First and foremost, it is a powerful weapon for 3D animators, film and television professionals. Maya is prized for its huge set of tools for animation, texturing, and creating a variety of special effects. It is a serious editor of three-dimensional graphics, widely used in professional circles. It competently implemented the function of visualization of ready-made models: the program has four built-in renderer, besides there is a possibility of installing a variety of plug-ins, including V-Ray.
According to the method of Autodesk Maya is close to another company’s product – 3DsMax. But compared with him in Maya animation features implemented more thoroughly. In addition, the program is interesting to work with the dynamics of solid and soft bodies, easy texture mapping and convenient UV-mapping. If we talk about building 3D models for 3D printing, it is worth noting that Autodesk Maya on this absolutely not focused. However, the diversity of its features allows the program to be used for this purpose.
Program features
Autodesk Maya is equipped with various tools for good and comfortable work with three-dimensional graphics. In it you can find everything you want a demanding modeler, as well as pick up your own algorithm of action. A short list of what the application offers:
Working with curves, including NURBS;
Polygonal modeling, possible retopology;
Several ways to layer materials, textures, and handy UV mapping (sweep);
Autodesk Maya 2016 has sculpting tools like ZBrush brushes. And sculpting is also applicable here for modeling simple landscapes;
A number of tools for creating high quality animation. It is even possible to animate a single strand of hair;
The dynamics of solid and soft bodies;
Unique tools for creating realistic hair and hair;
Fluid simulation;
Creation of special effects (smoke, clouds, atmospheric effects);
Visualization with both built-in tools and additional plugins. For example, the V-Ray plugin allows you to achieve photorealistic visualization.
As for learning to work with the program, it is not an easy task. That, however, does not prevent a mass of enthusiasts to study Autodesk Maya on their own and make significant progress. The World Wide Web offers enough free tutorials in text, as well as video-format. The only obstacle may be the fact that most of them in English. But wishing to become a true professional 3D modeling this will not be an obstacle. Especially because many people today know English enough to digest simple instructions.