Some of the software on this page is also mentioned on my computers page. However, on that page it is just mentioned as useful software that's available for free.
My current setup is to install Bryce 5.5c first, then D|S. This way you get a link within Bryce to directly open D|S, where you can load, equip, and pose some characters, and when you close D|S the scene appears in Bryce as a load of mesh objects.
The Programs
Poser
The only one that's NOT free. There appear to be three versions often mentioned when you find free 3D models:
- P4 - Poser 4
- PP - Poser Pro Pack
- P5 - Poser 5
Poser 7 seems to be the latest version, so I guess there's a Poser 6 somewhere!
Actually Poser 5 was very briefly available for free, but only for a few days in September 2006, and only if you were a member at Content Paradise). Since I missed it I needed an alternative, and found...
DAZ|Studio
This is free, and is able to use Poser models. It also integrates with Bryce (see next program), so you can equip and pose your characters in D|S, and then impo DAZ Studio (2.3.3.89, 115MB)
The following human characters are available from DAZ:
- Victoria - a realistic human female from DAZ. "Base", "Reduced Resolution" (RR), and an "SAE" (whatever that means!)
- Michael - a realistic human male from DAZ
- Aiko - a stylized (anime) human female from DAZ. Only the "LE" version of
- Hiro - a stylized (anime) human male from DAZ
- Sara - a cartoon style human female from DAZ (aka "3D Universe Sara").
Bryce
Now owned by DAZ 3D, previously by MetaCreations. See Wikipedia's Bryce page for more. An earlier version, Bryce 5.5c (at Jan09 the latest non-free version is Bryce 6), is free from download.com (123MB). The latest version (6) is available (at a cost) from . There's also a Manual linked from Artzone, and a Bryce 5.5c update (not necessary - the version at download.com is 5.5c) at DAZ.
Blender
Blender (2.48a)
Terragen
TerraGen (0.9.43)
The Content - Or "Where Can I Get Free 3D Models"
Basic human characters (or "people" if you prefer).
Please note that some of these 3D models include genitalia, with varying degrees of realism. I take absolutely no responsibility for anything you find that may offend your delicate sensitivities!
DAZ 3D
When I originally installed D|S I found that I had no content! I checked the user guide and found reference to some default models. I emailed the folks at DAZ and they kindly suggested that I look at my "Available Downloads" after logging in on their website<, and there it was!
I was also lucky in that several basic model packs were made available for free on the DAZ website
- Victoria 3 Base
- Michael 3 Base
- Aiko 3 LE
- Hiro 3
Sixus1 Media
These people have lots of freebies available. Their main human characters are:
- Project Human: Male
- Project Human: Female
- Project Human: Low Resolution Female
- Project Human: Adam
- Project Human: H.I.M.
- H.E.R.
Anton Kesiel Designs
Only one, but it's a goodie!
- Apollo Maximus
I've discovered the following free characters:
In addition there appear to be
- Posette - the original female character for Poser (aka "P4 Nude Female")
- David -
- Stephanie -
- Stephanie Petite -
- G2 Female - Poser 7?
A Few Basic Characters
Start off with
