Original author(s) | Softimage, Co. |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Autodesk |
Initial release | 2000; 19 years ago (as Softimage|XSI) |
Stable release | 2015 / April 14, 2014; 5 years ago |
Operating system | Microsoft Windows, Linux |
Type | 3D computer graphics |
License | Trialware |
Website | www.autodesk.com/softimage |
Autodesk Softimage, or simply Softimage (/sɒftɪˈmɑːʒ/) is a discontinued 3D computer graphics application, for producing 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling, and computer animation. Now owned by Autodesk and formerly titled Softimage|XSI, the software has been predominantly used in the film, video game, and advertising industries for creating computer generated characters, objects, and environments.
Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 is based on the same professional toolset found in Autodesk® Softimage® 7.5 software, used by game developers to create 3D characters, levels, props and animation. Game developers can use Softimage Mod Tool to help extend the life of games and recruit talent with a modding community. Download Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 Here ^click^ Mod Tool is the free version of XSI with some limitations, but is basically the same as full commercial versions otherwise. Softimage XSI is the preferred 3d package for creating assets for SWBF1 or 2. To export msh files from Mod Tool 7.5 use the ZETools plugin developed by ANDEWEGET. Softimage XSI EXP (Experience) for Half-Life 2. It is basically the origin of the Softimage Mod Tool. You see, Valve, Softimage and ATi were good buddies back in the day and strived to push the boundaries of not only the game engine but also the tools used to create content. From Softimage: The XSI Mod Tool is the only full-featured, professional prop and character creation software available to game enthusiasts and modders for FREE. Softimage Mod Tool is used for 3D modeling, so you could change how the weapons look, and enemies! But probably not entire mods. Reply Good karma Bad karma +1 vote.
Softimage, together with Microsoft and Valve Software, is proud to bring you SOFTIMAGE XSI Mod Tool—a FREE 3D modeling and animation package, for non-commercial use, that plugs right into Microsoft XNA Game Studio Express and Valve Half- Life 2. Softimage ModTool (formerly XSI Mod Tool) is a free 3D modeling and animation package for creating non-commercial games and “modding” games. It features built in support for Source, XNA, CryEngine 2 and Unreal Engine 3. Create stunning 3D Models, animations and Maps for Source through this toolset. Unfortunately Softimage has been.
Released in 2000 as the successor to Softimage|3D, Softimage|XSI was developed by its eponymous company, then a subsidiary of Avid Technology. On October 23, 2008, Autodesk acquired the Softimage brand and 3D animation assets from Avid for approximately $35 million, thereby ending Softimage Co. as a distinct entity.[2] In February 2009, Softimage|XSI was rebranded Autodesk Softimage.
A free version of the software, called Softimage Mod Tool, was developed for the game modding community to create games using the Microsoft XNA toolset for PC and Xbox 360, or to create mods for games using Valve Corporation's Source engine, Epic Games's Unreal Engine and others. It was discontinued with the release of Softimage 2014.
On March 4, 2014, it was announced that Autodesk Softimage would be discontinued after the release of the 2015 version, providing product support until April 30, 2016.[3]
- 1Overview
Overview[edit]
Autodesk Softimage is a 3D animation application comprising a suite of computer graphics tools.
Modeling tools allow the generation of polygonal or NURBS models. Subdivision modeling requires no additional operators and works directly on the polygonal geometry. Each modeling operation is tracked by a construction history stack, which enables artists to work non-destructively. Operators in history stacks can be re-ordered, removed or changed at any time, and all adjustments propagate to the final model.
Control rigs are created using bones with automatic IK, constraints and specialized solvers like spine or tail. Optionally, the ICE system can be used to create light-weight rigs in a node-based environment. The rigging process can be sped up through the use of adaptable biped and quadruped rigs, FaceRobot for facial rigs and automatic lip syncing.
