ULTRAFRACTAL
3- an
innovative and very versatile fractal program with many advanced features.
My personal favorite fractal program, a free trial is available and can
be purchased for $59. An incredible bargain for the features included!
*NOTE - Ultrafractal 4 has now been released with even more great features*
http://www.ultrafractal.com/
Ultrafractal tutorial: http://www.parkenet.org/jp/uftutorials.html
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APOPHYSIS
- a
FREEWARE flame fractal program with many features that creates very unique
forms that have a softer feeling.
http://www.apophysis.org/
Apophysis tutorial: http://www.apophysis.org/tutorials/index.html
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TIERAZON
& STERLING - two very popular FREEWARE
fractal programs are still available, but can only be accessed via a "member's
only" section of the creator's website that costs a fee of $25 to
join. There may be a few links on the web where the programs can be found
free, but they are very rare!
http://www.eclectasy.com/Iterations-et-Flarium24/
Tierazon tutorial: http://fractalarts.com/ASF/Tutor1.html
Sterling tutorial: http://ambaka.com/sterling/lessons/generate.html
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CHAOSCOPE
- a
FREEWARE fractal program that creates almost 3D forms using strange attractors.
http://www.btinternet.com/~ndesprez/index.htm
Chaoscope tutorial: http://www.btinternet.com/~ndesprez/tutorials.htm
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XENODREAM
- a
unique program that creates 2D or 3D fractal forms. The latest version
(1.5) was just released with a new capability to export the 3D objects
for use in other graphics programs, a great feature in a program for only
$89.
http://www.xenodream.com/
Xenodream
tutorial: http://fractalarts.com/ASF/XDtut1.html
TERRAGEN
- a
3D scenery program capable of very photorealistic results. A free, unregistered
version is available that is fully functional with some minor limitations.
Once you gain more skill with the program, registering for $99 allows
you to render larger pictures, use larger terrains, and other advanced
features.
http://www.planetside.co.uk/terragen/
Terragen tutorial: http://www.caroluk.org.uk/terratut/
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MOJOWORLD
- a
unique 3D program that lets you create entire planets that you can explore.
Takes a bit of practice to learn, but well worth the effort. There are
several versions of the program available at different prices. I currently
have "Focus."
http://www.pandromeda.com/products/
Mojoworld
tutorial: http://www.bryce-alive.net/mojotech/bigtutorial.html
VUE
(D'ESPRIT) - a
versatile 3D program with many unique features and an easy learning curve.
Create realistic or alien scenery including unique plantlife, atmosphere,
and objects; import 3D objects from other 3D programs; build basic models
using booleans. There are several versions of the program available at
different prices. I currently have Vue D'Esprit 4, but newer versions
have been released recently.
http://www.e-onsoftware.com/
Vue D'Esprit tutorial: http://www.guitta.net
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BRYCE
- another
versatile 3D program with many unique features. Create unique terrains,
skies, and water and import other 3D objects also. Slightly more quirky
to learn, but very versatile. Available in download or boxed versions
for $79 to $89.
http://bryce.daz3d.com/
Bryce tutorial: http://www.petersharpe.com/Tutorials.htm
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POSER
- a
unique program primarily focused on 3D human and animal characters. Several
versions are available.
http://www.curiouslabs.com/
Poser tutorial: http://www.daz3d.com/support/tutorial/index.php