Difference between revisions of "Category:Tools"

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(Removed Silo from 3DSculptingSoftware. Added main summary, editing note.)
(Added PixPlant normalmap software)
Line 3: Line 3:
 
This category describes software used by artists for game development.
 
This category describes software used by artists for game development.
  
−
<!-- ## Editing Note: In general we should only add an app to a section if that section describes its primary function. -->
+
<!-- ## Editing Note: In general we should only add an app to a section if that section describes its primary function. -->
 
<!-- ## For example, although Blender has 3D sculpting tools it is better to describe it as a Main 3D Software Package, since it doesn't specialize in sculpting. -->
 
<!-- ## For example, although Blender has 3D sculpting tools it is better to describe it as a Main 3D Software Package, since it doesn't specialize in sculpting. -->
−
 
  
  
Line 12: Line 11:
  
 
Expense is usually not a concern for employed artists, due to the ratio of saved time and effort vs. cost. For hobbyists and students however, low-cost alternatives can be found in the forum thread [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34673 Free or low cost 3D and 2D apps].
 
Expense is usually not a concern for employed artists, due to the ratio of saved time and effort vs. cost. For hobbyists and students however, low-cost alternatives can be found in the forum thread [http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34673 Free or low cost 3D and 2D apps].
−
 
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|[[#Main_3D_Software_Packages|Main 3D Software Packages]]  
 
|<#000000>|[[#Main_3D_Software_Packages|Main 3D Software Packages]]  
−
| 3ds Max  
+
| 3ds Max  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|[[#3D_Modeling_Software|3D Modeling Software]]  
+
|<#000000>|[[#A3D_Modeling_Software|3D Modeling Software]]  
−
| Modo  
+
| Modo  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|[[#3D_Animation_Software|3D Animation Software]]  
+
|<#000000>|[[#A3D_Animation_Software|3D Animation Software]]  
−
| MotionBuilder  
+
| MotionBuilder  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|[[#3D_Sculpting_Software|3D Sculpting Software]]  
+
|<#000000>|[[#A3D_Sculpting_Software|3D Sculpting Software]]  
−
| ZBrush  
+
| ZBrush  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|[[#Decimation_Software|Decimation Software]]  
 
|<#000000>|[[#Decimation_Software|Decimation Software]]  
−
| Meshlab  
+
| Meshlab  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|[[#Re-Topology_Software|Re-Topology Software]]  
 
|<#000000>|[[#Re-Topology_Software|Re-Topology Software]]  
−
| TopoGun  
+
| TopoGun  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|[[#3D_Paint_Software|3D Paint Software]]  
+
|<#000000>|[[#A3D_Paint_Software|3D Paint Software]]  
−
| BodyPaint 3D  
+
| BodyPaint 3D  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|[[#3D_Normal_Map_Software|3D Normal Map Software]]  
+
|<#000000>|[[#A3D_Normal_Map_Software|3D Normal Map Software]]  
−
| Xnormal  
+
| Xnormal  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|[[#3D_Texture_Coordinate_Software|3D Texture Coordinate Software]]  
+
|<#000000>|[[#A3D_Texture_Coordinate_Software|3D Texture Coordinate Software]]  
−
| UVLayout (?)  
+
| UVLayout (?)  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|[[#Main_2D_Software|Main 2D Software]]  
 
|<#000000>|[[#Main_2D_Software|Main 2D Software]]  
−
| Photoshop  
+
| Photoshop  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|[[#2D_Concepting_Software|2D Concepting Software]]  
+
|<#000000>|[[#A2D_Concepting_Software|2D Concepting Software]]  
−
| Painter  
+
| Painter  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|[[#2D_Vector_Software|2D Vector Software]]  
+
|<#000000>|[[#A2D_Vector_Software|2D Vector Software]]  
−
| Illustrator  
+
| Illustrator  
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== 3D Tools ==
 
== 3D Tools ==
 
<span id="Animation_And_Modeling_Complete_Software"></span>
 
<span id="Animation_And_Modeling_Complete_Software"></span>
 +
 
=== Main 3D Software Packages ===
 
=== Main 3D Software Packages ===
 
These are "complete" 3D packages with a wide variety of art tools. However external packages are often used in conjunction with the main package, since some of the included tools are often not quite as efficient or strong as external specialized packages.
 