Animation features include layers and a mixer, which allows combining animation clips non-linearly. Animation operators are tracked in a construction history stack that is separate from the modeling stack, enabling users to change the underlying geometry of already animated characters and objects. MOTOR is a feature that transfers animation between characters, regardless of their size or proportions. GATOR can transfer attributes such as textures, UVs, weight maps or envelopes between different models. Softimage also contains tools to simulate particles, particle strands, rigid body dynamics, soft body dynamics, cloth, hair and fluids.
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The default and tightly integrated rendering engine in Softimage is mental ray. Materials and shaders are built in a node-based fashion. When users activate a so-called render region in a camera view, it will render this section of the scene using the specified rendering engine and update completely interactively. A secondary rendering mode is available for rendering real-time GPU shaders written in either the Cg or HLSL languages.
Also included is the FX Tree, which is a built-in node-based compositor that has direct access to image clips used in the scene. It can thus not only be used to finalize and composite rendered frames, but also as an integral part of scene creation. The FX Tree can be used to apply compositing effects to image clips being used in the fully rendered scene, allowing Softimage to render scenes using textures authored or modified in various ways within the same scene.
In addition to the node-based ICE platform described below, Softimage has an extensive API and scripting environment that can be used to extend the software. The available scripting languages include C#, Python, VBScript and JScript. A C++ SDK is also available for plug-in developers, with online documentation available to the public.[4]
ICE Interactive Creative Environment[edit]
On July 7, 2008 the Softimage, Co. announced Softimage|XSI 7,[5] which introduced the ICE (Interactive Creative Environment) architecture. ICE is a visual programming platform that allows users to extend the capabilities of Softimage quickly and intuitively using a node-based dataflow diagram. This enables artists to create complex 3D effects and tools without scripting. Among the main uses for ICE are procedural modeling, deformation, rigging and particle simulation. It can also be used to control scene attributes without the need to write expressions, for example to add camera wiggle or make a light pulsate. ICE is a parallel processing engine that takes advantage of multi-core CPUs, giving users highly scalable performance.
ICE represents Softimage functionality using a collection of nodes, each with its own specific capabilities. Users can connect nodes together, visually representing the data flow, to create powerful tools and effects. Softimage ships with several hundred nodes; among them are both low level nodes, such as Multiply or Boolean, as well as a number of high level nodes called compounds. Compounds serve as 'wrapper nodes' to collapse ICE graphs into a single node. Softimage allows users to add custom compounds to its main menu system for easy reusability.
The screenshot on the right shows an example of a simple geometry deformation ICE graph. In a practical scenario, one would collapse the graph into a compound and expose important parameters, for instance the deformation intensity. After adding the tool to the user interface it can easily be applied to other objects. Compounds can also be shared between installations because their entire functionality is stored in XML files.
The graph-based approach of ICE allows for the creation of effects previously attainable only through the use of scripting and/or compiled code. Due to its visual nature and interactivity, it is very accessible for users with no programming experience. Many free and commercial ICE tools have been made available by users and 3rd party developers. Softimage contains an ICE-based fluid and physics simulator called Lagoa as well as an ICE-based version of the Syflex cloth simulator.
Industry usage[edit]
Softimage is primarily used in the film, video game and advertising industries as a tool to generate digital characters, environments and visual effects. Examples of films made with the help of Softimage are Jurassic Park,[6]Thor,[7]Predators,[8]District 9,[9]White House Down[10] and Elysium.[11] Disk drill pro serial.
Releases[edit]
- Autodesk Softimage 2015 released April 14, 2014
- Autodesk Softimage 2014 released April 12, 2013
- Autodesk Softimage 2013 released April 12, 2012
- Autodesk Softimage 2012 SAP (Subscription Advantage Pack) released September 27, 2011
- Autodesk Softimage 2012 released April 7, 2011
- Autodesk Softimage 2011 SAP (Subscription Advantage Pack) released October 7, 2010
- Autodesk Softimage 2011 released April 9, 2010
- Autodesk Softimage 2010 released September 14, 2009
- Autodesk Softimage 7.5 released February 20, 2009
References[edit]
- ^'Softimage 2015 Final Release Announcement'. www.autodesk.com. Retrieved September 20, 2017.
