I like that lightwave is continually seeking to improve the software and consistently updating it. Including the tool-sets and some of the features. I like their aggressive attitude to build on the software and stay competitive. I like hte new features that newtek comes out with on every update. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I think with most of the features they are behind maya and 3ds, so I feel like using lightwave I am at a bit of a disadvantage on most things as a 3d modeler. The training available on the newtek website is pretty confusing and often not real helpful. I feel like the node system and shaders are really confusing as well. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

VPR (Virtual Preview Renderer) as well as the built in renderer. It is extremely fast and provides fast feedback in an iterative workflow. The built in renderer is equally fast, has great advanced features and is easy to understand. Node based materials are fairly intuitive and easy to work with. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Dual application approach. The 3D package is comprised of "Modeler" and "Layout". Modeler is used to build out the geometry, while Layout is used to set up lighting, dynamics and animation. Separating them seems like a good idea at times but often just slows down the process.

Modeler

Slightly outdated modeling tool set. There is often not enough visual feedback for tools and can be difficult to maintain 'selections' of objects you are trying to modify.

The layer system used within Modeler to set up hierarchies can be difficult to work with and limiting at times.

Layout

Great recent support and updates but some of the newly incorporated systems feel more like plugins and have a hard time working with one another. The native dynamics system is unable to work with the newly incorporated bullet physics engine for example.

Many long standing features contain separate "undo" trees, meaning you have to be extra careful with modifying settings as you may not be able to undo past a certain point, or you may not be able to undo all your actions which forces you to close and reload the scene. This makes it very difficult for newcomers.

No native support for advanced simulation and dynamics. It does contain hair, liquid and similar attempts but I would not classify them as high end production level worthy. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

VPR provides great feedback quickly. This is essential in an ad agency setting where you need to produce results quickly for internal approval and client sign-off. When working with creative directors and art directors unfamiliar with 3D workflows, VPR can be a fantastic tool to give your team an actual picture of what the final product will look like. Dynamics system and the modeling tools are efficient and powerful. Rigging system and presets are super helpful. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The learning curve is pretty steep. The UI of the package can feel slightly spartan and scary for someone new to the software. Lack of Undo / Redo for various tools and functions can be frustrating for a new user coming from another package. Switching between two applications can seem strange to a new user but conceptually makes sense once you understand the impetus behind it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I enjoy the live and fast rendering, simple modeling system and powerful features. For the price, you get a ton advanced features for rigging, dynamics, animation and rendering. The newer versions are much more pipeline oriented, by including support many outside rendering engines (including Octane) and native tool building using standard python.

All 3D packages are a bit of a bear to learn, but once settled in, it feels like second nature to buzz around the UI. Some people consider this this a downside, but having a separate animation / rending program from the modeling side keeps things a little cleaner. I also appreciate the removal of the hardware dongle requirement for licensing.

Lightwave's long support for HDR rendering has made it great for product and architectural rendering for years, and is still easier to use for photo-real rendering than some other packages. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

There are things about the UI which are still odd hold-overs from the software's Amiega roots - although all commands can be remapped (although that's a bit of an irritating process). I feel like the interface could use an overhaul in general. Although that could be a very tricky line to walk for those of us used to the old interface - there would be fan outrage for sure.

I do wish there was better cross-platform support for other 3D package standards. I also wish the integration with After Effects was more like Cinema 4D, which I have considered switching to for motion graphics.

Maya probably still has a better animation system - but I can't speak to that too much. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I have been using Lightwave 3D since the mid 90's. I was first introduced to the software via the Amiga Computer. This was basically Lightwave 3.0. The main thing that is a HUGE selling point for myself is that fact that the amt. of plugins that come with the software and the quality of the render engine. Of course the modeling tools are a great feature and the speed is quite a bonus too! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

My one BIG drawback to the program is it's lack of ability to interface with After Effects. IF... IF you could utilize Lightwave 3D with After Effects Like Cinema 4D you would have an amazing all around program. I cannot comment if the 2015 version of Lightwave allows for more of a full integration experience... But I would still choose Lightwave 3D hands down. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Can handle complex high poly count scene on the fly and renders out very well, and professional looking results. Renders fast with realistic reflection, subscatter surface skin and lighting. Handles soft body dynamics and hair particle. Genoma rigging tools can rig a model quickly and easy. Great add-on tools available for Lightwave that enhance user friendly work flow. 3rd powers cage deformer and LW brush tool highly recommneded add on for lightwave to make it complete. Makes it easier to construct anything from organic life to architectural and mechanical engineer product. Quality of the program is at professional level of most Hollywood movie production all in one program. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The lack of some rigging constraint for joint deformation, which required Cage deformer plug-in to solve that issue. The nodal system requires a bit of a learning curve. But not really that much to dislike. Maybe need a better water particle is needed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The easy of use, ightwaves learning curve is the fastest in the market, in a very sort time you can learn to use its full strength and deliver projects much faster than other 3D programs.

I love the way that I can create objects in modeler and also the use of shortcuts

It works great in every computer, dosn't draine your computer resources.

I love that, it never crashes Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

No "real" Undo in Layout,

some times it is hard (to impossible) to make numeric geometry animations (like animated boolean, or animated lathes)

In character animation it misses many useful tools that you find in other programs

Dynamics and particles are not so advanced compared to competition, even though the integration of bullet dynamics, helped a lot

I miss the time it was ahead from the competition, especially in rendering Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The great, featured native rendering engine has been one of my main reasons for using LightWave. Don't let some of the newbie stuff you see online fool you – LW can help you make amazing, state-of-the-art work. A new PBR engine is due in the next version, which is exciting and keeps LW up to date with the competition. VPR viewport rendering and live displacement updates in GL is a good feature. Very powerful nodal texturing and shading features with loads of great official nodes as well as free plugins from 3rd parties. The modeling tools are very fluid and intuitive once you have some basic knowledge of how 3d modelling works. Animating is very simple and fast with a range of options such as editing graphs, dope sheets or scripting. Enthusiastic online community. Good, but simple integration with After Effects that I use all the time to combine 3d with 2d. Good support for various file types. Price is very competitive. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

OpenGL is slow on my standard MAC. There are some very huge limitations with regards to undoes in the Layout (animation and rendering) part of the application. Rigging seems very cumbersome – but I do little of this kind of work, to be honest. 3rd party plugins have become fewer and there is a lot of very old stuff out there that's still being used. For a while the versions seemed to opt for stuffing half-finished and poorly integrated features into the Layout part of the application instead of solving deeper architecture issues. Modern modelling features have also been on the back-burner for a while. This strategy does however seem to have changed recently and I have great hopes regarding the versions we will be receiving in the next few years. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I have been using Lightwave 3D for so long now, I love that everything is intuitive and easy to navigate. It feels like there is more to explore and learn as there are no bounds to the many plugins and scripts that come with the software package. I am constantly finding new ways of tackling a modelling task or animation! Lightwave is avery versatile 3D modelling and animation package offering photo realistic rendering, stereo images, many real world camera effects (dof, real life lenses), real time feedback and much much more! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

People often dislike that the modeller program is separate from the animation program.. It does not bother me at all... I use Blender for a lot of dynamic effects and modelling, this is an all in one package. I do not see any disadvantage to keeping the modelling module as a separate program. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I have been using LigthWave 3D for about 2 years as part of my education revision. I remember creating a short animation for logo animation and including other 3D modelling. The tools makes it easier for us as user to use. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The rendering duration does take some time. I remembered I animated a 60 seconds video with UV, texture and animation, it took about 3 days to render fully back in 2007. However the PC specification I used back then was pretty low. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.