Any 3d programs that are free - legal?

[thienlyma90]

Definitely Blender. Even among commercial software packages, because the price-performance ratio is unbeatable.

[Epicman15]

Is this Blender easy to learn compared to other programs of such kind?

[AmyP]

sarahzohar88: Totally free, including for a commercial use. I really don't like to use this program, but without Blender it would be impossible to do something almost free and commercial. Sculptris and Blender saved my neck, because the license of a 3Ds max, my favorite 3D program, in my country is about $10,000 dollars.

[sarahzohar88]

Blender is free program.?

[Weiser_Cain]

Is gmax still around?

[huckleberrypie]

I'll go for Blender, as most people here would say, but my only beef with it is that it's quite clunky to use compared to 3DS Max, despite the the latter being so ridiculously expensive.

[Drudgie]

Blender does the job well enough..

[eldraco]

As others have already stated, Blender is an excellent piece of software. I started learning it in 6th grade off of web video tutorials, which i didn't fully understand, and I am a proficient User now as a high-school student. The learning curve is very steep, but it is the absolute ultimate free solution. I can vouch for this as I have recently acquired a 3-year trial for 3ds max LEGALLY through my mom's .edu email address. The main differences between blender and 3ds is the UI, workflow, and 3ds have more polygon creation luxuries.

[shellc0de]

I learned reverse code engineering for one thing, making 30 day trials into 9999 day trials, and thats what I did with maya lol. But the PLE from 2002 would probably work since it had its own actorX plugin when ut2004 was being modded. I've been watching the ut2004 tutorials and they are helping me in the latest maya and latest unreal...GO 3DBUZZ!

[Oblivion2500]

I happen to have downloaded SoftImage Mod Tools (formerly XSI). However, I'm not too sure what SoftImage would be closest to, in terms of learning how to use it. Would SoftImage be closer to 3ds Max, or would it be closer to Maya, in terms of how it controls? It just seems to be one of the better, and easier tools to use from a free download standpoint.

I really don't know but I think it a lot different than both maya and 3ds max. But I am thinking 3ds max.

[WedgeBob]

I happen to have downloaded SoftImage Mod Tools (formerly XSI). However, I'm not too sure what SoftImage would be closest to, in terms of learning how to use it. Would SoftImage be closer to 3ds Max, or would it be closer to Maya, in terms of how it controls? It just seems to be one of the better, and easier tools to use from a free download standpoint.

[Oblivion2500]

I have heard of it and tried it out. It does not have what the newer 3ds max have. 3ds max is alot better and 3ds max 2011 have a new feature that allows you to paint the model along with using photoshop!

[F4ll_ouT]

GMAX GUYS! How dare no one of you mentioned it!! Gmax is the free(+legal) version of 3dsmax. I cannot tell if there are actorx compabilities, but it rox!! I learned modeling with it and I never regret this.

[Oblivion2500]

wow. that embarassing. thanks for the notice.

[Gameslaya]

Um. It a 13-month trial plus you require a teacher from high school or collage to give you permission. My teacher said no. The autodesk education suite full edition with disc, that which contains Maya, 3ds Max, Mudbox, Motionbuilder, XSI (all 2011) for $360.00! I am thinking of buying that but I am still in high school. I am going to collage in 1 year. I will ask my collage that I am going to see if they will just give it to me for free completely.

Just make sure you spell college correctly on your application.