
You can try it for yourself with the 30-day free trial, while students can pick up a copy for just $195. So ignore LightWave’s reputation: it’s a great 3D modelling app for learning the basics. A lot of the underlying toolset is quite old (although it’s had a lot of new features added in the last few years) but that doesn’t stop it from being a solid digital content creation suite, with lots of features and a fast interactive PBR renderer. Lightwave operates as two apps, Modeler – for building assets – and Layout for texturing, lighting, animation and rendering. However it’s recently enjoyed something of a renaissance, and an updated version was introduced at the start of 2020. LightWave (opens in new tab) was once the go-to app for sci-fi TV shows, but after a failed attempt to produce a modernised version, NewTek’s app lay fallow for several years.
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We comprehensively tested Modo (see our Modo 12 review), and liked its toolset and UI, but found it a little limited in its capabilities. The toolset is well thought out and implemented, making it very user-friendly, add to that an impressive rendering system, and it’s easy to see why Modo has continued to grow in popularity. Over the years Modo (opens in new tab) has grown from a basic subdivision surface modeller into a fully-featured digital content creation app.
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You can see more reasons we rate this software so highly in our Houdini review.
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When testing, we found that its problem-solving capabilities were leagues ahead of other 3D software, with the ability to rewire feeling incredibly natural, a big plus point for the software. 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.
