Summary:
In this article, we’ll provide you with a list of the best 3D animation software that you can use for free. In curating this list, we've done extensive research to bring only the best 3D animation software free available to you.
What is the best 3D animation software for beginners? What 3D animation software is free? What is the best program for 3D animation? Probably, you will find the true answers to such questions.
3D animation programs are considered the deal in today's world and are very hip among 3D animation makers. If you're a 3D animation maker, the chances are that you need powerful 3D animation software within your grasp.
“I prefer that animation reach into places where live action doesn't go, and it seems like all of animation nowadays is trying to go where live action is.” Says Don Bluth, an American film director, animator, production designer, video game designer, and animation instructor.
You might need 3D animation software to create visual effects, graphics, 3D movies, VFX, and other animation videos. In this article, you'll find the best 3D animation software on the internet, so sit back and relax; we've got it all covered.
What is 3D animation software?
3D animation software is a program used by graphic designers to create enticing visuals and effects. The best 3D animation software free to use allows you to create visual effects, edit your 3D visuals, create 3D videos and movies, and create VFX.
Using the best 3D animation software, you can edit, design, and animate any video. Most 3D animation software also allows you to automatically craft animations through preset effects and values. You can also create unique characters and add voice overs to them using 3D animation software.
Top 4 Best 3D Animation Software Free of Cost
Without further ado, let's get started on our list of some fantastic 3D animation software.
1. Blender
Blender is open-source, free 3D animation software. It packs a boatload of incredible features to help you if you're a 3D animation maker. It provides great functionality and helps in creating animated videos, visual effects, video games, and more.
You can also make 2D animations using this 3D animation software. That being said, it is also 2D animation software. If you want your project to make it past the threshold, it’d be best if you equip yourself with this best 3D animation software.
Features
- Textured brushes and masking for 3D painting
- It packs a number of add-ons.
- Rendering support for GPU, CPU, and VR
Pros
- Provides camera restoration
- Customizable toolbars and menus
- Has a curve editor and a dope sheet
- It is a free 3D animation maker.
- Allows you to personalize its interface and layout.
- Manual and auto-tracking
- Allows rigging, modelling, animating, simulating, and rendering
Cons
- It can be challenging for you to learn to use this software as it is packed with many features.
- It takes time to master the layout and interface.
- Cluttered menus
2. Source Filmmaker
Source Filmmaker is one of the best 3D animation software out there and allows you to create a film inside the game engine source. It will enable you to create stellar 3D animations and videos using its state-of-the-art resources, virtual sets, and props. Moreover, this is a 3D animation software program that is free of cost and can easily be downloaded by anyone through Steam's website.
Features
- Provides you with a virtual movie set with cameras, props, lights, and more.
- Allows you to create your own 3D visuals or edit existing ones.
- Packs the entire workflow in a single powerful 3D animation software.
Pros
- A free 3D animation software
- Packs the power of a contemporary gaming machine.
- You can easily extract visuals from your game and convert them into a movie.
Cons
- More focused on 3D animation related to games
- Users have reported some bugs.
- It is slow to receive updates.
3. K3-D
Is K3-D free? Absolutely! K3-D is a free 3D modeling and animation software. It packs and makes use of flexible plugins with a visualization pipeline architecture. This means that K3-D is a powerful and versatile tool for 3D animation makers. Being one of the best 3D animation software that you can find on the internet, it also supports polygonal modeling. To manage its contents and interface, K3-D features a procedural engine plugin.
Features
- Has an intuitive interface.
- Features the essential tools for animation, including patches, curves, and NURVs.
- Allows parametric workflow.
- Supports systems that are running on Windows, OS X, Linux, Mac OS, and FreeBSD.
- Supports scripting using Python or its own engine. However, it can also integrate with our scripting languages.
Pros
- It is free 3D animation software.
- If you make a mistake, you can always undo the change.
- Packs a creative interface to create 3D effects from scratch.
- Provides an intuitive tutorial so that you can learn to use it like a pro.
- Can adapt to different coding languages.
Con
- Doesn’t feature a starting guide.
4. Wings 3D
Wings 3D is an open-source and free 3D animation and modeling software. It is a potent 3D animation maker and has a user-friendly interface that makes it pretty easy to use and operate. It also features an unconventional sector model to help you in modeling your 3D figures like a boss.
Features
- Packs a customizable and context-sensitive interface.
- Offers great support for different lighting conditions and materials.
- Features a built-in AutoUV mapping facility and vertex colors.
- It offers its users a vast range of mesh and selection tools to choose from.
- Allows you to export your 3D file in commonly used 3D formats.
- You can use advanced tools like sweep, plane cut, circularize, intersect, bend, shear, and inset.
Pros
- Has many modeling tools to create innovative 3D effects.
- It is a free 3D animation software and can be distributed commercially as well.
- It has a forum where its users can communicate and form an online community.
- Provides a smooth preview for all your works.
- Has a virtual mirror for symmetrical modeling.
- It can be translated into other languages.
Cons
- Requires a bit of a learning curve to get used to its interface and using the application./
- Users may not find it as intuitive as other 3D animation software.
Ending Note
By now, you must have an idea as to which 3D animation software you’ll be going for. Choosing the best free animation software can be challenging, but it'll be a piece of cake for you if you have the appropriate knowledge. Before making the decision of downloading the best 3D animation software, make sure you’ve read its reviews and overview. Only then you can pick the software that best suits your needs – you don't want your 3D animation software to pack tons of features when you'll never be using those features.