What's a good 3D design software?

I'd like to try my hand at designing some 3D models that will be compatible with Pepakura. I downloaded Metasequoia, only problem is that I can't read Japanese and for the life of me I can't find any English versions.

Is there similar software for 3D modeling that I can use?

Any and all responses will be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks all!

I've had the most fun with Google Sketchup:

http://sketchup.google.com/

...it's free, and really easy to use, although I've not done much extensive 3D modelling for Pepakura. It looks like only the pro version will export the right file formats, but it's worth a go with the free version to see if you like it first.

Hey bro! There is Blender, that is free software. For free software it is great! There is 3DStudioMax and Maya, both not so free haha... quite expensive actually. I think you can get the demo version or the student learning edition of maya for cheap or free. I love using Maya, any 3D work I've done was done using Maya

El1te

I copy that ... Maya is the best in 3D

But expensive ...

Manuel

I'm rather fond of 3ds Max, awesome software. Also, rather pricey, unless you use the bittorrent discount... *cough* I've Maya before as well, and agreed, it is amazing. You can do pretty much anything, although I found it a bit harder to use.

3DSMAX is an awesome program, maya is a bit harder to work with and requires some experience and knowledge of the program.

I can't remember the name of it. But there is free software to download. My friends use it and they have their design shop. I was amazed at what I saw considering they got this software for free and they use it to show comps to the customer. Very professional I must say!

I found texturing and UVing to be a lot easier in 3DSMax but I LOVE modeling in maya. I've got screencaps of some of the stuff I've done. See if I can scrounge them up.

El1te

STRATAVISION 3D!

Sweet! Thanks a bunch guys! I will look into all of those.

i used maya in school for 2 years. it's fantastic if you learn how to use it. not so sure if it's pepkura material if you don't know how to perfect a model.

There is also Cinema 4D which isn't bad. We also have a 3D plugin type program for Flash called Swift 3D that you can look into...

Personally I think maya, and rhino are easier for organics, but 3ds max is better for industrial.

There are quite a few programs though, and once you learn technique, its just a matter of applying it to the toolkit.

Oye. This stuff makes me drool. I'd love to learn to use something like that but $3000 price tags tend to run me off and I have personal issues with the bittorrent discount.

I'm trying to learn Blender myself at the moment, but whoever said ti was NOT user friendly was right. This thing makes adobe products look kid friendly.