Element 3D is a high-performance After Effects plug-in designed for creating motion design and visual effects. It allows users to import 3D objects and textures, supports 3D shadows, dynamic reflection maps, and offers a redesigned interface with various features. It is compatible with After Effects CS5, Windows 7 SP1, and Mac 10.8.5 and higher.
For those on the quest for alternatives to Element 3D, possibilities encompass After Effects, Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, Maya, Houdini, Unreal Engine, Unreal Engine 5, Blender, KeyShot, ZBrush.
After Effects
The creative cosmos of Adobe After Effects, an industry-standard motion graphics software, allows you to splash your imagination onto the canvas of film, TV, video, or web.
After Effects Top Features
Creation of visual effects and motion graphics: Enchant your audience by animating logos, characters, text, and graphics.
Removal of objects: Easily trim undesired objects from your clips for a flawless visual vibes.
Fire and rain effects: Ignite your scenes with fiery sequences or douse them in drizzle with After Effects.
3D space navigation and design: Traverse and embellish the artistic realms of three dimensions.
Seamless integration with Adobe products: Harmonize your creative workflow with your beloved Adobe tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro.
Animations, Collaboration tools, Media Library, Motion Design, Motion Tracking, Text Overlay, 3D Modeling, 3D Video Editing, Digital Asset Management, Rendering, Content Management.
Extensions and plug-ins:
Third-party integrations, particle systems, physics engines, 3D effects, scripts for task automation and feature simplification.
After Effects Limitations
Creating 3D environments and models can be a hitch.
Not the best recourse for video editing.
After Effects Pricing
After Effects begins at $20.99/month for individuals and $35.99/month per license for teams, with different price options for students, teachers, and businesses.
After Effects Use Cases
Use case 1: Post-production
After Effects is your reliable comrade during the post-production phase, enabling layer stacking and creating motion graphics or visual effects.
Use case 2: UI/UX animations
If you’re a UI/UX designer, After Effects empowers you to craft ingenious mock-up animations and UI elements that engage and enthrall.
Use case 3: Special effects creation
Want to cast a magic spell of special effects onto your visual materials? After Effects lets you color your creations with lighting effects, smoke trails, image and video transformations.
Cinema 4D: Vertex of 3D Modeling
Set your imagination free with Cinema 4D, a masterpiece in the world of 3D modeling software. Boasting exceptional prowess in creating motion graphics, this software impresses with a hierarchical list for object management. In addition, with features that allow direct manipulation of geometry objects in the viewport and the use of tags for properties, creativity knows no bounds. Cinema 4D offers a comprehensive inventory of tools that let you create unparalleled animations, materials, and characters.
The Best Features of Cinema 4D
Polygonal Modeling: Craft intricate designs with utmost precision.
Volume Modeling: Evolve your 3D sculptures to embody the depths of your creativity.
Material System: Breathe life into your animation with photorealistic materials for accuracy in detail.
Parametric Objects: Switch between your roles as an engineer and an artist seamlessly.
Scene Nodes: Manipulate your objects and operations with scene nodes, discovering new realms of possibilities.
Feature
Description
ZRemesher tech from Pixologic ZBrush
Creates simplified geometry from dense, chaotic meshes
Redshift 3D
A GPU renderer that is artist-friendly and enables quick iteration, available in CPU mode for everyone
New Unified Simulation System
Define your dynamics including effects like cloth, soft bodies, and rope
Cinema 4D: Areas to Improve
Despite the comprehensive suite, novice users may find a steep learning curve with the software.
Its pricing scheme might not favour budget-constrained entities, forcing hobbyists and small studios to look for lower-cost alternative solutions instead.
Cinema 4D Pricing
While Cinema 4D provides an immersive experience when it comes to 3D modeling, potential users should be aware of its pricing. It costs $94/month or $719/year, and a perpetual license can be obtained for $3,495. Educational access is available at $9.99 for six months.
