hello GameDev.Net Visual Arts forum, I am a programmer who completely sucks at 3d animation and design. like, a five-year old(no offense to anyone here) could do a much better job than I can at creating 3d art. I can only create semi-decent low-poly work when using either AutoCAD or Sketchup. Now, this poses a problem for me, as I also have no funding to be able to allow me to buy these programs. I've tried using many others, but from my point-of-view, they're all too similar. One of the features I like about AutoCAD is the ability to use commands, but no other program I have used has this feature. I like Sketchup simply because it is EXTREMELY easy to use for somebody who isn't at all experienced in 3D art. So this is why I came to you, I wish to know if any of you have any recommendations for free(or cheap) software that uses AutoCAD's style of command-based 3d design, or Sketchup's Drag-and-Snap ease of use. I checked the posted list i this forum, and went through all of the sites for free 3d editors to see if they had either of those, but I was not able to find one(although, if I simply passed over one, feel free to give me the name of it and I'll double-check) thank you to anyone who replies, or even read this long post for that matter. -Wynter Woods (aka zerotri)

What do you mean 'command based?' I spent half a year doing 3D in AutoCAD, and everything you can do in it you can do 10 times as easy in an actual 3D program. 3dsmax is well integrated with autoCAD after Autodesk bought discreet. Most programs will allow you to enter 'commands' based on coordinates and then carry out functions (like booleans... ugh) through the command line and a very intuitive menu. Maya is probably best for this (better than 3ds IMO).

I tought myself autoCAD in just a couple weeks pretty thoroughly from just the help files. 3D programs, however, are MUCH more complicated, and the 3D concepts are alot more involved... I suggest investing in a good introductory book (NOT a bible-type book) to get your feet wet and basic concepts down. Its very difficult to have your cake and eat it to... if you want to create decent models efficiently with a 3D program, you're going to have to abandon the way autoCAD models and sketchup dollhouses things.

Spend more then two minutes with any 3d modeling program worth something (i.e. not sketchup) and you'll see why they arn't that easy; designs that simple stagger creativity and the end product.

That said, they are fairly easy to learn, and whichever one you do begin on will teach you concepts that transition from one package to another. I suggest starting with wings3d if a full out interface looks confusing and daunting, wings is minimal. If on the other hand, you feel like a challenge (which it doesn't seem like you do), go for blender.

Good luck.

Professor420:
by 'command based' I simply just meant that there are all of the many commands you can use. I guess it isn't necessarily command 'based', as you aren't required to use them, but in my opinion they've made things a lot easier.
Now, you say that, "everything you can do in it you can do 10 times as easy in an actual 3D program," and I bet you are right. I however haven't seen any programs that will allow me to use features such as 'Object Snap' but then again there are probably many that support this, I just haven't ever come across one.
So for the 'command...line' option, I should go for something like Maya?
I guess I'll look into it. is it Maya or 3DS Max that has the Personal Learning Edition? wait, nevermind. I won't make you answer that for me, I'll go check autodesk.

Slowpid:
I quickly glanced at Wings3D, but haven't used it yet so I'll give it a try. I tried to use blender yesterday and that was one of the most painful experiences I have ever had using a 3D modeling program, only second to when I tried to use OpenFX 3D several years ago.

Thanks for the replies, and I'll give the suggested programs a shot.

heyas

I guess im in the same situation as you except that I never did autocad.. so worst?

regardless i wouldnt advise 3DS or Maya if you are looking for a cheap version. Maya does have the personal learning edition but its watermarked so you wont really be using it for anything except learning how to use it.

Blender is the one im going to try to use. I had some experience with it but like you I consider its interface a pain in the arse. Still there are so many tutorials for it that it might be worth giving it a proper try.

I did had some really good results with anim8or (http://www.anim8or.com/).
Its easy to use, the tutorials are good and overal its quite simple. My biggest problem with it was the dificulty in exporting to .X format since I wanted to use the models in a game.

Both Blender and Anim8or are free.
I would advise anim8or if you just want to render animated gifs, avi or other. Blender if you want to create 3d models for games. Then again maybe I wasnt exporting the models correctly to .X.

Yours Truly
K