StrataVision 3D was a comprehensive 3D computer graphics

3D computer graphics

3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images...

 software package by Strata. Features include primitives-based modeling with texturising, keyframe animation, raytrace and later radiosity rendering.
It is notable for being part of the first wave of 3D graphics in desktop publishing

Desktop publishing

Desktop publishing is the creation of documents using page layout software on a personal computer.The term has been used for publishing at all levels, from small-circulation documents such as local newsletters to books, magazines and newspapers...

. One particular milestone was rendering the environment in the blockbuster game Myst

Myst

Myst is a graphic adventure video game designed and directed by the brothers Robyn and Rand Miller. It was developed by Cyan , a Spokane, Washington––based studio, and published and distributed by Brøderbund. The Millers began working on Myst in and released it for the Mac OS computer on September...

 entirely using StrataVision. The MultiMedia Novel, Sinkha

Sinkha

The Sinkha Project is a series of digital comics and multimedia novels created by Marco Patrito, an Italian science-fiction author and illustrator who has published comic novels in Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Holland and North America since 1984...

, and the Warner Bros 3D Looney Tunes Project were also created initially using this software.

History

StrataVision was released as the first product of the Strata company in 1989 to facilitate professional 3D graphics on regular desktop Macs. In 1993 StudioPro was added to the product line, with StrataVision remaining a reduced-feature "light" version. In May 2000 the Strata product lineup was consolidated into Strata 3D

Strata 3D

Strata 3D is a commercial 3D modeling and animation program developed in St. George, Utah by Corastar. It is the current incarnation of a program that was previously called Strata Studio Pro and StrataVision 3D....

 which is still developed to this day.

Version release history

• 5.0 1998
• 4.0 1995
• 3.0 1994
• 2.6: ?
• 2.0: ?
• 1.4: 1990
• 1.0: August 1989