3D Development Software

3D Studio Max

Autodesk 3D Studio Max is 3D computer graphics software for making 3D models, animations and images it was developed by Autodesk media and entertainment. It has modelling capability, a flexible plugin architecture and can be used on Microsoft windows it is frequently used by video game developers, TV commercial producers and architectural visualization studios it can also be used for movie effects 

In addition to modelling and animation tools the latest version of 3D studio max also features shaders, dynamic simulation, particle systems, radiosity, normal map creation and rendering, global illumination, a customizable user interface and it's own scripting language    

Maya
Autodesk Maya is 3D development software that runs on Microsoft windows, Mac OS and Linux it is used to create interactive 3D applications such as video games, animated films, TV series and visual effects it was released in February 1997 and bought by autodesk in 2005 

Lightwave

Lightwave is a software package used for rendering 3D images both animated and static it includes a rendering engine that supports advanced features such as realistic reflection and refraction. The 3D modelling component supports both polygon modelling and subdivision surfaces The animation component has features such as reverse and forward kinematics for character animation, particle systems and dynamics. Programmers can expand LightWave's capabilities using an included SDK which offers LScript scripting (a proprietary scripting language) and common C language interfaces.

  Blender

Blender is a free and open source 3D computer 3D graphics software used for creating animated films, visual effects, interactive 3D applications or video games Blender's features include 3D modeling, UV unwrapping, texturing, rigging and skinning, fluid and smoke simulation, particle simulation, animating, match moving, camera tracking, rendering, video editing and compositing. It also features a built-in game engine.

Cinema 4D
Cinema 4D is a 3D modelling, rendering and animation software package developed by MAXON it is capable of procedural and polygonal modelling as well as sub division modeling, animating, lighting, texturing, rendering, and common features found in 3d modelling applications.

Four variants are currently available from MAXON: a core CINEMA 4D 'Prime' application, a 'Broadcast' version with additional motion-graphics features, 'Visualize' which adds functions for architectural design and 'Studio', which includes all module it is available on both windows and Mac OS 

ZBrush

Zbrush is a digital sculpting tool that combines both 3D and 2.5D modelling it is used to do sketch modelling where you actually draw the object you are trying to sculpt rather than manipulating objects it doesn't allow you to be as precise as  you can be with other modelling software however it allows you to model a lot faster and if you get quite good at using you can make models that are just as good as what you can make with the other software packages a lot quicker 

ZBrush is used as a digital sculpting tool to create high-resolution models (up to ten million polygons) for use in movies, games, and animations. It is used by companies ranging from ILM to Electronic Arts. ZBrush uses dynamic levels of resolution to allow sculptors to make global or local changes to their models. ZBrush is most known for being able to sculpt medium to high frequency details that were traditionally painted in bump maps. The resulting mesh details can then be exported as normal maps to be used on a low poly version of that same model. They can also be exported as a displacement map, although in that case the lower poly version generally requires more resolution. Or, once completed, the 3D model can be projected to the background, becoming a 2.5D image (upon which further effects can be applied). Work can then begin on another 3D model which can be used in the same scene. This feature lets users work with extremely complicated scenes without heavy processor overhead.

Sketchup

SketchUp is a 3D modelling program for a broad range of applications such as architectural, civil, mechanical, film as well as video game design — and available in free as well as 'professional' versions.

The program highlights its ease of use,[4] and an online repository of model assemblies (e.g., windows, doors, automobiles, entourage, etc.) known as 3D Warehouse enables designers to locate, download, use and contribute free models. The program includes a drawing layout functionality, allows surface rendering in variable "styles," accommodates third-party "plug-in" programs enabling other capabilities (e.g., near photo realistic rendering) and enables placement of its models within Google Earth.

File Formats

Each 3D application allows the user to save their work, both objects and scenes, in a proprietary file format and export in open formats.

A proprietary format is a file format where the mode of presentation of its data is the intellectual property of an individual or organisation which asserts ownership over the format. In contrast, a free format is a format that is either not recognised as intellectual property, or has had all claimants to its intellectual property release claims of ownership. Proprietary formats can be either open if they are published, or closed, if they are considered trade secrets. In contrast, a free format is never closed.

Proprietary formats are typically controlled by a private person or organization for the benefit of its applications, protected with patents or as trade secrets, and intended to give the license holder exclusive control of the technology to the (current or future) exclusion of others.

Examples of proprietary formats, AutoCAD - .dxf, 3D Studio Max - .3ds, Maya - .mb, LightWave -.lwo

Examples of open formats,  .obj and .dae.

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