All About 3DCoat: What is it and What is it Used For?

In the realm of 3D graphics, professionals typically utilize several programs. The choice of applications largely depends on the preferences of the 3D artist or studio pipeline. For instance, sculpting may be done in ZBrush, retopology in TopoGun, baking details in Marmoset Toolbag, texturing in Substance Painter, and so forth.

3DCoat is a multifunctional program for 3D modeling. With it, users can bring their ideas to life in 3D—from the blocking stage to a textured model ready for integration into a project.

3DCoat is suitable for modeling both organic objects (such as humans, animals, plants) and hard surfaces (like machinery, weapons, vehicles). Content created in this program can be used as in-game assets, in the layout of 3D scenes in concept art, and even for 3D printing. Additionally, 3DCoat offers numerous features that minimize the need for multiple applications for further model refinement.

Although Pilgway actively promotes its product in educational institutions worldwide, the program has not yet become an industry standard. This might be due not only to the difficulty studios face in changing their primary set of production tools but also because of the values held by the developers of 3DCoat. Being religious individuals, they urge users to refrain from creating content in 3DCoat that could harm children and to avoid themes related to violence, eroticism, and witchcraft, even though such a decision could negatively impact sales.

Given that most AAA studio projects are aimed at adult audiences and sometimes contain content of such themes, the developers' request could pose a hurdle for integrating 3DCoat into the workflow.

Advantages of 3DCoat:

Ease of Learning: The program interface is available in 70 languages, including Russian. Each mode comes with pop-up tooltips that thoroughly explain the entire process. While the abundance of text in pop-up windows may confuse some users, careful reading of the content will save a lot of time in subsequent work in the application. Additionally, the 3DCoat website provides detailed documentation.

Versatility: A wide range of 3D modeling tools allows for the execution of numerous tasks within a single application—from creating high-polygon models and unique textures to optimizing UV unwrapping and retopology. It's worth noting that the program also includes tools for photogrammetry, kitbashing, and even its own scene rendering system using Pixar's Renderman engine.

Simplifies Concept Art Creation: With the convenient organization of the modeling and texturing process in real-time, users can assemble a 3D scene in compressed timeframes.

Optimization: The Multi-Resolution feature in sculpting mode allows users to increase the model's detail level to several million triangles while maintaining good performance even on weaker systems. This operation enables users to work on individual parts of the model in greater detail and then return to the previous level of detail.