Purpose and Overview
Anim8or is a versatile tool that allows users to interactively create and edit 3D objects, figures, and scenes. It is intended for both beginners and experienced 3D animators, providing a user-friendly interface and a range of powerful features to streamline the animation and modeling process.
Key Features
Editors
Anim8or includes four primary editors, each serving a distinct purpose:
- Object Editor: Used to build and refine static 3D models. This editor supports various modeling techniques such as mesh editing, subdivision, splines, extrusion, lathing, and more.
- Figure or Character Editor: Allows users to define the structure of characters by connecting jointed bones and attaching objects to them. It supports Inverse Kinematics (IK) for rapid animation of rigged characters.
- Movement or Sequence Editor: Here, users define segments of motion, such as a walk cycle, which can be linked together in the scene editor for longer sequences.
- Scene Editor: This is where users assemble their final scenes, placing objects, controlling their movement, setting camera locations, and adding various types of lighting.
User Interface and Navigation
The software features a user-friendly interface with two toolbars: one at the top for general commands and another on the left for mode-specific tasks. Users can control the view of their objects from multiple angles and switch between multiple views or a single view on the screen. The interface includes enhancements such as a new color scheme, larger toolbar buttons for touch-screen users, and anti-aliased 3D views for better visibility.
Modeling Capabilities
Anim8or offers robust modeling tools, including:
- Topographic Tool: Allows users to split faces, move, add, and dissolve points and edges.
- Layer Management: Enables users to assign components to different layers that can be locked or hidden.
- Import and Export: Supports importing and exporting files in .3DS, .OBJ, and .STL formats, making it compatible with 3D printing.
Animation Capabilities
The software provides several animation tools:
- Keyframe Animation: Users can set key frames to define the location, color, and size of elements, with the computer interpolating the values between these frames.
- Inverse Kinematics (IK): Facilitates the rapid animation of rigged characters by allowing the simultaneous positioning of multiple bones in a chain.
- Expressions and Scripts: Allows for more complex animations using small computer programs written in Anim8or’s scripting language. This feature simplifies tasks such as making a light blink or controlling an object’s visibility.
Rendering and Output
Anim8or supports rendering high-quality images in .jpg, .bmp, and .png formats, as well as .avi movie files. This allows users to save their work for later use or share it in various formats.
Additional Features
- TrueType Font Support: Allows for 2D and 3D extruded text using any TrueType font.
- OpenGL Based Real-Time Operation: Ensures smooth and efficient real-time rendering.
- Undo and Redo: Comprehensive undo and redo commands are available across all editors.
- Fast-Select and Arc-Rotate Modes: Enhance the selection and editing workflow by highlighting components and allowing temporary mode changes.
In summary, Anim8or is a powerful and user-friendly 3D animation and modeling software that offers a wide range of features to help users create complex 3D models, characters, and animations efficiently.