Cinema 4D Use Cases
Use case 1: Motion Graphics Creation
In the field of motion graphics, Cinema 4D stands as a stalwart. Animators can animate any object, material, or parameter, providing an array of possibilities for motion graphics production.
Use case 2: Advanced Material Creation
With its robust material system and node-based materials, Cinema 4D is an excellent tool for artists aiming to create photorealistic materials in their productions.
Use case 3: Education
Cinema 4D offers an excellent platform for students and educators. Its affordable educational access and active community support make it a preferred choice for mastering 3D modeling software.
3ds Max
Take a plunge into the versatile and dynamic world of 3ds Max, developed by the renowned Autodesk Media & Entertainment. Initially known as 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max, this tool is setting new standards in 3D animations, models, and games. It’s the dream of video game developers and the powerhouse for pre-rendered productions. Dive into the realm of endless creativity, now set against the backdrop of the popular Windows platform.
3ds Max’s Triumphs
Robust Modeling Abilities: With limitless flexibility, architects and game designers alike revel in the tool’s advanced features and unparalleled capabilities.
Integral part of 3ds Max: Previously a plug-in, the Character Studio now forms the heart of 3ds Max, revolutionizing our understanding of seamless integration.
Hierarchical Scene View: Scene Explorer provides an unrivaled view of scene data, empowering users with comprehensive insights into their projects.
Creative Texture & Planar Mapping: Offers endless possibilities, adding depth and realism to every creation.
Specialized Plug-ins: Stand out from the crowd with specialized plugins available for separate purchase.
Max Creation Graph
An exclusive toolset offering unrivaled creative advantage, built directly into 3ds Max.
Education-Friendly
Proving its commitment to inspiring future innovators, 3ds Max is included in educational programs across secondary and tertiary institutes.
Regular Updates
Say goodbye to outdated functionality! With regular performance enhancements and feature updates, 3ds Max constantly evolves with you.
3ds Max Limitations
Compatibility: Having the maximum compatibility with Windows 10 and 11 might limit some users on older versions of Windows or those using other operating systems.
Resource Heavy: The immense processing and graphics capabilities demand powerful hardware configuration.
3ds Max Use Cases
Video Game Development
Unleash the power of your creativeness and manifest your dream realm with 3ds Max. The smooth interface coupled with intricate mechanisms help you visualize, model, and animate your ideas into a reality.
Film & Special Effects
Be at the helm of creating spectacular cinematic experiences. Films and commercial videos spring to life with the intricate modeling, animations, and detailed textures offered by 3ds Max.
Architectural Presentations
Step into the limitless world of architectural design and presentations. Create stunning 3D models with breathtaking detail to captivate your audience, all possible with 3ds Max.
Maya
A creation of Autodesk, Maya is a 3D computer graphics application known for its comprehensive features and high performance in creating assets for 3D applications, animated films, TV series, and visual effects. Its roots in animation are indisputable, underscored by an award-winning heritage that spans several decades and countless software iterations.
Maya: Top Features
NURBS modeling system: Ideal for crafting complex, detailed shapes.
Powerful animation capabilities: Enables smooth movement, deformations, and effects.
Integrated renderer, mental ray: Noted for its advanced features such as global illumination and subsurface scattering.
Detailed texturing, shading, lighting, and advanced rigging system: Key for realistic visuals in animation.
Feature
Description
Data import/export
Allows transfer of data for analysis and simulations.
2D drawing and 3D modeling
Essential functionalities for various design needs.
Maya: Limitations
Despite its impressive capabilities, Maya’s complex functionality may be overwhelming for beginners. Furthermore, although it offers a free trial, the cost may be off-putting for businesses earning less than $100,000 due to its monthly and yearly subscription plans.
Maya Pricing
Maya offers flexible pricing options for businesses of different sizes. While there are monthly and yearly subscription options available, a free trial can be leveraged for a test-run before committing to a full license. Additionally, businesses that earn less than $100,000 annually have the advantage of a lowered fee.
