K-3D is a freely distributable 3D modeling, animation and rendering system.
K-3D is a procedural modeler, meaning that the entire history of user modifications are stored when creating a model.
K-3D is designed to generate motion picture quality animation using RenderMan render engines. K-3D allows you to create and edit documents in multiple realtime OpenGL solid, shaded, texture-mapped views. Unlike Blender, third-party render engines (such as Aqsis, PRman, BMRT etc) can be easily integrated into K-3D.
Key Features
- Record interactive tutorials and macros.
- Unlimited undos / redos.
- Create and edit documents in multiple realtime OpenGL solid, shaded, texture-mapped views.
- Scripting interface supports K3DScript and Python, with an open API for other scripting languages.
- Model, animate, and interact with animations while they play back for maximum productivity.
- Architecture allows complete extensibility at runtime through third-party plugins.
- Animated geometric procedural effects.
- Control-spline based animation in a uniform interface.
- Uses the Pixar Renderman Interface to render motion-picture-quality images with a wide variety of rendering engines.
- Supports Renderman Subdivision Mesh output.
- Capable of rendering one million polygons at interactive rates.
- Background rendering and batch rendering.
- Support for the LuxRender render engine.
- Experimental support for CSG operations on polyhedra, using either CGAL or CARVE.
- Introductory support for NURBS.
- Full RenderMan Support: Aqsis, Pixie, BMRT, PRman, 3Delight, Render Dot C.
- Geometry Formats: Wavefront OBJ, GTS and a raw format are fully supported, other ones are optional and depend on PLIB installation.
- Experimental plugins include OpenFX, OFF, RIB and X formats.
- Interactive Python shell.
- Image Formats: JPEG, PNG, TIFF, OpenEXR, BMP, and SUN.
Website: github.com/K-3D/k3d
Support:
Developer: K-3D
License: GNU General Public License v2.0
K-3D is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Animation Tools | |
|---|---|
| Synfig | Capable of producing feature-film quality animation |
| Blender | 3D creation suite with a huge variety of uses including animation |
| LibreSprite | Create 2D animations for videogames |
| Pencil2D | Easy, intuitive tool to make 2D hand-drawn animations |
| Tahoma2D | Full-featured 2D and Stop Motion animation creation based on Toonz Studio |
| Drawpile | Draw, paint and animate together with others on the same canvas |
| Glaxnimate | Simple and fast vector graphics animation program |
| OpenToonz | Based on Toonz Studio Ghibli Version |
| Friction | Motion graphics software for vector and raster animations |
| Inochi Creator | Tool to create and edit Inochi2D puppets |
| K-3D | 3D modeling and animation software |
| enve | Create vector animations, raster animations, with sound and video files |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
| Modelers | |
|---|---|
| Blender | Very fast and versatile 3D modeler/renderer |
| Blockbench | Low poly 3D model editor |
| Bforartists | Complete 3D suite to create 3D content |
| Wings 3D | Advanced subdivision modeler that is both powerful and easy to use |
| MakeHuman | Character creation suite using 3D morphing technology |
| Gmsh | Automatic three-dimensional finite element mesh generator |
| Dust3D | Create low poly 3D models for video games, 3D printing, and more |
| Art of Illusion | 3D-modeler, renderer and raytracer |
| CharMorph | Character creation tool for Blender |
| Maverick Model 3D | Triangle-based 3D model editor |
| K-3D | 3D modeling and animation system |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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