Working with 3D animation is one of the most demanding skills in contemporary art, requiring not only knowledge about 3D models but also a deep understanding of shot composition, game engines, renderers, and animation software.

In this article we focus on six best free 3D animation software for both beginners and professionals compatible with Windows, ensuring you have the tools to start your animation journey without breaking the bank. These programs offer high-quality features and user-friendly interfaces, making them ideal for those just starting out. And of course, we don’t forget about VSDC Video Editor: we'll share some handy tips for creating 3D objects in a 2D editing tool!

Key Takeaways

1. 3D Editing Tricks in VSDC Video Editor
2. What Defines Good 3D Animation Software?
3. Factors to Consider When Choosing Free 3D Animation Software
4. Best Free 3D Animation Software:
   • Blender;
   • K-3D;
   • Tinkercad;
   • Daz Studio;
   • Wings 3D;
   • UE4.
5. FAQ

3D Editing Tricks in VSDC Video Editor

VSDC Video Editor is a great video editing tool for both beginners and professionals boasting a range of powerful features. Unlike specialized 3D editing software, which can be complex and time-consuming to learn, VSDC provides a straightforward alternative that meets most editing needs without requiring you to learn new software. And if you are accustomed to working with VSDC, you wouldn’t probably want to start learning new software. However, if you're looking to incorporate 3D elements to your footage, there's no need to worry. VSDC allows you to easily create basic 3D shapes within your projects. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Create a new project and add your files (the elements of the upcoming animation) to the timeline by dragging and dropping them from the file explorer or by using the Add object option on the Editor tab. You can also create shapes using the tools on the left-hand menu.
2. Organize these objects on different layers.
3. Go inside the first object by double-clicking on it. Add Perspective: Video effects >> Transforms >> Perspective and click Ok in the pop-up window.
4. Select the Perspective effect on the timeline and navigate to the Properties window. Switch Mode to Bind to service points and click the Add tracking points button. Tracking points appear at the edges of your object right on the scene. You can move them by holding the mouse button and dragging them, adjusting the perspective to achieve the desired result.
5. Apply the same steps to other objects. Then you can add animation to add some dynamics to our 3D object. In our example we use Fade in: Add this effect inside each file by navigating to Video effects >> Transparency >> Fade in and adjust its duration. Repeat for the rest of the files, go back to Scene 0 and position objects on the timeline the way you want them to appear on the scene.

Download the editor and free try!

A quick lifehack: You can also manually make a 3D text in VSDC! Just check the illustration below:

If you find these capabilities insufficient for more advanced 3D editing needs, such as building and thoroughly editing realistic 3D objects, stay tuned: below we are going to consider six video editing programs that offer robust tools for 3D editing, each with unique strengths and features to help bring your 3D animation projects to life.

What Defines Good 3D Animation Software?

A good 3D animation tool allows you to tell compelling stories, evoke emotions, and create engaging worlds and characters. It should provide the capabilities to shape, manipulate, and control scenes, ensuring that your creative vision can be fully realized. Control over the flow of the story and the ability to work from different angles are essential features that enhance the storytelling experience for your audience.

Selecting the right 3D animation software can greatly impact the efficiency, quality, and adaptability of your animation projects, whether it's a hobby or your profession. The right software, equipped with a wide variety of tools that suit your needs and goals, can bring your artistic ideas to life and help you achieve the desired results. An ideal software solution should be lightweight yet functional, easy to use, and preferably affordable. And finally, availability of user tutorials matters a lot: it is the best way to master new soft.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Free 3D Animation Software

Choosing the right 3D animation software is a critical step for beginners and professionals alike, as it sets the foundation for their journey in animation. With a great number of options available, understanding the key features that differentiate good software from bad can simplify this decision. Here are the essentials to consider when selecting free 3D animation software:

