• Produce stunning 3D graphics and animations with 3D software.3D image by Eagle from Fotolia.com
  
  3D software creates three-dimensional computer-generated graphics. The images seem to have depth, instead of appearing flat. Several industries use 3D software to create 3D models. Movie industry professionals use the software to create items and characters for film. Video game designers create 3D objects for computer and console games. Architects, engineers and doctors use the software to create detailed models of objects associated with their professions. A variety of 3D software packages is available.
  
  

Autodesk 3DS Max

• Autodesk 3DS Max provides professional-quality 3D modeling and animation. The market for this software includes professional animators, game and graphic designers and visual effects artists. Use the software to create 3D objects for games, graphics for television and movies and print design. As of 2010, Autodesk 3DS Max 2011 is the latest version of the software. The software works for Windows and Mac. Learn more about the product at store.autodesk.com.
  
  

Blender

• Blender is open source 3D software. It is one of the few 3D software programs freely available. The program's features include 3D animation, video post-processing and modeling. Blender is popular with amateur game and graphic designers. The software works with Windows, OS X, Linux, BSD, Solaris and Irix. Anyone can download a free, fully working copy of the software. Free online tutorials and a user manual are also available. Learn more about the product at blender.org.
  
  

Carrara

• Carrara is 3D modeling and animation software developed by DAZ 3D. Use the software for projects such as landscape design, digital art, game and video animations. Carrara 8 is the latest version of the software. It is available for Macs and Windows. Learn more about the product and view tutorials at daz3d.com.
  
  

Houdini

• Houdini is 3D animation software created by Side Effects Software. There are three versions of the software: Houdini Master, Houdini Escape and Houdini Batch. There is also a free version called Houdini Apprentice. The free version is for noncommercial use. All of the programs feature standard 3D capabilities, including 3D modeling and animation. They are available for Macs and Windows. Learn more about the programs at sidefx.com.