Blender is a versatile 3D computer graphics software used for a wide range of applications such as animated films, visual effects, and 3D modeling. Developed by NeoGeo and released in 1994, it is a powerful toolset with features like animation, rendering, and video editing.
Exploring alternatives to Blender, one can consider Three.js, Babylon.js, FreeCAD, Mudbox, TouchDesigner, Quixel Mixer, Godot, Meshmixer, AutoCAD, Sculptris, ZBrush, Tinkercad, and Unreal Engine.
Three.js
Introducing Three.js, a cross-browser JavaScript library with a primary focus on creating and displaying animated 3D computer graphics right in your web browser. The brainchild of Ricardo Cabello, it was released under the MIT license on April 24, 2010 and is hosted on Github. The library uses WebGL and unleashes the power of GPU-accelerated 3D animations using JavaScript, without the need for any browser plugins.
Three.js Top Features
Creates 3D computer graphics in a web browser using WebGL.
Gives wings to GPU-accelerated 3D animations with JavaScript, without browser plugins.
Provides high-level libraries like Three.js itself for easier creation of complex 3D animations.
Runs in all browsers that support WebGL 1.0.
Serves the future with support for Virtual and Augmented Reality through WebXR.
Contributors
Over 1700 on Github
License
MIT
WebGL Verion
WebGL 2.0 by default from version 118
Three.js Limitations
Dependency on WebGL support by browsers for running.
Complexity in managing and understanding 3D models for novices.
Three.js Pricing
Three.js is open-source and totally free for use, licensed under the generous MIT license.
Three.js Use Cases
Use case 1: 3D Modeling and Animation
The powerful high-level libraries allow you to create complex 3D models and animations quickly and easily. This makes it a great tool for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Use case 2: Interactive Web Content
Three.js enables developers to create interactive web content using 3D graphics, offering an immersive experience to website visitors.
Use case 3: Virtual and Augmented Reality
By supporting WebXR, Three.js paves the way for you to venture into the domains of Virtual and Augmented Reality, opening countless new possibilities for developers and designers.
Babylon.js
An impressive real-time 3D engine, Babylon.js renders 3D graphics promptly in any web browser using HTML5. Developed by David Catuhe, this software has gained stability and popularity since its inception in 2013, thanks to contributions from Microsoft and a strong community of over 190 contributors.
Babylon.js Best Features
TypeScript & JavaScript: Babylon.js is coded in these two languages, offering versatility and wide support.
Physically based rendering: This feature aids in generating photorealistic images, elevating the visual quality of 3D models.
API Accessibility: Babylon.js provides a reachable API, encouraging user-generated projects with ease.
Plug-in Physics Engines
Animation
Cannon.js and Oimo.js are compatible, simulating real-world physical reactions and collisions.
Key frame objects assist in animation, and character animations are executed through skeletons with blend weights.
Babylon.js Limitations
While Babylon.js primarily supports polygon modeling with triangular faces, it has limited use of constructive solid geometry involving operations – union, subtraction, and intersection – of shell models.
Scaling large projects could possibly pose a limitation due to reliance on JavaScript and TypeScript.
Babylon.js Pricing
Babylon.js is an open-source project hosted on GitHub, distributed under the Apache License 2.0, making it completely free to use.
Babylon.js Use Cases
Use case 1: Virtual Worlds
Babylon.js finds extensive use in creating immersive, realistic virtual worlds, attributed to its high-quality 3D rendering abilities.
Use case 2: Education in Medicine
Thanks to Babylon.js’s vivid graphics presentation, it’s employed in medical education to illustrate complex biological structures.
Use case 3: Military Training
With its advanced collision simulation features, Babylon.js proves critical in developing accurate military training simulations.
ZBrush
The ZBrush serves as an established digital sculpting software, often preferred in gaming, film, and animation industries. It is recognized for its robust features extending from 3D modeling, texturing to painting, enabling artists to create intricate and realistic art pieces and characters.
ZBrush Top Features
Sculptris Pro: Dynamic tessellation sculpting workflow, allowing for unrestricted creativity.
Dynamesh: Allow artists to freely sketch without worrying about polygon distribution.
