Showplace
{{Short description|3D computer graphics}}
{{notability|Products|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox software
| name = Pixar Showplace
| logo = Pixar_logo.svg
| screenshot =
| caption =
| author = Pixar
| developer = Pixar
| discontinued = YES
| released = {{Start date and age|1992}}
| latest_release_version = 2.2
| latest_release_date ={{Start date and age|1995.12.22}}
| latest_preview_version =
| latest_preview_date =
| operating_system = MacOS System 6, System 7, Windows
| platform =
| genre = 3D graphics
| license = Pixar EULA
| website = www.pixar.com
}}
Showplace is a 3D computer graphics program. It was released in the 1990s by Pixar with versions for Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows. The Mac version was co-developed by Phil Beffrey{{cite web|url=https://www.historyofcg.com/pages/Phil-Beffrey/|title=People Behind the Pixels|website=www.historyofcg.com}} and Dana Batali. Version 1.0 sold for US$995. It would create a basic model, from which the user could change model surfaces and set lighting and camera angles. Version 2.0, which cost $495–695, provided additional modeling tools for users called Clip Objects Library and required Pixar's Renderman for rendering images."Pixar Perfect", MacUser, April 1992, page 51 Users can import models from other software by using RIB-format files.David Biendy, "The Third Dimension", MacUser, September 1992, page 120
Features
Version 1.0:Deke McClelland, "ShowPlace 1.1", Macworld, June 1992, page 185-186
- 42 Clip Object library
- Import objects using RIB format
- Requires 32 bit QuickDraw, math coprocessor
- LabelMaker utility for creating Looks
- Four kinds of lights (ambient, sun, point, spot light)
- Unlimited number of lights
- Background rendering
- Export TIFF and PICT images
Version 1.1jeanette Borzo, "Pixar enhances special effects tool", InfoWorld, 23 March 1992, page 16
- Upgrade for Mac Quadra 700 and 900
- CD version ($695 US)
Version 2.0 featuresCarlos Domingo Marinez, "ShowPlace 2.0", Macworld, April 1994, page 67
- 18 plugins for basic geometry shapes
- Import Adobe Illustrator 3.0+ files, DXF filesJeanette Borzo, "Graphics vendors flaunt their software at Macworld Expo", InfoWorld, 9 August 1993, page 20
- Create 3D type from outline fonts
- Lathe curves while creating 3D objects
- Glimpse
- Professional Look browser
- Three-node version of NetRenderMan
- MacRenderMan standard render
In 1992 Valis group created PrimeRIB object library and PickTure ($345 US) and three shader libraries ($345 US) for Showplace.Infoworld, 7 September 1992, page 20
It was discontinued when Pixar chose to concentrate on film production instead of application development.{{cite web|url=http://www.typophile.com/node/6209|title=Pixar Typestry - Typophile|website=www.typophile.com}}
Universal Scene Description
Pixar's Universal Scene Description (USD) software tool included many Showplace features, such as importing models, creating basic models and applying transformations. Transformations include organizing, rotating and scaling models, adding lights, adjusting and changing lighting and changing model materials. USD is designed to work with the modern 3D animation pipeline. Unlike Showplace, Pixar uses USD to create 3D animated movies. USD uses an internal OpenGL renderer."Introduction to USD", http://graphics.pixar.com/usd/docs/index.html Pixar released an open-source version of Universal Scene Description on 26 July 2016.