Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Paint 3D VS Unreal Engine

Compare Paint 3D VS Unreal Engine and see what are their differences

Paint 3D logo Paint 3D

Paint 3D is a standalone graphic editing solution created by Microsoft.

Unreal Engine logo Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine 4 is a suite of integrated tools for game developers to design and build games, simulations, and visualizations.
  • Paint 3D Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-26
  • Unreal Engine Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-23

Paint 3D features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Paint 3D offers an intuitive and simple interface that makes it accessible for users of all skill levels, including beginners.
  • Free of Charge
    Paint 3D is available for free on Windows devices, providing access to 3D modeling and basic photo editing tools without any cost.
  • 3D Model Creation
    The software allows users to create, import, and customize 3D models, enriching creative projects with three-dimensional elements.
  • Integration with Windows
    Seamless integration with Windows 10 and later versions means it's optimized to work smoothly within the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Support for Various File Formats
    Paint 3D supports multiple file types including 3MF, FBX, STL, PLY, OBJ, allowing for versatile use cases and easier sharing.
  • Built-in Tutorials
    Paint 3D includes tutorials and guides to help new users learn how to use the tool effectively.

Possible disadvantages of Paint 3D

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While Paint 3D is good for basic tasks, it lacks advanced features found in professional-grade software, making it less suitable for complex projects.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users report performance issues, particularly on older or less powerful hardware, which can hamper the creative process.
  • Limited Customization Options
    Customization options for brushes and tools are relatively limited compared to more advanced programs, restricting detailed work.
  • Basic Text Editing
    Text editing capabilities are quite basic and may not meet the needs of users looking to integrate a lot of text into their designs.
  • Limited Export Options
    Export options are somewhat limited, which can complicate the process of using Paint 3D creations in other applications or for printing.
  • Learning Curve for 3D
    Despite its user-friendly design, those new to 3D modeling may still experience a learning curve, which can be frustrating.

Unreal Engine features and specs

  • High-Quality Graphics
    Unreal Engine is known for its ability to produce stunning, high-quality graphics and realistic environments, making it a preferred choice for AAA game development and high-fidelity visual projects.
  • Blueprint Visual Scripting
    Unreal Engine offers a visual scripting system called Blueprints, which allows designers to create complex game logic without any programming knowledge, streamlining the development process.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Unreal Engine provides robust support for multiple platforms, including PC, consoles, mobile devices, and VR/AR headsets, enabling developers to reach a wider audience with minimal hassle.
  • Large and Active Community
    The Unreal Engine community is large and active, offering extensive resources, tutorials, and forums which can be invaluable for troubleshooting and learning new techniques.
  • Regular Updates
    Epic Games frequently updates Unreal Engine, adding new features, improvements, and optimizations to keep developers equipped with the latest technology advancements.
  • Marketplace
    The Unreal Engine Marketplace offers a vast array of assets, ranging from 3D models to plugins, which can significantly speed up the development process by providing ready-to-use resources.

Possible disadvantages of Unreal Engine

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive features and capabilities, Unreal Engine can be challenging for beginners to master, requiring a significant investment of time and effort to learn.
  • High System Requirements
    Developing with Unreal Engine often requires a powerful computer with strong hardware specifications, which can be a barrier for developers with limited resources.
  • Large File Sizes
    Unreal Engine projects can result in large file sizes, which can be cumbersome to manage, particularly in terms of storage and transfer bandwidth.
  • Complexity for Simple Projects
    For smaller or simpler projects, the capabilities of Unreal Engine might be overkill, and using it can unnecessarily complicate development when compared to lighter engines.
  • Royalty Fees
    Unreal Engine imposes a royalty fee of 5% on gross revenue after the first $1 million USD per product per year, which can impact the profitability of commercial projects.
  • Less C++ Flexibility
    While Unreal Engine supports C++, the engine imposes certain constraints and abstractions that can limit the flexibility developers might need for highly customized or optimized code.

Analysis of Paint 3D

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Paint 3D is a good option for users looking for a simple and accessible tool for basic graphic design and 3D modeling. While it may lack the advanced features required by professional designers and artists, its ease of use makes it an excellent starting point for beginners and hobbyists.

Why this product is good

  • Paint 3D is a versatile and user-friendly application developed by Microsoft, aimed at both beginners and casual creators. It offers an intuitive interface, allowing users to perform basic 2D and 3D editing and creation. Its accessibility on Windows devices also makes it a convenient tool for users without the need for professional-grade software. Paint 3D includes features such as 3D object creation, texture application, and a variety of painting tools, making it suitable for basic design tasks.