These are "complete" 3D packages with a wide variety of art tools. However external packages are often used in conjunction with the main package, since some of the included tools are often not quite as efficient or strong as external specialized packages.
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|<#383838>|'''Price'''  
 
|<#383838>|'''Price'''  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|3ds Max [[#3ds_Max|Image:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png]]  
+
|<#000000>|3ds Max [[#A3ds_Max|Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#3ds_Max]]  
−
| Autodesk  
+
| Autodesk  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $3,495  
+
| $3,495  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Animation:Master  
 
|<#000000>|Animation:Master  
−
| Hash Inc.  
+
| Hash Inc.  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $299  
+
| $299  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Blender  
 
|<#000000>|Blender  
−
| Blender Foundation  
+
| Blender Foundation  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Cinema 4D  
 
|<#000000>|Cinema 4D  
−
| MAXON  
+
| MAXON  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $995  
+
| $995  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Houdini  
 
|<#000000>|Houdini  
−
| Side Effects Software  
+
| Side Effects Software  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| $1,995  
+
| $1,995  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|LightWave 3D  
 
|<#000000>|LightWave 3D  
−
| NewTek  
+
| NewTek  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $895  
+
| $895  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|Maya [[#Maya|Image:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png]]  
+
|<#000000>|Maya [[#Maya|Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Maya]]  
−
| Autodesk  
+
| Autodesk  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| $3,495  
+
| $3,495  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|Softimage XSI [[#Softimage_XSI|Image:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png]]  
+
|<#000000>|Softimage XSI [[#Softimage_XSI|Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Softimage_XSI]]  
−
| Autodesk  
+
| Autodesk  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $2,995  
+
| $2,995  
 
|}
 
|}
  
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{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Company'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Company'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Supported OS'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Supported OS'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Price'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Price'''  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Carrara  
 
|<#000000>|Carrara  
−
| Daz3D  
+
| Daz3D  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $74.98  
+
| $74.98  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Hexagon  
 
|<#000000>|Hexagon  
−
| Daz3D  
+
| Daz3D  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $150  
+
| $150  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|metasequoia  
 
|<#000000>|metasequoia  
−
| N/A  
+
| N/A  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Milkshape 3D  
 
|<#000000>|Milkshape 3D  
−
| ChumbaLumSoft  
+
| ChumbaLumSoft  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $35  
+
| $35  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Modo  
 
|<#000000>|Modo  
−
| Luxology  
+
| Luxology  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $995  
+
| $995  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Rhino3D  
 
|<#000000>|Rhino3D  
−
| N/A  
+
| N/A  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $995  
+
| $995  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Silo  
 
|<#000000>|Silo  
−
| Nevercenter  
+
| Nevercenter  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $109  
+
| $109  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|SketchUp  
 
|<#000000>|SketchUp  
−
| Google  
+
| Google  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $495  
+
| $495  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Wings3D  
 
|<#000000>|Wings3D  
−
| IZWare  
+
| IZWare  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|}
 
|}
  
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{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Company'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Company'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Supported OS'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Supported OS'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Price'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Price'''  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Anim8or  
 
|<#000000>|Anim8or  
−
| N/A  
+
| N/A  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|CharacterFX  
 
|<#000000>|CharacterFX  
−
| Insane Software  
+
| Insane Software  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Messiah Studio  
 
|<#000000>|Messiah Studio  
−
| pmG Worldwide  
+
| pmG Worldwide  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $399  
+
| $399  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|MotionBuilder  
 
|<#000000>|MotionBuilder  
−
| Autodesk  
+
| Autodesk  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $3,995  
+
| $3,995  
 
|}
 
|}
  
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{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Company'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Company'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Supported OS'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Supported OS'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Price'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Price'''  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|3DCoat  
 
|<#000000>|3DCoat  
−
| Pilgway  
+
| Pilgway  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| $285  
+
| $285  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Amorphium  
 
