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What is 3D animation?
3D animation uses computer graphics to make objects look like they’re moving in 3-dimensional space. Artists use 3D modeling software to build the objects. Next comes rigging, a virtual representation of an object or character’s skeleton. Animators pose the rig at strategic points so it appears to move. Newer methods of animation involve motion capture, which records an actor’s live movements for digital animation.
How is animation software used?
VFX Studios: Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones visual effects pros from around the world share how the global phenomenon, with its tight deadlines and high viewer expectations, has challenged internal workflows, the way facilities collaborate, and the visual effects business overall.
See what our customers are doing
ILM: Kong Skull Island
With larger than life creatures comes great responsibility. The animators and filmmakers of Kong: Skull Island discuss the challenges and opportunities of making the blockbuster movie.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
We spoke with the Resident Evil 7: Biohazard development team about how game pipelines are evolving to be more like film pipelines, the transition to physically based rendering, their game engine, and bringing the franchise to VR.
Animation software for entertainment, film, and games
Connect studios, teams, and workflows with Shotgun
Professional production tracking and review
Shotgun combines powerful project management and review tools on a single platform that integrates with top VFX software, like Maya, 3ds Max, Foundry’s Nuke, and SideFX’s Houdini.
Free 3D animation software
Free software for students and educators
We offer free Autodesk software for students and educators. Use the same 3D animation software as top professionals around the world.
Free software for nonprofits
Are you a nonprofit or entrepreneur working to create positive impact through design? See if you qualify for our Technology Impact Program.
What's new in Maya and 3ds Max
Discover the newest features for animating in Maya and 3ds Max.
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Maya: UV editor workflow, look, and feel
We’ve overhauled the UV Editor interface and included a new UV Toolkit with better tools and functionality.
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Maya: Clump modifier for interactive grooming
Generate realistic clumping effects in hair and fur for more natural-looking hair.
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3ds Max: 3ds Max Interactive
Build immersive architectural visualizations with the combined power of 3ds Max and a virtual reality engine in one place.
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3ds Max: Arnold for 3ds Max
Get the power of the Arnold renderer in 3ds Max with the new MaxtoA plugin.
Beginners: get started in animation for games
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3ds Max basic animation
Beginner-level tutorial shows how to animate an object in 3ds Max.
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Maya tutorials on Pluralsight
Learn 3D animation, rigging, walk cycles, nDynamics, and more.
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Put your designs into VR
Learn how to move your design visualizations from 3ds Max into VR, to add more immersion and interactivity.
Animation software resources
Learn more about animation software with these tutorials, guides, and tips.
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Autodesk's official CG community. Watch free tutorials and get the latest industry news.
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Watch Autodesk University video lessons on 3D animation from expert 3D artists.
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From beginners to professionals, Autodesk has 3D modeling software designed to meet your needs.
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Learn about innovative workflows to create interactive visualizations and virtual reality experiences.
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Watch six essential animation tutorials from Lucas Martell, an award-winning and self-taught animator.
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Learn 5 essential business tips to help you succeed as a freelance animator.