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.

Download a free trial of LightWave (opens in new tab).

Modo may lack the high-end dynamics and simulation tools you find in a program like Maya, but it holds its own when it comes to creating stunning artwork, producing as good a 3D render as any other package currently available. The addition of the best-in-breed MeshFusion Boolean system simply extends its modelling repertoire. With modelling at its core, Modo is one of the best apps available for the creation of polygonal forms, using both direct tools and procedural techniques. Since then, Foundry has had a series of updates and is taking advantage of modern graphics cards to make it way more powerful. 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.

Download a free trial of Modo (opens in new tab).The free version gives you access to virtually all of the features from the award-winning Houdini FX, meaning you can really develop your skills. There's the full-featured Houdini Indie too, which provides an affordable commercial option for smaller studios. Thankfully, SideFX offers Houdini Apprentice, a free version of Houdini FX, which can be used by students, artists and hobbyists on personal non-commercial projects. Like Maya, Houdini's power and non-standard workflow can be tricky to get the hang of. You can see more reasons we rate this software so highly in our Houdini review. 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. Download Houdini Apprentice (free version) (opens in new tab).

Human Figure 3d Max