|<#000000>|Amorphium  
−
| EI Technology Group  
+
| EI Technology Group  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $79  
+
| $79  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Curvey3D  
 
|<#000000>|Curvey3D  
−
| Aartform  
+
| Aartform  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $99  
+
| $99  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Mudbox  
 
|<#000000>|Mudbox  
−
| Autodesk  
+
| Autodesk  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $745  
+
| $745  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|Sculptris [[#Sculptris|Image:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png]]  
+
|<#000000>|Sculptris [[#Sculptris|Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Sculptris]]  
−
| Pixologic  
+
| Pixologic  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|ZBrush  
 
|<#000000>|ZBrush  
−
| Pixologic  
+
| Pixologic  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $595  
+
| $595  
 
|}
 
|}
  
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{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Company'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Company'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Supported OS'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Supported OS'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Price'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Price'''  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>| Atangeo Balancer  
+
|<#000000>|Atangeo Balancer  
−
| Atangeo  
+
| Atangeo  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $52  
+
| $52  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>| Decimate Modifier (Blender)  
+
|<#000000>|Decimate Modifier (Blender)  
−
| Blender Foundation  
+
| Blender Foundation  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>| Decimation Master (ZBrush)  
+
|<#000000>|Decimation Master (ZBrush)  
−
| Pixelogic  
+
| Pixelogic  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $595  
+
| $595  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>| Mesh Reduce (Maya)  
+
|<#000000>|Mesh Reduce (Maya)  
−
| Autodesk  
+
| Autodesk  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| $3,495  
+
| $3,495  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>| Meshlab  
+
|<#000000>|Meshlab  
−
| N/A  
+
| N/A  
−
| Linux(Source)/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux(Source)/Mac/Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>| MultiRes (3ds Max)
+
|<#000000>|MultiRes (3ds Max)  
−
| Autodesk  
+
| Autodesk  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $3,495  
+
| $3,495  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>| Optimize (3ds Max)
+
|<#000000>|Optimize (3ds Max)  
−
| Autodesk  
+
| Autodesk  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $3,495  
+
| $3,495  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>| Polygon Cruncher  
+
|<#000000>|Polygon Cruncher  
−
| Mootools  
+
| Mootools  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $129  
+
| $129  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>| Polygon Reduction (Softimage XSI)  
+
|<#000000>|Polygon Reduction (Softimage XSI)  
−
| Autodesk  
+
| Autodesk  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $2,995  
+
| $2,995  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>| ProOptimizer (3ds Max)
+
|<#000000>|ProOptimizer (3ds Max)  
−
| Autodesk  
+
| Autodesk  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $3,495  
+
| $3,495  
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 287: Line 286:
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Company'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Company'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Supported OS'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Supported OS'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Price'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Price'''  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|3DCoat  
 
|<#000000>|3DCoat  
−
| Pilgway  
+
| Pilgway  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| $285  
+
| $285  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Max_Retopo (for 3ds Max)  
 
|<#000000>|Max_Retopo (for 3ds Max)  
−
| cyfer  
+
| cyfer  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|TopoGun  
 
|<#000000>|TopoGun  
−
| PixelMachine Srl.  
+
| PixelMachine Srl.  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| $100  
+
| $100  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Wrapit (for 3ds Max)  
 
|<#000000>|Wrapit (for 3ds Max)  
−
| Matt Clarke  
+
| Matt Clarke  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| TBA  
+
| TBA  
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 3D Paint Software ===
 
=== 3D Paint Software ===
−
Many of the [[#Main_3D_Software_Packages|main packages]] include bare-bones 3D paint tools ([[PaintingAcrossSeams#Integrated_3D_Paint|partial list here]]), and most [[#3D_Sculpting_Software|sculpting software]] also has 3D paint. The Blender site has a [http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Dev:Ref/Competitor_Analysis/Texturing list of 3D paint programs here]. The following tools are dedicated to 3D paint:
+
Many of the [[#Main_3D_Software_Packages|main packages]] include bare-bones 3D paint tools ([[PaintingAcrossSeams#Integrated_3D_Paint|partial list here]]), and most [[#A3D_Sculpting_Software|sculpting software]] also has 3D paint. The Blender site has a [http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Dev:Ref/Competitor_Analysis/Texturing list of 3D paint programs here]. The following tools are dedicated to 3D paint:
−
 