- ^Simon Carless (October 24, 2008). 'Autodesk Acquires Softimage For $35 Million'. Gamasutra. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
- ^'Softimage final release announcement'. Autodesk Inc. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
- ^'Softimage SDK Documentation (en-us)'.
- ^'Softimage, Co. announces Softimage, XSI 7 powered by ICE''. i3D_Eddy. July 7, 2008. Retrieved July 18, 2011.
- ^'The long and lonely death of Softimage'. DigitalArts. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
- ^Vincent Frei (June 27, 2011). 'THOR: Jonathan Harb – VFX Supervisor & Founder – Whiskytree'. The Art of VFX. Retrieved July 18, 2011.
- ^Bill Desowitz (July 13, 2010). 'Letting the Predator Hounds Loose'. Animation World Network. Retrieved July 18, 2011.
- ^'Embassy on 'District 9''. CG Society. August 22, 2009. Retrieved July 18, 2011.
- ^'Action beats: 6 scenes from White House Down'. fxguide. October 22, 2013. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
- ^'Creating the Details of Elysium's Luxury World'. CreativeCOW. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
External links[edit]
Motion graphics and animation software | ||||
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2D | 3D | Mix | ||
Open-source | ||||
Closed-source | Freeware |
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Commercial | ||||
Discontinued / Legacy |
Coordinates: 45°30′47″N73°34′17″W / 45.5131°N 73.5715°W
Softimage Xsi Free
As far as word processors go, Microsoft Word is still the king. Even today, we keep discovering hidden Word features that make our lives easier. And just as surprising, we keep discovering new ways to get access to Word.10 Hidden Microsoft Word Features that Will Make Your Life Easier10 Hidden Microsoft Word Features that Will Make Your Life EasierMicrosoft Word is deceptively simple. You are fine as long as you fire up a document and just type. But Microsoft Word wouldn't be the Swiss knife it is without its productive features.Read More
Here are all the ways to get Microsoft Word and almost all of them are free.
Word Viewer
Platforms: Windows
Price: Free
Do you just want to be able to view, copy, and print Microsoft Word files offline, but don’t want to pay for it? Microsoft’s Word Viewer is what you need. It’s an officially supported free download, which lets you open any Word file format like DocX, copy the text to another word processor, or print it. You will need the Office Compatibility Pack with it.How to Open Microsoft Word 2007 DOCX FilesHow to Open Microsoft Word 2007 DOCX FilesHave you ever received one of those files with the .docx extension and wondered what to do with it? It can't be viewed in older Word versions, so how can you open a .docx file..Read More
Warning: Microsoft will prompt you to download and install other files along with this; make sure you deselect everything except Word Viewer and the Office Compatibility Pack.
Office Online
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Price: Free
The first thing you need to know is that you don’t have to pay for Microsoft Word. If you have an active Internet connection, you can use the free Office Online instead.6 Ways You Can Use Microsoft Office Without Paying for It6 Ways You Can Use Microsoft Office Without Paying for ItDo you need Microsoft Office, but don't like the price tag? We show you free alternatives, including free trials and light or mobile versions of the Microsoft Office suite.Read More
We can think of a few reasons why you should use free Office Online instead of paying Microsoft to use Word. For starters, you can access documents through a web browser on any computer. It also accurately retains Microsoft Word formatting unlike other apps. It’s an easy step to cloud computing for anyone who is already hooked into the Microsoft Office ecosystem.
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However, you can’t use Office Online without an Internet connection. When you need an offline office suite, fully installed on your own PC, then good old Office is still your best bet.
