3D Modeling Mac - Next step from Sketchup

[LeviG]

Designer Dale is a little off the mark with 3ds max. It was initially a character animation type program but it has evolved into a far more rounded application. It's well suited to both character animation and the more product/architectural (and in some respects automotive) fields too, theres even the 'design' version which is more orientated towards these users (additional 'image' tools). I use it for rendering product and architectural images.

I will say that I'm very much of the view that a system with a workstation gpu is a better option for max but it can be used with a geforce albeit with a slower screen refresh etc (this is the killer bit) than that which you would get with a quadro or firegl.

 

[Designer Dale]

Designer Dale is a little off the mark with 3ds max. It was initially a character animation type program but it has evolved into a far more rounded application. It's well suited to both character animation and the more product/architectural (and in some respects automotive) fields too, theres even the 'design' version which is more orientated towards these users (additional 'image' tools). I use it for rendering product and architectural images.

I will say that I'm very much of the view that a system with a workstation gpu is a better option for max but it can be used with a geforce albeit with a slower screen refresh etc (this is the killer bit) than that which you would get with a quadro or firegl.

Thanks for the correction, Levi. I don't have a lot of experience with 3D apps and was expecting to learn by going out on a limb.

Dale

 

[Slippery Gimp]

Well a dedicated PC would be a good way to go and then a laptop to take to class then a dedicated PC in the studios owned by the uni but theres no point. I'll have my laptop and their dedicated PC's anyway

Ah right thanks for the insight.
The way I see it is AutoCAD, Rhino and 3DS max are top of the list.
Maya might come in somewhere.
Price doesn't matter, I can get it through the uni for FREE.
Look here


Luke

Hmm...

Check out my other post as I wonder the same thing.


https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/751786/

 

[aurius]

If you're looking at doing 3D on a Mac, don't overlook Luxology's modo 401 (www.luxology.com). It has the best workflow that I have ever seen, and it's learning curve is nowhere near as steep as Maya or even Blender. Other programs like Cinema4D may be a little more user-friendly to begin with, but modo promises much more potential when your skills improve as well.
It has a gorgeous renderer, and an amazing user community, and even though some feature sets may not be present, such as character animation, and dynamics, the next versions show much promise for next year.

And enough of my spiel, since as much as it sounds like it, I don't work for Luxology.

 

[LERsince1991]

Thanks everyone.

I've installed windows 7 via bootcamp and installed rhino 4.0, AutoCAD 2010, 3DS Max 2009 and maya on os x.
I'm in the process of going through and learning the basics in each of them. Rhino, and 3DS max look very similar, I'd imagine maya is also similar to them. AutoCAD looks alright to start learning in, nice ui and everything.

I'm going to try out AutoCAD first then rhino or maya then 3DS max. Really makes me appreciate how fast Google sketchup is in all respects

 

[the vj]

I am using Cinema 4D and I am so happy. In my school they had Maya and 3D studio and I was never able to create something I wanted. With Cinema 4D everything was so easy.

There is a great architech in my city who uses C4D and he even has some textures in the software under his name.

I know every 3D software has lots of potential today but C4D for me is amazing.

 

[auhlixer]

Listen to aurius Modo is the way to go.

Also don't waste your time with rhino or autocad if you want to render also autocad's 3d workflow sucks it may be the best 2d cad program but not 3d

 

[Genghis Khan]

Also don't waste your time with rhino or autocad if you want to render also autocad's 3d workflow sucks it may be the best 2d cad program but not 3d

never render with Rhino of course but I don't know of a better program in which to model...

 

[LeviG]

autocad's 3d workflow sucks it may be the best 2d cad program but not 3d

Thats why autodesk also do revit, this is designed to integrate into an architects workflow (its basically autocad plus 3ds max) and it allows data to be moved between autocad and 3ds max.

If I was training for architecture now this is the program I would be learning to use.

I've been looking into it as an additional software tool for my work, its a damned powerful app, once you get to grips with it by the looks of things

 

[missLA]

just curious how running the 3dStudio Max was on your mac...any issues?

 

[LERsince1991]

on windows 7 via bootcamp - flawless, but I didn't use it intensively

 

[-Blanco-]

Nice to hear that 3dstudio max apparently works fine on a mac via bootcamp, that's what I plan to use when college starts back..
Just wondering if anyone here has expierience with Vectorworks? Sorry if it's slightly off topic but I figured since autocad was brought up...
A guy in my class uses it and produces impressive presentations. I've only ever used Autocad but was planning on making the switch if it ment producing similar quality work to autocad without having to run my new MBP in bootcamp...

 

[ckmaes]

Nice to hear that 3dstudio max apparently works fine on a mac via bootcamp, that's what I plan to use when college starts back..
Just wondering if anyone here has expierience with Vectorworks? Sorry if it's slightly off topic but I figured since autocad was brought up...
A guy in my class uses it and produces impressive presentations. I've only ever used Autocad but was planning on making the switch if it ment producing similar quality work to autocad without having to run my new MBP in bootcamp...

No expierience with Vectorworks but I'm using ArchiCAD and Maya, both in OSX... works fine.
Bootcamp has always worked fine for me, but I just felt like something was missing... Mac OS. I can't figure out what it is exactly, but it feels great to be able to produce 3d architectural renders using only Mac OS.

 

[-Blanco-]

Thanks ckmaes,
I've used ArchiCAD very briefly in windows but never really took the time to learn how to use it properly...But I'd be aiming to use bootcamp as little as possible so I will be giving it another shot! I've been planning on getting Maya aswel...have heard good things about it. At the end of the day I bought a Mac so I could use the OS, so the less bootcamp I needed to use the better, if possible..

 

[jrichie]

Hi Guys,

I think I am well placed to give you some advice as I have a set up like you are saying.

Also, I know Autocad, Revit, Vectorworks, 3DS max, very well indeed and a bit of Rhino.

I run my office on Vectorworks as it is very easy to use and does not impede on my design work at all [plus I have a great imagination so do not require 3d - that is just for clients....]. However, if I was recommending software to a student [I teach at uni also] I would say the following , in order of preference :

1. Revit - without a doubt the future [actually the present too!!!!], however it is more work for custom design. Great for commercial work and some residential.

2. Rhino - Coming to OSX and will give you freedom - not sure how it will import into Revit, but could work nicely.

3. 3DS Max - the staple of architectural rendering. This is the one to learn for this.

Hope this helps.

 

[-Blanco-]

Hi Guys,

I think I am well placed to give you some advice as I have a set up like you are saying.

Also, I know Autocad, Revit, Vectorworks, 3DS max, very well indeed and a bit of Rhino.

I run my office on Vectorworks as it is very easy to use and does not impede on my design work at all [plus I have a great imagination so do not require 3d - that is just for clients....]. However, if I was recommending software to a student [I teach at uni also] I would say the following , in order of preference :

1. Revit - without a doubt the future [actually the present too!!!!], however it is more work for custom design. Great for commercial work and some residential.

2. Rhino - Coming to OSX and will give you freedom - not sure how it will import into Revit, but could work nicely.

3. 3DS Max - the staple of architectural rendering. This is the one to learn for this.

Hope this helps.

It helps me!! Thanks