ZRemesher: Aiding in the creation of neat polygon structures, it retains the original expressive details of the sculpt.
PolyPaint: Gives you the ability to paint your object’s surface without first assigning a texture map.
PolyGroupIt: An easy way to group your mesh, generating intelligent selections with a simple click.
Gizmo 3D: Offers a new, artist-friendly set of transform tools.
Feature
Description
Character posing
Allows artists to easily pose characters and creatures.
Hard surface modeling and sculpting
Advanced tools allow artists to create complex and detailed models.
Learning platform
Online course availability on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, Cineversity catering to different styles of learning.
ZBrush Limitations
Despite its extensive array of features, professionals have mentioned certain downsides to ZBrush:
Inherent complexity may be daunting for beginners.
Lack of comprehensive free resources or training material.
Managing 3-D layers can be slightly challenging.
ZBrush Use Cases
Game development
ZBrush’s high poly character development tools and complex shape creation make it ideal for game development. It has been noted for its use in creating detailed animal characters and highly realistic dinosaur figures for gaming purposes.
Architecture, Design, and Jewelry Industry
The software’s ability to produce complex shapes is often utilized in architectural design and the jewelry industry, making it an invaluable tool for professionals creating intricate ring designs, helmet panels, and more.
Tinkercad
A free 3D modeling software, Tinkercad is renowned for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design. Owned by Autodesk and founded by seasoned engineers from Google, this web-based application aims to democratize the world of 3D modeling.
Tinkercad Top Features
WebGL-enabled Browser: Accessible via any WebGL-enabled browser. No software download required.
3D Printing Compatibility: Exports designs in STL and OBJ formats, making it compatible with most 3D printers.
Arduino Uno Compatibility: Its circuit section supports Arduino Uno microcontrollers, making it suitable for designing and testing electronic circuits.
Lego & Minecraft Integration: Designs can be easily transformed into buildable Lego models or exported to Minecraft’s Java edition.
Powerful Modelling Flexibility: Offers a multitude of design tools with drag and drop functionality, along with options for aligning, grouping, and creating negative spaces.
Extensive Support: Abundant support resources and tutorials are available, making it an ideal choice for beginners and advanced users alike.
Feature
Description
Founders’ Background
Developed by a former Google engineer and Mikko Mononen, ensuring robust and reliable technology.
AR Integration
Designs can be brought to life using Augmented Reality on iPads.
Security
Safe and secure for younger users, with a focus on education and learning.
Tinkercad Limitations
Limited to WebGL-enabled browsers.
While powerful, the interface may not offer as much complexity as professional tools like Blender or Fusion360.
Lacks offline functionality, requiring active internet connection.
Tinkercad Pricing
Tinkercad is a free service, making it accessible for beginners, schools, and hobbyists.
Tinkercad Use Cases
Use case 1 – Educational Institutions
With its straightforward interface and comprehensive tutorial resources, Tinkercad is perfect for schools, providing a hands-on introduction to 3D modeling and constructive solid geometry.
Use case 2 – Makers & Hobbyists
For hobbyists and makers, Tinkercad’s easy-to-use tools and compatibility with popular 3D printing formats can bring their designs to life from prototype to final product.
Use case 3 – Circuit Designers and Arduino Enthusiasts
Arduino enthusiasts will appreciate the circuit design functionality, offering an intuitive and fast tool that can simulate electronic circuits – from simple to complex – quickly and easily.
Unreal Engine
Developed by Epic Games, Unreal Engine (UE) is a robust series of 3D computer graphics game engines. Initially intended for PC first-person shooters, it has since evolved to cater to a variety of game types and industries, even reaching film and television. The platform caters to a wide range of platforms, such as desktop, mobile and virtual reality consoles.
Marketplace: Users can buy and sell creations on the Unreal Engine Marketplace.
Templates: Offers basic project templates for a first-person or third-person gaming experience.
Feature
Description
Unreal Development Kit (UDK)
Included for free, enabling the creation of iOS games and apps.
Unreal Engine 5
The latest version featuring advanced graphic capabilities, revealed in May 2020.
Acquisitions
Incorporates features from acquired companies like Quixel for a richer toolset.