Office 2016 Preview
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Price: Free Trial on Windows (expires in September), Requires Office 365 Subscription for Mac Sap serial number system status table.
Right now, you can actually download Microsoft Word for free on Windows, thanks to the company’s beta test of the upcoming Office 2016. The Office 2016 Preview can be downloaded and installed to your Windows or Mac computer, without paying anything or even having to save your credit card information somewhere for a future payment. Along with Word, you will also get Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.
However, the Office 2016 Preview is only available on a trial basis for a limited amount of time—120 days from when you install it. The program won’t be accessible once the trial period expires, or after Office 2016 is officially released in September.
That said, Office 2016 has smart and subtle changes that make it a more powerful application than ever before. Particularly, the new “Tell Me” Box is a great addition, which gives you vital tips and help when you need it most. And in Word, you will also get real-time co-authoring, for actual collaborative work.A Microsoft Office 2016 Preview: Smart & Subtle ChangesA Microsoft Office 2016 Preview: Smart & Subtle ChangesOffice 2016 for Mac was just released and the Windows version will follow in the fall. We show you the new look and features of the world's most popular productivity suite. Will you upgrade?Read More
If you’re on a Mac, you can just grab Office 2016 as long as you have an Office 365 subscription. More on that at the end of this article.
Download:Office 2016 Preview for Windows and Office 2016 Preview for Mac
Microsoft Word Mobile
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows 10 (touchscreens)
Price: Free
Recently, Microsoft is making great apps for Android and even on iOS. The Redmond giant has separated its Office suite into individual apps on mobile operating systems, so you can actually download a full-fledged version of Microsoft Word without needing to get Excel, PowerPoint, and the others. And yes, it’s completely free.How Microsoft Took Over My Android PhoneHow Microsoft Took Over My Android PhoneIt's honestly surprising how many Microsoft apps are available for Android -- and they're really good!Read More
Perhaps the best part about Microsoft Word on mobile is how well it represents documents filled with charts and graphics. This has historically been a problem on most mobile office suites, but such files show up perfectly on Word Mobile, scroll through smoothly without lagging, and are smartly optimized for mobile screens. Indeed, the new Word Mobile apps show why Microsoft is king of the office suites and not Google Docs.
Download:Word Mobile for Android, Word Mobile for iOS, and Word Mobile for Windows 10
Note: If you are on an older version than Android 4.4 Kit Kat, you will need to download Microsoft Office Mobile for Android instead.
Office 365
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Windows tablets
Price: Free Trial and Paid Subscriptions (prices starting at $6.99/$9.99 per month)
If you temporarily need the full version of Word installed on your PC or Mac, you should go with an Office 365 subscription. Until a few years ago, buying Microsoft Office was a one-time cost, but a hefty one. Now, Microsoft has embraced the subscription model, which actually increases the price but makes a lot of sense if you are using Office on multiple computers for your whole family. Plus, there are some cool freebies packaged with it.
So why should you be willing to pay more? The new Office 365 subscription model not only gets you Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, Access, and Publisher, but it also adds 1TB of OneDrive storage and 60 Skype world minutes.An Introduction to Office 365 -- Should You Buy Into the New Office Business Model?An Introduction to Office 365 -- Should You Buy Into the New Office Business Model?Office 365 is a subscription based package that offers access to the latest desktop Office suite, Office Online, cloud storage, and premium mobile apps. Does Office 365 provide enough value to be worth the money?Read More
The Office 365 Home package is available for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. If you plan on sharing your Office with members of your family, this is the best value-for-money deal you can get. It basically applies to five users; so you can install Office offline on five computers (PC or Mac), five tablets, five phones, and get the aforementioned 1TB storage and 60 Skype minutes for five users each. And you also get some additional features for Word Mobile on your smartphone:
The cheaper Office 365 Personal package costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year, but supports only one user for the storage and Skype minutes, and offline installation on one computer, one tablet, and one phone.
