K-3D
k-3d.org
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, with interactive property changes and immediate results. A node-based visualization pipeline connects components and passes selections between modifiers. An undo tree supports both undo and redo operations. The site describes native RenderMan support within the K-3D interface, plus real-time mirroring and welding of one side of a model into a subdivision surface. Source code is released under the GNU General Public License. Downloads include macOS, Windows, and source code; development information also lists GNU/Linux, MacOS X, FreeBSD, Microsoft Windows, and other build platforms. Optional build integrations include Collada, DBus, GLX, Gnome VFS, GTS, ImageMagick, ODE, OpenCASCADE, and OpenEXR. Documentation is provided through an archived wiki, with forums, a development mailing list, and issue submission for support.
Spec sheet
- Product
- K-3D is free software for 3D modeling and animation.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
- Audience
- The site describes K-3D as a tool for artists, including new artists and professionals.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
- Free plan
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · k-3d.org
- Support
- The site points users to forums, a development mailing list, or issue submission for help.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
- License
- The source code is available under the GNU General Public License.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
- Animation tools
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · k-3d.org
- Build platforms
- The development page says K-3D can be built on GNU/Linux, MacOS X, FreeBSD, Microsoft Windows, and other platforms.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
- Documentation
- Documentation is available through an archived wiki.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
- Downloads
- The download page lists MacOS, Windows, and source code.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
- Modeling
- The site describes mirroring one side of a model and welding the result into a subdivision surface in real time.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
- Optional integrations
- Optional build integrations listed include Collada, DBus, GLX, Gnome VFS, GTS, ImageMagick, ODE, OpenCASCADE, and OpenEXR.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
- Parametric modeling
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · k-3d.org
- Pipeline
- Its node-based visualization pipeline lets users connect components and pass selections between modifiers.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
- Platform access
- desktopRead 20 Sep 2026 · k-3d.org
- Render engine
- externalRead 20 Sep 2026 · k-3d.org
- Rendering
- The site describes native RenderMan support integrated with the K-3D interface.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
- Undo
- It includes an undo/redo system with an undo tree.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
- Workflow
- It supports procedural and parametric workflows, with interactive property changes and immediate results.Read 9 Oct 2026 · k-3d.org
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free software with no paid tiers stated
- Procedural and parametric workflows
- Node-based modifier pipeline
- Undo tree for revisions
- Native RenderMan support described
Limits
- Documentation is through an archived wiki
- Rendering engine is external
- No free trial is offered
- Optional integrations may require separate builds
Who it suits
K-3D suits artists, including newcomers and professionals, who need free procedural or parametric modeling and animation software. It runs as a desktop application.
Verdict
K-3D provides a free, extensible foundation for modeling and animation across three desktop platforms. Its archived documentation and external rendering setup may require extra preparation.
Where Specifiction places it
- 3D Animation Software#20 of 327.9
- 3D modeling software#108 of 1477.7
- Animation Software#87 of 1067.6