Aladdin4D

Screenshot of the Aladdin4D interface

Aladdin4D is a software program for modeling and rendering three-dimensional graphics and animations, for AmigaOS and Mac OS X platforms. Aladdin 4D was originally created by Greg Gorby at Adspec Programing in Ohio, and was an updated version of an earlier 3D program called Draw4D Pro, which integrated elements of desktop publishing into its environment. The 3D program was then acquired and updated by Nova Design, Inc. Nova Design added many modern features and made it easier to use. It was one of the first 3D animation programs on any platform to employ volumetrics, which were primarily used to create volumetric gas. However, unlike the majority of Amiga 3D programs, it used scanline rendering instead of the more photorealistic ray tracing technique. Scanline rendering is similar to the rendering technique used in most Pixar movies.

On December 17, 2007 Nova Design sold all inventory, source code and intellectual property rights to DiscreetFX LLC.^[1] DiscreetFX is updating and releasing a new 6.0 version for AmigaOS, Mac OS X, iPad & Linux.^[2]

Features

This software was one of the few 3D applications for the Amiga platform, in the sense that it uses an OS-compliant GUI, it supports RTG displays, it utilizes the AmigaGuide Help system and features an Arexx port for scripting. Concerning the 3D features of the application:

- Infinite layering of surfaces: A surface of an object may have a virtually infinite amount of textures, shaders etc. layered on it.

- Spline modelling tool.

- Importing of most postscript files, making the creation of logos easier.

- Unlimited number of working layers: multiple working areas containing only a portion of the scene, easing out the management and pace of objects during the creation of animation.

- Gaseous volumetrics with adjustable mass.

- Built-in particle system to simulate various effects like fireworks.

- Morphing capabilities in the animation system.

- Spline animation controls.

Also, Aladdin 4D has rendering features like motion blur, multiple pass supersampling, lens flares, 32-bit color support and a highly optimized 68k rendering engine.

Format support

Aladdin 4D supports the following 3D formats: Aladdin 4D, Lightwave3D, GEO, EPS, DEM, Draw4D-Pro and Draw4D, 3D Studio for either loading or loading and saving. Image Formats supported for loading and saving: IFF/ILBM (palette mapped and 24-bit formats), JPEG and Video Toaster Framestores. Aladdin 4D was one of the first rendering/animation packages to support video editing/post production hardware on any computer platform (NewTek's Video Toaster/Flyer).

Interoperability

Aladdin 4D 5.x supports exchange of data with ImageFX, Amiga Lightwave 3D/Video Toaster, World Construction Set and all programs that support Nova Design's "Magic" protocol for buffer sharing.

Compatibility

Aladdin 4D 5.x versions run on any Amiga platform or an emulated one, like Amiga Forever, UAE (including WinUAE, E-UAE & P-UAE), and also on the Draco. Aladdin 4D also runs on systems that use MorphOS, for example Pegasos version I & II, PowerMac G5, Mac Mini G4, PowerMac G4, iBook G4 & PowerBook G4. Aladdin 4D will also run on future hardware that MorphOS supports like Acube's SAM 460ex. The fastest current environment for running Aladdin4D 5.x is a 12 core i7 utilizing an AmigaOS Virtual Machine on OS X, Linux or Windows.

Future

DiscreetFX, the new owner of Aladdin 4D, has already announced the platforms the new version will support and their intention to market it as a low-cost application which may not have all the modern features similar programs do, but enough to get someone introduced to the 3D graphics world and create a portfolio. . Aladdin4D 6.0 is going through some changes. Because of lack of documentation, commenting and bugs the original software update to version 6.0 of the source code tree has been put on indefinite hold. The new development staff has returned to the well commented and fully featured 5.x code-base and started updating it to a brand new more modern 6.0 code-base. This should help expedite a newer and more stable 6.0 version of Aladdin4D. Development plans for a MorphOS, AmigaOS 4.x and AROS version are back on.

See also

• Amiga Reflections
• LightWave 3D
• Cinema 4D
• Imagine
• Caligari

References

1. ↑ "DiscreetFX completes acquisition of Aladdin 4D". Nova Design Inc. Retrieved 2007-12-17. 
2. ↑ "Aladdin 4D & the iPhone?". DiscreetFX LLC. Retrieved 2007-06-07. 

External links

• Aladdin 4D - 3D Animation Packages website.
• CU Amiga Magazine November 1997 Magazine cover created with Aladdin 4D.