Choose 3DCoat for diverse sculpting tools, UVs, integrated renderer, and cost-effective licensing. Ideal for consistent development. Opt for Substance Painter if your project necessitates advanced masking, procedural texturing, and PBR compatibility, especially in gaming.
Key Differences Between 3DCoat and Substance Painter
3DCoat offers more versatile licensing plans, including student and university licenses.
Substance Painter, praised as the Adobe Photoshop for 3D digital painting, excels in texturing models and creating textures.
3DCoat is compatible with Lightwave 2018/19/20 for texturing import/export, while Substance Painter requires a properly UV unwrapped polygonal model for painting.
Substance Painter offers advanced masking and real-time PBR material workflows, useful in gaming industry.
Comparison
3DCoat
Substance Painter
Focus
AR/VR technology-focused solutions
3D digital painting work
Updates
Regular, including 3DCoat 2022 and new features
Continuing development by Adobe
Platform Support
Linux & Windows
Cross-platform (as part of Adobe Suite)
Licensing Terms
Two computers under one license, one instance at a time. Offline licensing available
Standard Adobe licensing terms
Internet Requirements
Needed for validation with 3DCoat’s FServer servers
Standard Adobe requirements
Compatibility with Others
Compatible with Lightwave for texturing import/export
Individual licenses priced higher, similar to 3D-Coat and Mudbox for game developers
Usage
Used in 200+ universities worldwide
Used in gaming industry; companies like Capcom, Activision
What Is 3DCoat and Who’s It For?
3DCoat is a powerful AR/VR tech-focused solution developed by Pilgway, offering tools for 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering. With consistent updates and new features offered, it caters to graphic artists, video game developers, and digital designers seeking an integrated renderer solution. Pilgway hails from Kyiv, Ukraine and is known for its dedicated sustenance of development efforts.
The software is used widely in learning institutions with its presence at over 200 universities worldwide. With options for individual, company, student, and university licenses, 3DCoat serves a versatile consumer base.
Pros of 3DCoat
Regular updates and new features
Compatible with Lightwave for texturing import/export
Available at a range of license prices
Free upgrades for V4 Pro license owners
Cons of 3DCoat
Requires internet connectivity for license validation
License activation-deactivation needed for app updates
Limited details on offline running & licensing
What Is Substance Painter and Who’s It For?
Substance Painter by Allegorithmic, absorbed by Adobe, is a renowned 3D digital painting tool. Compared with Adobe Photoshop for its stellar skills in texturing models and creating intricate textures, it is primarily tailored for game developers, 3D artists, and visual construction enthusiasts. Its remarkable use-case is witnessed at high-profile gaming companies including Capcom and Activision.
With advanced masking, procedural texturing tools, and up to 8k texture baking, Substance Painter is the go-to tool for creation of realistic textures and meshes, expedient in game development. Offering lucrative pricing options and even a Beta license for selling assets on the Steam Store, this software is an asset for individual developers.
Pros of Substance Painter
Supports painting on both 2D maps and 3D model
Exports all textures in game engine-compatible PBR format
Used by big-league gaming companies
Training tutorials available
Cons of Substance Painter
Requires a properly UV unwrapped polygonal model
Priced higher for individual game developers
The Showdown Verdict: 3DCoat vs Substance Painter
Deciding between the stalwarts of AR/VR technologies – 3DCoat and Substance Painter? You’re in for a ride!
3D Sculpting Enthusiasts
If you’re a 3D sculpting maestro, your palette should be 3DCoat. With its seamless sculpting tools, integrated renderer solutions, and constant license updates, you’ll find that the world at your fingertips is truly three-dimensional.
Game Development Experts
Not just painting, if you are overseeing comprehensive game development, Substance Painter emerges as the winner. From Capcom to Activision, you’ll have elite company using its rip-roaring real-time PBR material workflows and advanced masking, elevating your game to unprecedented visual heights.
UV Map Prodigies
Are you living and breathing UV maps? Substance Painter stands tall with its unchallenged efficiency in texture mapping. Its interface bears resemblance to widely-used 3D software packages and Photoshop, presenting a comfortable transition for every UV map prodigy.
Education Seeker
If you’re on the learning curve, 3DCoat with courses at 200+ universities worldwide, offers a stronger support network. An added advantage is its compatibility with Lightwave for texturing import/export.
Price Conscious Individual
Looking to get bang-for-your-buck? 3DCoat’s affordable licensing range, starting at $49 for 3DCprinting licenses, swings the tide in its favor.
For the committed 3D sculptor, the academic learner, or the budget-friendly techie, 3DCoat shines brighter. However, the seasoned game developer and UV mapping painter will relish Substance Painter’s features. The ultimate decision resides with the user’s indeed nuanced needs.
Tiffany Brise
Content writer @ Aircada, patiently awaiting a consumer AR headset that doesn’t suck.