If you don’t like the new subscription model, you can purchase Office at a one-time cost varying from $139.99 to $399.99. Here’s the difference between the Office packages.
Students can get Office 365 for free, if your school supports it. You can check out eligibility on the official site. However, be warned that the 1TB of OneDrive storage is associated with your school’s account, which means a school administrator can change permissions and access.Students Can Get Microsoft Office 365 for FreeStudents Can Get Microsoft Office 365 for FreeStarting on December 1st, Universities that license Office Education for their faculty and staff can offer students Office 365 ProPlus for free.Read More
Like students, non-profit organizations can get Office 365 Nonprofit for free. Professionals can check out Office 365 for Business to find out more plans.
Have You Left Word Behind? Are You Coming Back?
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Microsoft Word has always been a fantastic word processor, but its price meant that several users moved away from it. Microsoft seems to be correcting that now, with several ways to use Word for free. If you’re using Word or another Microsoft Office product, it’s time to re-consider which Office suite is right for you.Which Office Suite Is Best for You?Which Office Suite Is Best for You?You'll be pressed to find an occupation that doesn't require word or number processing of some sort. And you may wonder, is Microsoft Office really the best solution? Here are your options.Read More
Are you a Word user who left and is happy with his new home? Are you tempted to come back, with all these new features?
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What a disaster office 2016 and 365 and 369 is your internet goes down you have no office to use i will stay with office 2007 and 2010 only they work great i do not like a disaster
I recently saw an article on the net saying that Microsoft will block any 'free' software one tries to use with the free Windows 10 upgrade. Does anyone know if this true? Also, another article stated a rumor that Microsoft will start charging a monthly or annual fee for updates, possibly on a sliding scale. Does anyone know about this?
i am very confused, i downloaded this and now i am not quite sure what to do after that. please explain
Are you sure this is legal?
What? No mention of Open Office? I've used it for years. It's legitimately free, and cross compatible with Word.
WHY PAY REDICULOUS PRICES--GOOGLE DOCS DOES A GOOD JOB-----I LIKED WORD BUT GAVE IT UP--DO NOT WANT TO PAY FOR EXPENSIVE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Yes google docs is excellent because it's free, but it is lacking compared to word. Google docs doesn't allow online professors to read submitted papers.
The problem for me is I have chosen android devices that seem incompatible with these apps. Both my aging Samsung note 10.1 and my Sony xperia z can not have them.
A new version of LibreOffice just came out, and it has improved import and export of Microsoft proprietary formats. It runs on Linux natively (plus other, inferior operating sytems).
All your 'free alternatives' above have reduced functionality.
WPS Office is free, a clone of Microsoft and works awesome :)
Office Online..I liked it better when it first came out, when it was called Google Docs. ;)
Though not free, a lot of corporations are part of the Microsoft Home User program allowing employees of these companies to purchase full blown office for $9.95. You will receive a download link with your key. If you want a physical disc, it's another $20. A great deal not hevily advertised in most companies. Search for the HUP website and entrer your corporate email address to see if your company is a member.
If you absolutely have to have Office with mobile/online access, I can see why some would want Office 365, especially with a low monthly price of $7. Just keep in mind that you can get an installed version of Office 2013 for $120 on amazon, which means that if you can live without the cloud access of 365, if you plan on using Office more than 18 months your one time purchase on amazon will be cheaper in the long run. I've been using Office 2010 for 5 years now and buying the installed version has saved me a ton of moolah.
Of course, if you prefer OpenOffice or LibreOffice, you don't have to pay anything, but I like the additional features that MS Office brings (such as speed, for one, although there are others) and so I use MS Office.
Why do you guys at MakeUseOf always forget to mention Office 2010 Starter edition when talking about free Microsoft Office versions? Why better than viewer, offline and available for Windows. Basic versions of Excel 2010 and Word 2010 included. That only leaves you to install PowerPoint viewer and you're good to go with Microsoft Office without paying!