Is There a Good Linux 3D Modeling Program?

[dethredic]

I need to create some 3D models of some complex chemical compounds.

Being able to draw spheres and lines should be enough, so it doesn't need to be super complex.

Also the ability to save the model in a continuous rotation in a video file would be nice.

[binbash]

Blender may do that

[mcduck]

Blender will definitely do that.

But in case you want something a bit simpler, you might want to give K-3D a try: http://www.k-3d.org/wiki/Main_Page
(unlike the name might suggest, it's really a Gnome app :D)

[kayosiii]

http://www.bioinformatics.org/ghemical/ghemical/index.html

this looks very domain specific
:)

[lovinglinux]

Blender can do that, but I think it is more powerful than you need.

Try searching for the word "chemical" in the "Add/Remove" manager. There are a bunch of options, including 3D modelers for this specific use.

[FakeOutdoorsman]

Here is a list of several chemistry related programs. Some are for modeling:
Ubuntu Science: Chemistry - Community Ubuntu Documentation (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UbuntuScience#Chemistry)

[Ubuntiac]

Not sure if this is what you're after, but Avogrado (http://www.kde-apps.org/content/show.php/Avogadro?content=59521) sounds like it might do exactly what you want more easily.

http://www.kde-apps.org/CONTENT/content-pre1/59521-1.png

Blender *is* a kick a$$ 3d modeller / animation / game suite, but where you don't need it's full flexibility and power you can probably find something easier to learn.