Maya Use Cases
Use case 1: Film Industry
Maya boasts extensive use in high-profile film productions like The Lord of the Rings, Dinosaur, and the Star Wars series, showcasing its flexibility and power in the creation of realistic 3D models and animations.
Use case 2: Gaming
As a cornerstone in game development, assets created in Maya can be swiftly ported to game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine, accentuating its versatility across creative fields.
Use case 3: Business
Businesses like Accenture, Dell, and EYGBS India leverage Maya for their design needs, affirming its value as a practical tool in professional settings, where comprehensive support and detailed engineering are paramount.
Houdini
Welcome to Houdini, an extraordinary 3D animation and special effects application developed by the renowned company, SideFX. With a strong presence in film, TV, video games, and virtual reality, Houdini has become the go-to software for producing intricate visual effects. Its sophisticated yet user-friendly interface, utilized by big names such as Disney and Pixar, is making waves in the industry.
Best Features of Houdini
Unique node-based procedural workflow enables endless possibilities for refining work.
Offers tools for simulating fluids, destruction fx, pyro fx, grains, cloth and crowds.
Integrated Python scripting APIs support.
Efficient and quick production due to its procedural nature.
Feature
Benefit
Custom Nodes Capability
Designers can encapsulate node networks into leur custom nodes, enhancing project consistency and collaboration.
Gamedev Accessibility
Houdini Indie provides a stepping stone for aspiring animators and game developers breaking into the industry.
Houdini Apprentice
A free version of the software granting students and hobbyists the opportunity to create personal non-commercial projects.
Limitations of Houdini
Requires significant technical familiarity, making it a touch challenging for beginners.
The cost for perpetual licensing can be significant.
Demands substantial system resources, requiring a system with 4GB+ memory and a powerful x64 CPU.
Houdini Pricing
Houdini pricing is flexible, ensuring varied needs are catered to – from free-ranging (Houdini Apprentice for students and hobbyists) to high-end options (Houdini FX at $4,495 for a perpetual license).
Houdini Use Cases
Animation Studios
With its robust functionality, Houdini excels in helping studios create breathtaking animated sequences, as evidenced by its extensive use in Disney’s Frozen and Zootopia.
Game Development
In the hands of skilled gamedevs, Houdini becomes a powerful tool for building immersive worlds populated with vast amounts of content, a trait employed extensively in megahits like Killzone 2 and Uncharted.
Film and TV Industries
Houdini’s advanced special effects capabilities make it a prominent player in crafting award-winning visual effects for TV and film industry, enhancing viewers’ experiences manifold.
Unreal Engine
Developed by Epic Games, Unreal Engine (UE) is a suite of game engines credited with redefining the landscape of 3D computer graphics since its debut in 1998. Spanning across vast platforms, UE provides solutions stretching beyond gaming, domineering industries inclusive of film and television.
Unreal Engine Top Features
Multi-platform support, embracing desktop, mobile, console, and virtual reality platforms.
Unprecedented availability for modders, particularly notable in Unreal Engine 3.
Revolutionary Unreal Development Kit (UDK), catering to the creation of iOS games and apps.
Feature
Benefit
UE’s Royalty Model
Waived for games published on the Epic Games Store, otherwise a modest 5% of revenues over USD 1 million.
Unreal Engine Marketplace
A platform enabling content creators to acquire or dispose of products, earning a generous 88% share of generated revenue.
Project Templates
Provided as starting points for creating engaging first-person or third-person experiences.
Unreal Engine Disadvantages
The complexity of the programming language (C++) may prove daunting for novice users.
Despite the free version (certain terms and conditions apply), the commercial application commands a royalty charge.
Unreal Engine Pricing
UE is free for all users, with a charge of 5% of revenue for products that generate more than $3,000 per quarter. However, the engine is free for schools and universities, fortifying its popular global use.