+
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Company'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Company'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Supported OS'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Supported OS'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Price'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Price'''  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Blacksmith3D Paint  
 
|<#000000>|Blacksmith3D Paint  
−
| BlackSmith3D  
+
| BlackSmith3D  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $99.95 CAD  
+
| $99.95 CAD  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|BodyPaint 3D  
 
|<#000000>|BodyPaint 3D  
−
| MAXON  
+
| MAXON  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $995  
+
| $995  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Deep Paint  
 
|<#000000>|Deep Paint  
−
| Right Hemisphere  
+
| Right Hemisphere  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| Discontinued  
+
| Discontinued  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|Mari [[#Mari|Image:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png]]  
+
|<#000000>|Mari [[#Mari|Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Mari]]  
−
| The Foundry  
+
| The Foundry  
−
| Linux/Windows  
+
| Linux/Windows  
−
| $900  
+
| $900  
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
<span id="Other_3D_Software"></span>
 
<span id="Other_3D_Software"></span>
 +
 
=== 3D Normal Map Software ===
 
=== 3D Normal Map Software ===
 
These packages are used specifically for creating [[NormalMap|normal maps]], either by converting 2D images or 3D meshes.
 
These packages are used specifically for creating [[NormalMap|normal maps]], either by converting 2D images or 3D meshes.
Line 353: Line 352:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|CrazyBump  
 
|<#000000>|CrazyBump  
−
| N/A  
+
| N/A  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $299  
+
| $299  
−
| http://www.crazybump.com/  
+
| http://www.crazybump.com/
 +
|-
 +
|<#000000>|[[PixPlant]]
 +
| N/A
 +
| Mac/Windows
 +
| $195
 +
| http://www.pixplant.com/  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|ShaderMap Pro  
 
|<#000000>|ShaderMap Pro  
−
| Rendering Sytems Inc.  
+
| Rendering Sytems Inc.  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| $29.95  
+
| $29.95  
−
| http://shadermap.com/  
+
| http://shadermap.com/  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Xnormal  
 
|<#000000>|Xnormal  
−
| N/A  
+
| N/A  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
|   Free  
+
| Free  
−
| http://www.xnormal.net/  
+
| http://www.xnormal.net/  
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 380: Line 385:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Headus UVLayout  
 
|<#000000>|Headus UVLayout  
−
| Headus Ltd.  
+
| Headus Ltd.  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| $200  
+
| $200  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Roadkill UV  
 
|<#000000>|Roadkill UV  
−
| Pullin Shapes  
+
| Pullin Shapes  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|[[TexTools]]  
 
|<#000000>|[[TexTools]]  
−
| renderhjs  
+
| renderhjs  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Unfold 3D  
 
|<#000000>|Unfold 3D  
−
| Polygonal Design  
+
| Polygonal Design  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| 299.00€  
+
| 299.00€  
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== 2D Tools ==
 
== 2D Tools ==
 
<span id="Main_Concepting_And_Texturing_Software"></span>
 
<span id="Main_Concepting_And_Texturing_Software"></span>
 +
 
=== Main 2D Software ===
 
=== Main 2D Software ===
 
These are "complete" 2D packages with a wide variety of art tools for photo manipulation, texturing, concepting, etc.
 
