For many, the thought of moving on from 2D artwork into 3D models is a daunting one. Such software is expensive, difficult to learn and results aren’t quite as immediate as a few brush strokes on an empty canvas. If this sounds familiar but the idea of giving your artwork a little more substance is still appealing, then AC3D may be the application that helps you get over such a hurdle.

At a price that is unlikely to concern your bank manager, AC3D provides a comprehensive array of 3D modelling tools. But unlike many other competing titles, AC3D reduces screen clutter so you can concentrate on adding and sculpting shapes without being overly concerned with complex algorithms or coordinates – although such elements can be accessed as you gain confidence and begin to demand more specific tweaks to your emerging shapes.

And with a ten-year history, the software has an active community user base that has influenced its development and gone through numerous upgrades making AC3D more than capable of some impressive results. The same community is on hand via the forum pages if you should come across problems or you may prefer to watch the growing number of tutorial movies which covers everything from the basics to more creative options such as using subdivision surfaces and adding detail.

AC3D is unlikely to challenge the established heavyweight 3D applications but on a ratio of price for features it can’t be beaten.

Features

• Simple user interface
• Truetype font 2D and 3D generator
• Integrated graphical texture coordinate editor
• Fast subdivision surface modelling
• Fast real-time OpenGL graphics views
• Multipoint polygon and line editing
• No polygon limits
• Many 3D file formats supported

System Requirements

• PC: Windows 95 or later, Pentium 120, 64MB RAM, 10MB HD
• Mac: Mac OS X 10.3, 64MB RAM, 10MB HD