ArtVisualizer Press Media | Archie Visual Design & Art Review

Xfrog is an organic modeling application which uses an algorithmic approach to modeling. Now if that all sounds a little to technical (It does to me) don't worry the way the interface is set out makes it easy to get to grips with. The image below shows Xfrog set up on a dual monitor system showing how easy it is to customize the interface.



In very basic terms modeling is done by dragging components onto other components in the hierarchy window an example below showing a tree dragged onto the Root component then another tree onto the first then finally a leaf component dragged onto that.

But the great thing about Xfrog is the amount each component can be adjusted, below is the parameter window of a basic tree component as you can see there are so many adjusting sliders they can't all fit into the window.



One of the newest features of Xfrog is the ability to animate, you can create a bud and have it grow to a full flower or tree or even an alien type creature and then export as a 3d object ready to animate in the program of your choice. The image below shows 3 steps of a dandelion opening then turning to seed, this sequence comes with the demo of Xfrog and is very much worth seeing.
Xfrog also allows you to texture your models so if for example you where building a tree you could map a real leaf onto a plane using an alpha channel to create more detail and at the same time save polygon space. The image below is the oak tree that comes with Xfrog rendered close up.

Xfrog is a very capable program made by a very supportive company and while the results aren't instant, with a little time and practice you can make spectacular organic objects whether they be trees, plants or pure fantasy then using the superb export fill your 3d scenes with them.

Xfrog is a modeling and animation system specializing in the easy generation and animation of complex organic structures. There are two versions of Xfrog available: The Full version and the Lite version. The Xfrog Full version comprises all features of Xfrog including animation capabilities. Xfrog Lite version does not provide animation functionality.



Xfrog combines the creation of normal geometric objects (the primitives) with information on how this geometry is organized (the component hierarchy). With Xfrog you have primitives, such as cubes, spheres etc. and components, such as phiball, tree, etc. which together provide a hierarchical structure. The components embody algorithmic descriptions of objects that can be found in nature, such as tree branches, leaves, or sea shells, jellyfish, etc. By combining different components and assigning specific values to the components it is easy to create complex objects that follow their natural examples. You can build almost any tree found in Nature, or flowers, houseplants, etc. As well, you can use Xfrog for architectural sketches and abstract organic artwork. Xfrog uses a procedural graph network approach that allows you to link different components together and, thus easily link components which affect each other and together build a hierarchical organic structure. All values of all components may as well be animated - such as a flower blossoming, or a tree growing and changing over time.

System requirements
PC with minimum 400 mhz processor, OpenGL graphics support, 256 or higher RAM. Xfrog will run in PC emulation modes on Mac, Xfrog also runs on IRIX and Linux operating systems, contact us for the appropriate download.

Export Availability :

• Discreet 3ds max
• Animation:Master
• Autodesk VIZ
• Bryce
• Alias_WaveFront_MAYA
• Cinema4D
• LightWave
• Autodesk Maya
• Autodesk Autocad DXF
• 3dStudio 3ds
• Renderman
• Vue_D'Esprit
• Wavefront
  

License
To fully use Xfrog you need to purchase a license key. There are several ways to do this, and if you have additional questions about licensing for educational or multiple platform use, please contact us directly.
1) http://www.xfrog.com/purchase.html
2) fax, +1 24 82 81 53 18, phone +49 30 78 89 65 00
3) email : sales@xfrog.com