1. Versatility: For beginners, starting with software that is widely used by major studios can be beneficial. Blender, for instance, is a popular choice known for its robust features and extensive library of tutorials that makes it an excellent learning tool, helping users overcome common challenges and grow skills.
2. Interface: An intuitive user interface with clear navigation and customizable tools is crucial for enhancing productivity and minimizing the learning curve, especially for beginners. A well-designed interface can significantly impact the ease with which new users can adapt to the software. Tinkercad, for example, is truly appreciated for its user-friendly interface, making it a great starting point for novices.
3. Features: The range of features and capabilities offered by the software directly influences its suitability for various animation projects. Look for advanced tools for modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, and rendering.
4. Compatibility: Compatibility and integration with other software applications and file formats is essential for seamless workflow integration. Ensure that the chosen software can easily exchange data with popular tools and platforms used in the animation pipeline. E.g., UE4 is known for its robust integration capabilities, making it a valuable asset for complex animation projects.
5. Price: Consider the cost of acquiring the software, including upfront fees, subscription plans, and licensing options. Evaluate the return on investment (ROI) based on your budget, project requirements, and long-term career goals. Free software like Blender and K-3D can provide a cost-effective way to start without sacrificing quality.

Best Free 3D Animation Software

1. Blender

When it comes to free 3D animation software, the first thing that comes to your mind is Blender, an indispensable tool for both beginners and professionals. This is an open-source animation program that offers a comprehensive array of features and functions, some of which are only available in the paid versions of advanced animation software. Blender supports the entire three-dimensional pipeline, including video editing, motion tracking, rendering, simulating, compositing, animating, rigging, and modeling. It is used to create video games, animated feature films, visual effects, and much more. With a plethora of tools that surpass even some full versions of best-selling graphics software, Blender is an all-in-one 3D animation tool suitable for a wide range of applications, from hobbyist projects to professional 3D architectural designs. For those aiming to create professional-level 3D animations, Blender is the perfect software to master.

2. K-3D

K-3D is a free 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software that stands out for its flexibility and powerful features. It combines a user-friendly interface familiar to those already proficient in other platforms with a robust, node-based visualization pipeline that simplifies complex animations. K-3D supports procedural and parametric workflows, allowing real-time adjustments and immediate feedback. Its versatility is enhanced by the ability to modify one side of a model while viewing the mirrored other side in real time, demonstrating changes instantaneously across the workflow.

3. Tinkercad

TinkerCAD is a user-friendly computer-aided design (CAD) software, tailored for animation creators without prior modeling experience. It offers an intuitive, mouse-driven interface that simplifies the process of designing and recreating both 2D and 3D models. Users can effortlessly modify or combine different shapes and objects, incorporate movements, and design circuits with customizable shapes. The drag-and-drop functionality facilitates the creation of complex designs, making TinkerCAD an ideal choice for beginners, especially those on a limited budget.

4. Daz Studio

Daz Studio is a favorite among hobbyists and beginners in 3D animation, offering a user-friendly platform that enhances workflow through smart shortcuts and a rich array of customizable options. This free software not only allows users to acquire pre-made models from its marketplace but also to start with presets that can be tailored to one's preferences. Daz Studio stands out with its comprehensive 3D Content Marketplace and its ability to produce photo-realistic animations and images thanks to its studio-class processing. The software’s extensive content library and advanced character system enable users to create detailed, lifelike scenes and characters from scratch, making it possible to design an entire universe with unique, visually-stunning details.

5. Wings 3D

Wings 3D is an advanced open-source 3D modeling tool, specifically designed for creating low to mid-range models suitable for gaming animation. Utilizing a unique winged data structure to manage coordinate and adjacency data, Wings 3D offers basic OpenGL rendering, a virtual mirror for symmetrical modeling, and comprehensive surface modeling and texture mapping capabilities. These features make it particularly effective for users focused on 3D asset creation, providing both basic and advanced tools that cater to the needs of both beginners and professionals alike.

