Cheetah3D
Mac-only 3D modelling, rigging, animation and rendering from an individual developer in Germany
Quick Overview
| Company | MW3D-Solutions (Dr. Martin Wengenmayer) |
|---|---|
| Category | 3D Modeling and Rendering Software |
| Headquarters | Tapfheim, Germany, Germany |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | Desktop software |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Desktop software |
| Main Features | Polygon, spline and boolean modelling, UV unwrapping, texture painting, joint-based character animation, Bullet physics, node-based materials, JavaScript scripting |
| Pricing | Registration number purchased on the order page; price not shown in checked text |
| Best For | Mac users who want a compact modelling and animation tool |
| Replaces | Autodesk Maya (light use) |
Detailed Review
Cheetah3D 8 supports Apple Silicon, Metal and USDZ import and export, according to the vendor site. It offers modelling, UV unwrapping, texture painting, joint-based character animation, global illumination rendering and node-based materials.
The imprint names Dr. Martin Wengenmayer, MW3D-Solutions, Riedstr. 7, 86660 Tapfheim, Germany, and the licence agreement is with Martin Wengenmayer.
Features
The feature list covers ngons, boolean operations, sweep and lathe objects, IK and FK, Bullet rigid and soft body dynamics, and an integrated multi-threaded renderer. Scripting uses JavaScript.
Buying
A demo can be downloaded free but documents cannot be saved without a registration number. Payments are processed by FastSpring, a payment partner.
Alternatives
For Windows or Linux, use Blender.
Limitations to Consider
Cheetah3D runs on macOS only, is developed by a single person, and shows no price in the checked text. Payments run through FastSpring, so check which entity handles the transaction.
Who Should Use Cheetah3D
Mac users with small projects who prefer a German individual developer.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- German developer
- Native Apple Silicon
- USDZ export
- Modelling to rendering in one app
- JavaScript scripting
Cons
- macOS only
- Single developer
- Price not shown in checked text
- Third-party payment processor
Alternatives to Cheetah3D
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 Autodesk Maya (light use) on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the download page lists macOS 10.15.7 or newer.
Yes, but saving documents requires a registration number.
Dr. Martin Wengenmayer, MW3D-Solutions, Tapfheim, Germany.