Unreal Engine Use Cases
Use case 1 – Gaming
UE shines brightly in creating highly immersive games across several genres, with equally vibrant graphics and sophisticated gameplay.
Use case 2 – Film and Television
Its 3D graphics capability has moved beyond gaming, injecting a dynamic realism into film and television productions.
Use case 3 – Education
UE is an invaluable educational tool due to its provision of a free learning medium for schools and universities, fostering creativity and technological proficiency among students.
Unreal Engine 5
Developed by Epic Games, Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) is an advanced platform focusing on enabling the creation of next-gen real-time 3D content. The engine excels in creating expansive and highly detailed virtual worlds, and has been recognized as a leading force in the gaming industry since its first showcase in 1998.
Unreal Engine 5 Top Features
Nanite: Enables the creation of intricate worlds, capable of processing multi-million-polygon meshes at a real-time frame rate.
Lumen: A fully dynamic global illumination and reflections solution, allowing on-the-fly adaptation to changes in lighting or geometry.
Temporal Super Resolution (TSR): A built-in upsampling system providing high-res pixel fidelity in low-res rendering, aiding 60 fps performance.
World Partition: This tool breaks down the game world into a grid for better management and to facilitate simultaneous work.
Control Rig: An integrated animation authoring toolset which reduces round-tripping in the creation process.
Feature
Description
Compatibility
Compatible with a range of desktop, mobile, console, VR/AR platforms
Development language
Primarily uses C++, provides high portability
Source code availability
Accessible on Github, commercial use based on royalty model
Unreal Engine 5 Limitations
UE5’s advanced features may require a steep learning curve for beginners.
While accessible, the control of complete source code might be overwhelming for some users.
There’s a 5% royalty fee after lifetime gross revenue exceeds $1 million.
Unreal Engine 5 Pricing
The use of Unreal Engine 5 is free, however, Epic Games charges a royalty fee of 5% once your lifetime gross revenue exceeds $1 million. This fee is waived if the game is published on the Epic Games Store. The estimated development cost ranges between $35K-$85K.
Unreal Engine 5 Use Cases
Use case 1
Unreal Engine 5 is suitable for game developers due to its advanced features that enable high-detail game creation.
Use case 2
Given the extent of its compatibility, it’s a viable option for AR/VR developers seeking to create immersive experiences.
Use case 3
For freelancers and small teams, UE5’s tools, like the Control Rig and World Partition, can facilitate efficient workflow and reduce development time.
Blender
Delve into the fascinating world of Blender, a 3D computer graphic software tool set. This free and open-source software, released in 1994, has been integral in creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D-printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications and virtual reality.
Blender Top Features
3D Modelling: Exceptional tool for creating, transforming, and editing your digital models.
Fluid and Smoke Simulation: Great feature enabling realistic and complex animations involving fluids or smoke.
Animation: Allows for detailed and intricate movement in your 3D creations.
Rendering: Provides high-quality production of your animation or 3D model.
Video Editing: Integrated video editing tool, removing the need for external software.
Features
Description
Sculpting
Enables detail work and refining of 3D models.
Matchmoving
Fuses 3D elements with live-action footage seamlessly.
Compositing
Perfect for multi-layered work for different parts of a project.
Blender Limitations
Learning Curve: Due to its vast features, mastering the software can be challenging.
Requires Robust Hardware: To run optimally, Blender requires a powerful machine.
Depreciation of Blender Game Engine: Since the 2.8 release, the game engine is no longer supported.
Blender Pricing
As a free and open-source tool, Blender is available for use at no cost.
Blender Use Cases
Use case 1: 3D Animation studios
Blender’s extensive set of tools and features allows for high-quality animation production making it ideal for 3D animation studios.
Use case 2: Graphic Designers
Graphic designers can leverage Blender for creating 3D models, visual effects, and motion graphics.
Use case 3: Video Game Developers
Despite the depreciation of Blender Game Engine, video game developers can utilize Blender’s other features for asset creation, animation, and more.
