3DS Max vs Blender

[Arhowk]

Hi, ive just been wondering, whats the difference between 3dsmax and blender?(other than blender is free) i know that peoploe say blender doesnt have features that 3ds max, are these anything needed to make good models? lol

 

[xXm0RpH3usXx]

okay, first of all let me introduce to u:
i have been modelling since 5 years almost and although i wouldnt consider myself a pro i still know a little about what i am talking about.

You see, you could make models with editing in notepad if you are a genious, so its not only a question of which program is better, but also which program is better for you.
I learned my way with Max and i am really confident with it!
Others preferr blender and you can do high qual stuff there, too (especially the latest update to 2.5 or something was good)
If u start with blender u will probably get more used to that and will dislike max (as i do vice versa )
The point is, wiht both u can do boxmodeling (at least, idk if blender supports nurbs modeling or such or sculpting)...
Both tools can render (search sintel on youtube, its made with blender and REALLy nice) and animate...

Blender is open source, meaning there are more chances that there are awesome plugins, but the plugins database for Max is exceptional, too!

Also, the question is, would maybe Rhino, Milkshape, Sketchup, XSI or any other modeling program be better?
they all got advanteges and disadvantages...

Buit keep in mind, u got to put a lot of effort in it either way, there is no "make a cool model" button in either of these programs!

DARE U NOT TO READ THIS... Took me enough time to write it up so you should read it, please!

 

[Chizume]

Same thing goes for Autodesk Maya I guess?

 

[xXm0RpH3usXx]

Well, Maya and Max are both from Autodesk, so the leap isnt as far as lets say to blender
(though xsi is from autodesk, too, and totally different still )

If u are willing to go further than just doodling around i for myself would recommend using Max (thouhg i am not encouraging you pirating )
Max is a very commonly used program in the industry (u can take your turn on maya, too)

If u are only trying to make some supporting props for your maps (e.g. unanimated stuff like columns, walls, etc) i think blender is the better choosing (just because of legality issues)...

But i wouldnt say this is the truth, as i first off all didnt use every one of these programs and secondly other people may see this differently!

Also, if you strive on betting good u probably need to consider which sculpting program you need to use, where the discussion could be almost the same as the above one

 

[Arhowk]

Eh.. we all kno 3ds max is best and dominates all but it costs $3500, forcing everyone to buy it <.< idk, id have to get blender than get student trial of 3ds max to compare but meh..

 

[Chizume]

No we can't be too sure of that. I have "little or no experience" with these softwares, but the few times I've tried it - and from what I have heard they are basically of the same quality and awesomeness. Maya is the path I would choose if I were to dig deeper into the 3D Artist profession.

 

[xXm0RpH3usXx]

well, i c i wasted my time here...

illidian, next time u open a thread remind i dont respond, why am i investing time in writing and then get such an answer?

i'm trying to tell you that max isnt the best just because its expensive -.-
it all depends!

 

[Uncle Fester]

well, i c i wasted my time here...

illidian, next time u open a thread remind i dont respond, why am i investing time in writing and then get such an answer?

Illidan, seriously, can u plz stop bothering ppl or opening threads (with questions and hlp-requests) which u soon missuse 4 bothering ppl who want 2 hlp u? and besides, it depends on u which 1 of all u use. the array of modelling programs is not small.....i alst started with milkshape 3d 1.8.5 trial version (unfortunatly it expired now). btw 3,5k euros 4 a program sounds me way too much, i mean the most expensive modelling/3d program i know is AutoCAD (from autodesk) with a price of 5k euros around (depending on version). just google price of Milkshape and at the official publisher's side (chumbalum software) it says 25 euros (the Milkshape 1.8.5, which is 4 me more than enough 4 modelling).

 

[Kuhneghetz]

You can always try Gmax as well, and it's free.
I haven't tried it myself, but it's said that it has interfaces and functions similar to older 3DS Max releases, though more "light weighted".

Me? I personally find current versions of 3DS Max to be the most convenient.

 

[Mr. Bob]

3d programs don't really work like that. Blender, Maya, 3ds max, and softimage do the same thing. It depends on which one suits you.

I personally like to use 3ds max the most. I don't like the UI of blender at all. But, there are people who love blender's UI and hate Max's.

These programs usually specialize in one particular area of modeling.

Maya has a lot of focus on animation. People generally use this program for commercials and movies. A lot of the UI in maya is hidden, so it may be harder to learn. But, trust me. This is a very well made program.

3ds max has a lot of poly modeling tools. And architectural design tools. People generally use this for video games, and architecture. The UI of 3ds max is almost all shown in the program. Unlike other programs where a lot of the UI is hidden.

