AC3D vs Blockbench

AC3D is desktop 3D design software for creating models, prototypes, virtual reality simulations, and data visualisations. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with animation tools, rendering, and 3D print export. Modeling features include subdivision surfaces, UV mapping, 2D and 3D text, boolean operations, polygon reduction, and object hierarchy. It imports and exports formats including 3D Studio, Collada, DirectX, DXF, OBJ, STL, VRML, and X3D. A software development kit and plugin interface allow additions such as file formats and other functionality. An optional plugin adds animation capability for X-Plane models on Windows, Mac, and Linux. AC3D also lists support for 3Dconnexion mice on Windows. A 14-day trial is available. The maker lists one-time prices of $99.00 USD for Home / Student and $99.00 USD for Commercial / Group (5 users/seats); other listed seats have different prices. Purchases are non-refundable, and the software is delivered by download with the license emailed after purchase.

Blockbench is a free, open-source editor for making low-poly 3D models. Its tools support cuboid and mesh modeling, and users can create, edit, and paint textures in the program. Blockbench can generate a model's UV map and template, and connect to an external image editor or pixel-art program. For animation, it supports rigging, position, rotation, and scale keyframes, along with a graph editor. The built-in plugin store offers extensions such as tools, export formats, and model generators; users can also create plugins. Blockbench is available as a web app and on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The project is licensed under the GPL. Its privacy policy says the software does not knowingly collect personally identifiable data, though it may collect anonymized usage information such as installation count. Local storage and cookies can remember preferences on a user's device. When users choose Model Sharing, model data is stored for the duration they select, and they can request earlier removal.