Unreal Engine Limitations
Advanced Knowledge: Requires proficiency in C++ programming for extensive development.
Royalties: Epic Games charges a 5% royalty on revenues over USD 1 million for commercial use, which may discourage small-scale developers.
Unreal Engine Pricing
While Unreal Engine is free for all users, Epic Games exercises a royalty model where it charges 5% of revenue for products that generate more than $3,000 per quarter. Royalties, however, are waived for games published on the Epic Games Store.
Unreal Engine Use Cases
Use case 1 – Gaming Development
Empowering both indie and AAA game developers, the Unreal Engine’s comprehensive suite of tools and C++ language support enable the creation of rich, immersive game experiences.
Use case 2 – Film and Television
With the ability to render real-time, high-quality 3D graphics and its wide platform support, UE finds extensive use in the film and television industry for visual effects and animations.
Use case 3 – Educational Institutions
The Unreal Engine is a favoured teaching tool at schools and universities for courses related to game development and 3D graphics, provided at no charge.
FreeCAD
An unrivaled, general-purpose 3D CAD modeler, FreeCAD is a multifaceted tool tailored for the engineering sector. With superiority in mechanical engineering product design, it boasts compatibility with a plethora of platforms such as Linux, macOS, and Windows. It’s further extensible with Python and offers features analogous to industry titans.
FreeCAD Top Features
General-purpose 3D CAD modeler and BIM software with paramount flexibility for various engineering applications.
Outstanding compatibility spanning Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Expandable functionality with Python, bringing about a realm of possibilities.
Modular software architecture which facilitates the addition of features without modifying the core system.
Its 2D utility permits seamless 3D-to-2D drawing conversion, though direct 2D drawing capabilities are limited.
Support for Numerous File Formats
From DXF and SVG to STEP, STL, IGES and beyond, FreeCAD supports a range of standard file formats.
FreeCAD Limitations
Limited capabilities for direct 2D drawing and animation.
Impediment to DWG support due to software license issues with the GNU LibreDWG library.
Limited subset of DWG format available for import and export via ODA File Converter.
FreeCAD Pricing
Rest assured, FreeCAD is free and open-source, offering an abundant store of high-end features without burning a hole in your pocket.
FreeCAD Use Cases
Use case 1 – Mechanical Engineering Design
With its diverse toolset, FreeCAD excels at mechanical engineering product design, boasting tools comparable to SolidWorks and CATIA.
Use case 2 – Architecture and Construction
With the powerful Arch Module, FreeCAD is fully adaptable to the needs of the architecture, electrical, and construction (AEC) engineering sectors.
Use case 3 – 3D Printing
Home to G-code support, FreeCAD is invaluable to the 3D printing community, facilitating design, simulation, and printing of real-life objects from 2D sketches.
Mudbox
Developed by Autodesk, Mudbox is a robust digital sculpting and painting tool used by industry giants including Epic Games and Blur Studio. Originating from Skymatter’s work on landmark films like The Lord of The Rings trilogy and King Kong, Mudbox provides a cost-effective solution for professionals and beginners alike in the realm of 3D graphics and modeling.
Mudbox Top Features
Powerful sculpting tools and diverse brushes
Ability to add intricate detail to existing 3D models with a low polygon base mesh
Utilizes Catmull-Clark subdivision algorithm for mesh shape preservation
Offers a non-destructive workflow with the potential to add or remove detail without permanent alteration
Allows direct model transfer from polygonal software to Mudbox
Advanced Features
Benefit
Grayscale Stencils
Allows for faster addition of smaller intricate details
Wide Range of Paint Brushes
Gives user more flexibility during sculpting
Retopologizing Tools
Optimizes animation rigging
Mudbox Limitations
Since 2020, only new installers have been released with no new features and lacks bug fixes
Subscription model may not appeal to all users
Mudbox Pricing
Mudbox offers a competitive pricing structure at $90/year, with a free 3-year license available for current students. Those looking for full software access can consider a $10/month plan as well.
Mudbox Use Cases
Use case 1: Film Production
Companies such as Epic Games and Blur Studio have leveraged the powerful toolkit of Mudbox to bring their visions to life. Notably, Mudbox played a crucial role in creating high-quality textures and designs during the King Kong (2005) film production.
