Cascadeur
Character animation software from Nekki, Cyprus, with physics tools, AI-assisted posing and a free plan
Quick Overview
| Company | Nekki Limited |
|---|---|
| Category | 3D Modeling and Rendering Software |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus, Cyprus |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Cyprus (EU) |
| Data Location | Not stated on the pages checked |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Desktop software |
| Main Features | Rigging, physics-based tools, inbetweening, AutoPosing, ragdoll, retargeting, Unreal Engine Live Link, FBX, DAE, USD and glTF export |
| Pricing | Free EUR 0 (non-commercial); Indie EUR 19/month or EUR 8 billed annually; Pro EUR 49 or EUR 33 billed annually; Teams EUR 49 or EUR 33 per user |
| Best For | Animators who want physics-assisted keyframing and mocap clean-up |
| Replaces | Maya (animation use) |
Detailed Review
Cascadeur covers rigging, physics-based tools, inbetweening and animation unbaking for mocap and asset editing. It lists integrations with Unreal Engine, Unity, Blender, Maya, Houdini and Cinema 4D through file exchange.
Its end-user agreement names Nekki Limited, a company organised under the laws of Cyprus with an address in Limassol.
Plans
Free is for non-commercial use and exports only the .casc format. Indie adds FBX and DAE export but requires revenue or funding under US$100,000 a year. Pro allows commercial use without limits and adds retargeting, scene linking and quadruped autoposing.
Teams
Teams (2 to 6 users) adds Discord support, user management and role-based permissions.
Scope
Cascadeur animates characters; it is not a general modelling tool, so models come from Blender or Cheetah3D.
Limitations to Consider
Animation only, with no sculpting or rendering focus. The free plan blocks common exchange formats and commercial use, and the FAQ lists USD prices while the plan table shows euro.
Who Should Use Cascadeur
Character animators who want a Cyprus-based vendor and a free entry plan.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free plan available
- Euro plan prices published
- Physics and AI posing tools
- Wide format export on paid plans
- EU contracting entity
Cons
- Not a modelling tool
- Free plan non-commercial
- Indie revenue cap
- Mixed USD and EUR on pricing pages
Alternatives to Cascadeur
Other European 3d modeling and rendering software worth comparing before you decide:
Blender
Netherlands · Free open source 3D suite for modelling, sculpting, animation and rendering
Cinema 4D
Germany · Motion graphics and 3D suite from Maxon, with Redshift rendering
V-Ray
Germany · Production renderer that plugs into CAD and DCC software
Shapr3D
United Kingdom · Direct 3D modelling for desktop and iPad with a free plan
See all European 3d modeling and rendering software or compare them directly against Maya (animation use) on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
A free plan exists for non-commercial use and exports .casc only.
The agreement names Nekki Limited of Limassol, Cyprus.
No, it animates them; models come from other tools.