3D posing tools are enormously valuable in making visual art. But knowing which one will suit your needs is equally important. Here are my suggestions.
If you’re at all familiar with my art process, you’ve probably seen that 3D reference tools have become inseparable from my approach. I have used a few different poser tools, and while I have my favorites all of the tools below have great advantages.
*Please note that I do not get paid for any of these reviews or suggestions. These are simply reflections of my personal opinions and experiences as a professional illustrator.
Fox's Favorite
- Web Browser, Android, iOS
- Free version available
- Pro version starts at $9.99 USD
pros and cons
- high quality models
- more accurate anatomy
- highly customizable lighting
- different figures available
- moderate body morph sliders
- most assets are paywalled
- body morph affects entire model, not by section
- browser app is abbreviated
when im not using Clip Studio Paint’s 3D set-up, i use MagicPoser. i have it on my old iPad because I found the web browser version to be too abbreviated for my needs. I made the one-time payment of $9.99 USD for Pro, which gave me a larger library of accessible props and body types. model customization is mid tier, but the quality of muscular detail and accuracy by far balances it out. there are minimal clothing options, but i don’t use them. ive used Magic Poser extensively for comix and illustrations, and it’s my favorite for creating NSFW art.
- Web Browser, Android, iOS, Windows, Mac
- Free version available
- Pro Version starts at $14.00/mo
pros and cons
- available on all devices
- huge library of assets
- nonhuman figures available
- full handbook available
- interface is not immediately intuitive
- most models are paywalled
- free version is rather limited
something i really like about JustSketchMe is the library of poseable models. If you’re a fantasy artist or just do a lot of non-human character art, this is likely going to be your perfect 3D poser. Along with the typical wooden mannequin style models, there are chibi figures, anime figures, more realistic bodies, and even dragons, merfolk and lycans. while a lot of these models are behind the paywall, paying for the library of available poses and props is not a bad investment if you’re getting very serious with your illustrations.
if you’re just looking for a solid simple reference for sketching a pose or thumbnailing a larger piece, the free version probably has everything you need.
Other 3D Posers
I don’t know as much about these, but I’ve been told some good things about them. I’ll add more links as I find more info. <3