6. UE4

Unreal Engine stands as a formidable platform for 3D modeling, providing a comprehensive suite of tools that streamline the creation of complex models and animations. This step-by-step guide demonstrates how Unreal Engine simplifies the 3D modeling process, catering to both simple and intricate project requirements. With tips on optimizing your workflow, Unreal Engine offers various plugins to enhance efficiency at different development stages. The software's large array of tools and options, though initially daunting, becomes manageable with guidance on effective model creation, including using duplicate versions for safety and minor adjustments via the transform tab. Furthermore, the guide emphasizes the use of ready-made assets from Unreal Engine's marketplace to save time, illustrating the software's versatility in accommodating both bespoke and pre-built solutions.

Conclusion

Are you ready to embark on your first animation project? The range of animation software we've outlined is quite various, but you can definitely find something to fulfill your ideas and create dynamic 3D animation. Mastering any 3D animation software requires practice, much like any skill in life, but persistence pays off. We trust that our guide to the best free 3D animation software for beginners has provided you with valuable insights.

FAQ

Is free 3D animation software any good?

Absolutely! Above we’re highlighting some of the best free software options that we find best for making a professional-like animation for free.

Which free 3D animation software is the easiest to learn?

Blender is a good option for its extensive range of tutorials, and K-3D is favored by many users for its straightforward layout, making it easier to master.

I want to create character animations, which software is best?

For character animations, the best software depends on your specific needs and skill level. E.g. Blender is versatile for modifying or combining different shapes and objects, incorporating movements, and even designing detailed environments or characters. For beginners, Tinkercad is a user-friendly option to create dynamic 3D character animation.

My computer is older, will it run free 3D animation software?

Yes, 3D animation software can be demanding, requiring high-performance computers with sufficient processing power, memory, and graphics capabilities; some lighter software options may still be suitable for older systems.

Where can I find tutorials and resources for learning these free programs?

A wealth of tutorials and learning resources can be found on YouTube and the official websites of the software programs.

Welcome to the next level of video editing with VSDC's latest release, Version 9.1! Packed with an array of fresh features and enhancements, this update is designed to make your video editing experience more efficient, enjoyable and creative.

We're eager to introduce support for RAW and BRAW file formats, addressing the demand for high-quality video editing capabilities. Additionally, with VSDC 9.1, video editing becomes even more flexible since a long-awaited new transitions addition method is available, making it easier to apply and adjust these effects. Then, for a bit of holiday spirit, we have already introduced 70+ Christmas-themed templates – we hope you've already enjoyed them during the festive season. And the Audio waveform option is now available in the Free version! Do you want to learn the details? Keep reading as we are going to delve into every feature of the new update below.

Download VSDC Video Editor 9.1

RAW and BRAW Files Support

Blackmagic cameras developed by Blackmagic Design have become increasingly popular for their high-quality video output and versatility compared to other professional cameras. In response to users’ requests, VSDC has integrated long-awaited support for RAW and Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) files that offer high quality, bit depth, dynamic range and good performance. Now you can easily edit RAW and BRAW files in VSDC by adjusting color grading, applying embedded Blackmagic LUTs or creating your own ones and converting new formats to MP4 or other ones.

New Method to Add Transitions

VSDC 9.1 introduces a new, more intuitive way of adding transitions between files. This update makes this process more efficient, allowing for a smoother workflow: now transition effects can be easily applied to several files at once without numbers of distracting extra tabs on the timeline.

A Brand-New Collection of Christmas Templates

In the spirit of the holiday season, VSDC has added over 70 Christmas-themed models to the template library designed to add that extra touch of holiday magic. Each template can be easily applied to a video and customized to fit your style. The only thing you need is to synchronize with the server, so then you can enjoy this dazzling Christmas collection, perfect for festive greetings or year-end recaps!

Free Audio Waveform

The Audio waveform option can make the audio editing process even more convenient than ever since you can process audio files easily with visual assistance. It may be quite useful when you need to cut out some audio fragments or while applying audio effects. Great news: starting from VSDC 9.1, this option is available for free!