These are "complete" 2D packages with a wide variety of art tools for photo manipulation, texturing, concepting, etc.
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Company'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Company'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Supported OS'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Supported OS'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Price'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Price'''  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|GIMP  
 
|<#000000>|GIMP  
−
| GNOME Foundation  
+
| GNOME Foundation  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Paint.NET  
 
|<#000000>|Paint.NET  
−
| dotPDN LLC  
+
| dotPDN LLC  
−
| Windows(XP+)  
+
| Windows(XP+)  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|PaintShop Pro  
 
|<#000000>|PaintShop Pro  
−
| Corel  
+
| Corel  
−
| Windows(XP+)  
+
| Windows(XP+)  
−
| $70  
+
| $70  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|Photoshop [[PhotoshopTools|Image:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png]]  
+
|<#000000>|Photoshop [[PhotoshopTools|[[Media:Category:Tools$icon-info.png|PhotoshopTools]]]]  
−
| Adobe  
+
| Adobe  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $699  
+
| $699  
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 434: Line 440:
  
 
<span id="Concepting_Software"></span>
 
<span id="Concepting_Software"></span>
 +
 
=== 2D Concepting Software ===
 
=== 2D Concepting Software ===
 
These packages are most often used for painting concepts and illustrations.
 
These packages are most often used for painting concepts and illustrations.
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Company'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Company'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Supported OS'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Supported OS'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Price'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Price'''  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|Alchemy [[#Alchemy|Image:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png]]  
+
|<#000000>|Alchemy [[#Alchemy|Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Alchemy]]  
−
| N/A  
+
| N/A  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Art Rage  
 
|<#000000>|Art Rage  
−
| Ambient Design Ltd.  
+
| Ambient Design Ltd.  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $40  
+
| $40  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|Illust Studio [[#Illust_Studio|Image:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png]]  
+
|<#000000>|Illust Studio [[#Illust_Studio|Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Illust_Studio]]  
−
| CEL SYS  
+
| CEL SYS  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| ???  
+
| ???  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|Open Canvas [[#Open_Canvas|Image:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png]]  
+
|<#000000>|Open Canvas [[#Open_Canvas|Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Open_Canvas]]  
−
| PortalGraphics  
+
| PortalGraphics  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| 6,800 JPY  
+
| 6,800 JPY  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Paint Tool Sai  
 
|<#000000>|Paint Tool Sai  
−
| Systemax  
+
| Systemax  
−
| Windows  
+
| Windows  
−
| 5250 JPY  
+
| 5250 JPY  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Painter  
 
|<#000000>|Painter  
−
| Corel  
+
| Corel  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| £ 199.00  
+
| £ 199.00  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|SketchBook Pro  
 
|<#000000>|SketchBook Pro  
−
| Autodesk  
+
| Autodesk  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $100  
+
| $100  
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
<span id="Vector_Software"></span>
 
<span id="Vector_Software"></span>
 +
 
=== 2D Vector Software ===
 
=== 2D Vector Software ===
 
These packages are used for creating vector graphics, commonly used for [[Category:UserInterface|user interfaces]] or print media.
 
These packages are used for creating vector graphics, commonly used for [[Category:UserInterface|user interfaces]] or print media.
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Company'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Company'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Supported OS'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Supported OS'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Price'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Price'''  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Flash  
 
|<#000000>|Flash  
−
| Adobe  
+
| Adobe  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $699  
+
| $699  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Inkscape  
 
|<#000000>|Inkscape  
−
| N/A  
+
| N/A  
−
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
+
| Linux/Mac/Windows  
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|Illustrator  
 
|<#000000>|Illustrator  
−
| Adobe  
+
| Adobe  
−
| Mac/Windows  
+
| Mac/Windows  
−
| $599  
+
| $599  
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 507: Line 515:
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
 
|<#383838>|'''Package'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Company'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Company'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Supported OS'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Supported OS'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Price'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Price'''  
−
|<#383838>| '''Website'''  
+
|<#383838>|'''Website'''  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|ozToolOverlay  
 
|<#000000>|ozToolOverlay  
−
| [http://www.polycount.com/forum/member.php?u=15407 'osman']  
+
| [http://www.polycount.com/forum/member.php?u=15407 'osman']  
 
|   
 
|   
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
−
| http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1040899  
+
| http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1040899  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|<#000000>|ScreenMarker  
 
|<#000000>|ScreenMarker  
−
| [[BeamYourScreen]] GmbH  
+
| [[BeamYourScreen]] GmbH  
 
|   
 
|   
−
| Free  
+
| Free  
−
| http://www.screenmarker.com/  
+
| http://www.screenmarker.com/  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|<#000000>|Snippet tool
+
|<#000000>|Snippet tool  
−
| Microsoft  
+
| Microsoft  
−
| Windows Vista, Windows 7  
+
| Windows Vista, Windows 7  
−
| (included)  
+
| (included)  
−
| [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Use-Snipping-Tool-to-capture-screen-shots windows.microsoft.com]  
+
| [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Use-Snipping-Tool-to-capture-screen-shots windows.microsoft.com]  
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 535: Line 543:
  
