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Form z is very affordable, and has a very low cost barrier for entry This makes it an attractive entry level CAD software for consideration. Form Z has benefits for architectural design, creating fast and simple geometry. The ability to export to various file formats is also quite useful for engaging with other team members within a company's workflow. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Form Z has a lousy User Interface, which is not as intuitive as other software packages. Usability leaves users wanting more as compared to other software. Also, the community base is extremely small, which makes getting answers to questions on specific problems difficult. Help and software support is also lacking. I worry about where the future will lead this software, and how it will adapt to an ever changing landscape. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
21 out of 22 Total Reviews for formZ
Supports both Windows and Mac, and files can be opened on both operating systems. Parametric tools and bespoke workspaces. Reasonably easy to use. It is affordable and basic geometry, and architectural designs can be created quickly Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Lacks visual scripting capabilities. Requires a bit of time to comprehend fully Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
FormZ is a highly accurate modeler with a wide diversity of tools for all types of modeling. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
The interface is buggy, tool palette management is clumsy and requires too much management, particularly when using multiple monitors or switching between monitors. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
It is an intuitive tool that allows easy modeling. Quickly apply material mapping to surfaces during 3D modeling and insertion of light sources for quick Renderings. Positioning the sun can also allow for quick Solar Studies. It is great for a classroom setting product. Material reflections are authentic and real - textures can be modified to change the quality of how a surface reads. Walkthrough animation is easily achieved. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I am unsure of its ability to be able to export to other 3D platforms. It would be nice to be able to import models from - for example, Sketch-Up. Walkthroughs can perhaps have the option be bound to a floor to avoid a flying walkthrough throughout the space. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
- Easy to learn and robust with lots of potential and opportunities to include new features
- Awesome tech support and active user community that are constantly working/providing feedback to improve software even better
- "Reshape" toolset is fantastic and incredibly efficient and quick in adjusting and fine-tuning your model
- Subdivision tools
- Components & Clones (similar to Blocks in autocad) are very helpful when creating repetitive models. Could be saved in local library for other projects
- Customized workspace/pallets
- Different view types (Perspectives for visualization and Axonometric and Isometric for technical drawings)
- Scatter tools to randomly scatter objects (very useful to create randomness in scenes)
- parametric Stairs tool
- Object Doctor; a very handy tool to fix/simplify geometry
- Import/Export FBX files - in my case I export fomrZ models to FBX to use it with Twinmotion and Lumion for real-time rendering Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
This is based on Version 8.6:
- Few integrated 3rd party render engines. Could add more for more options.
- Also the native render engine needs to be improved (maybe more realistic GPU rendering?)
- No visual scripting features
- Large project file size especially when using hi res textures and smooth geometry which leads to long time saving the file and also makes project file prone to crash Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Intuitive interface and high software compatibility, Rendering interoperability with Vray. Agility to create complex forms easily and intuitively. Minimum learning curve timeframe, Useful tools and import files formats. Also, heir constant upgrades addresses bugs and possible crashes which makes the product highly reliable. Having the right support can be a true differentiator in today's architecture, so they will have your back safe in this matter. The great way to display geometry, makes it easy as well to prepare diagrams or isometrics when needed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
It might be slightly difficult to fully understand the platform, however that can be said for any new software. Some redesign to the menus, might be helpful for new users to interact with the software. This would definitely attract more people to the product. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
The interface is really easy to use. Maybe more intuitive than other programs. I have never seen a company who puts so much attention to customer support and actually address each and every issue users raise. I have never seen a company who actually answers the phone, allows you to converse with an actual tech/sales team live member, and spend the time with persistence and dedication to assist you with anything you can think of. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
NO ONE IN THE INDUSTRY USES IT! and it's sad. It needs more marketing because no new student coming in to design school will want to learn it. I am not sure how up-to-date or accurate this information is, but according to techno-graphics company HG Insights 930 companies are currently using formZ. What percent of market share does that represent? The only market analysis I can lay my hands on right now is this one, which shows 430 companies using it and a 0.11% market share. It isn't dated. I know I found other analyses with similar results, but they're not showing up for me right now. Formz is also a perfectly fine tool for those who are not so independent and distinguished. It's priced right and very capable. I just don't get why it is so widely ignored, and has been for so long. What am I missing? Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Derivative modelling. Form Z has tools which add up to several clicks within other software Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
It is not standard. Other software work differently and one would wonder what is up when looking into Form Z. IT takes getting used to, to enable it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Efficient and seamless sync with VRay as well as ability to downsave, which seems to be missing in most other software. Most often I used parametric subdivision and parametric generation and then further the ease by which I can just 3D print the models definitely saved me a lot of time during submission deadline time crunches. The augmented reality feature gives a very accurate depiction of the space and takes the design to the next level. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
The learning curve, it took me a while to get hold of it. But definitely worth it once you are past that initial learning period. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
The power to 3D model quickly. It is a extremely robust and stable platform for huge polygon counts. It exports to almost every other platform of your choice. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
The drafting tools could be improved for the 2D module of the program. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
