3D Computer Graphics Software

3D computer graphics software refers to programs used to create 3D computer-generated imagery. There are typically many stages in the ‘pipeline’ that studios use to create 3D objects for film and games, and this chapter only covers some of the software used. Note that most of the 3D packages have a very plugin-oriented architecture and high-end plugins costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars are often used by studios. Larger studios usually create enormous amounts of proprietary software to run alongside these programs. Many 3D modellers are general purpose based and can be used to produce models of various real-world entities, from plants to automobiles to people. Some are specially designed to model certain objects, such as chemical compounds or internal organs. 3D modellers allow users to create and alter models via their 3D mesh. Users can add, subtract, stretch and otherwise change the mesh to their desire. Models can be viewed from a variety of angles, usually simultaneously. Models can be rotated and the view can be zoomed in and out. 3D modellers can export their models to files, which can then be imported into other applications as long as the metadata is compatible. Many modellers allow importers and exporters to be plugged-in, so they can read and write data in the native formats of other applications.

Most 3D modellers contain a number of related features, such as ray tracers and other rendering alternatives and texture mapping facilities. Some also contain features that support or allow animation of models. Some may be able to generate full-motion video of a series of rendered scenes (i.e. animation). 3D modelers are used in a wide variety of industries. The medical industry uses them to create detailed models of organs. The movie industry uses them to create and manipulate characters and objects for animated and real-life motion pictures. The video game industry uses them to create assets for video games. The science sector uses them to create highly detailed models of chemical compounds. The architecture industry uses them to create models of proposed buildings and landscapes. The engineering community uses them to design new devices, vehicles and structures as well as a host of other uses.