 
== 3D Tool Information ==
 
== 3D Tool Information ==
−
 
 
=== 3ds Max ===
 
=== 3ds Max ===
 
Best known for: the power of its modifier stack for modeling. Features powerful viewport shaders such as Xoliul's Shader and the 3Point Shader. [[Category:Shaders]] lists some popular shaders and has articles about how to make new ones.
 
Best known for: the power of its modifier stack for modeling. Features powerful viewport shaders such as Xoliul's Shader and the 3Point Shader. [[Category:Shaders]] lists some popular shaders and has articles about how to make new ones.
Line 572: Line 579:
  
 
For v1.01 :
 
For v1.01 :
 +
 
* Unofficial Mac port: http://drpetter.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=sculptris&action=display&thread=661
 
* Unofficial Mac port: http://drpetter.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=sculptris&action=display&thread=661
 
* French translation: http://drpetter.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=tech&action=display&thread=316
 
* French translation: http://drpetter.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=tech&action=display&thread=316
Line 588: Line 596:
  
 
== 2D Tool Information ==
 
== 2D Tool Information ==
−
 
 
=== Alchemy ===
 
=== Alchemy ===
 
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52370 Alchemy thread] on Polycount
 
* [http://boards.polycount.net/showthread.php?t=52370 Alchemy thread] on Polycount

Revision as of 07:00, 6 August 2010

Category Tools

This category describes software used by artists for game development.


Popularity

There are no accurate publicly-available data sources about which art software packages are the most popular for game development. There is only a loose consensus about which tools are used the most often. The choice of art software is usually very subjective, or is forced upon the artist by the studio pipeline.

Expense is usually not a concern for employed artists, due to the ratio of saved time and effort vs. cost. For hobbyists and students however, low-cost alternatives can be found in the forum thread Free or low cost 3D and 2D apps.

Main 3D Software Packages 3ds Max
3D Modeling Software Modo
3D Animation Software MotionBuilder
3D Sculpting Software ZBrush
Decimation Software Meshlab
Re-Topology Software TopoGun
3D Paint Software BodyPaint 3D
3D Normal Map Software Xnormal
3D Texture Coordinate Software UVLayout (?)
Main 2D Software Photoshop
2D Concepting Software Painter
2D Vector Software Illustrator

3D Tools

Main 3D Software Packages

These are "complete" 3D packages with a wide variety of art tools. However external packages are often used in conjunction with the main package, since some of the included tools are often not quite as efficient or strong as external specialized packages.

Package Company Supported OS Price
3ds Max Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#3ds_Max Autodesk Windows $3,495
Animation:Master Hash Inc. Windows $299
Blender Blender Foundation Linux/Mac/Windows Free
Cinema 4D MAXON Windows $995
Houdini Side Effects Software Linux/Mac/Windows $1,995
LightWave 3D NewTek Mac/Windows $895
Maya Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Maya Autodesk Linux/Mac/Windows $3,495
Softimage XSI Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Softimage_XSI Autodesk Windows $2,995

3D Modeling Software

These packages are used mostly for 3D modeling, though they often have additional features as well.

Package Company Supported OS Price
Carrara Daz3D Mac/Windows $74.98
Hexagon Daz3D Mac/Windows $150
metasequoia N/A Windows Free
Milkshape 3D ChumbaLumSoft Windows $35
Modo Luxology Mac/Windows $995
Rhino3D N/A Mac/Windows $995
Silo Nevercenter Mac/Windows $109
SketchUp Google Mac/Windows $495
Wings3D IZWare Linux/Mac/Windows Free

3D Animation Software

Package Company Supported OS Price
Anim8or N/A Windows Free
CharacterFX Insane Software Windows Free
Messiah Studio pmG Worldwide Mac/Windows $399
MotionBuilder Autodesk Windows $3,995

3D Sculpting Software

Digital sculpting is the process of creating a high-resolution 3D model with a series of painting strokes, using a pressure-sensitive tablet or screen. Usually the details from these models are baked into a NormalMap for a lower-resolution in-game model. Often these tools include 3D painting as well.