KeyShot
In the realm of 3D rendering, KeyShot marks its presence with a commitment to high-quality visualization, intuitive interfacing and a remarkable selection of features. The latest release, KeyShot 2023, has further broadened its horizons in terms of functionalities and user-friendliness.
KeyShot Best Features
Seamless Transition: Transition from CPU to GPU mode with a mere click, enabling a fluid workflow.
Real-time Updates: Reflects changes in materials, lighting and geometry instantly.
Extensive Plugin library: Allows for geometry updates without the fear of losing hard work.
Comprehensive Rendering Solutions: KeyShot extends its tools to all sectors of a company to facilitate collaboration and visualization.
Scientific Rendering Accuracy: Balancing beauty with precision, KeyShot produces visuals with scientific accuracy.
Materials Library: Offers a vast selection of material options including Pantone colors and Mold-Tech digital representations.
3D Paint: New in KeyShot 2023, this feature enables customization of materials and finishes on model surface.
Physics Simulation tool
This newly introduced feature in KeyShot 2023 records the physics of objects and integrates them as keyframe animations.
Web Viewer Optimized
Improved in KeyShot 2023 for realistic visual representation on web browsers and mobile devices.
Support for Apple silicon
Enhances performance and usability, setting new standards for Apple users.
KeyShot Limitations
Lacks advanced input and output control capabilities.
Offers limited possibilities for simulations and advanced animations.
Does not support hair/fur generation and grooming.
KeyShot Use Cases
Use Case 1: Product Design
From idea conception to rapid prototyping, KeyShot proves to be a stellar tool for product designers, aiding them to bring visions to life.
Use Case 2: Engineering
For engineers, distilling complex concepts into understandable visuals becomes effortless with KeyShot’s rendering capabilities.
Use Case 3: Packaging Design
The possibility to create virtual packaging experiences with KeyShot aides in significant cost and resource saving, eliminating the need for physical printing.
ZBrush
ZBrush is a renowned digital sculpting software, prominently used in the gaming, film, and animation sectors. Offering an intricate palette of 3D modeling, texturing, and painting, the software has revolutionized the creation of realistic art pieces and characters, with hospitable online courses hiking its reach and utility.
ZBrush Top Features
Sculptris Pro: A go-to digital sculpting tool enabling flexible model manipulation.
Dynamesh: An innovative approach to free-form 3D model creation without topology constraints.
ZRemesher: Allows automatic retopology of your models, preserving intricate details.
PolyPaint: Enables painting on a model’s surface without needing a texture map.
PolyGroupIt: Useful for precise and fast grouping of your model’s polygons.
Gizmo 3D: Provides a simple and efficient manipulator for scaling, rotating and moving objects.
Feature
Description
Sculpting
Aids in creating basic shapes to manipulating intricate features.
Rendering
In-depth courses and tutorials on realistic rendering of 3D models.
Texturing
Can create fine details such as fur, hair, fabric etc. efficiently.
ZBrush Limitations
The precise limitations of ZBrush depend on specific user applications, but some common concerns include a steep learning curve for beginners without prior 3D modeling experience. Additionally, despite its robust toolset, it might not cater to all project specifications and demands.
ZBrush Pricing
The actual pricing for ZBrush isn’t specified here. However, it’s recommended to check their official website for updated pricing or the availability of any free or open-source versions.
ZBrush Use Cases
Use Case 1: Game Development
Thrusting gaming realism, ZBrush enables the creation of detailed animal characters and extremely realistic dinosaur figures for gaming experiences.
Use Case 2: Film Industry
Through advanced techniques like hard surface sculpting and anatomical sculpting, ZBrush fuels the film industry’s demand for ultra-real characters.
Use Case 3: Jewelry Design
In the field of Jewelry Design, intricate ring designs and complex shapes are effortlessly created with ZBrush’s advanced tool-set.
Patrick Daugherty
Content writer @ Aircada. Merging AR expertise with a love for late-night gaming sessions.
