Xara3D is the most basic 3D animation package we have reviewed. We include it here because it's the ideal tool for those who simply wish to create basic 3D text, logos and screensavers. It's a tool that you can start using straight away, with very little learning curve. Of course what can be achieved is limited.

So how does Imaginemage stack up against our Buyer's Guide criteria?

Ease of interface
Xara3D is chlids play to use. The very simple interface is intuitive and so you'll be up and running in minutes. Don’t bother looking for advanced features, they're not there

3D modelling
Jump straight in to building 3D images. No wire-framing is required as your objects will not move in anything other than a basic way. Up, down, left, right and rotate is your limit.

Surface rendering, shading and effects
Automatic rendering and shading, with little control over the process

Automated game creation
There is no game creation component to Xara3D

File formats
Xara3D outputs JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG (including full PNG alpha channel), ICO (icon), CUR (cursor), animated GIF, AVI and SWF (vector and bitmap) and also as a screensaver file.

Tutorials and training
There are simple tutorials included with the software, however it's so simple and intuitive that you don't really need them.

Help and support
Xara provides good support for all their products. You can choose from extensive knowledge base, ticket help or dedicated forums.

Xara3D is ideal for very basis uses (for example, creating a screensaver using you logo in 3D), however if you want anything more complex consider a better package