3DCoat and TopoGun cater to different 3D modeling needs. 3DCoat is a superior AR/VR focused solution with regular upgrades – best for those seeking a more comprehensive package. TopoGun excels at retopologization and map baking, ideal for those focusing on optimizing and detailing models.

Differences of 3DCoat and TopoGun

Key Differences Between 3DCoat and TopoGun

  • Scope: 3DCoat offers a wider range of services including sculpting tools, UVs, and an integrated renderer. TopoGun specializes in retopologizing and maps baking.
  • Licensing: 3DCoat offers licensing for two computers, with occasional license issues. TopoGun’s cross-platform licenses are flexible.
  • Connectivity: For 3DCoat’s licensing and updates, an internet connection is necessary. TopoGun does not state such a requirement.
  • Pricing: 3DCoat ranges from $49 to $468, with different payment options. TopoGun pricing is not explicitly mentioned.
Comparison 3DCoat TopoGun
Product Type AR/VR sculpting & texturing software Retopologizing & map baking software
Developer Pilgway TopoGun
Development Regular updates & new features Handles real-world scans, digital sculptures of million+ polygons
License Individual, company, student, university licenses. One-time purchase, monthly, quarterly, rent-for-1-year Cross-platform license, one-time purchase
Compatible Platforms Linux & Windows Windows/macOS
Features Sculpting tools, UVs, integrated renderer. Supports 4K monitors, smart materials, Renderman scene rendering Supports realtime geometry wrapping, special tools for editing/creating topology, high-res 3D data, one-pass map baking, multithreaded baking & subdivision
License Activation/Deactivation Needed for updates Issued post purchase

What Is 3DCoat and Who’s It For?

3DCoat, an AR/VR tech-focused solution developed by Pilgway, offers a suite of features including sculpting tools, UVs, and an integrated renderer. The software comes with regular updates and has made its place in 200+ universities worldwide for educational purposes. With versatile licensing terms that accommodate dual computer usage under one license and a range of products from 3DCprinting licenses to Floating licenses, 3DCoat targets a wide audience, ranging from AR/VR enthusiasts to educational or professional environments.

Colorful image of a 3D artist at a modulating assemblage utilizing 3DCoat tools

Pros of 3DCoat

  • Active development with regular software updates
  • Support for Linux & Windows versions
  • Provides a variety of license types catering to different user-groups
  • Available learning source in 200+ universities worldwide
  • Supports 4K monitors and smart materials in its latest version

Cons of 3DCoat

  • Requires internet connectivity for license validation
  • License activation-deactivation needed for application updates
  • Unclear details about offline running & licensing
  • Extra charges for upgrading from V4 or earlier to 3DCoat 2021

What Is TopoGun and Who’s It For?

TopoGun, a standalone retopologizing and maps baking software, is proficient in dealing with giant polygonal models and enhancing their edge flow. It empowers texture artists and the 3D engines by supporting cross-platform needs and facilitating high-res models’ geometry wrapping and texture map baking. This feature-rich suite is suited for digital sculptors, animation artists, game designers, and 3D texture artists looking for a user-friendly, cross-platform solution that supports even super high-res 3D data.

Colorful depiction of a designer working on a highly detailed digital sculpture with TopoGun

Pros of TopoGun

  • Able to process models with million+ polygons
  • Provides texture map baking from high-res models
  • Allows automated retopology for less critical parts
  • Supports one pass maps baking for time efficiency
  • 32 & 64-bit versions available for bigger memory access and performance

Cons of TopoGun

  • Lack of specific cons as the product provides comprehensive and high-quality services

3DCoat vs TopoGun: Pricing

An exhaustive inspection of the intricated licensing options of 3DCoat ranges from $49 to $468, while Topogun remained mum on the pricing front.

3DCoat

3DCoat’s multilayered licensing approach encompasses the needs of various users. Starting at $49 for 3DCprinting licenses which can soar up to $468 for Floating licenses. Charged upgrades are required outfitting the shift from V4 or earlier to 3DCoat 2021. The advent of the 2021 version witnessed the launch of diverse licensing options for individuals, companies (node-locked and floating), students and universities. It furnishes a tapestry of purchase options, including one-time purchase, monthly, quarterly, and Rent-for-1 year options. Seasonal deals like Christmas offers are uncloaked on all 3DCoat licenses and Smart Materials.

TopoGun

TopoGun offers a versatile tool set for texture artists and 3D engines, but constrains the disclosure on pricing policies. Its dynamic utilities do allure users, but without a clear statement of cost, educated purchasing decisions are handcuffed.

Your Verdict: 3DCoat vs TopoGun | The Conclusive Comparison

In an industry where added value and efficiency weigh in gold, choosing between 3DCoat and TopoGun is significant. So, where does the balance tip?

For Developers Obsessed with Fine Detail

3DCoat is a powerhouse for intricate design-oriented developers, especially with its developed sculpting tools, coupled with integrated renderer solutions, granting them a seamless creative journey. Its Lightwave 2018/19/20 compatibility is critical for those dealing in texturing import/export. Turbocharging the appeal is the free upgrade it offers to V4 Pro license owners, ensuring your access to cutting-edge tech is uninterrupted.

A meticulous developer scanning through fine details of 3D structure on his computer screen.

For High Polygon Wizards

TopoGun, with its proven efficacy in handling models with millions of polygons, becomes a de rigueur for developers dealing in real-world scanning and digital sculptures. The seamless ‘one-pass maps baking’, hardware ambient occlusion maps rendering optimized with GPU and subdivision feature to maintain original mesh details, catapult it to the developers’ favorite in high polygon AR/VR creations.

A developer working on a highly polygonal 3D model, using TopoGun.

For the Fiscally Prudent

For those playing safe on the budget front, again, TopoGun races ahead with its single license targeting cross-platform usage, a resounding knock-out punch in maximizing your ROI. The free-for-download 32 & 64-bit versions offer an increase in memory access and performance, at no added cost!

Developer looking frugally at the budget numbers while making a technology purchasing decision.

For Academic Settings

Enhance educational value in colleges with 3DCoat, considering they’ve planted their flag in over 200 universities worldwide. The range of licensing prices, coupled with one-time purchase, or rent-for-1-year options, make this platform a compelling choice in academic settings.

3D students practicing on their lab PCs, creatively adopting the 3DCoat platform.

Deciphering the code of this 3DCoat vs TopoGun debate leaves us with a clear conclusion: if seamless handling of high-polygon models with a premium on cost-efficiency is your goal, TopoGun is your choice. But if delicacy in scribbling fine details, inclusive of compatibility, and educational extremity is your calling, 3DCoat takes the pedestal.

Logan Bellbrook

Content writer @ Aircada with a knack for nature & AR/VR/XR. Blogging the intersection of tech & terrain.

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