Best CGI Software For Interior Design And Architects In 2024

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Since not long ago, CGI has crept so far into movie production that it silently became the unofficial backbone of the industry, with titles such as Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3DS Max and DAZ Studio to back it up.

Black Friday 2019 has brought along some pretty amazing deals that you can’t miss if you’re into CGI, 3D modeling and special effects asset generating.

Greatest 3 CGI software solutions for Windows

Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya's interface

Autodesk Maya is rightfully considered one of the best (if not the greatest) tools for CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery), 3D modeling and asset creation, thanks to its outstanding library of tools, effects, and controls.

It’s not a tool for the faint of heart, that’s for sure, as the abundance of features might be a bit off-putting, especially for first-time users. However, Autodesk made sure that this tool can steadily become highly-accessible for virtually anyone interested in CGI or 3D modeling by offering free licenses to students and educators. Not only is it a powerful utility in this business, but it can be used as a learning/teaching tool, as well.

The learning curve might be steep, which makes it not an ideal utility for impatient 3D modelers and CGI artists, but when used to its full capacity, the results that Autodesk Maya can yield will always be outstanding.

Currently, Autodesk Maya, or simply Maya, can be downloaded and taken for a test-drive as a thirty (30) day trial from the official website, but after the trial period is over, one must purchase a subscription plan.

Autodesk 3DS Max

Autodesk 3DS Max's interface

Autodesk 3DS Max is maybe the most used 3D modeling software for professionals in the entire world, but it also holds a dear place in the hearts of CGI artists and graphic designers.

This tool brings an awe-inspiring set of tools to the table that could benefit a wide range of computer users, whether it’s architects, engineers, game designers, CGI artists, or 3D modeling artists we’re talking about.

Among the full library of features, the most impressive ones by far must be the hair and fur manipulation tool, the OSL (Open Shading Language) map creator, the mesh and surface modeling tools, its procedural animation kit, the realistic fluid creation feature, the real-life camera simulation setting and (saved the best for last), the possibility to edit scenes directly in VR (Virtual Reality) mode.

Like many of its Autodesk counterparts, 3DS Max can also be downloaded for free by students or teachers, making it not only a powerful, capable 3D modeling utility but also an effective learning tool that, once mastered, could bring amazing projects to be.

Autodesk 3DS Max can be downloaded and used for free from the official Autodesk website, but only for 30 days before the trial expires and the reality of having to purchase a subscription plan slowly starts to sink in.

DAZ Studio

DAZ Studio's main window

DAZ Studio is one of the most popular tools to be used in 3D modeling and CGI creation, thanks to all its models, accessories and customization capabilities that are handed out to its users.

However, there’s a catch: DAZ Studio is not really capable (not at all) to create new models, as these have to come from an external source in order to be manipulated within the program. On the bright side, the scenes that can be generated if this software solution is used properly can be nothing short of outstanding, given that there is a lot of elbow room when it comes to the actual modeling part.

Users are able to load a blank model that they can customize by shifting its position, adjusting parts of its body to one’s own liking and even changing the model’s pose, so it appears like it’s sitting, jumping or running. DAZ Studio also has something in store for users who never experienced the joy of playing with a manikin: a library of pose presets, so it’s easier than never to create fantasy scenarios.

After users are satisfied with the result, the utility enables them to play the role of a professional photographer by granting them full camera control.

DAZ Studio can be downloaded as either a standalone version of itself or as part of a bundle, along with a download manager. The bundle also encompasses a handy collection of models, assets and other tools that can aid greatly in 3D modeling or CGI production.

Conclusion

Whether you’re just beginning to appreciate the wonders of CGI or are just an amateur 3D modeling artist that would like to tinker with bigger toys, these Black Friday deals are not to be missed or ignored.

Autodesk Maya and Autodesk 3DS Max are to be taken into consideration by serious, professional users, students or teachers, while DAZ Studio gives a more relaxed vibe when it comes to the number of features one can work with.

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