3D Graphics Software Selector

I am interested in or have a task that requires the following (check all that apply):

Creating or editing a 3D model.

Importing existing data to view in 3D.

Realistic or aesthetically pleasing lighting and/or materials.

I have access to a Mac (Apple laptop or desktop)

I only have access to a PC (Windows laptop or desktop)

I only have access to a Linux laptop or desktop.

I am not willing to pay any money for the software.

I am not willing to pay more than $100 for the software

I am not willing to pay more than $500 for the software.

I am interested in or have a task that requires the following (check all that apply):

Modeling or editing geometrical models like buildings or floor plans. I don't need to model any smooth, round, or curved surfaces with the exception of a simple forms like cylinders or spheres.

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Modeling or editing complicated geometrical models like vehicles, blueprints, appliances, electronics, or complex architecture.

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My model must be precise and/or physically accurate. For example, I am modelling a car or modelling a building that needs to match the proportions of the original.

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My model includes ornate details or complex curvature that can be modeled with tube-like curves. For example, archiecture with spiral patterns, pipes, ornate stair railings.

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My model has curved surfaces or organic shapes such as a sculpture, person, animal, or plants.

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If my model has curved surfaces, they need to look very smooth. For this, I will probably need to use NURBS surfaces

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If my model has curved or smooth surfaces, it's okay if they're not completely smooth (you may see some of the underlying edges or polygons, for instance).

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I am a beginner and/or don't have time to learn complicated software.

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I am modeling a sculpture, person, or character from scratch.

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I need to model plants, trees, or other scenery.

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I would like to or am okay with using an image or texture to replace some details in my model.

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I am a beginner and/or don't have time to learn complicated software.

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My model has intricate (non-tube-like) curved geometry such as ornate craftsmanship or details.

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My model needs to have organic details such as wrinkles, folds, and cracks that do not need to be exact and could be sculpted.

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My model needs to have a surface that looks bumpy, rock-like, wavy, or has a pattern like cobblestone or brick. I cannot replace this with an image and need it to look somewhat realistic. A bump map (see image on right) will be fine.

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I need to print this model (requires access to a 3D printer).

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I am interested in or have a task that requires the following (check all that apply):

I have data in the form of a point cloud. I have data that includes many points that represent the exterior of an object, city, or terrain taken by a 3D scanner, satelllite, or camera for example.

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My data is geographical. For example, terrain, weather, population, satellite, etc.

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I know the format of my data. It is (eg. obj, fbx, ...)

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Even if I'm not sure how the data is formatted, I know that it is listed in terms of triangles, squares, and/or lines.

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I want to make a 3D scatterplot or simple 3D graph.

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I need to be able to analyze the data by running some computations over it.

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I just need to be able to visualize the data. I don't need to run any computations, and I don't need much customization.

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I am a beginner and/or don't have time to learn complicated software.

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My data is in the form of many photographs that I need to stitch together to make a 3D scene. For example, to create a virtual space or virtual tour from photographs, as is often done in real estate.

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My data corresponds to an object, scene, character, etc. that needs to be converted into an editable model. For example, I need to be able to see the model and retouch it and/or add detail.

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I know at least a little bit about coding and am able to write small mathematical programs or would be willing to learn. I would not mind writing a little bit of code to open or edit my data.

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My data will look like a height field or correspond to something that looks like a height field. For example, my data is of terrain, tops of buildings, or can be represented as an function of 2 variables.

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My data is in more than 3-dimensions (4D, 5D, etc.). For example, I may need to view it in 3D with color as the 4th dimension.

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My data is very large. I have over (possibly well over) thousand data points or polygons. If I have just a single or few models in a scene, those models are very detailed so they probably use a lot of polygons or curves to describe them.

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I know I need to import voxel data, which is data in the form of an image stack. This is common in MRI scans and other medical imaging.

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My data is of a volume, not just a surface. It includes the exterior as well as the interior of an object, scene, or model. I need to be able to see or slice the object to see the "inside". For example, a scientific model like an organ where you need to see the interior.

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My data describes the surface of an object. I don't need to see the inside of a volume.

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I have na idea of where my data is coming from (check all that apply):

A file
A database or multiple files
Someone (or myself) created it.
MRI scan
Scanner
Satellite
Internet
Camera
Other Explain further:

I am interested in or have a task that requires the following (check all that apply):

I have a model or environment that needs to be made into an image with some aesthetically pleasing lighting and/or materials.

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I am doing a light study and/or need my scene to have physically accurate lighting (image on right).

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My model or scene only needs basic lighting such that it is visible. I don't need different types of lights (e.g. spotlights, area lights).

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I need to have different types of lighting in my scene. For example, my scene has different fixtures or light sources such as a lamp, a sun, spot lights, or other types of lighting that need to act differently from each other.

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I need to have image-based lighting . For example, I have a picture of the sky and I'd like my scene to be lit with the colors of the sky. In this case, reflective objects might reflect the sky.

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I need to have global illumination. In other words, objects that are next to each other might effect the color of the other. For example, putting a red ball next to a white ball will make the white ball a little red.

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I don't need lighting to be physically accurate, but I still need it to look fairly convincing. It is not enough to just "see" the scene or model; it must also look appealing or somewhat accurate.

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I have objects in my scene that need to be or are already textured (colored) with an image file.

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I have object(s) in my scene that are metallic that need to look shiny. I will not settle for a "matte" looking object or even a "glossy" or reflective looking object. I need the metal to be very realistic.

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I have object(s) in my scene that are metallic that need to look shiny. I can settle for a glossy or reflective looking object, but will not settle for a simple, "matte" looking object.

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I have object(s) in my scene that are glass, water, or transparent. I need the glass to have the refractive effect of glass. I won't settle for a simply transparent object without height field It needs to be realistic and/or physically accurate

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I have object(s) in my scene that are glass or transparent. I don't need the glass to have the refractive effect of glass. I can settle for a flat, transparent object without any refractive properties.

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I have objects in my scene with subsurface scattering . For example, skin, milk, marble, or wax. I won't settle for a simple material without subsurface scattering properties. I need it to look realistic and/or physically accurate.

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I don't have time or don't want to learn complicated software.

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I don't need to have an image of my model or scene. I am fine with always using a program to view and rotate around my scene.

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I need to be able to make a simple animation of my scene or model. For example, I'd like a video of my model or scene rotating in place.

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I need to texture objects with an image or my object has multiple colors. These objects are more complicated than spheres, planes, or cubes, and I cannot just "paint" them onto a 3D object.

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There are object(s) that contain more than one color, and they are simple enough or I know enough about digital painting that I would like to "paint" them in 3D.

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3D Graphic Software Selector

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