Substance 3D Modeler

Substance 3D Modeler is a highly versatile 3D modeling tool from Adobe, creators of the popular multimedia editing suite Creative Cloud which includes famous products such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, Lightroom, and many others. Windows only for now.

This app is part of Adobe Creative Cloud (20+ Apps and Services). It’s FREE for first 7 days, Try Now!



With Substance 3D Modeler, anyone can step into the world of 3D sculpting and prepare projects of various sizes to be easily deployed not only in general 3D rendering environments but also in VR worlds.

The core feature of this app is its ability to capture and interpret spatial inputs that the user is performing in the physical world, which then informs the working of the powerful sculpting tools in this highly effective 3D workshop app. By leveraging natural and fluid gestures that all of us can easily perform while wielding a drawing pen or a VR hand controller, this app enables anyone to become a true 3D artist.

Crucially, Adobe Substance 3D Modeler does not force the user to stick to just one workshop dashboard. This fully AR and VR-powered app empowers users to seamlessly switch between desktop and VR environments, enhancing the workflow by always matching the preference of the user and his current modeling requirements.

The app is well suited for projects of all sizes and types, from quick sketches and prototyping to the detailed modeling of a large school, freelance, or work projects that involve not only individual objects or props, but also entire scenes and virtual worlds.

The app is optimized for several types of content creation, with input algorithms supporting both free-flow organic sculpting and hard-surface object creation with built-in tools for creating, assembling, and carving primitive shapes into highly complex models.

As is expected from Adobe, the projects created in Substance 3D Modeler can effortlessly be moved with other apps created by this software giant. This includes creative apps such as Substance 3D Stager (for assembling and rendering complex 3D or VR scenes), Substance 3D Painter (for detailed texturing of 3D objects), Substance 3D Sampler (for creating new 3D materials from ordinary photos), and Substance 3D Designer (for automated creation of 3D visuals).

As of the time of this review, Substance 3D Modeler is only available as a Beta application that is available only to PC users running Windows 10 and Windows 11. The developers from Adobe are striving to release the full version of this highly versatile 3D modeling app as soon as possible.

Substance 3D Modeler is a groundbreaking piece of software that has taken the world of 3D modeling by storm. Developed by Adobe, this PC software application offers a wide array of powerful features and tools to create, edit, and manipulate 3D models with incredible precision and ease.

Whether you're a professional 3D artist or a hobbyist looking to dive into the world of 3D design, Substance 3D Modeler promises to be a game-changer.



Main Features

Intuitive Interface: It boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface that caters to both beginners and experienced 3D artists. The sleek design and easy navigation ensure that you can get started with your projects quickly.

Versatile Modeling Tools: The software includes a comprehensive set of modeling tools such as sculpting, polygon editing, and UV mapping. This versatility allows you to create intricate and detailed 3D models.

Material Authoring: It excels in material authoring, allowing you to create and edit textures, materials, and shaders with precision. The real-time feedback ensures you achieve the exact look you desire.

Parametric Modeling: With parametric modeling, you can easily make non-destructive changes to your models. Adjusting parameters becomes a breeze, offering flexibility in design exploration.

Procedural Workflow: The software leverages procedural workflows, enabling you to create complex patterns and designs with minimal effort. This is especially useful for generating textures and patterns for 3D assets.

Real-time Rendering: Enjoy real-time rendering of your models within the software, providing immediate visual feedback on how your creations will appear in the final output.

Export Options: It supports various export formats, ensuring compatibility with popular 3D software and game engines.

User Interface

Substance 3D Modeler's user interface is a true highlight. It strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. The layout is organized, with tools and panels neatly arranged for easy access.

The dark theme is not only visually appealing but also reduces eye strain during long design sessions.

The customizable workspace allows you to tailor the environment to your preferences, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Overall, the user interface is a testament to Adobe's commitment to providing an enjoyable and efficient design experience.



Installation and Setup

Installing the program is a straightforward process. Users can download the installer from Adobe's website and follow the on-screen instructions. The software runs on Windows 10 and later versions, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PC configurations.

