The Best 3D Animation Software in 2023

3ds Max

3ds Max, from design software giant Autodesk, is one of the major commercial 3D animation software suites. Its comprehensive feature set makes it a popular choice for game development, visual effects production, and architectural visualization.

This 3D animation software features particle and light simulation, a cloth-simulation engine, and even brings its scripting language to the table (MAXScript). In terms of 3D modeling, it can create parametric and organic objects with polygon, subdivision surface, and spline-based modeling features. Among the other techniques is the ability to create models from point cloud data.

The 3D animation capabilities of 3ds Max are comprehensive. It features two character animation tools. “character studio” that is designed to work best for bipedal characters. “CAT” can rig and animate non-humanoid characters. This 3D animation software also comes with a tool that allows setting up and controlling scenes with large crowds of people, dubbed “Populate.”

Take complete control over your 3D animation with “Motion Mixer,” a tool that takes its cue from audio editing. It displays separate tracks for motion data from each body part that can be edited for speed, transitioned, looped, and more. Among the other tools in this 3D animation software are motion paths that let you modify animations directly in the trajectory as splines, giving you instant feedback in the viewport.

In its latest release, Autodesk has further improved animation performance to speed up the work, including changes to Cached Playback, Evaluation Toolkit, and Bake Simulation options. Other updates include substantial Deformer and Component Tag updates.

Website: autodesk.com

Cinema

3ds Max, from design software giant Autodesk, is one of the major commercial 3D animation software suites. Its comprehensive feature set makes it a popular choice for game development, visual effects production, and architectural visualization.

This 3D animation software features particle and light simulation, a cloth-simulation engine, and even brings its scripting language to the table (MAXScript). In terms of 3D modeling, it can create parametric and organic objects with polygon, subdivision surface, and spline-based modeling features. Among the other techniques is the ability to create models from point cloud data.

The 3D animation capabilities of 3ds Max are comprehensive. It features two character animation tools. “character studio” that is designed to work best for bipedal characters. “CAT” can rig and animate non-humanoid characters. This 3D animation software also comes with a tool that allows setting up and controlling scenes with large crowds of people, dubbed “Populate.”

Take complete control over your 3D animation with “Motion Mixer,” a tool that takes its cue from audio editing. It displays separate tracks for motion data from each body part that can be edited for speed, transitioned, looped, and more. Among the other tools in this 3D animation software are motion paths that let you modify animations directly in the trajectory as splines, giving you instant feedback in the viewport.

In its latest release, Autodesk has further improved animation performance to speed up the work, including changes to Cached Playback, Evaluation Toolkit, and Bake Simulation options. Other updates include substantial Deformer and Component Tag updates.

Website: autodesk.com

4D

Key Features: Don’t be fooled by the title; this is a 3D animation software. We probably won’t be seeing 4D animations anytime soon. But this is the next best thing.

Cinema 4D does have some other unique qualities; it’s one of the few programs designed specifically for beginners. A strong engine with simplistic features. The learning curve is minimal, and you can pretty much jump right into production. Furthermore, you can keyframe any desired object. The software tag expressions and effectors are readily available. It also comes with a full-on editor tool for creating expressions.

Price: This will definitely cost you some money. The standalone version costs $719 a year. If you want the full package before Max on products, that’ll be $1199 per year.

K-3D

Key Features: K-3D is well known for being both powerful and versatile. This is a node-based program with plenty of basic features. What makes this one super interesting, however, is their undo and redo system.

Have you ever used an artistic program like Procreate or Photoshop, that has a limited number for undoing actions? Super annoying, right? Well K-3D does not have this problem. K-3D has an intuitive, and underrated tree system. You can go back or forward as much as you like. No more worrying about losing any progress if you make a mistake.

This program also has a mirror feature. This allows digital artists to edit one side of the model while showing the other side mirrored. These sides can be morphed together in real-time to create a more “even” look.

Price: Free!

Houdini

Best For: game development, visual effects

Key Features: Here is a more advanced option for those of you with bigger projects. Houdini is a software developed by SideFX. Used by fairly large companies, such as Disney and Pixar. So it’s safe to say that they’re a pretty big deal in the world of animated illustrations.

Houdini is known for its artist-friendly tools. It also has an auto Rick tool which allows for the seamless creation of biped and quadruped 3D models. Need a screen with a large gathering of background characters? With Houdini, you can carry out some complex crowd simulations.

The program is most known for its flexibility and high quality.

Price: Quality doesn’t come without a price. Houdini is made up of four plans FX, CORE, Indie, and Apprentice. For the more casual users, the Apprentice version is free. Independent animators can get the Indie version which costs $269 per year. If you’re super serious, you can get either the CORE or FX package. This will cost you $1995 to $4495 per year.

Blender

Best For: A wide range of projects. Great for video games, movies, and anyone creating animation ads.

Key Features: Probably the most well-known 3D animation software out there. Blender has high-quality Tools at your disposal. I’m talking automatic skilling, envelope, and skeleton.

Speaking of skeletons, you can design one with their rigging tool. This means that you can Define the bones and their influence. You can also define the mobility and position of each limb. Basically, you can create a character from the inside out. Is it creepy? Maybe. Is it unbelievably cool? Yes, it is.

Blender allows for direct drawing in both 2D and 3D. It can also use motion capture software. Play with multiple layers and colors to create the perfect models for your project.

