More Tools

The list from freshmeat .net is quite large, and I can't possibly explore them all here. But I will draw attention to some I've kept tabs on over the years .

· 3dom: general-purpose 3D object modeler

· 3dPM: modeler for PovRay 3

· Crystal Space: free and portable 3D engine based on portals

· Extreme Wave: A libre 3D modeler being developed for Linux

· g3d: 3D polygonal modeler built with GTK+

· Giram: modeler written in GTK+

· gSculpt: 3D modeler

· Innovation3D: 3D modeling program

· K-3D: 3D modeling, animation, and rendering system

· MagicLight: 3D modeler and renderer for Linux and Windows

· mg^2: trueSpace work-/look-alike 3D modeler using GTK and OpenGL

· Blender : Extremely fast and versatile 3D rendering package

· MindsEye: 3D modeling program for Linux

Over the years I've tracked the progress of many of the 3D applications available for Linux. PovRay is still a required tool for me and is a joy to work with, but some of these newer applications offer some exciting new features. Let's explore a few.

Crystal Space

If you want to write a Quake-like 3D shooter or simply need real-time 3D graphics, then check out this 3D game development kit. It offers great graphics, speed, and functionality. Visit their Web site at http://crystal.linuxgames.com for an extensive list of features and how you can use it to produce your own real-time 3D graphics application.

MindsEye

This project has been in my scope for a while. It's got real promise and helped me lose the Windows platform for good. My addiction to Caligari's trueSpace held me on my Windows platform for a couple of years longer than I desired. But hey, I have to have the applications, right? It's all about the applications. Linux is fantastic, but without a 3D modeler, rendering, and animation package, I was stuck using Windows. But then a friend told me about MindsEye. It got me off Windows, and this is a good thing. Check out http://MindsEye.SourceForge.net for the latest.

Blender

Blender is basically your full-featured modeling, rendering, and animation package. It used to cost money to use, but has since seen the light. I highly recommend checking out this package if you are really serious about your 3D. Visit http://www.blender.nl for more information.