Use case 2: Game Development
Mudbox’s strength in building and manipulating 3D models shines in game development, as seen by its usage in renowned gaming studios. The software helps make character and environment modeling seamless.
Use case 3: Educational Purposes
As a budget-friendly yet powerful tool, Mudbox is an ideal teaching aid for students delving into the 3D art and digital sculpting universe, providing them hands-on experience similar to what professionals use in the industry.
TouchDesigner
Here’s a little raconteur of the tech world, TouchDesigner. This node-based visual programming language rolls out the carpet for real-time interactive multimedia content. Straight out of Toronto, this baby is lovingly crafted by Derivative, granting artists, programmers, and performers the magic wand to conjure performances, installations, and media works that sing and dance.
TouchDesigner Top Features
2D and 3D production: It’s like the Swiss Army knife of graphics tools, offering rendering, compositing, and don’t forget multi-display support!
Animation control: This puppeteer puts the strings of motion, audio, animation, and control signals in your hands.
Interactivity goldmine: UV Mapping, text addition, and even interaction with a MIDI controller. Is there anything it can’t do?
Category
Usage
Texture Operators
To deal with pixel information like a boss.
Channel Operators
For manipulating linear sequences of floats or integers – its teleport tool into the Matrix.
Data Operators
For managing text, tables, or other data types like a bouncer at an upscale club.
TouchDesigner Limitations
Sadly, living on the cutting edge does come with its hurdles. Despite its superpowers, TouchDesigner can’t work magic on Linux. It only clicks with Windows and MacOS.
While you’ll be playing music visual maker and particle system tweaker in no time, the steep learning curve might make you go ‘Uh-oh’! Don’t fret, though. Their scholarship diversity programs and courses are here to help.
TouchDesigner Pricing
Unfortunately, our company summary is playing coy about the pricing. However, the good news is that learning resources are bountiful, so you can hone your skills before you pay, with courses offered by Grayarea.org.
TouchDesigner Use Cases
For Performance Tool Creation
Lighting up a gig or live show? Need a little razzmatazz to create immersive experiences? TouchDesigner to the rescue!
For Generative Visuals
When it comes to jazzing up mellow tunes with swanky visuals, few do it better. It breathes life into music and can make it dance.
For 3D Geometry Generation
Fancy dipping your toes in the pool of 3D design? Put on your floaties because TouchDesigner eases you into 3D geometry creation like a hot soak on a winter’s night.
Quixel Mixer
As an alternative to Blender, Quixel Mixer is a powerful 3D texturing tool that delivers on simplicity, versatility, and quality. It allows artists to create high-quality textures through a unique set of features and accommodates individual artistic styles.
Quixel Mixer Top Features
Multi-channel 3D painting: Offering an exceptionally versatile design interface.
Real-time 3D Curvature: Provides real-time feedback for curvature mapping.
Displacement Sculpting: Allows you to model and sculpt 3D surfaces in real-time.
Seamless Texture Projection: Ensures the texture flows continuously over the 3D model.
Additional Features
Benefits
Megascans Library
Access to an extensive library of 3D scanned materials.
Procedural Masks
Create complex textures with ease.
Integration with Unreal Engine and Blender
Fosters smooth workflow for Unreal Engine and Blender users.
Quixel Mixer Limitations
Lacks a built-in baker, requiring users to rely on external bakers.
High realism in materials limits ability for customization.
Current workarounds needed for opacity and emissive maps.
User-interface, keyboard shortcuts, and texturing techniques take adjustment.
Quixel Mixer Pricing
Quixel Mixer is free of charge for use within Unreal Engine. For freelance and hobbyist artists, there is a $19/month subscription fee.
Quixel Mixer Use Cases
Use Case 1: Game Developers
Owing to its unreal engine integration, Quixel Mixer offers considerable value to game developers who require high-quality textures for 3D environments. Its collection of smart materials based on megascans empowers realistic rendering with ease.
Use Case 2: Freelance Artists
Quixel Mixer supports freelance artists across various mediums. Its seamless texture projection and sculpting capabilities allow the creation of unique and intricate designs.
