Those who are passionate about 3D, can take advantage of a new powerful program developed by Autodesk (the Autocad company) and transform a set of normal photos into a three-dimensional model . AutoDesk Tinkercad (ex 123D Catch) is a free software that can be installed on a Windows PC or as a free iPad application.
It is capable of processing a group of photographs of an object, and modeling them in 3D.
Autodesk also provides tools to print the object in 3D or physically recreate it, but this is a paid service.
The Tinkercad program is an application that requires internet connection because the photos to be processed must be uploaded to the internet.
The power of this program lies in the fact that it works automatically so there is no need to study manuals or knowledge of 3D graphics, just take the photos and upload them to Autodesk Tinkercad.
At first glance, this software looks very similar to Microsoft Photosynth, a program for viewing 3D images.
However, Autodesk allows you to create a three-dimensional figure that can be used in any other 3D modeling software.
Autodesk Tinkercad can be used as a program on Windows, as an app on iPad or via web application .
Speaking of the Windows version, after downloading it from the Tinkercad website it works like this:
1) Find an object and take photos from every angle, going around it a couple of times at different heights.
Avoid glass objects or objects with transparencies and reflections.
2) run the software, then choose ' Create a new photographic scene ' and point to the folder with all the photos taken.
Uploading photos is a bit long because they are uploaded online.
3) The processing is automatic so, after waiting, you can download the final result as a .3dp file (a very small file).
By running this file, you can view the 3D project and you can rotate or modify it to refine and improve it.
4) Unrecognized images, if any, can be incorporated into the project manually.
5) At the end you can export the 3D photo to other programs or create a video.
The program is easy and fun if you like this type of photo manipulation, and it offers great professional quality results without much effort.
Not being an expert in 3D modeling, I cannot judge whether it is among the best programs or not, what is certain is that it is free, simple and satisfying, especially for amateurs.
Autodesk Tinkercad offers a better iPad experience because you can take advantage of the camera built into the Apple tablet (unfortunately, for now, to download it you need to access the American Apple Store with a US account)
The application allows you to transform photos into 3D models that can be viewed from every angle, by rotating and zooming them.
Taking the series of photos with the iPad is simpler and, in a few minutes, you can process it with the application to obtain the result of a three-dimensional photo.
The application makes use of the iPad's gyroscope so the shots are guided.
You have to take about 40 photos and then upload them all to Tinkercad in the same way you do for the Windows program.
I remember in the past I mentioned, among the free 3D modeling programs:
- Sculptris to create sculptures and 3D graphic models
- Blender for professional 3D design.
