COOL 3D 3.5

List Price: $49.99

Features:

• Create high-impact 3D graphics for professional-looking projects
• Output as still images, animations, video, or Macromedia Flash
• Output vector-based Flash with the new EnVector module
• Easy-to-use, yet powerful animation timeline
• Drag-and-drop special effects from the EasyPalette

Customer Reviews:

Great at what it does -- if you need what it does [Posted on 2004-07-15]
As a multimedia producer, I use this product quite a bit for animated text intros. I also use it for digital video, but because version 3.5 can export in Flash format, it is one of my primary tools for Macromedia Director multimedia production.

If you're not familiar with the concept of key frames, the program may be a little confusing at first, but once you get the hang of key frames, and Cool 3d's rather limited and small key frame "tool," you can do some pretty impressive stuff -- to a point.

Don't expect incredible 3D model building (although simple items can be built with enough time and familiarity with the application), or morphing, or the kind of animation that makes a character walk around -- and ignore the included preset animations, most of which are incredibly tacky. Play with them, but don't use them.

Instead use Cool 3D to do what it does best: text animation. Use a bold font and have the text spin in from the distance or move and maybe spin across the screen with a good, subtle imported background. Add a cool sound effect once it's in Flash or Director and it's golden. Play with the lighting, colors and bevels on the text, and, above all, keep it simple.

Bottom line: I recommend it. For 50 bucks you cannot go wrong if you need text animation.

Click here for more details and discount information...