Anim8or (circa 2005)

I tested many 3d modeling software that were demo or completely free. Anim8or was one of the first of the free. I needed a tool for making a model from scratch. The other tools that I mentioned in my earlier blogs were either for making a 3d environment (Vue and Bryce) for the model or for manipulating the model's movement or pose (Poser and Daz3D). It is possible to make models from scratch with these tools but it will definitely take longer.

When I initially tried Anim8or, I thought it was difficult but definitely easier than the tools I used in the 90’s. After many hours of research, downloads, and testing other software, I ended up using Anim8or anyway because Anim8or turned out to be the easiest 3d Modeling tool to use. After using Anim8or for a few months, all I needed to do was dream or sketch an object and I could model it in a relatively short time depending on the complexity. Modeling a book or a furniture can take a few minutes. A detailed spaceship could take two or three hours. Something complex like a human figure may take a few days.

There are some things about Anim8or that still drives me nuts but since it is still free, I’m not going to complain too loudly. I still think it is a great tool.

Some of the things I’d like to see are:
Boolean operations
Manipulation of object orientation by input command (as oppose to relying on mouse).
When doing a loop cut, the object’s gap is closed.
Manipulation of shapes other than what is already offered.
Knowing where the axes are at all times.

So far, I’ve been able to get around these limitations so it is not so bad. Although you can make animation with anim8or, the methods that I use make the process much faster although the quality of the art is nowhere near Pixar (or even many amateurs for that matter). Nevertheless, the process serves its purpose. To pump out my ideas and stories in visual form – that’s my goal. I have so many ideas that I like to represent graphically in animation or pictures that I wish I can create all of them at the same time - but that’s not possible.