Use Case 3: Hobbyists
For hobbyists dipping their toes into 3D graphics, Quixel’s goal of simplicity makes it a viable option. Despite some content limitations, its wealth of resources and affordable pricing model makes it an appealing choice.
Godot
Behold Godot, a paragon among open-source game engines. Ideal for both neophytes and experienced developers, Godot offers a blend of intuitive design and powerful, modifiable codebase.
Godot’s Top Features
Scene-driven design: Use simple blocks for game creation that cocoon complexity through the application of nodes.
Flexible scripting: Built-in GDScript and support for C#, along with community support for languages like Rust, Nim, Python, etc., offer myriad ways to streamline game logic.
Diverse device support: Godot’s 3D engine caters to both high and low-end devices.
Collaborative storage solution: Team-based projects thrive in Godot, whether they are rooted in Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Audio Bus/Templates:
Real-time effects deliver punchy audio, tailor-made for games and apps.
Visual editor:
Embedded within the engine, providing a user-friendly experience.
Free from fees:
MIT license renders Godot free from hidden costs, licensing charges, and contracts.
Godot’s Limitations
Complexity: While great for basic and intermediate levels, Godot may not satiate the needs for complex 3D game developments.
.NET Support: Only available for desktop platforms until Godot 4 arrives.
Godot Pricing
As an open-source engine, Godot sings the sweet symphony of cost-efficiency. It’s free under the MIT license, keeping your creativity unfettered from monetary shackles.
Godot Use Cases
Use case 1
For enterprise-level game developers seeking to impose their distinct flavor on their creations, Godot’s open-source and modifiable codebase is the perfect canvas.
Use case 2
Novices navigating the labyrinth of game development find solace in Godot’s intuitive design and holistic documentation.
Use case 3
With its seamless integration with Blender and specialized 2D workflows, animators and graphic designers can turn imagination into reality.
Meshmixer
Developed by Autodesk, Meshmixer is a free-to-use 3D modeling software designed especially for the creation of 3D mashups and remixes, targeting 3D printing specifically. With feature-rich functionalities like 3D sculpting tools, remeshing, and mesh smoothing, this solution offers unparalleled flexibility for creating and modifying 3D models without worrying about the intricacies of 3D topology.
Meshmixer Top Features
3D Printing Preparation: Meshmixer’s slicing tools, escape holes for hollowing, and fragility analysis pave the way for precise and efficient 3D print preparation.
Customizable Model Design: The software allows seamless model attachment through its unique mesh-mix functionality, along with the liberty to customize models based on specific requirements.
Complete Model Analysis: Meshmixer houses comprehensive analysis tools such as Inspector for model analysis and repair, stability and thickness analysis, layout/packing for shell distance, etc., helping in troubleshooting design issues and ensuring printability.
Automatic Support Generation: It provides an edge for printing preparation with customizable supports for your 3D models.
Additional Functionalities
Export Capabilities
Make solid, Hollow, Separate shells, Resize, Measure
Compatible with multiple file formats such as stl, obj, collada, wrl
Allows model splitting in slices for 3D printing separate components
Direct Print option to connected desktop 3D printer or online 3D printing service Sculpteo
Meshmixer Advantages
Professional Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of users such as inventors, hobbyists, artists, 3D modelers, and entrepreneurs.
Cost-Effective & Time-Saving: Enables creating physical representations of ideas in a cost-effective and time-saving manner.
User-Friendly Interface: Allows starting the 3D modeling journey from pre-existing STL files.
Meshmixer Pricing
One of the greatest strengths of Meshmixer is that it is completely free. This makes it accessible to anyone, from beginners to industry professionals, seeking a comprehensive 3D modeling and printing solution.
Meshmixer Use Cases
Use Case 1: 3D Modelers
With its enriched feature set, Meshmixer is instrumental for 3D modelers providing a one-stop solution for creating and refining 3D models with unparalleled precision and efficiency, promising a next-level 3D modeling experience.
Use Case 2: Hobbyists
For hobbyists, the intuitive user interface and the abundance of sculpting tools make Meshmixer a favorite. It provides an all-encompassing framework for turning ideas into viable 3D models effortlessly.
