3DCoat vs formZ

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Our analysts compared 3DCoat vs formZ based on data from our 400+ point analysis of 3D Design Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

3DCoat Software Tool

Product Basics

3DCoat is a versatile software designed for intricate 3D modeling tasks, offering robust tools for digital sculpting, texturing, and rendering. It is particularly well-suited for artists and designers in industries such as gaming, film, and animation, where detailed and high-quality 3D models are essential. The software's unique voxel sculpting capabilities allow for the creation of complex shapes without topological constraints, making it a powerful choice for creative professionals. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and comprehensive feature set, which includes UV mapping, PBR texture painting, and retopology tools. Compared to similar products, 3DCoat is praised for its flexibility and efficiency in handling detailed models. Pricing details can vary, so it's advisable to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on specific requirements. Overall, 3DCoat stands out for its ability to streamline the 3D modeling process while maintaining high-quality output.
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formZ is a sophisticated 3D modeling software that excels in creating detailed and precise architectural designs, product visualizations, and complex geometries. It is particularly well-suited for architects, industrial designers, and digital artists who require a robust tool for rendering and animation. The software's unique strengths lie in its intuitive interface, advanced modeling capabilities, and comprehensive toolset that supports both solid and surface modeling. Users appreciate its flexibility in handling both simple and intricate projects, making it a versatile choice in the design industry. Compared to similar products, formZ is praised for its precision and ease of use, although some users note a steeper learning curve. Pricing details are not readily available, so potential users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, formZ stands out for its powerful features and adaptability in professional 3D modeling applications.
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$25 Monthly
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$219 Annually
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Assistance

