Best 3D software to compliment Adobe Dimension?

Blender is a bit handful to learn. Maya and C4D are way too pricey for a small packaging output. The best is still 3DsMax but the non-mac support has made the process a bit tedious to switch around my computer to model and review in the Adobe Dimension.

I'm using a lightweight software called Cheetah 3D. I found it to the best tools to make a custom extrude out of my Illustrator Pathline. Any custom shape that I require I can simply export SVG from Illustrator, extrude it in Cheetah 3D and export obj back to Dimension for the rendering. It can handle basic shapes and quite easy to learn.

This is the best workaround within the mac for me. Hope this helps...

You can use Origami Trial version and create dieline in Adobe Illustrator and export it to pdf format from Origami (as Origami trial version allows only pdf, not any other 3D file) If so then open it in Photoshop and Export 3D layer and use STL or OBJ for importing into Dimension.

That is  my problem also as as our student do packaging. It must be very simple software as learning Maya, 3d max or any software do not match goals of designer who works in the field of packaging.For now I am using PS as it allows to draw 3d models from paths and selection. Also I use Cross Section for creating packaging models.But I hope that new technologies that have been shown on Adobe Max 2019 Sneak Peaks will be implement into Ps, Ai or Dn.

For now I can recommend you

Boxshot - Realistic 3D Packaging Mockup Software

The home of Boxshot 4, Box Shot 3D, Boxshot VR - amazing 3d package mockup software that help you present your design and artwork in 3D.

Origami Gallery - Sample 3D Dielines in Illustrator

https://forums.adobe.com/people/BEEKMAN+1802  wrote I would love to build the base to the products elsewhere

you mean the models?

Blender or Maya are what most people use and I'd go with Blender as a starting point because its free