Best 3d Package

I have "played" with 3dsmax a fair few years ago, but what is the best, most user friendly 3d software available today?

Im doing a C&G Level 3 which covers 3d in Autocad but so far Id say its a whole lot harder than 3dsmax!

You've asked what is the best, most user friendly software? Well, the best is not always the most user friendly. I may be biased towards 3DS Max because I've been using it for so long, but in my opinion, it is the best. But it definitely has a huge learning curve. It may be one of the hardest programs to learn.

But you also have to think about what you will be using this program for. I would not use Max for creating technically accurate models. I only use it for architectural visualization projects or for my own personal artwork.

If you want a program to use for designing houses then you should be looking at Revit, or Autocad Architecture.

If you're looking for a program to use for designing mechanical parts then you should be looking at something like Inventor, Solidworks or Rhino.

If you're looking for a program to do architectural visualizations or if you're looking to get into the video game industry or just to do personal artwork then you should be looking at 3DS Max, Maya or XSI and also ZBrush or Mudbox.

So basically, you just need to decide which direction you are going and then pick the best software for what you will be doing, because the best software for one application may not be the best software for another. And you must also realize that generally one software package won't do everything you need to do. In my personal workflow, I use Autocad to lay out my drawing in 2D, then I import that 2D drawing to Max for modeling. Then I may export out some elements of my model to ZBrush for sculpting in detail and then import it back in to Max for rendering. I also use a 3rd party Max plug-in called Onyx Treestorm for trees and shrubs. Then, after rendering, I use Photoshop to put the finishing touches on the rendered image.

So, regardless of which 3D package you choose, my best advice would be to learn Photoshop. In my opinion, it is the best piece of software ever created, and it is the program that I most enjoy working with.

Oh, and yes, Autocad 3D is probably the worst program to use for 3D. It's clunky and cumbersome and it will drive you crazy just trying to do the simplest things. That's my opinion anyway.

Yup, fair comments there, I always liked 3dsmax as I found it fairly intuitive to a point. And was thinking about dabbling again more for personal use and keeping myself entertained to be fair. Id say it will be to do anything from small parts as seen in some of these assignments upto a few room layouts etc...

Photoshop is awesome and I know my way around that as I also like photography so spend a fair bit of time twiddling.

Anyway was looking into 3dsmax again then saw that solidworks seemed to be popping up a fair bit on here which made me curious.