Advanced Audio and Video Codec Settings

Video and audio codec settings at the export stage used to be available for quite a limited number of codecs. Now, video editing just got more flexible with the introduction of advanced codec settings for Video codecs MPEG1, MPEG2, MJPEG, PhotoJpeg, PNG, GIF, SORENSON, FLV, H263, MPEG4, and Audio codecs AC3, MS ADPCM, MS GSM610, AMRNB, AMRWB, OPUS, OGG Vorbis, as well as hardware Mpeg2. This provides users with more control over the final output, ensuring compatibility and optimized performance across various platforms. In addition, Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) has been added to the list of available codecs.

Enhanced User Customization and Interface

VSDC has always been about user-friendly customization, and this update takes it a step further. Users can now restore deleted default configurations within the Panes position settings in the Panes manager. This feature enhances workflow efficiency and personalization.

Improved Shift Effect

The Shift effect has been significantly enhanced with the addition of a clipping disable mode ensuring none of your footage gets lost while applying it. Moreover, a percentage offset mode has been added for more precise Shift level setting.

Cursor Position Option on Timeline

Enhancing timeline navigation, VSDC now allows users to use the Cursor position, which is generally available by right-clicking the object on the timeline. Another convenient way to use it is to right-click the time scale area on the Timeline, bringing up the same useful options. This feature improves precision and ease of use in editing, since more and more features are within easy reach.

Standardized File Selection Dialog Boxes

Aligning with the modern Microsoft interface, all file selection dialog boxes in VSDC have been standardized. This change enhances the overall user experience, making the interface more streamlined.

Remembering Cutting and Splitting Window Position

Addressing users’ convenience, Cutting and splitting window in VSDC now remembers its position after closing. Even this minor improvement saves you plenty of time while adjusting the interface to your convenience, so you don’t need to think about trivial matters like this anymore.

Discover the Latest VSDC Release

Any reasons to wait? Try out these new features and experience the enhanced capabilities of VSDC 9.1 firsthand. Whether it's fine-tuning professional projects or just bringing a dash of holiday cheer for a New Year party, we believe you'll find something in this update that will inspire your creativity and streamline your editing process.

As usual, our new update is available on our official website, and if you have any more questions or need a helping hand, our VSDC support team is just an email away at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and don’t miss our educational guides on Youtube.

Download VSDC Video Editor 9.1

Are you a fan of classic black and white films? Ever been curious about how they would appear if they were in color? Many filmmakers have pondered the same, leading to numerous classic movies being colorized. Over the years, the technique for adding color to black and white movies has significantly advanced — from manually painting each frame to using cutting-edge software that colors each pixel automatically, significantly speeding up the process. Today we’ll see how colorization works, exploring how yesterday's black and white movies that we enjoy so much are reimagined in full, vivid color and learn how to enhance similar color techniques in VSDC Video Editor.

Key Takeaways

• Early Colorization Techniques (1890s-1960s);
• The Rise of Digital Colorization (1970s-Present);
• Helpful Ideas of How to Work with Color in VSDC;
• FAQ.

Early Colorization Techniques (1890s-1960s)

The dawn of color films dates back to around 1895. Initially, color brought to black and white films served as a "special effect" that captivated and attracted audiences and critics alike. Before the introduction of Technicolor, which later captured a full spectrum of lifelike colors, early colorists did their best to explore available techniques and experiment.

Interesting point: Costumes, scenery and makeup in these films were selected for their effectiveness in black-and-white rather than their realism and sometimes looked rather strange when shooting. For example, Alfred Hitchcock used chocolate syrup instead of stage blood for better effect in black and white in his movies. If "Psycho" was colorized with modern techniques, the program would interpret the "blood" as chocolate brown instead of red. Given these constraints, colorists undertook extensive research to accurately select color palettes. They analyzed the film's dialogue for contextual clues, conducted historical research, and consulted with individuals involved in the original production.