Package Company Supported OS Price
3DCoat Pilgway Linux/Mac/Windows $285
Amorphium EI Technology Group Windows $79
Curvey3D Aartform Windows $99
Mudbox Autodesk Mac/Windows $745
Sculptris Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Sculptris Pixologic Windows Free
ZBrush Pixologic Mac/Windows $595

Decimation Software

Decimation means to reduce the triangle count of a highly-detailed model, often created via digital sculpting. This makes the model easier to load, manipulate, and render in other applications. Decimation tools should preserve the model's essential form without degrading texture coordinates or material boundaries.

Package Company Supported OS Price
Atangeo Balancer Atangeo Windows $52
Decimate Modifier (Blender) Blender Foundation Linux/Mac/Windows Free
Decimation Master (ZBrush) Pixelogic Mac/Windows $595
Mesh Reduce (Maya) Autodesk Linux/Mac/Windows $3,495
Meshlab N/A Linux(Source)/Mac/Windows Free
MultiRes (3ds Max) Autodesk Windows $3,495
Optimize (3ds Max) Autodesk Windows $3,495
Polygon Cruncher Mootools Windows $129
Polygon Reduction (Softimage XSI) Autodesk Windows $2,995
ProOptimizer (3ds Max) Autodesk Windows $3,495

Re-Topology Software

Re-topology means creating a new mesh surface from scratch, that conforms to an existing "messy" mesh, often created via digital sculpting. Messy meaning that it either has too much detail or has a topology that's not the best for texturing, shading, or animation. The details from the "messy" mesh are transferred to the new re-topologized mesh by baking a DisplacementMap or NormalMap. The new mesh can either be used directly in-game, or it can be used as the control cage for a subdivision surface.

Package Company Supported OS Price
3DCoat Pilgway Linux/Mac/Windows $285
Max_Retopo (for 3ds Max) cyfer Windows Free
TopoGun PixelMachine Srl. Linux/Mac/Windows $100
Wrapit (for 3ds Max) Matt Clarke Windows TBA

3D Paint Software

Many of the main packages include bare-bones 3D paint tools (partial list here), and most sculpting software also has 3D paint. The Blender site has a list of 3D paint programs here. The following tools are dedicated to 3D paint:

Package Company Supported OS Price
Blacksmith3D Paint BlackSmith3D Mac/Windows $99.95 CAD
BodyPaint 3D MAXON Windows $995
Deep Paint Right Hemisphere Windows Discontinued
Mari Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Mari The Foundry Linux/Windows $900

3D Normal Map Software

These packages are used specifically for creating normal maps, either by converting 2D images or 3D meshes.

Package Company Supported OS Price Website
CrazyBump N/A Windows $299 http://www.crazybump.com/
PixPlant N/A Mac/Windows $195 http://www.pixplant.com/
ShaderMap Pro Rendering Sytems Inc. Windows $29.95 http://shadermap.com/
Xnormal N/A Windows Free http://www.xnormal.net/

3D Texture Coordinate Software

These packages are specifically for creating for a 3D mesh.

Package Company Supported OS Price
Headus UVLayout Headus Ltd. Linux/Mac/Windows $200
Roadkill UV Pullin Shapes Windows Free
TexTools renderhjs Windows Free
Unfold 3D Polygonal Design Windows 299.00€

2D Tools

Main 2D Software

These are "complete" 2D packages with a wide variety of art tools for photo manipulation, texturing, concepting, etc.

Package Company Supported OS Price
GIMP GNOME Foundation Linux/Mac/Windows Free
Paint.NET dotPDN LLC Windows(XP+) Free
PaintShop Pro Corel Windows(XP+) $70
Photoshop [[PhotoshopTools|PhotoshopTools]] Adobe Mac/Windows $699

Wikipedia has a nice table comparing the features of multiple 2D editing packages.

