Which Program?

[Anonymous]

I need help selecting the right program/s to buy.

I am working mostly as an artist/sculptor (mostly-retired architect). For years I purchased the standard Autodesk programs and ran them on PCs but I switched to Mac and now work on OSX Yosemite.

While mostly I work 2D, I am really interested in 3D as well.

I switched to Mac because Autodesk had a version finally. I have found the differences a pain to adjust to (trial version) but I think I am getting there.

My questions:

Should I stay with the LT version and another program to explore 3D (which one?)?

Or do I get the full Autocad and use it to generate 3D?

Should I look at other programs instead?

Everything I do is one-offs, so I do not need a huge corporate interconnection type system. I think I prefer to purchase over leasing.

Cost is an issue but if it is really worth it I will find a way.  I am frustrated by the planned obsolesence that seems part of this, but there I am just venting.

thank you for any input or opinions!

Megan

[pendean]

LT is not capable of 3D solids modeling. Wrong choice. It's great for 2D.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your reply!
I guess I meant to say I knew LT was good for 2D, but can I pull out the 2D drawings from LT and use them in another 3D program and if so, which one do you or others like?
Thanks again!

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Hi,

There a a lot of 3D Modelling software for Mac, each of them has it's own unique features:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_3D_computer_graphics_software

I'm having Rhinoceros 3D and Cheetah3D aboard.

Rhino was released recently and although the application does not have all the features available in the PC version, it has friendly interface and AutoCAD like workflow. Plus it could read and write DWG format directly.

I know that a lot of Mac users prefer SketchUp, but never tried it.

Maya and Cinema 3D are a good choice for animation.

Maxim

[Anonymous]

Thank you Maxim! I will look at the link you sent and the programs you mentioned. cheers!