However, the process was expensive: the cost of colorizing a full-length black and white movie amounted to around $350,000 since the earliest methods of film colorization were entirely done by hand directly onto film strips. The first full-length feature film made by this hand-coloring process premiered in 1912. This manual coloring process persisted into the 1920s, sometimes involving stencils cut from a second print of the film for guidance. Techniques like this were used for individual shots and, on rare occasions, an entire feature-length film, demonstrating the extensive efforts and artistic dedication in the early days of cinema colorization.

The Rise of Digital Colorization (1970s-Present)

By the mid-1980s, progress in computer technology made it possible to colorize black and white movies and TV shows. Proponents of this technology argued that adding color made these old classics more appealing to contemporary audiences, potentially reviving their popularity and creating new revenue streams through television syndication and VHS sales. Nevertheless, audiences were thrilled to see their favorite black-and-white movies in color: Roger L. Mayer, president and COO of Turner Entertainment Co., testified before the Senate in 1988 that the audience for these colorized versions was five to ten times larger than that of their black and white counterparts over the previous twenty years.

The process of colorization was primarily carried out by two companies, Color Systems Technology, Inc. and Colorization, Inc., using a similar method. This involved digitally scanning the film and decomposing the first frame of each scene into pixels. The software would then analyze the gray values to infer the original colors used during filming. Once these colors were determined, they would be consistently applied to the corresponding pixels until the scene changed. This digital approach streamlined the colorization process, allowing for more efficient handling of the extensive frames involved in film, thereby modernizing the accessibility and appearance of historical cinematic works.

Helpful Ideas of How to Work with Color in VSDC

Nowadays, advanced AI tools are employed to colorize black and white movies, a task generally reserved for professionals due to copyright concerns. Despite this, VSDC Video Editor offers various techniques for creatively working with color and combining black and white elements in your footage or music video to provide a fresh perspective.

Within VSDC, you can:

• Adjust Brightness and Contrast: Utilize RGB curves to fine-tune the brightness and contrast of your video, enabling precise color grading;
• Advanced Color Correction: Take advantage of the Scopes window, Vectorscope, Hue, Saturation, Value effects and Lift, Gamma & Gain color wheels to make sophisticated color adjustments;
• Work with Color Keyframes: This feature lets you create your own effects by modifying colors dynamically over time;
• Create a Complex VHS Effect: Recreate the nostalgic look of VHS recordings with a series of adjustments and effects;
• Isolate Color: Create a black and white video highlighting one colorful object;
• Recreate Color Corrections from Famous Movies: Try your hand at mimicking the color grading seen in well-known films like Barbie or Oppenheimer).

These tools make VSDC a formidable option for both amateur and professional video editors looking to elevate the visual quality of video projects.

Wrapping up

The practice of colorizing black and white movies is a contentious one, as it can alter the original artistic intentions of the filmmakers. While some argue that this process detracts from the aesthetic and historical value of these films, others believe it enhances accessibility for modern audiences by breathing new life into classic cinema. Colorization requires a delicate balance of artistic skill, historical research, and technical expertise to achieve a result that is both convincing and visually appealing.

While film colorization may not be as essential today, VSDC, a leading video editor for Windows, allows users to apply filters, perform color corrections, and experiment with color isolation. These features enable filmmakers and enthusiasts to enhance and modernize their videos while still honoring and preserving the original artistry. For further assistance, reach out to us on social networks on Facebook, YouTube, or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

FAQ

How Black and White Movies Were Colorized?

The process is known as film colorization where old black-and-white movies are first converted into a digital format and then, with the help of computer software, individual objects are colorized one frame at a time.

How long does it take to colorize a black and white movie?

The overall time of colorizing black and white movies may vary based on the length of the film and the method used. Hand-painting each frame, the original method, could take months or even years for a feature-length film while digital colorization is faster but still labor-intensive; it can take several weeks to several months to complete.