2D Concepting Software

These packages are most often used for painting concepts and illustrations.

Package Company Supported OS Price
Alchemy Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Alchemy N/A Linux/Mac/Windows Free
Art Rage Ambient Design Ltd. Mac/Windows $40
Illust Studio Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Illust_Studio CEL SYS Windows  ???
Open Canvas Media:Category:Tools/attachments/icon-info.png|#Open_Canvas PortalGraphics Windows 6,800 JPY
Paint Tool Sai Systemax Windows 5250 JPY
Painter Corel Mac/Windows £ 199.00
SketchBook Pro Autodesk Mac/Windows $100

2D Vector Software

These packages are used for creating vector graphics, commonly used for or print media.

Package Company Supported OS Price
Flash Adobe Mac/Windows $699
Inkscape N/A Linux/Mac/Windows Free
Illustrator Adobe Mac/Windows $599

2D Image Markup Software

These tools are helpful for drawing quick review comments on artwork, remote collaboration, marking animation reference points, etc.

Package Company Supported OS Price Website
ozToolOverlay 'osman' Free http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1040899
ScreenMarker BeamYourScreen GmbH Free http://www.screenmarker.com/
Snippet tool Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows 7 (included) windows.microsoft.com

2D Texture Generation Software

3D Tool Information

3ds Max

Best known for: the power of its modifier stack for modeling. Features powerful viewport shaders such as Xoliul's Shader and the 3Point Shader. lists some popular shaders and has articles about how to make new ones.

Blender

Best known for: being a free alternative to more expensive packages, and as a very inclusive package with it's own compositor, sequencer, sculpting system, and game engine.

Mari

Best known for: being used in the production of Avatar film, and can handle multiple 32k resolution textures.

Mari is a 3D painting app that is currently only for Linux, but will be receiving a windows version before the end of 2010. It uses the hard drive heavily as a swap disk, and thus requires a significant amount of free space (250gb free recommended).

Maya

Best known for: the speed of its marking menus while modeling, and ease of animation due to the versatility of attributes.

Sculptris

Best known for: adding geometry to a mesh dynamically, avoiding worries about topology while sculpting. Sculptris is a powerful, easy to use, and lightweight sculpting app. Because you don't have to worry about geometry or using a base mesh, it is quickly becoming popular for roughing out and concepting ideas. Afterwords artists will retopologize their concept sculpt and take it into ZBrush or Mudbox for refinement. There are also painting tools for color and bump, but as of v1.02 their is no way to preserve the paint if one decides to go back into sculpt mode.

As of July 23 2010 Sculptris has been purchased by Pixologic, and its Developer (Tomas Petersson) hired by them. What this means for the future of Sculptris, its technology, and its 'free' status has yet to be determined.

For v1.01 :

Softimage XSI

Best known for: the modeling toolset, and ICE (used for creating effects) is considered very powerful, plus tight Mental Ray integration. Even though Softimage XSI isn't as commonly used as in the games industry, there are big studios that use it as their primary 3D software. Some notable examples are Ubisoft (Assassins Creed), Lionhead (Fable series), Konami (Metal Gear Solid 4), Valve (Half life 2).

Zbrush

Best known for: being well a supported and innovative sculpting package. Zbrush's Ztool system allows for minimal use of a traditional 3D package, while it's tools attempt to bring digital media as close to traditional, physical media as possible.

2D Tool Information

Alchemy

Illust Studio

Open Canvas

Best known for: The 'Network Canvas' feature that was present in its free pre-commercial version, which allowed multiple users to paint on a single canvas over the net or LAN (This feature was removed once Open Canvas became commercial software, but the free version despite its limitations and age remains popular to this day because of it).

  • Download the free version here.

Photoshop

See PhotoshopTools.

/!\ Note: prices are accurate as of June 27, 2010

Pages in category "Tools"

The following 19 pages are in this category, out of 19 total.

3

B

C

H

K

L

M

P

P cont.

S

T

X

Z
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