Blender is kindof a catch all. It has a little bit of everything. People generally don't use blender for much because it's been deemed "not up to industry standards". Don't worry though. It can do everything the other ones do. It just takes longer in some cases, yet it some cases, it's faster. The nice thing about blender is it's open source.

Softimage is sort of a catch all but the UI and methods are far different than the others. Depends on what you like really.

Maya, 3ds max, and now softimage are all Autodesk apps. This is helpful, because you can get your model moved around between programs a lot easier. It's harder to get your models from a program made by a different company to yours without going through a process.

There are also free or really cheap programs like Gmax and Milkshape. Both are incredibly limited and only work for video games. Neither of these two programs have render capabilities.

---------------------------

So, if you plan on modeling for WC3 you'll have to get 3ds max because Blender is not supported. This may be different for SC2 though. Or, you could give in and get one of the two crap programs. (Gmax and Milkshape)

And, while the commercial version of 3ds max is around 4k$, you can get the non-commercial version for around 150$. It's the same program, but you can't sell anything with it if you have the non-commercial.

There is also a deal to get the non-commercial versions of Softimage, 3ds max, Mudbox, Maya, Sketchbook pro, and a few others for about 400$.

---------------------------

If you plan on modeling professionally, just try out some demos of the programs and see what you like. It also depends on what area of modeling you want a profession in. Video game or renders. Both very different fields.

Blender is rarely accepted in either field. If you use Blender, you'll have to go freelance. Which means, you either get hired to do short jobs, you make models and sell them on the market, or you take requests and have people pay by the model. If your really good, you can make lots of money in this field. Most people do it for a sort of paying hobby.

If you want to do it for a career, you'll have to use the industry standard programs. You'll also have to get a degree in the area, or just make a really good showcase. I know people who make more as a freelance than a career artist. And vice versa. Depends on what you want to do. A career job would mean you work for some company. Either a movie/commercial production company, or a game making company. Usually, you get put on a team. And, every member of the team is better at one thing than anyone else. And, eventually, you'll get promoted to lead artist.

lol my book is finished. What can I say? I love talking about it...and I was bored... D:

 

[Arhowk]

well, i c i wasted my time here...

illidian, next time u open a thread remind i dont respond, why am i investing time in writing and then get such an answer?

i'm trying to tell you that max isnt the best just because its expensive -.-
it all depends!

My point wasnt that max isnt the BEST, its the most overused, everyone here (besides ohllus) uses max.

Illidan, seriously, can u plz stop bothering ppl or opening threads (with questions and hlp-requests) which u soon missuse 4 bothering ppl who want 2 hlp u? and besides, it depends on u which 1 of all u use. the array of modelling programs is not small.....i alst started with milkshape 3d 1.8.5 trial version (unfortunatly it expired now). btw 3,5k euros 4 a program sounds me way too much, i mean the most expensive modelling/3d program i know is AutoCAD (from autodesk) with a price of 5k euros around (depending on version). just google price of Milkshape and at the official publisher's side (chumbalum software) it says 25 euros (the Milkshape 1.8.5, which is 4 me more than enough 4 modelling).

For one, i dont use euros lol. I mean, ive never really tried milkshape. im still confused on how to work the hammer editor

3d programs don't really work like that. Blender, Maya, 3ds max, and softimage do the same thing. It depends on which one suits you.

I personally like to use 3ds max the most. I don't like the UI of blender at all. But, there are people who love blender's UI and hate Max's.

These programs usually specialize in one particular area of modeling.

Maya has a lot of focus on animation. People generally use this program for commercials and movies. A lot of the UI in maya is hidden, so it may be harder to learn. But, trust me. This is a very well made program.

3ds max has a lot of poly modeling tools. And architectural design tools. People generally use this for video games, and architecture. The UI of 3ds max is almost all shown in the program. Unlike other programs where a lot of the UI is hidden.

Blender is kindof a catch all. It has a little bit of everything. People generally don't use blender for much because it's been deemed "not up to industry standards". Don't worry though. It can do everything the other ones do. It just takes longer in some cases, yet it some cases, it's faster. The nice thing about blender is it's open source.

Softimage is sort of a catch all but the UI and methods are far different than the others. Depends on what you like really.

Maya, 3ds max, and now softimage are all Autodesk apps. This is helpful, because you can get your model moved around between programs a lot easier. It's harder to get your models from a program made by a different company to yours without going through a process.

There are also free or really cheap programs like Gmax and Milkshape. Both are incredibly limited and only work for video games. Neither of these two programs have render capabilities.

