Inivis AC3D 6.0 review

Inivis' AC3D is a bargain. This sophisticated 3D modelling program costs just $70 (around £42), which is a mere fraction of what you would normally expect to pay for 3D software of this type.

Like most 3D programs, AC3D starts you off by getting you to create a series of primitives - standard geometric shapes, such as cubes, spheres and cylinders - that you can modify or combine to create more complex shapes. You can also draw two-dimensional lines and shapes and extrude them into three dimensions. The program has a built-in library of sample models such as cars and planes that you can experiment with to help you get an idea of how things work.

To create any of these objects, just select the relevant tool from the main tool palette and click in the program's 3D workspace. By default, the program has a split-screen display that allows you to view your objects from several different angles. That can be confusing at times, but you also have the option to switch over to a single 3D view if you prefer.

These are all conventional features for a 3D graphics program, but AC3D has other features that make it quick and easy to bring your designs to life. The key feature is the ability to sub-divide shapes. You can create a simple object, such as a car or a house, by combining a few rectangles and cubes. The end result may look something like a lump of Lego, all square and blocky, but if you select the sub-division command, the program breaks down each flat surface into a series of smaller surfaces and smoothes out the edges between surfaces to give the object a more realistic appearance. You can select individual surfaces or vertices (that is, the corner points on each surface) and adjust these to make even more delicate adjustments to the shape of your model.

This makes it very easy to create professional-looking 3D designs quickly. However, there are other areas where AC3D is more limited. You can alter the colour or transparency of objects, but the program doesn't have much in the way of texture effects, such as glass or metal, that you can add to objects. It also relies on other programs to perform the final rendering of 3D images, calculating the appearance of lighting effects, surface textures and other complex visual properties.

AC3D works best as a kind of 3D sketching tool, allowing you to create and visualise 3D designs in some detail before exporting them to a more sophisticated 3D program, such as AutoCAD, where you can add all the finishing touches that will complete your design.

At this price, AC3D is very good value and could prove a welcome addition to the software library of any experienced 3D designer, or a cheaper starter package for those who want to learn the ropes.