

The removal of a perpetual licence option will grind some gears, though, with only a subscription model available now. And with Maxon’s acquisition of ZBrush, creative workflows will continue to be strengthened and streamlined. There's also volumetric modelling, which is perfect if you don't have the time or skillset to create smooth solid forms.Ĭinema 4D 2023 is a major release with significant new features and upgrades, most notably soft body simulation, modelling and colour management. It boasts a vivid community of creatives with a huge online library of tutorials – not to mention the training site Cineversity, to which you get free membership when you buy the app or pay for the annual Maxon service agreement (MSA). Cinema 4D’s parametric modelling toolset is generally very good, and you can increase its functionality with a range of reasonably priced plugins. Maxon’s Cinema 4D has been around for a long time and is highly regarded in the worlds of motion graphics, visualisation and illustration.

This nodal workflow isn’t for everyone, but Houdini also has some more traditional tools which allow you to directly interact with the polygons on screen. Its node-based procedural approach offers artists unprecedented power, flexibility and control.

SideFX's Houdini is responsible for creating a range of 3D imagery across the CG industry. Download Houdini Apprentice (free version) (opens in new tab).