Price: Free free free!

Cascadeur

Key Features: Cascadeur is a 3D animation software made specifically with game developers in line. Based on the science of physics, Cascadeur introduces a whole new way of animating.  For the experienced artist, creating realistic animations has never been easier.

You can create one from scratch or you can take realistic mocap data and modify various attributes. This 3D animation software can easily integrate itself into your existing workflow. So if you’re already working on a project, use Cascadeur to help you finish. Of course, it’s always a fun time starting from scratch on a new program.

Cascadeur has an active community. There’s a Discord server that allows loyal members to communicate with the developers.

Price: This Basic plan is free. $300 a month for Pro. $1000 a month for Business.

Autodesk’s Maya

Best For: small projects, advertisements, and blockbuster films

Key Features: Maya is widely regarded as the best 3D animation software on the market. It has been used to create some of the biggest blockbuster films, including Harry Potter, South Park, and numerous animated shows. Maya is equally good at 2D and 3D animation and allows users to create complex and realistic worlds, objects, and characters. It also has all the features of the other animation software programs, plus more. For example, Arnold is an advanced render that allows users to seamlessly switch from CPU to GPU. Rigging is a tool that processes the most complex things – like winged models and four-foot animals.

Maya also has an auto-rigging tool that basically does all the work for you! So if you’re looking for the best 3D animation software available, Maya is a clear choice.

Price:  Maya has a one-year subscription cost of $2479. But if you wanna just test the waters and give it a spin, there is a free 30-day trial.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced animator, one of these programs is sure to fit your needs. Make sure to check out some of the amazing tutorials available online and get started on creating your next masterpiece.

Motionbuilder

Motionbuilder is another professional-grade 3D animation software by Autodesk. It combines keyframe animation with motion capture and virtual production. With this 3D animation software, you can animate 3D characters in real-time that are especially suitable for game development and animated movies. Motion capture data can be retargeted with a vast array of tools that allow for fine-tuning the minutest of details in the character’s movements quickly and consistently.

Like movie editing software, Motionbuilder will enable you to cut and stitch together different movements – the key difference is that instead of hard cuts, the 3D animation software assists in creating smooth and natural transitions between the files. The whole process is non-destructive, so the original files are not affected.

Motion capture and keyframe animations can be supplemented with animation layers to achieve distinctive effects and clean animations. Motionbuilder uses various physics engines to animate interactions, such as falls, using ragdoll solvers dynamically. Published by Autodesk, this 3D animation software integrates well with other Autodesk products like 3ds Max, Mudbox, and Maya to speed up the overall workflow.

Website: autodesk.com

Akeytsu

Although Akeytsu is not the most complex animation software out there — its tagline is animation software made simply — you can complain about free. Yes, instead of a monthly subscription fee of $14.99, it is now available completely free. To everyone. Of course, it hasn’t been updated in two years, and there’s little indication it will be, it’s still a fantastic training tool.

Akeytsu is primarily a 3D animation and rigging software focused on the game development market. It was built to create large volumes of 3D animation with simple tools.

A big part of Akeytsu’s appeal is the UI and simplicity of use. Key to this is the software’s “spinner” which is a floating circular widget that covers transformation for your model. Auto-Rig allows you to create a bipedal character in just a few minutes, too, asking of you only parameters, hot points, and joints before applying skeleton, weights, and controls automatically. Being easy and intuitive is a key characteristic of this software, a theme that continues across its many features. Having supposedly been designed by animators for animators, it shouldn’t take long for any animation enthusiasts to feel at home here.

Website: nukeygara.com

DAZ 3D

Daz Studio is a 3D animation software that is primarily geared toward beginners. That means this tool takes some shortcuts to ease the workflow. You can either buy a ready-made model on the marketplace that appeals to you or alternatively start with one of the preset models and modify it to your liking. Like similar programs, Daz Studio has a host of tools to tweak every aspect of the base models, such as the build, size, and length of limbs. Once you are done hairstyling and clothing your creation, you can set up complex scenes with items from an extensive library of props that covers many genres.

In terms of animation, Daz Studio is loaded with a variety of tools. Motion capture data that can be edited to fit your needs is only one of many possibilities this 3D animation software offers. The puppeteer tool displays different poses as a node in a grid, allowing users to animate their model by shifting their mouse between these nodes. If you prefer, you can assign different poses to your model in the timeline, and the program will generate the movements in between them automatically. In other words, 3D animation has never been more straightforward.

Recently, Daz Studio added updates that allow you to transfer yourself into the software with a single photograph, upgraded “dForce” hair and cloth movements, and made performance upgrades to rendering and animation, so working with the software should now be much quicker and smoother.

The great thing about this 3D animation software is that it is free of charge. It is also worth mentioning that Daz Studio offers a 3D Content Marketplace where you can buy and sell your models, poses, and props. A season pass is also available, offering assets and webinars for an annual price.

Features:

• It provides 3D motion pictures, posing, and animation.
• Models are hand-painted with details.
• You can import content into other 3D software tools such as Maya, Mudbox, and 3DS Max.
• It enables you to export the output in COLLADA, Universal 3D, BVH, and FBX format.
• You can customize character types.
• It automatically syncs lipsing to the character.
• This tool provides virtual lights.
• You can transfer figures to Maya software with a few clicks.

Website: daz3d.com