K-3D is a free and open-source 3D modeling, animation, and rendering system for Windows and Mac platforms. It integrates adaptable plugins with a visualization pipeline architecture, transforming K-3D into a robust and flexible tool for artists.
K-3D is designed to be intuitive, consistent, and easy to explore. Its interface adopts the aesthetic of your operating system, ensuring a familiar experience alongside other applications. Beginners will find K-3D user-friendly, while seasoned professionals will feel it completely at ease.
K-3D offers both procedural and parametric workflows, allowing real-time property adjustments with instant feedback on results. Its powerful node-based visualization pipeline presents more options than standard modifier stacks or history methods, with selection seamlessly transferring from one modifier to the next.
K-3D is built on industrial-strength standards, featuring native RenderMan support that integrates seamlessly with its user interface. It has an advanced undo and redo system that allows you to revert actions at any moment, and the innovative undo tree provides the capability to redo actions even when other software loses the ability to do so.
Experience the full potential of a node-based visualization pipeline, where you can connect any components freely. K-3D allows for unprecedented combinations in your creative process. You can work on one side of a model while mirroring the other side, and see the final result merged as a subdivision surface in real-time.
K-3D supports a variety of plugins and scripting options, allowing users to customize and extend its capabilities to suit specific project needs. It is compatible with several file formats, facilitating seamless integration with other digital art tools and workflows. This flexibility makes it a favorite among freelancers, hobbyists, and even small studios looking to produce high-quality 3D content without the hefty price tag associated with other proprietary software.
In addition to its modeling capabilities, K-3D also offers robust animation features that empower users to bring their creations to life. It includes various tools for rigging, skinning, and animating characters, as well as options for applying textures and materials to achieve realistic finishes.
Key Features
- Licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
- 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.
- Highly-evolved architecture allows complete extensibility at runtime through third-party plugins.
- Animated geometric procedural effects.
- Powerful 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.
- Background rendering and batch rendering.
- Written in ANSI C++, and GTK+.
Related Links
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