versatile and anything but a blender

If you are looking for a program from the field of open source software for 3D animation that is also used commercially, Blender is a good choice.

However, the multitude of options offered by the free software might initially overwhelm newcomers a bit. Besides classic animations, powerful tools for modeling, rendering, rigging, sculpting, skinning, texturing or video editing are part of the amazingly small software. No wonder that the 3D animation program is used not only for creating visual effects and three-dimensional representation of architecture. Especially because of the integrated game engine, video game developers like to use the 3D animation program, especially since it is not only suitable for Windows, but also for the operating systems Linux and macOS. Particular strengths of the software are the harmonious combination of computer-generated sequences with filmed real scenes as well as the convincing animation of facial expressions using facial markers. If you are looking for sophisticated special solutions for a specific animation problem, you can also fall back on various plug-ins – although most of them have to be paid for.

The 3D animation software, which runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, is available free of charge and is therefore ideal for anyone who wants to get a taste of the world of 3D animation.

Blender advantages / disadvantages

Briefly summarized

Advantages

Available free of charge
Tutorials available
Very good, detailed modeling
Large plugin selection
Programming languages Xpresso, CoffeScript, Python, C++

Disadvantages

No intuitive user interface: difficult entry for beginners + high training effort
No guarantee: problem solving and further development depend on the community
No official technical support available, external support may incur costs

What can Cinema 4D do?

Source: helloluxx.com

Cinema 4D – particularly productive due to intuitive usability

Three dimensions are not enough, the makers of Cinema 4D seem to have thought when they christened their 3D animation software.

A big advantage is the easy and over long distances intuitive operability of the program. Thanks to this, not only newcomers to 3D animation will quickly find their way around. Professionals can also work more productively – for example, by being able to transfer created motion patterns to other parts of the body with a single click, or easily convert mouse movements into position or animation data. Another feature that Cinema 4D has to offer is real-time preview, which allows users to immediately evaluate the results of modifications.

However, the animation program, which is available for both Windows and macOS, also comes at a price of up to €3,570.00.

Cinema 4D Advantages / Disadvantages

Briefly summarized

Advantages

High user-friendliness thanks to intuitive user interface (ideal for beginners)
High quality and clean renderings
Regular updates & optimizations
Technical support available
Cheap student version available

Disadvantages

Paid software
Comparatively lower degree of achievable representation complexity
Not suitable for very large studios
Not available for Linux

What can Houdini do?

Source: 80.lv

Houdini – also as a free basic version with many features

The second free 3D animation software in our top 5 is Houdini Apprentice.

Only the basic version is available for free, but it hardly leaves anything to be desired. Thus, even with the entry-level version, highly complex 3D models can be created in detail with the help of nodes, animated in an appealing way, created persons can be duplicated, merged into sets and much more. For simple animation of living creatures, a powerful auto-rig tool is available, which, in combination with the muscle modeling feature, creates impressive animations. For the animation of liquids and particles, the program, which is available for Linux, macOS and Windows, even offers its own generator. The free version is ideal for students and those who want to learn, while the paid version is ideal for professional use.

For resolutions higher than 1280×720 and renderings without watermarks, Houdini is also available for commercial purposes in the paid version.

Houdini advantages / disadvantages

Briefly summarized

Advantages

Realistic and natural looking results very easy to implement
Very well suited for simulating visual effects such as fire, liquids, particles, explosions and smoke
Tutorials available from beginner to advanced level
Technical support available
Free basic version available
Suitable for major studios and Hollywood-ready productions

Disadvantages

No intuitive user interface: difficult entry for beginners + high training effort
High license fees for commercial use

What can Maya do?

Source: alternativeto.net

Maya – Oscar-winning and popular with professionals

Many professional animators use Maya for animations in 3D.

No wonder that the 3D animation software – which even won an Oscar – is used in numerous visually stunning productions such as Game of Thrones, Transformers or several video game titles. The reason is not only the versatile user interface, which can be adapted to your own needs, but also the possibility to animate figures precisely and practically without limits with just a few mouse clicks. Even the animation of traditionally difficult surfaces and structures – such as hair, liquids or various particles – is impressively mastered by Maya. In addition, the 3D animation program has its own CG compositing software, an award-winning Fluids effects system, and makes it easy for animators to seamlessly insert created 3D models into live-action movies.

Maya runs on Linux, macOs and Windows systems and costs 1317 euros per year.

Maya Advantages / Disadvantages

Briefly summarized

Advantages

Realistic and natural looking results very easy to implement
Very well suited for creating figures and virtual realities with a high level of detail
Suitable for major studios and Hollywood-ready productions
High degree of individualization
Technical support (available by phone + online)
Good compatibility with other Autodesk solutions and rendering tools
Access to the latest versions & updates
Tutorials available

Disadvantages

High annual license fee
Available by subscription only
Much programming necessary
Very complex

Give us a call

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Matthias Mangold

Phone: +49 6132 899 04 210
E-mail: m.mangold@magic-holo.com

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