[chrisford]

Hello all -

For work, I need to create a set of diagrams, all of a similar style. You can see an example here.

I'm looking for an (ideally free) package that will allow me to model simple shapes and render the output. What's important to me is that the modelling package is simple to use (like everyone else, I struggle with the complexity of things like Studio Max and Maya!) and that the renderer can provide the type of 'clean' rendering style I'm after. Ideally, the renderer would also allow me to turn off 'object shadowing' - there's probably a better term, but to keep the 'graphic' quality of the images, I wouldn't want shadow's cast on to other objects; just self-shadowing.

Currently, I'm working in Illustrator which gives great control, but is somewhat time-consuming.

I hope this makes sense - will look forward to hearing your recommendations.

[JonoMarshall]

What do you need to do that can't be done with Illustrator? Have you trialed CS3 and the more advanced 3D options it features (you'd have a month to get everything done)?

[chrisford]

Originally Posted by JonoMarshall 

What do you need to do that can't be done with Illustrator? Have you trialed CS3 and the more advanced 3D options it features (you'd have a month to get everything done)?

Hi Jono -

I'm under the impression that these kind of diagrams would be quicker in a 3d package - it's very possible I'm dreaming tho'..! At the moment, I'm using a combination of primitives in Illustrator, and much use of Pathfinder > Unite and Join Points to get things looking okay. That done, I'm having to fiddle with gradients to get the shading I'm after. All fun to do, but takes a few hours per diagram.

I'm not very experienced with 3d modellers, and might be better off sticking with what I know.

[JonoMarshall]

If you want to create some 3D shapes in Illustrator it can be done with other quick (although often crude) commands such as the Extrude & Bevel 3D filter. Google creating quick 3D objects in Illustrator and you might find there's an easy way to do it with what you currently have.

[legacyb4]

Bryce 5.5 is out for a free download; maybe there are tools you can use in that to accomplish your tasks?

[roller]

Legacy... you beat me to it.

Bryce has a good reputation and, hey! It's free to try....

[chrisford]

Thanks for the replies everyone - I think I'll give Bryce a go (I haven't tried that app since my 7200/90); it looks like I need to upgrade my copy of Illustrator to get the 'extrude' function that newer releases have.

[gbhgbh]

I would recommend SketchUp.

[harveylukman]

yeah I use Sketchup and import it to Artlantis to give better lighting and radiosity.
Artlantis is a very fast rendering software.

[chrisford]

Ah, Artlantis looks interesting - I have a version of Sketchup which I've fiddled with, but I hadn't thought of exporting the models into another renderer.

Thanks for the advice all.