Recommended for

    Paint 3D is recommended for casual users, students, and beginners who want to explore basic 3D design and painting. It's also a suitable choice for those seeking to experiment with digital creations without investing in specialized software.

Analysis of Unreal Engine

Overall verdict

  • Unreal Engine is generally considered a top-tier game engine suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. Its high-quality rendering, extensive feature set, and flexibility make it a preferred choice for creating AAA games, architectural visualizations, and even film production.

Why this product is good

  • Unreal Engine is popular due to its powerful graphics capabilities, versatility, and comprehensive toolset. It provides real-time 3D creation tools, robust support for high-resolution graphics, and a plethora of resources and documentation for developers. It is also free to use up to a certain revenue threshold, making it accessible for indie developers and large studios alike. Additionally, its blueprint visual scripting system offers non-programmers an approachable way to prototype and develop gameplay elements.

Recommended for

    Unreal Engine is recommended for game developers who require cutting-edge graphics and performance, individuals interested in virtual production, architects looking for detailed visualizations, and anyone wanting to work on large-scale, high-fidelity projects.

Paint 3D videos

MS PAINT Vs. PAINT 3D - Which Microsoft Art Program WINS?!

More videos:

  • Review - Paint 3D Review
  • Tutorial - Paint 3D Review | Windows 10 Paint 3D's First Tutorial

Unreal Engine videos

Why I switched over to Unreal Engine 4 From Unity 5

More videos:

  • Review - Unity vs Unreal Engine | Graphics, Workflow, Price, Level Design and More! (2017-2018)
  • Review - Game Development | Intro to Unreal Engine 4 | No Prior Programming Knowledge

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Paint 3D and Unreal Engine)
3D
17 17%
83% 83
Game Development
3 3%
97% 97
Digital Drawing And Painting
Game Engine
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Paint 3D and Unreal Engine. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Paint 3D and Unreal Engine

Paint 3D Reviews

10 Best Procreate Alternatives For Windows & Mac [Top Picks]
Last but not the least, we have Microsoft Paint 3D right here to end with. This is the basic painting software that everyone is aware of. This software already comes pre-installed with Windows 10 and has a considerable amount of good drawing tools to create from.
Source: fixingport.com
68 Best Painting Apps and Softwares
Why Microsoft Paint 3D? – The very first reason to use this app is the fact that most of us already familiar with how Microsoft Paintworks, and what makes things more interesting, are the 3D features this app inhibits now. You can create 3D objects, cartoons, doodle in 3D, using various stickers, etc. Paint 3D also has cool features like Time Machine, where you can replay...

Unreal Engine Reviews

Top 13 Picks for Maxon Cinema 4D Alternatives in 2024
Designed by Epic Games, Unreal Engine is a comprehensive 3D graphics engine initially developed for PC gaming. Since its inception in 1998, it supports a wide array of platforms, including mobile, console, and VR. It is known for its versatility and power in a broad spectrum of industries like film and television.
Source: aircada.com
Game Engines: A Comparative Analysis
Developed by Epic Games, Unreal Engine stands as a titan in the industry, renowned for its stunning graphics and realistic visual effects. It excels in AAA game development, with a powerful rendering engine and an intuitive visual scripting system called Blueprints. Unreal Engine’s prowess lies in its ability to deliver top-notch graphics and cinematic experiences.
Source: medium.com
Best Unity alternatives for game development
Unreal Engine has become one of the most popular engines to date; it's one of the top-of-the-line gaming engines that produces high graphical fidelity and realism for many games. In fact, many mobile games (Injustice 2, Life is Strange) that look incredible are likely using the Unreal Engine. It's a number one choice that often goes head-to-head with Unity due to its great...
Best Game Engines for 2023 – Which Should You Use?
However, many game developers do report that Unreal Engine is better suited for larger projects and projects you intend to work on as a team. Additionally, as the program is heavy on the graphics end, many people will find it requires a more powerful computer compared to other engines like Unity. Beyond this, it is also noteworthy that while Unreal Engine can create 2D games...
The Best Gaming Engines You Should Consider for 2023
2022 saw the official launch of Unreal Engine 5, and it’s already shaping up to be a game changer for game development. Most next-gen consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are already using it, and its powerful tools such as Lumen and Nanite (an engine that imports high-detailed photographic source material – taking advantage of its past acquisition of Quixel)...

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Paint 3D and Unreal Engine, you can also consider the following products

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

Unity - The multiplatform game creation tools for everyone.

Sculptris - Sculptris: Enter a world of digital art without barriers.

Godot Engine - Feature-packed 2D and 3D open source game engine.

ShapeShop - ShapeShop is an advanced and professional 3D design and modeling application that comes with an easy-to-use and user-friendly interface.

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