5 answers
Ethan
Student
Glendale, California
3
Questions
Updated
1257 views
What is the easiest program in the Industry to learn VFX or 3D?
I NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP!!!!! #Job #3D #VFX #design #graphic-design #game-design #technology #computer
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5 answers
Steven Houston
Animator and Instructional Designer
1
Answer
Post Falls, Idaho
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hi Ethan. I may need some more information to give you a more definitive answer. However, here is some advice. I have been studying animation, 3D and 2D for over 10 years.
For a 3D program that is both easy to understand at a base level, has the ability to 3D model and can create small 3D animated scenes, I would recommend Cinema 4D. This is the industry standard software for people creating Motion Graphic Videos.
Motion Graphic videos are animations that have objects or elements moving on the screen, but generally does not involve a lot of character animation. An example would be when Apple reveals their latest iPhone. You know how they show off all of the colors, and maybe the phone is doing some funny dance? I can guarantee most if not all of the work in making those commercials are done in Cinema 4D
An example on YouTube can be found here: https://youtu.be/QG0XPj_1TWs
You can download Cinema 4D here:
https://www.maxon.net/en/cinema-4d
You may be able to get an educational license key if your school has a partnership with Maxon, the developer of the software.
If you want to focus and learn the intricacies of 3D modeling, which is a skill you can take with you anywhere and you need to have with other 3D software including vfx is Blender.
Blender is absolutely free for life with no strings attached, it is as powerful as other software and can do what others such as Maya can do. Though it is not as widely used I the industry, you can take the skills you learn from Blender and use them in any other 3D software. Mostly it’s just the interface and a couple other features that are different.
You can download blender for free here: https://www.blender.org/download/
VFX is very specialized, advanced, and it generally requires a very solid understanding of 3D software before you should attempt to learn it, the best software tends to be expensive as well. I suggest you learn one of the two softwares I recommended above at an expert level before diving into the world of VFX.
Once you learn the basics of either of these software, you can dive into any 3D field you want. For instance, if you want to start learning Game Development, you can then jump into really cool software like Unreal Engine, or Unity.
Hope that helps,
- Steven
For a 3D program that is both easy to understand at a base level, has the ability to 3D model and can create small 3D animated scenes, I would recommend Cinema 4D. This is the industry standard software for people creating Motion Graphic Videos.
Motion Graphic videos are animations that have objects or elements moving on the screen, but generally does not involve a lot of character animation. An example would be when Apple reveals their latest iPhone. You know how they show off all of the colors, and maybe the phone is doing some funny dance? I can guarantee most if not all of the work in making those commercials are done in Cinema 4D
An example on YouTube can be found here: https://youtu.be/QG0XPj_1TWs
You can download Cinema 4D here:
https://www.maxon.net/en/cinema-4d
You may be able to get an educational license key if your school has a partnership with Maxon, the developer of the software.
If you want to focus and learn the intricacies of 3D modeling, which is a skill you can take with you anywhere and you need to have with other 3D software including vfx is Blender.
Blender is absolutely free for life with no strings attached, it is as powerful as other software and can do what others such as Maya can do. Though it is not as widely used I the industry, you can take the skills you learn from Blender and use them in any other 3D software. Mostly it’s just the interface and a couple other features that are different.
You can download blender for free here: https://www.blender.org/download/
VFX is very specialized, advanced, and it generally requires a very solid understanding of 3D software before you should attempt to learn it, the best software tends to be expensive as well. I suggest you learn one of the two softwares I recommended above at an expert level before diving into the world of VFX.
Once you learn the basics of either of these software, you can dive into any 3D field you want. For instance, if you want to start learning Game Development, you can then jump into really cool software like Unreal Engine, or Unity.
Hope that helps,
- Steven
Elliot Jordan
Web Developer
109
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
A fair warning - VFX and 3D is not "easy". It is involved and complex once you get going with it. Not to discourage you but this isn't something to get into if you want "easy". Maybe look at some open source tools to get started with like Blender and Natron. Check out this link: https://www.ma-no.org/en/software/video-editing/the-best-free-and-open-source-video-editing-vfx-and-compositing-software for more. See if its interesting and fun. If you enjoy working with it, it won't matter if gets a little involved or difficult.
Kiran Boberoi
Head of CG
12
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Kiran’s Answer
There’s really no super easy tool when it comes to learning VFX or 3D—every software has a bit of a learning curve. But what makes a huge difference is how many tutorials, forums, and resources are out there to help you when you get stuck.
That’s why tools like Blender, After Effects, or Maya are solid choices—not necessarily because they’re “easy,” but because they're popular and have massive communities. You’ll find tons of YouTube tutorials, Reddit threads, Discord groups, and free courses to help you along the way. That support makes learning way less painful.
On the flip side, if you pick something super niche or less common, even if it’s technically simpler, you might end up spending more time trying to find answers than actually learning or creating.
So yeah, it’s less about finding “the easiest tool” and more about picking one with a strong support system. Start with what lots of people are using—it'll make your life easier.
Are you leaning more toward animation, VFX, or something like game design?
That’s why tools like Blender, After Effects, or Maya are solid choices—not necessarily because they’re “easy,” but because they're popular and have massive communities. You’ll find tons of YouTube tutorials, Reddit threads, Discord groups, and free courses to help you along the way. That support makes learning way less painful.
On the flip side, if you pick something super niche or less common, even if it’s technically simpler, you might end up spending more time trying to find answers than actually learning or creating.
So yeah, it’s less about finding “the easiest tool” and more about picking one with a strong support system. Start with what lots of people are using—it'll make your life easier.
Are you leaning more toward animation, VFX, or something like game design?
George Fawzy
2
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
George’s Answer
From my experience if you look to only 3d modelling
Go to the second level of CAD programs like
Solid work
Autodesk Inventor
Solid Edge
First 2 is most popular
If you looking behind the 3d modelling Go to the higher level of CAD software
Like
Catia
NX Siemens (my love its fantastic)
Of course this programs is extremely expensive- but this cost will be through the company not you
What is included in the higher level of cad software
Go to the second level of CAD programs like
Solid work
Autodesk Inventor
Solid Edge
First 2 is most popular
If you looking behind the 3d modelling Go to the higher level of CAD software
Like
Catia
NX Siemens (my love its fantastic)
Of course this programs is extremely expensive- but this cost will be through the company not you
George recommends the following next steps:
Chad Hester
Technical Leader in Digital Accessibility, Lifelong Programmer, Adventurer
8
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Chad’s Answer
When seeking a software platform to learn, always look for one with the most support. Support from the community, through various free video tutorials, and most cost affective to get into. Those skills will give you a foundation of knowledge that you can take into any interview and use to learn a different platform.