Once installed, you'll need to activate the software using your Adobe ID or licensing credentials. The setup process is smooth, and you'll be up and running in no time.

How to Use

Creating a New Project: Launch the software and create a new project. Select the desired project settings, including units, resolution, and format.

Modeling: Use the various modeling tools to shape your 3D object. You can start from scratch or import existing models for modification.

Material Authoring: Dive into material authoring to apply textures, materials, and shaders to your model. Use the extensive library of materials or create your own from scratch.

Parametric Editing: Take advantage of parametric modeling to make non-destructive changes to your model. Adjust parameters to fine-tune your design.

Procedural Workflows: Experiment with procedural workflows to generate intricate patterns and textures.

Rendering: Utilize real-time rendering to see how your model looks in different lighting conditions.

Export: When your model is ready, export it in your preferred format for use in other 3D software or game engines.



FAQ

Is Substance 3D Modeler suitable for beginners?
Yes, Substance 3D Modeler's user-friendly interface and extensive documentation make it accessible to beginners. Adobe provides tutorials and resources to help new users get started.

Can I import 3D models from other software into Substance 3D Modeler?
Absolutely!! It supports various file formats, making it easy to import and edit existing 3D models.

Is Substance 3D Modeler a standalone software or part of a suite?
Substance 3D Modeler is a standalone software, but it seamlessly integrates with other Substance 3D tools, enhancing your 3D workflow.

What are the system requirements for Substance 3D Modeler?
The software requires Windows 10 or later, a multicore processor, at least 16GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card with DirectX 12 support.

Q5: Can I use Substance 3D Modeler for game asset creation?
A5: Yes, many game developers and artists use Substance 3D Modeler for creating high-quality 3D assets for games.



Alternatives

Blender: Blender is a free and open-source 3D modeling software known for its versatility and active community. It's an excellent choice for beginners and professionals alike.

Autodesk Maya: Maya is a popular choice for 3D modeling, particularly in the animation and film industry. It offers advanced modeling and animation features.

ZBrush: ZBrush is renowned for its sculpting capabilities and is widely used in the creation of detailed character models and organic shapes.

Cinema 4D: Cinema 4D is known for its user-friendly interface and is popular among motion graphics and 3D animation professionals.

3ds Max: Autodesk's 3ds Max is a comprehensive 3D modeling and animation software favored by professionals in architectural visualization and game development.

Pricing

It offers a subscription-based pricing model as part of the Adobe Substance 3D Collection (US$49.99/mo). The pricing may vary depending on your location and specific requirements.

Adobe typically offers various plans, including individual, student, and business licenses. Be sure to check Adobe's official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 11/10 (64-bit)
• Processor: Multi-core processor (Intel or AMD)
• RAM: 16GB or higher
• Graphics Card: Dedicated GPU with DirectX 12 support
• Storage: SSD recommended for improved performance
• Internet Connection: Required for software activation and updates

PROS

• User-friendly interface
• Versatile modeling and material authoring tools
• Real-time rendering
• Seamless integration with Substance 3D ecosystem
• Extensive library of materials
• Parametric modeling for non-destructive edits

CONS

• Subscription-based pricing may be a barrier for some users
• Steeper learning curve for beginners new to 3D modeling
• Requires a moderately powerful PC for optimal performance

Conclusion

All in all, Substance 3D Modeler, developed by Adobe, is a remarkable addition to the world of 3D modeling and design. Its intuitive interface, versatile tools, and seamless integration within the Substance 3D ecosystem make it a compelling choice for both professionals and enthusiasts. While it may have a learning curve for beginners, the extensive documentation and tutorials provided by Adobe can help users get up to speed quickly.

With its parametric modeling, real-time rendering, and material authoring capabilities, Substance 3D Modeler stands as a powerful and innovative solution for anyone looking to bring their 3D creations to life. If you're serious about 3D modeling and design, Substance 3D Modeler is a software worth considering for your toolkit.

Note: 7 days trial version.