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Product Insights

  • Intuitive Interface: 3DCoat offers a user-friendly interface that allows artists to focus on creativity rather than technicalities, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
  • Versatile Sculpting Tools: The software provides a comprehensive set of sculpting tools that enable detailed and intricate modeling, allowing for the creation of highly realistic textures and forms.
  • Efficient UV Mapping: 3DCoat simplifies the UV mapping process with its automatic and manual unwrapping tools, reducing the time spent on tedious tasks and improving workflow efficiency.
  • Seamless Texture Painting: With its advanced texture painting capabilities, 3DCoat allows for high-resolution painting directly on 3D models, ensuring precision and quality in texturing.
  • Dynamic Voxel Sculpting: The voxel-based sculpting feature enables artists to create complex models without worrying about topology, offering flexibility in the creative process.
  • Comprehensive Retopology Tools: 3DCoat includes robust retopology tools that facilitate the creation of clean, animation-ready meshes, essential for game development and animation projects.
  • Real-Time Rendering: The software supports real-time rendering, allowing artists to see immediate results of their work, which aids in making quick adjustments and improvements.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: 3DCoat is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for users across different platforms.
  • Integration with Other Software: It offers seamless integration with other 3D software like Blender, Maya, and ZBrush, facilitating a smooth workflow across different stages of production.
  • Community and Support: 3DCoat boasts an active user community and comprehensive support resources, providing users with tutorials, forums, and direct support to enhance their learning and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Compared to other high-end 3D modeling software, 3DCoat offers a competitive pricing model, making it an affordable option for freelancers and small studios.
  • Regular Updates: The developers of 3DCoat consistently release updates that introduce new features and improvements, ensuring the software remains cutting-edge and relevant in the industry.
  • Customizable Workflows: Users can tailor their workflows with customizable toolsets and interfaces, allowing for a personalized experience that suits individual project needs.
  • Advanced Baking Options: The software includes advanced baking tools that allow for the efficient transfer of details from high-poly to low-poly models, crucial for optimizing models for real-time applications.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: 3DCoat supports non-destructive editing, enabling artists to make changes without permanently altering the original model, thus preserving creative flexibility.
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  • Enhanced Precision: formZ offers advanced modeling tools that allow for meticulous control over geometry, ensuring accuracy in complex designs.
  • Versatile Modeling Capabilities: Supports a wide range of modeling techniques, from solid and surface modeling to parametric and polygonal modeling, catering to diverse project needs.
  • Intuitive Interface: The user-friendly interface reduces the learning curve, enabling designers to focus on creativity rather than software navigation.
  • Robust Rendering Engine: Integrated rendering tools produce high-quality visualizations, helping stakeholders visualize the final product effectively.
  • Comprehensive Material Library: Access to an extensive library of materials and textures allows for realistic representation of design concepts.
  • Seamless Integration: formZ supports various file formats, facilitating smooth collaboration with other software and enhancing workflow efficiency.
  • Dynamic Component Management: The ability to create and manage reusable components streamlines the design process and ensures consistency across projects.
  • Advanced Animation Tools: Enables the creation of dynamic presentations and walkthroughs, providing a compelling way to showcase designs.
  • Customizable Work Environment: Users can tailor the workspace to their preferences, improving productivity and comfort during long design sessions.
  • Efficient Collaboration Features: Built-in tools for sharing and reviewing designs enhance teamwork and communication among project stakeholders.
  • Extensive Support and Resources: Access to tutorials, forums, and customer support ensures users can resolve issues and continue progressing with their projects.
  • Scalable for Various Industries: Suitable for architecture, interior design, product design, and more, making it a versatile tool for professionals across sectors.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Offers a comprehensive set of features at a competitive price point, providing value for both small firms and large enterprises.
  • Regular Updates and Improvements: Continuous development ensures the software remains cutting-edge, incorporating user feedback and technological advancements.
  • Enhanced Visualization Tools: Tools like real-time rendering and virtual reality integration help in creating immersive design experiences.
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  • Voxel Sculpting: Allows for the creation of complex, detailed models without worrying about topology constraints, enabling artists to focus on creativity.
  • Retopology Tools: Offers automatic and manual retopology options, providing flexibility in creating clean, production-ready meshes.
  • UV Mapping: Features an intuitive UV mapping process with tools for unwrapping, packing, and managing UV islands efficiently.
  • Smart Materials: Enables the application of realistic textures and materials with adjustable parameters, enhancing the visual quality of models.
  • PBR Workflow: Supports Physically Based Rendering, allowing for the creation of materials that react realistically to lighting conditions.
  • Texture Painting: Provides a robust set of tools for painting directly onto 3D models, including layers, blending modes, and customizable brushes.
  • 3D Printing Support: Includes features for preparing models for 3D printing, such as hollowing, scaling, and checking for errors.
  • Integration with Other Software: Offers compatibility with industry-standard software like Blender, Maya, and ZBrush, facilitating a seamless workflow.
  • Auto-Retopo: Utilizes advanced algorithms to automatically generate optimized topology, saving time in the modeling process.
  • Live Clay: Provides dynamic tessellation, allowing for the addition of detail where needed without increasing the overall polygon count unnecessarily.
  • Pose Tool: Enables easy manipulation of model parts, making it simple to pose characters or adjust proportions.
  • Layer System: Supports a comprehensive layer system for both sculpting and painting, allowing for non-destructive editing.
  • Render Room: Includes a built-in rendering engine for previewing models with realistic lighting and shadows.
  • Customizable Interface: Offers a flexible user interface that can be tailored to fit individual workflows and preferences.
  • Multi-Resolution Sculpting: Allows artists to work on different levels of detail, facilitating both broad changes and fine detailing.
  • Symmetry Options: Provides extensive symmetry tools, including radial and planar symmetry, to streamline the modeling process.
  • Brush Engine: Features a powerful brush engine with customizable settings, enabling precise control over sculpting and painting.
  • Mesh Optimization: Includes tools for decimating and optimizing meshes, ensuring models are efficient for use in games and animations.
  • Support for Multiple File Formats: Allows for importing and exporting a wide range of file formats, enhancing compatibility with various pipelines.
  • Community and Learning Resources: Backed by a strong community and extensive tutorials, providing support and learning opportunities for users of all levels.
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  • Advanced 3D Modeling Tools: Offers a comprehensive suite of tools for creating complex 3D models, including NURBS, subdivision surfaces, and parametric modeling.
  • Dynamic Interface: The interface is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the workspace to their specific needs and streamline their workflow.
  • Robust Rendering Engine: Includes a powerful rendering engine that supports photorealistic rendering with global illumination and ambient occlusion.
  • Precision Drawing: Provides precise drawing capabilities with snapping, guides, and grids to ensure accuracy in model creation.
  • Extensive Material Library: Comes with a vast library of pre-defined materials and textures, which can be easily applied to models for realistic finishes.
  • Animation Tools: Features basic animation tools that allow users to create simple animations and walkthroughs of their models.
  • Comprehensive Import/Export Options: Supports a wide range of file formats, including DWG, DXF, STL, OBJ, and more, facilitating seamless integration with other software.
  • Parametric Modeling: Enables users to create models with adjustable parameters, allowing for easy modifications and iterations.
  • Boolean Operations: Offers advanced Boolean operations for combining and subtracting shapes, enhancing the modeling process.
  • Interactive Visualization: Provides real-time visualization tools that help users evaluate their designs as they work, improving decision-making.
  • Scriptable Interface: Supports scripting with Python, allowing for automation of repetitive tasks and customization of workflows.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Includes detailed documentation and tutorials to assist users in mastering the software's features and tools.
  • Collaborative Features: Facilitates collaboration with features that allow multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
  • Advanced Lighting Controls: Offers sophisticated lighting controls, including area lights, spotlights, and HDRI lighting for enhanced realism.
  • Layer Management: Provides robust layer management tools to organize and control the visibility of different elements within a model.
  • 3D Printing Support: Includes tools for preparing models for 3D printing, ensuring they meet the necessary specifications and requirements.
  • Terrain Modeling: Features tools for creating and manipulating terrain models, useful for architectural and landscape design.
  • Customizable Shortcuts: Allows users to set custom keyboard shortcuts, improving efficiency and speed during the modeling process.
  • Comprehensive Support: Offers access to a dedicated support team and community forums for troubleshooting and advice.
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Product Ranking

#10

among all
3D Design Software

#16

among all
3D Design Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Texturing and Shading
Rendering and Visualization
Integrations
Modeling and Sculpting
Platform Capabilities
Modeling and Sculpting

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

3DCoat
formZ
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Animation And Rigging Modeling And Sculpting Platform Capabilities Rendering And Visualization Texturing And Shading 28 86 71 96 98 39 97 100 71 67 0 25 50 75 100
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57%
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

86%
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Awards

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SelectHub research analysts have evaluated formZ and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Modeling and Sculpting and Platform Capabilities.

