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 |
| EagleAnimation | Stop-motion animation application |
| 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.
LinuxLinks helps you discover the best free and open source software for Linux. Explore our extensive collection of recommended applications, including alternatives to popular proprietary software.We also publish software reviews, Linux tutorials, hardware reviews, free programming books and articles covering the wider open source community. Browse our Linux resources to discover more. Know a useful free and open source Linux application we haven't covered? Suggest a program for inclusion. Has your software been featured on LinuxLinks? Display one of our Featured on LinuxLinks badges on your website or GitHub README. |


Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.