Art of Illusion is a free 3D open source program for Windows, the Mac and Linux. Created by Peter Eastman, it is powerful enough for professional users, but if you are new to 3D fear not because there are a lot of tutorials, wizards and help files to get you started. With this program, you’ll be creating photo realistic images in no time.
The key here is the program’s interface as it is very easy to understand and most importantly is customizable. If you have used other 3D programs before, the interface will look very familiar, with four windows displaying the side, front, back and camera views. Meanwhile, the Objects Property Panel and the Objects List are there to help you manage more complex scenes.
Art of Illusion comes with a complete set of tools for refining, manipulating, rendering and creating 3D objects. In addition, the Animation, Object and Scene provide a variety of controls and functions. What makes Art of Illusion so fun to use is that you can go on an object’s properties easily and once there you can edit everything from the light shining on the object, the lighting color, intensity, texture angle and more.
While the software may seem daunting to some, the help files are very extensive, as its tutorials guide you through the process of making an hourglass and other objects. Plus there is the fact the interface will feel very much the same for longtime 3D program users. Using basic geometric shapes, you’ll be able to build more complex and organic shapes. And best of all, it doesn’t just create 3D shapes but also animations as well.
Related Links:
Art of Illusion Official Website
Art of Illusion Forum