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KeyShot 6.3 Review

In this review, Paul Hatton puts KeyShot 6.3 through its paces to see what this update has to offer the user...

In this review, Paul Hatton puts KeyShot 6.3 through its paces to see what this update has to offer the user...

Product: KeyShot 6.3

Company: Luxion

Website: www.keyshot.com

Key new features:

• New import libraries
• Alias 2017 support
• Maya 2017 support
• Inventor 2017 support
• Siemens NX 11 support
• Solid Edge ST9 support
• SOLIDWORKS 2017 enhanced support
• KeyShot Network Rendering updates

Requirements:

KeyShot doesn't require any special hardware or graphics card. KeyShot takes full advantage of all cores and threads inside a computer. As your computer gets more powerful KeyShot becomes faster.


Luxion have now released KeyShot version 6.3 which includes new import libraries and expanded support for the latest releases of Autodesk Alias, Inventor, Maya, Siemens NX and Solid Edge, and Solid Works. Luxion is a leading developer of advanced rendering and lighting technology, and their KeyShot software has become increasingly popular to a wide range of artists.

I think it's safe to say that KeyShot's latest release is all about additional support! A quick glance at their new features list will tell you exactly that. Already in their 6th iteration of the software, KeyShot at its core is a brilliant tool for creating beautiful images, and their real-time workflow allows you to customize materials and lighting on the fly, seeing instant feedback. Before we head into what's new in 6.3, I just want to say that KeyShot is brilliant. It is simple, effective and impressive. This ease of use makes it easily adoptable for a wide range of artists including product designers dabbling in visualization.

© Andy Jones

© Andy Jones

Now let's talk support. KeyShot is keen to be the product of choice no matter what 3D modeling software you choose to use. This latest release communicates their commitment to this vision and to making it happen. With additional support for Alias 2017, Inventor 2017, Maya 2017, and updated support for Solid Works 2017, they really are providing an impressive breadth of provision.

Allowing the use of such a wide range of file formats means that it is now even easier for designers to use a range of 3D modeling packages to suit each project's requirements. Because KeyShot is standalone, they can ensure that the visualization is created using a familiar interface, even if their models are created in a variety of pieces of software.

© Travis Tom

© Travis Tom

To further this impressive list of supported 3D file formats, KeyShot also provides a wide range of additional free plugins for most 3D modeling software. Updated plugins include 3ds Max, Alias, Maya, Fusion 360, Revit, Solid Works, PTC Creo and SketchUp. These free plugins make it even easier for artists to use their preferred 3d modeling package.

If you already own KeyShot 6 then the great news for you is that updating to 6.3 is completely free of charge. The Network Rendering updates are also immediately available.

© John Seymour

© John Seymour

To try and entice you in, KeyShot is provided as a 15 day trial version. It's completely free and only has render queue and background rendering disabled. Renders are also watermarked. Trial versions of software seem to be becoming increasingly rare, so it's refreshing that KeyShot are allowing their potential customers to play around with the tools before making that financial commitment.

While we're talking about money, the pro version retails at just under $2,000. I've spoken fairly openly about subscription type pricing structures, and so it's refreshing that KeyShot have not followed the likes of Adobe and Autodesk. For those of you who want to just pay an upfront price and then own the software for as long as you want, this is a welcome piece of news. If you prefer to budget for software with monthly outgoings then paying nearly $2,000 dollars may feel a little steep. Just to mention that there are other options, the simpler version is less than a $1,000 which is more reasonable but it obviously has a reduced set of features.

© Kirill Chepizhko

© Kirill Chepizhko

So, is it worth the money? This is always a difficult question to answer because every artist is different. Personally I think it's an incredible tool that will most definitely make your life easier as well as enable you to create more impressive visuals. If you can stomach the cost then let me encourage you to do so. If, on the other hand, you're not too sure, then get the trial version and make your own mind up! Enjoy.

Score (out of 5): 4

KeyShot Pro is $1,995

Educational license (if available): Not available

Release date: Already released

Related links

Check out KeyShot's main site
Version 6.3 now available
Learn more about Luxion

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