---------------------------

So, if you plan on modeling for WC3 you'll have to get 3ds max because Blender is not supported. This may be different for SC2 though. Or, you could give in and get one of the two crap programs. (Gmax and Milkshape)

And, while the commercial version of 3ds max is around 4k$, you can get the non-commercial version for around 150$. It's the same program, but you can't sell anything with it if you have the non-commercial.

There is also a deal to get the non-commercial versions of Softimage, 3ds max, Mudbox, Maya, Sketchbook pro, and a few others for about 400$.

---------------------------

If you plan on modeling professionally, just try out some demos of the programs and see what you like. It also depends on what area of modeling you want a profession in. Video game or renders. Both very different fields.

Blender is rarely accepted in either field. If you use Blender, you'll have to go freelance. Which means, you either get hired to do short jobs, you make models and sell them on the market, or you take requests and have people pay by the model. If your really good, you can make lots of money in this field. Most people do it for a sort of paying hobby.

If you want to do it for a career, you'll have to use the industry standard programs. You'll also have to get a degree in the area, or just make a really good showcase. I know people who make more as a freelance than a career artist. And vice versa. Depends on what you want to do. A career job would mean you work for some company. Either a movie/commercial production company, or a game making company. Usually, you get put on a team. And, every member of the team is better at one thing than anyone else. And, eventually, you'll get promoted to lead artist.

lol my book is finished. What can I say? I love talking about it...and I was bored... D:

I dont really plan on going model-for-money (if i did get that good, sweet ) But moreorless, i dont got that money to spend lol.

okay, first of all let me introduce to u:
i have been modelling since 5 years almost and although i wouldnt consider myself a pro i still know a little about what i am talking about.

You see, you could make models with editing in notepad if you are a genious, so its not only a question of which program is better, but also which program is better for you.
I learned my way with Max and i am really confident with it!
Others preferr blender and you can do high qual stuff there, too (especially the latest update to 2.5 or something was good)
If u start with blender u will probably get more used to that and will dislike max (as i do vice versa )
The point is, wiht both u can do boxmodeling (at least, idk if blender supports nurbs modeling or such or sculpting)...
Both tools can render (search sintel on youtube, its made with blender and REALLy nice) and animate...

Blender is open source, meaning there are more chances that there are awesome plugins, but the plugins database for Max is exceptional, too!

Also, the question is, would maybe Rhino, Milkshape, Sketchup, XSI or any other modeling program be better?
they all got advanteges and disadvantages...

Buit keep in mind, u got to put a lot of effort in it either way, there is no "make a cool model" button in either of these programs!

DARE U NOT TO READ THIS... Took me enough time to write it up so you should read it, please!

you just got beat lol. And stop playing me like a child, im not dumb

I get what you are all saying, and stop bashing me for a misspeak.

 

[Kuhneghetz]

everyone here (besides ohllus) uses max.

But I do use 3DS max since I said in my previous post that I find it to be the most convenient.

 

[Arhowk]

But I do use 3DS max since I said in my previous post that I find it to be the most convenient.

Another typo <.< i meant marcus

 

[xXm0RpH3usXx]

why did i got beat?

i think every other opinion supported mine.. meh, whatever...

also, i want to tell that autocad is only used for precise floorplan or blueprint modeling only, no game art or anything like that!

 

[D a w n]

only tried Gmax and Blender, but I experienced that blender has the worst ui ever created. I did not even find the create vertex or face option there.
Gmax is much more user friendly there.

 

[waveseeker]

only tried Gmax and Blender, but I experienced that blender has the worst ui ever created. I did not even find the create vertex or face option there.
Gmax is much more user friendly there.

Well, I use blender, and i know this is a Very old post, but the Create area, is Spacebar.(OR on the header, where EDIT would be right after FILE is ADD... maybe you didn't see that?) Heh, if anyone seeing this cares about learning blender. Look up the wiki book, Blender. Noob to pro. I use that, its pretty amazing. Once you start a new program (especilly 3d ones) EVERYTHING is difficult. (well, mostly depends on the program, PAINT or NOTEPAD weren't all that hard...)
All you need to do, is search for how to do it. in my opinion, Blender is pretty friendly, and not that hard to get good at it.


http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/AlexTheArtist/untitled.jpg?t=1288105957
I made this within my very first 9 hours of blender.
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww353/AlexTheArtist/Burgerkinglogo2.jpg?t=1288105958
And this within my first 15.


If you have help. Blender isn't all that hard, If you insist on downloading a free 3d modeling program, and you are used to another one, and just start clicking random buttons, or mashing your keyboard in, and what you want doesn't just happen, Then don't blame the program.

 

[Arhowk]