Use Case 3: Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs find value in Meshmixer’s cost-effective 3D printing capabilities. The software simplifies bringing product visions to life, shortening the prototyping cycle, and fast-tracking product launches.
AutoCAD
If Michelangelo had AutoCAD at his fingertips, he might have sculpted David with laser accuracy! Jokes aside, Autodesk’s AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) wizard that makes sketching 2D and 3D ideas as easy as pie. Since it first hit the market in 1982 as the very first PC-run CAD program, it’s been spinning webs of line, curve, and surface in countless industries.
AutoCAD’s Best Features
Flexible Design and Drafting – Creates intricate 2D and 3D designs, quicker than Picasso could paint a cubist face.
API Support – Automates mundane chores with APIs for customization.
Versatility – Has so many versions, it could give Sherwin-Williams a run for their money. Also creates vertical products like AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, and AutoCAD Civil 3D.
Historic Record – Offers drawing/version history feature, perfect for time-traveling through your design evolution.
File Format Compatibility – Supports a vast range of file formats, making it a friendly neighbor in the file community.
Feature
Description
Design Calculations and Simulations
Allows for rapid computations and virtual tests across industries, taking the guesswork out of your projects.
Construction Applications
Enhances everything from simple home renovations to the construction of skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower.
3D Animation
Can moonlight as a 3D animator, producing high-quality content without breaking a sweat.
AutoCAD Limitations
As efficient as it is, AutoCAD can still be complex to navigate for beginners.
The switch from perpetual licenses to subscription pricing in 2016 might not have won Autodesk a popularity contest.
AutoCAD Pricing
AutoCAD dons the subscription hat; no more one-and-done, perpetual licenses since 2016. Hopefully, they bundle in a life jacket at no extra cost for the wallet-shipwreck!
AutoCAD Use Cases
Use case 1: Architecture
Architects everywhere rejoice, with AutoCAD creating life-like 3D models of buildings in a snap! No more coffee-fueled, overnight drafting sessions.
Use case 2: Engineering
Engineers find in AutoCAD a faithful assistant that makes conceptualizing ideas, running calculations, and executing designs faster than you can say “Eureka!”
Use case 3: Entertainment
In the world of entertainment, this software is a tech Leonardo Da Vinci, creating masterpieces using its 3D animation software. Disney might want to keep a close eye on their crown!
Sculptris
The alternative choice for creative minds seeking artistic freedom in 3D sculpting: meet Sculptris Pro, a digital editing mode in ZBrush developed by Pixologic.
Sculptris Top Features
Unique behavior for sculpting, painting brushes: The brushes you utilize in Sculptris Pro will morph and alter your model’s topology as you go, providing a hand-in-sculpture kind of sensation.
Artistic focus: This modeling tool does not require you to think about confusing things like polygon count or resolution. Instead, it encourages you to indulge your creativity, focusing solely on the visual aspects.
Intelligent technology: Sculptris Pro offers clever automatic triangulation with brush strokes. This feature, known as “Tessimation,” combines tessellation and decimation resulting in top-notch modeling results.
Features
Description
Compatibility
It’s friendly with DynaMesh, ZSphere adaptive skins, imported models, decimated models, and even live Boolean operators.
Topology Density Variation
Depending on brush detail used, it offers diverse topology densities.
Color Range
A vibrant color feature that adds life to your creations.
Sculptris Downsides
While the focus lies heavily on visual aspects, less technical users may face hurdles dealing with concepts like Tessimation and polygon structures.
Users may experience restrictions since compatibility is limited to Pixologic’s ZBrush.
Sculptris Use Cases
Use case 1
Sculptris Pro is perfect for concept creation. It allows artists to develop ideas without any concern about technical constraints or polygon resolution.
Use case 2
Animation and Film Industry: Sculptris has been widely used in creating character models for animated films and commercials, rendering realistic textures and shapes.
Use case 3
Digital Sculpting: In the realm of art and industrial design, digital sculpture has been well adopted, making Sculptris a desirable choice.
Tiffany Brise
Content writer @ Aircada, patiently awaiting a consumer AR headset that doesn’t suck.
