DJAB Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 All, I'm new here so please go easy if you don't like what I have to say! Let me begin by saying that I work as an Architect in the UK, but with a general emphasis on the 3D modelling side of things. Atleast, thats my role until Revit is rolled out by which time everyone in the office will be using Revit. But my general aim is to eventually move into ArchViz as a freelancer. Currently, in the office we use MicroStation - I specialise in MicroStation 3D - which I love for modelling, but for rendering its appalling. Over the years I have looked at pretty much every single 3D package out there. From Lightwave to Maya, to Max, to Rhino - blah blah blah, but without ever even hearing of Form Z, and I have tried them all. Whilst I can get my head around them I was never really THAT impressed with any of them. I like to model in a very exact and precise way. I don't need to be bogged down with stuff I won't use, or endless menus and settings. I litterally found out about Form Z a few days ago when I was researching how Jones Partners Architects produce their images - which I love. I have spent the evening here playing around with Form Z Free. I'm enormously impressed with it thus far, I can pretty much find everything I want to right from the get go, and I love how accurate it is with the snaps etc. It just feels solid (on iMac). Now, that might change when I start importing DWG files, as is the case with so many other 3D packages, but fingers crossed - I wonder, can anyone here elaborate on what I can expect with DWG imports? The only problem is the rendering, the hidden line diagrams and JPEG export are excellent features for Architects, especially nice is the ambient occlusion. But from what I have seen RenderZone is not something that interests me, for now. Anyway, that aside Im wondering why (from my experiences in the UK,) Form Z has managed to float under the radar for so long, literally no one else has even heard of it - which means it has next to no chance at ever getting established in UK architecture offices like the way SketchUp has - which is a real shame in my eyes. (Im 31 by the way, so I wasn't around the 3D scene in the 90's - unfortunately! I guess Im just wondering why it appears to have a small user base for a long established company? Its criminal that its not used more, especially by Architects. Im going to have a lot of fun with it no doubt, especially with the likes of Maxwell and Thea - And I will push to start using it in the workplace too, but thats going to be an uphill battle. Anyway, after my short time using Form Z I have never felt so at home in a 3D package before after such short time using an application. Huge thumbs up. (for now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
setz Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 You should download the trials (30 day) of Jr and then Pro. They are considerably more advanced than FZ Free with many additional tools and features. Cheers, and lucky for you that you have now found this great software. Spread the word in your circles.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redrngr Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 Also, Check-out the Webinars on Demand for FromZ 7 and formZ 8.5 Pro to see its Power in Action. Do Keep in mind for rendering then strongly Consider Maxwell Renderer as it plugin into formZ 8.5 Pro since you are an Architect. Also, some more plugins for rendering appear on thier way, Thea and others as well. Best of Luck Exploring! Dan S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Des Posted December 7, 2015 Share Posted December 7, 2015 Hi Andyb, welcome to the FormZsphere! I agree with your point about FormZ not being as well known as other 3d packages, especially in this part of the world. Actually I think it was better known back in the 90's than it is today. Like you I have experience with multiple 3d packages but I always prefer to use FormZ as it is much more fluid to use and way faster too to model. For the last few years FormZ has changed (for the better I think) and has kept my interest consistently. For non-restrictive architectural design, I don't think there's anything out there that compares. Also, this forum is great. Tech support here is second to none as well as all the users tips and discussion. You being in the UK, wait until around 1.30pm before getting feedback etc. So, keep playing and as Setz and Dan S say, try the Jr & Pro versions and check out the vids too. Des Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
etroxel Posted December 7, 2015 Share Posted December 7, 2015 Hi Andyb, welcome! I am an architect in the US that's been using fZ for a very long time, and I'm still finding new tools that are super useful. This forum is top-notch for support from the company and other users. I have made a bunch of formZ (and Bonzai3d, which is now called FormZ Jr.) tutorials that are geared mostly towards architects that you may find useful. The address is http://getmethod.com I hope you find it useful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tech Posted December 7, 2015 Share Posted December 7, 2015 Hi Andyb, Welcome to the forum! As setz suggests, you can download Trial versions of formZ Pro which gives you the ability to explore the entire program for 30 days. There are a number of additional features and tools that are in the Pro version that is not in the Free version. Or if you feel like Pro may be a bit too robust for your taste, we have a Trial version of formZ Jr, too! Also, as Dan S. and Des states, we have a number of Tutorials, Tips and Tricks, and Videos available on our website which you can access by scrolling over the Support button at the top of the page. Lastly, if you have any other questions, feel free to email us or post on the forum and we will be happy to help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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