As cliché as it may sound, many professionals say that our skills in a certain field are what make us successful. Although this is true in the vast world of 3D animation, using the finest 3D animation software, however, also adds to the success, brilliance, and quality of the output. So for future animators like you, make it a habit to practice your skills in 3D animation to further improve your craft.

3D Animation Career in the Philippines

Want a career in the field of 3D animation? Here’s good news for you: According to PayScale, the average pay for an animator here in the Philippines is PHP 312,000 a year. So whether you’re into 3D drawing, 3D design, or 3D animation in general, you’re in for a competitive yet interesting field. That said, check this list of the best free and paid software programs for 3D animation. Use this article as your guide in checking and trying out various 3D software programs and see which best suits your style.

4 Best Free Software Programs for 3D Animation

Want to try out free 3D animation software first before going for paid ones? Here’s a list of 3D software programs you should try now.

Wings 3D

Wings 3D is an easy-to-use and open-source software; and an advanced subdivision modeler. It has support for materials and lights, customized interface, and a built-in AutoUV mapping facility.

Blender

Blender, a free and open-source 3D modeling software, can host a range of applications. These include visual effects, video games, and animated feature films. This software is best for 3D animation pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, motion tracking, video editing, and game creation.

Clara.io

According to their site, Clara.io is a full-featured and cloud-based 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software that runs in your browser. Through this, you can create complex 3D models and renderings, and share them without installing any programs.

Source Filmmaker

Want to create animated films? Then check this out.

Source Filmmaker is a movie-making tool. It lets you make a movie inside the game engine called Source. How’s that? Source Filmmaker uses assets that are in the game. Cool! However, you need to have a Steam account to use this.

4 Best Paid Software Programs for 3D Animation

Want to upgrade your software for 3D animation? Then try out these paid 3D software programs for your next project!

Mixamo

Mixamo boasts its straightforward and faster workflow. Its newest UX and UI make it easy for users to find, arrange, and create assets and animation quickly. Also, it offers fully customizable animation packs, fast character and animation browsing, and accurate search function.

Houdini

Houdini is an all-around software which covers almost every function of a 3D animation software. It offers an accessible 3D animation experience: from features such as time-space motion path handles to robust built-in rendering solution among others.

Maya

A favorite among 3D animators due to its highly customizable user interface, Maya is known for its rich features of coloring, animating, and modeling. If you’re into mobile game development or 3D filmmaking, this software is your best bet.

Modo

Developed for professionals in the VFX and design fields, Modo includes 3D sculpting tools that are easy to use with natural shapes. Also, it has notable features such as polygon and subdivision surface modeling, a particle engine, and procedural animation.

3D Animation Software: Preparing for 3D Animation College

Using free or paid 3D animation software programs to help you improve your craft is a must. Practicing with these tools hones your skills and deepens your knowledge about 3D animation. Besides, even if practice may not result in perfection, it may still help you come up with better outputs.

Put your craft to the test and join the top 3D animation college in the Philippines! Be part of the CIIT Philippines family and build your animation career now. Check our 3D animation course and see how it fits your passion in this in-demand field.

Sources: filmora.wondershare.com | all3dp.com

Related Articles:
A Beginner’s Guide on How to Become a 3D Animator
What Are the Different Types of 3D Animation?