Well if you all remember, at the WWDC 2014, Apple had made some glorious announcements, with Apple’s OS X Yosemite and iOS 8. So as powerful as the computer system gets, I am sure 3D application developers must be getting acquainted with much organized and equipped 3D creations. So being almost halfway through the year, here are some of the best picks exclusively for 3D creations, the tools worth checking out for great outcomes.
OpenSubDiv by Pixar
OpenSubDiv is integrated into Maya 2015, with support for Blender coming soon as well to vastly improve model interactivity while animating and modelling. OpenSubDiv is a new way of subdividing 3D models to provide high resolution meshes in your viewport which play back at a much higher frame rate than was previously possible.
ToolBag by Marmoset
Applications like ToolBag by Marmoset use the power of the Graphics Card to allow rendering of your 3D model in real time. Rendering in real time for game development and texturing work is also seen huge leaps forward, thanks to applications like ToolBag by Marmoset which allow you to view your models in real time and adjust your textures to perfection before you send them to a game engine.
Bifrost in Maya
Bifrost allows a wide range of complex simulations and is a key part of the Autodesk pipeline moving forward. Currently available in Maya 2015, Bifrost allows the creation of complex fluid simulations, which can be integrated within your Maya scene. It’s early days – for example, currently Bifrost can’t use multiple machines yet. But it’s already quicker than Naiad on a single machine and produces better results. And as it integrals directly within Maya the simulation can be used to drive geometry instead of particles allowing a huge range of creative options.
Photoshop CC’s 3D printing tools
Photoshop CC has had its 3D capabilities enhanced with the ability to print directly to 3D printers like MakerBot. Photoshop CC has had its existing 3D workflow optimised with a focus on 3D printing and now can add rafts and scaffolding to your 3D model.
Marvelous Designer
Marvelous Designer allows creation of complex clothing by mixing the latest in 3D tech with traditional tailoring methodologies. MakeHuman is open source so its free for any kind of use, and has a fantastic range of tools to provide you with a unique figure very quickly which can be exported to programmes such as Marvellous Designer, or ZBrush for more refined sculpting.
I hope this provides you a new dimension to your 3D exploration.