Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Microsoft 3D Builder VS 3D-Coat

Compare Microsoft 3D Builder VS 3D-Coat and see what are their differences

Microsoft 3D Builder logo Microsoft 3D Builder

View, capture, personalize, and print 3D models.

3D-Coat logo 3D-Coat

3D-Coat is the one application that has all the tools you need to take your 3D idea from a block of digital clay all the way to a production ready, fully textured organic or hard surface model.
  • Microsoft 3D Builder Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-02
  • 3D-Coat Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-28

Microsoft 3D Builder features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Microsoft 3D Builder has an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it accessible for beginners and non-professional users.
  • Integration with Windows
    As a Microsoft product, 3D Builder is well-integrated with Windows, ensuring smooth performance and compatibility with other Microsoft services.
  • Basic Editing Tools
    The software includes simple editing tools such as scaling, rotating, and texturing, which are sufficient for basic 3D modeling tasks.
  • 3D Printing Support
    3D Builder supports 3D printing, allowing users to easily print their models with minimal hassle.
  • 3D Scanning Functionality
    With the app's 3D scanning function, users can scan real-world objects and create digital 3D models directly from the scanned data.
  • File Format Compatibility
    Supports a range of 3D file formats such as STL, OBJ, and 3MF, making it easier to work with files from different sources.
  • Free of Charge
    Microsoft 3D Builder is available for free, making it an attractive option for those who need a cost-effective 3D modeling solution.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft 3D Builder

  • Limited Advanced Features
    The software lacks many of the advanced features found in more professional 3D modeling programs, making it less suitable for complex projects.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users report performance issues, particularly when working with larger or more complex models.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, new users may still face a learning curve, especially if they're unfamiliar with 3D modeling concepts.
  • Limited Platform Support
    It is only available on Windows, limiting accessibility for users who prefer or need to work on other operating systems like macOS or Linux.
  • Basic Texture and Color Options
    The software offers limited options for texturing and coloring models, which may not meet the requirements of users looking for detailed customization.
  • No Animation Features
    Microsoft 3D Builder does not support animation, which is a critical feature for users involved in creating animated 3D models for games or films.
  • Sparse Documentation
    The available documentation and tutorials are somewhat limited, which can hinder users trying to learn or troubleshoot the software.

3D-Coat features and specs

  • Versatile Toolset
    3D-Coat offers a wide range of features for 3D modeling, texturing, painting, and rendering, making it a versatile tool for artists across different disciplines.
  • Voxel Sculpting
    The software provides voxel sculpting capabilities, which allow for intricate and limitless detail without worrying about topology.
  • Retopology Tools
    3D-Coat is known for its powerful and efficient retopology tools, enabling users to quickly create clean and animation-ready mesh topology.
  • PBR Texture Painting
    It supports Physically Based Rendering (PBR) texture painting, allowing for realistic and high-quality textures that can be directly used in game engines.
  • Auto-Retopo Feature
    3D-Coat includes an auto-retopo feature, which automatically creates a topology for a model, saving significant time on manual retopology.
  • Affordable Price
    Compared to some other high-end 3D modeling software, 3D-Coat is relatively affordable, making it accessible for freelancers and small studios.
  • Active Community and Support
    There is an active community and a well-documented support system, including tutorials, forums, and customer service to help users solve problems.

Possible disadvantages of 3D-Coat

  • Steep Learning Curve
    New users may find the software overwhelming due to its extensive feature set, leading to a steep learning curve initially.
  • Limited Animation Tools
    3D-Coat lacks robust animation tools, making it less ideal for users who require extensive animation capabilities within their 3D modeling software.
  • Performance Issues with Complex Models
    The software may experience performance issues or slowdowns when dealing with very complex models or large scenes.
  • User Interface
    Some users may find the user interface to be less intuitive compared to other 3D modeling software, which can affect workflow efficiency.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Users have reported occasional bugs or instability in the software, which can disrupt the creative process if not addressed promptly.
  • Partial Industry Standard Compliance
    While 3D-Coat is powerful, it may not fully adhere to some industry standards or pipelines, requiring workarounds to integrate with other software.

Analysis of Microsoft 3D Builder

Overall verdict

  • Microsoft 3D Builder is a good choice for beginners or casual users interested in 3D modeling and printing who need a straightforward tool with basic features. However, it may not meet the requirements of professional users seeking advanced design capabilities.

Why this product is good

  • Microsoft 3D Builder is a user-friendly and basic 3D modeling application that allows users to create, edit, and print 3D models with ease. It supports a variety of file formats, offers a library of pre-designed models, and includes tools for viewing, editing, and customizing 3D objects. The integration with Windows makes it easily accessible for users looking for simple 3D printing functionalities.

Recommended for

    Beginners in 3D modeling, educators, hobbyists interested in 3D printing, and Windows users looking for a free and easy-to-use 3D design tool.

Analysis of 3D-Coat

Overall verdict

  • 3D-Coat is a highly capable and versatile tool that is widely appreciated in the 3D art community. Its combination of features, user-friendly interface, and consistent updates make it a strong choice for those looking to work in 3D modeling and texturing.

Why this product is good

  • 3D-Coat is considered good by many users due to its powerful sculpting tools, versatile texture painting capabilities, and robust retopology features. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for 3D modeling and texturing, which are well-suited for both beginners and experienced artists. The software also supports photogrammetry workflows and is continually updated, reflecting user feedback and industry trends.

Recommended for

    3D-Coat is recommended for 3D artists who are involved in sculpting, texture painting, and retopology work. It is well-suited for game developers, character artists, and anyone interested in creating detailed 3D models with rich textures. It is also beneficial for freelancers and studios that need an all-in-one tool for their 3D asset creation pipeline.

Microsoft 3D Builder videos

Microsoft 3D Builder Overview

More videos:

  • Review - A review of Microsoft 3D Builder ๐Ÿ’ป
  • Review - Microsoft 3D Builder: Easiest Program to Edit 3D Files

3D-Coat videos

3d coat

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Microsoft 3D Builder and 3D-Coat)
3D
22 22%
78% 78
Architecture
100 100%
0% 0
Digital Drawing And Painting
Photos & Graphics
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, 3D-Coat seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Microsoft 3D Builder mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Microsoft 3D Builder yet. Tracking of Microsoft 3D Builder recommendations started around Mar 2021.

3D-Coat mentions (2)

  • Russian game developers to avoid?
    I dont know but if you want to learn how to make assets for games (3d modeling, sculpting, pbr texturing and more) get 3dcoat, great software made in Ukraine ... Last week was their latest release... Right from Kyiv --. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Alternatives to substance painter for someone who can't run it?
    You could look into either Quixel Mixer https://quixel.com/mixer, Armor Paint https://armorpaint.org/, or 3D Coat https://3dcoat.com/. Source: about 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Microsoft 3D Builder and 3D-Coat, you can also consider the following products

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

Vectorworks - Vectorworks 2D / 3D CAD and BIM software for Mac or Windows provides one flexible solution for your entire design process. Sketch, model, and present with the ultimate software from start to finish.

ZBrush - ZBrush is a digital sculpting and painting software solution.

ArCADia-Architecture - ArCADia-Architecture is a revolutionary component for the instant creation of architectural documentation and object drawing.

Autodesk 3DS Max - 3ds Max is software for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and visualization. Create stunning game enrivonments, design visualizations, and virtual reality experiences.

SolidWorks - Dassault Systรจmes SolidWorks Corp. develops and markets 3D CAD design software, analysis software, and product data management software. SolidWorks is the leading supplier of 3D CAD product design engineering software.