K-3D
What it is
K-3D is free desktop software for 3D modeling and animation on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports procedural and parametric workflows, allowing artists to change properties interactively and see resulting changes immediately. A node-based visualization pipeline connects components and passes selections between modifiers. The application includes undo and redo through an undo tree. Its site describes native RenderMan support integrated into the interface, plus real-time mirroring of one side of a model and welding the result into a subdivision surface. K-3D source code is available under the GNU General Public License. Downloads include macOS, Windows, and source code, while development information lists GNU/Linux, MacOS X, FreeBSD, Microsoft Windows, and other build platforms. Optional integrations include Collada, DBus, GLX, Gnome VFS, GTS, ImageMagick, ODE, OpenCASCADE, and OpenEXR. Documentation is available through an archived wiki, with forums, a development mailing list, and issue submission for support.
For and against
For
- Free software with no paid tiers stated
- Procedural and parametric workflows
- Node-based component pipeline
- Undo tree for revisions
- Linux, macOS, and Windows downloads
Against
- External render engine
- Documentation is through an archived wiki
- No free trial because software is already free
The verdict
K-3D combines modeling and animation tools with procedural, parametric, and node-based workflows. Its broad desktop availability and GPL source code make it a practical free option for artists, while support resources are community-oriented.
Who it suits
K-3D suits new artists and professional artists seeking free modeling and animation software. It also fits users who want procedural, parametric, or node-based workflows on desktop platforms.
Plans and prices
K-3D
Free software; no paid tiers or usage limits stated
Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
On the record
- Animation tools
- Yesk-3d.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Audience
- The site describes K-3D as a tool for artists, including new artists and professionals.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Build platforms
- The development page says K-3D can be built on GNU/Linux, MacOS X, FreeBSD, Microsoft Windows, and other platforms.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- Documentation is available through an archived wiki.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The download page lists MacOS, Windows, and source code.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The source code is available under the GNU General Public License.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Modeling
- The site describes mirroring one side of a model and welding the result into a subdivision surface in real time.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Optional integrations
- Optional build integrations listed include Collada, DBus, GLX, Gnome VFS, GTS, ImageMagick, ODE, OpenCASCADE, and OpenEXR.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Parametric modeling
- Yesk-3d.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Pipeline
- Its node-based visualization pipeline lets users connect components and pass selections between modifiers.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Platform access
- desktopk-3d.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Product
- K-3D is free software for 3D modeling and animation.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Render engine
- externalk-3d.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Rendering
- The site describes native RenderMan support integrated with the K-3D interface.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site points users to forums, a development mailing list, or issue submission for help.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Undo
- It includes an undo/redo system with an undo tree.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Workflow
- It supports procedural and parametric workflows, with interactive property changes and immediate results.k-3d.org · read 9 Oct 2026
