Graphic design, specifically anything that involves creating 3D models and scenery, had always been somewhat of a mystery to me. I’ve tinkered with Google SketchUp a few times, but the land of AutoCAD and creating 3D models remained largely unexplored. However when I saw TerraRay, a 3D graphics application for Mac that focuses on building stunning terrain and scenery, I was intrigued. Would it be an easy to use WYSIWYG interface or a myriad of complicated lines and numbers? I took a punt, and it was one of the best application-related decisions I have ever made.
Layout
Probably the best bit about the layout is that it’s a huge testament to just how good the app is. The side menu makes it easier than ever to add effects such as water, clouds and different earth textures – you really don’t need to be a 3D specialist to use this app. It’s amazing.
It’s easy to choose what elements you want to add to your scene, and it’s clear what tools do what. Normally quite a big problem with graphic design software is how they present all the complicated lines and numbers, and how to input data. TerraRay covers this up with their incredibly simple interface.
I have never ever seen a 3D graphics app with such an easy to use and intuitive design in my life, and an easy to use UI, which makes the experience much more pleasant and fun for the average user. The rendering layout is also phenomenal, as you can see the terrain as you create it, and you can even make the preview render bigger if you want to see the detail.
Functionality
This app allows you to create any terrain you want and more. You can infinitely customize your creation and add fog, clouds, and even your own customised objects that you’ve created in another 3D graphics app like AutoCad or Maya with a .3ds format. If you’re not that advanced don’t worry though, as TerraRay comes packed with a library full of objects you can add, from luxury sports cars to shapes and more.
You can change all the lighting, where the sun is, I really mean it when I say you can create whatever type of scene you want. Not for the first time in this review, it’s amazing. As far as rendering goes, of course the faster your computer is the better (you will find it pretty sluggish on older machines, but that’s to be expected). You can get a live render when you’re creating the scene, so you know exactly what it looks like, and you can then finalize everything at the click of a button.
The effects you can add to the water are really neat as well. It’s not just add boring water then you’re done. You can make it glisten in the sun or crystal clear, or change the color if you want a dark sea. Anything is possible (3rd time I’ve said it), functionality wise, this app is unbelievable.
Verdict
If you’re a graphic deisgner professionally, I wouldn’t hesitate one second before hitting the buy button on this app. It’s got everything you could possibly want and more for creating awesome scenery and terrain, but the best thing about this for me is its ease of use – a ten year old could probably start using it and create something interesting. While getting the advanced effects does take time, there’s nothing to learn in terms of the basics. Just tweak everything a bit and you should come out with something pretty good.
The second best thing about this app is the price: at only $9.99, this app is a steal, as you can find graphic design apps of this kind that cost hundreds, in some cases thousands of dollars that offer pretty much the same functionality as this one. Buy it and you really won’t regret it.
Rating: 5/5
Price: $9.99 (Mac App Store Link)
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This is a sponsored review via Review Roster