Are there any black and white movies that were originally filmed in color but released in black and white?

Yes, there are indeed instances where movies were originally filmed in color but were released in black and white, often due to artistic decisions or distribution strategies. A notable example is "The Mist" (2007), directed by Frank Darabont. While primarily released in color, Darabont preferred the black and white version, which he felt better captured the intended bleak, moody atmosphere of the film, reminiscent of old TV horror shows and movies. This version is available on DVD as a special feature.

Welcome to the latest VSDC update, Version 8.3! We've been working hard and we’re ready to present a feature-packed release for you to discover an exciting array of over 100 fresh free video templates, a long-awaited Key Editor window for keyframe editing, AV1 encoding and enhanced graphical user interface for better navigation and upgrading your editing journey.

We're excited to share these features with you and can't wait to see how they elevate your creative projects. Now, let’s take a closer look at each part of this update.

Let’s explore each part of this update in more detail.

Download VSDC Video Editor 8.3

100+ New Templates

Over 100 Brand-New free video Templates! They are designed to take your video projects to new heights, offering a wide range of creative possibilities. Our expanded template collection includes stunning gradient backgrounds with smooth color transitions, YouTube presets, basic graphic elements like circles, frames, and shapes, giving your content a professional and polished look. You'll also find dynamic counters for captivating countdowns, statistic displays, or time-related content, as well as progress bars for tracking advancements. Additionally, we've introduced a Template Preview window for your convenience, making the creative process even more effortless. Give your videos a new lease of life with these animated templates!

Key Editor

Keyframes are crucial for creating animated effects, motion graphics and working with color correction. This is a great tool for your video editing experience so we’ve decided to introduce Key Editor window to simplify keyframes editing. For now you can forget about time-consuming window switching and work with multiple objects simultaneously. We hope that these improvements will add to your convenience and empower you to elevate the narrative and visual appeal of your content more efficiently in VSDC 8.3.

AV1 Encoding

In the new version of VSDC 8.3, we have added support for the AV1 codec for exporting in AVI, MP4, WebM, MKV and MOV formats. This means better video quality with smaller file sizes, speeding up uploads and opening up more possibilities for publishing on various online platforms. And the best part is that it's free!

Timeline Layers

In our new version, we have implemented some important changes in timeline layer management to make it more convenient. Now, objects are sorted into layers when pasted, allowing you to set the order of element display on the timeline more precisely. In addition, we've added a convenient feature to paste objects to cursor position, making it quick and easy to place elements on the timeline.

Optimized Navigation

To make navigating easier, we’ve elaborated searching tools in the properties menu of the objects located on the timeline, object explorer and template window by adding the features ‘Find object in…’, ‘Show in folder’, ‘Find resource in…’ . These options are designed to simplify the process for users who need to deal with complex projects consisting of numerous elements. Additionally, ‘Split into parts’ and ‘Cut out fragment’ tools are now conveniently located just above the timeline making the video editing and trimming process more intuitive and efficient. What’s more, we have added new workspace configurations Compact, Parameters, Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve that can easily adjust to resolutions 1360*760, 1600*900 and 1920*1080.

Sprite Management

Previously, it was possible only to convert objects within the scene resolution while working with sprites. In the new version, we have added the option to convert objects within objects resolution, allowing you to preserve all details and effects within the sprite without cropping or losing information.

Discover the Latest VSDC Release

Don't miss out on the chance to experience the latest version of VSDC Video Editor! VSDC 8.3 is now available for downloading on our official website.

If you have any questions or need assistance, our support team is here for you. Reach out to us via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through Facebook and Twitter.

Stay tuned for the latest updates by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Your feedback drives us to continually improve and provide you with the best video editing experience possible. Discover a world of exciting possibilities with VSDC 8.3!

Download VSDC 8.3 now