Modeling and Sculpting Award
Platform Capabilities Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Specialized Sculpting: 3DCoat excels in both voxel and polygonal sculpting, employing dynamic patch tessellation for detailed creations.
Efficient Retopology: It offers a robust suite of retopology tools, outperforming competitors in this area and allowing for efficient mesh optimization.
Seamless Texturing: 3DCoat shines in texture painting, providing a smooth and intuitive experience comparable to dedicated software like Substance Painter.
Integrated UV Mapping: Its UV mapping tools are highly regarded, allowing for precise control and efficient unwrapping of complex models.
Strong Interoperability: 3DCoat integrates well with other 3D software through its Applink plugins, facilitating a streamlined workflow across different applications.
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User-Friendly Design: formZ is renowned for its user-friendly interface, making it enjoyable to use, particularly on Mac systems.
Flexible Modeling Approach: The software excels in combining solid and surface modeling, enabling a fluid workflow for various design tasks.
Unique Features: formZ offers distinctive tools like pushing/pulling shapes on surfaces and creating solids with cavities, setting it apart in specific modeling scenarios.
Perpetual Licensing: Unlike subscription-based models, formZ provides perpetual licensing, which can be cost-effective for users seeking long-term ownership.
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Industry Adoption: 3DCoat is less commonly used in professional studios compared to industry-standard software like ZBrush, which could be a drawback for businesses that prioritize industry-standard software adoption.
Software Stability: While many users find 3DCoat stable enough, it has been reported to be less stable than some other 3D modeling software, which could disrupt workflows and lead to lost productivity.
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Limited Plug-ins and Extras: formZ lacks a wide selection of plug-ins and extensions, which can limit its functionality for specialized tasks compared to competitors with more extensive libraries.
Absence of Advanced Features: The software may not natively support certain advanced features found in competitors, such as specific BIM functionalities, potentially requiring workarounds or limiting its suitability for certain projects.
Lower Market Visibility: formZ has lower market awareness compared to more popular 3D modeling software, which could result in a smaller community for support and resource sharing.
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Is 3DCoat all your 3D modeling dreams in a neat little package, or is it just another tool that misses the mark? User reviews from the last year reveal a mixed bag. While 3DCoat is lauded for its robust retopology tools, which some users claim are "miles ahead of ZBrush," and its intuitive UV unwrapping, it's also plagued by persistent bugs and stability issues. One user, despite acknowledging the software's potential, lamented, "I cannot recommend 3DCoat until they fix the serious bugs and freezes." This sentiment is echoed by others who report frequent crashes, particularly when working with high-poly models. A significant point of contention is 3DCoat's user interface, often described as "clunky" and difficult to navigate. While some argue that this is a common gripe with 3D modeling software, 3DCoat's learning curve seems steeper than most. However, those who persevere often find its powerful features, like its ability to seamlessly switch between sculpting and texturing, to be a game-changer. One user even boldly proclaimed, "3DCoat seems superior to ZBrush in every way." Ultimately, 3DCoat is best suited for experienced artists who can look past its quirks and appreciate its unique strengths. Its affordability makes it an attractive option for freelancers and small studios, but its instability might be a dealbreaker for larger projects where reliability is paramount.

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Is formZ the solution to use for 3D modeling, or does it fall flat? User reviews from the past year reveal a mixed bag. While formZ is praised for its user-friendly interface and powerful modeling tools, it grapples with a significant drawback: a lackluster plugin ecosystem compared to competitors like Rhino3D. This limitation is a dealbreaker for many, as plugins are essential for extending functionality and streamlining workflows. For instance, one user lamented the absence of visual scripting capabilities, a feature often provided by plugins in other software. Despite this shortcoming, formZ shines in its intuitive design. Users highlight the right-click help feature for tools as a standout, making it easy to learn and use, even for beginners. Additionally, its affordability, particularly the perpetual licensing option, makes it a tempting choice for hobbyists and small businesses. One user praised its speed in creating basic geometry and architectural designs, emphasizing its practicality for smaller projects. In conclusion, formZ is best suited for individual users or small teams who prioritize ease of use and cost-effectiveness over a vast plugin library. It's like a reliable toolbox with all the essential tools for basic 3D modeling, but you might need to improvise if you're tackling more specialized tasks.

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Screenshots

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