iClone is a 3D animation and rendering software that enables professional as well as amateurs create 3D animated films, it’s also widely used in video game development. The main advantage of iClone is its real-time rendering abilities which enables instant on-screen rendering for its users.

The software comes jam packed with features like; lip-syncing, editing and merging motions through a timeline, importing standard 3D models (yes, you can even import models created using SketchUp from Google 3D Warehouse), a scripting language (Lua) and the application of standard motion-capture files. Learning iClone would be very helpful for digital artists, teachers creating 3D animations and even tinkerers who are trying to create their first mobile, console or PC game.

The aim of this post is to present and compare between free online sources that beginners can rely on to learn iClone, the sources stated here are full-structured courses that beginners can follow along.

If you just want the bottom line (the road map to learn iClone) and you don’t wish to read the entire article then go to the “Bottom Line” section at the end of the article.

Getting Started with iClone from Scratch

Reallusion Website

Reallusion Website is the  first free online outlet where beginners can start learning iClone online through video tutorials, it’s worth noting that Reallusion is the company currently developing iClone.

Structure: The training is divided into 11 sections, each section is divided into a group of video lessons that cover the various aspects and tools of the software.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the lesson you’re interested in and a new windows will pop up where you can play the video lesson.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pro

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.
3. The training covers  beginners, intermediate as well as advanced topics.

Cons

1. There’s no real cons regarding this outlet.

Verdict: This is the best free online outlet where beginners can start learning iClone through video tutorials.

iClone Revolution

iClone Revolution is the second free online outlet where beginners can start learning iClone through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 60 video lessons, each video lesson covers a certain aspect or a tool in the software.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the video lesson you’re interested and you’ll be directed to a new page where the video lesson resides.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured for beginners.
3. The training covers the topics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using iClone.

Cons

1. The training isn’t properly organized as the first outlet, though that won’t be a problem for beginners.

Verdict: This is an excellent free online outlet where beginners can start learning iClone through video tutorials.

Animation and Video Blog

Animation and Video Blog is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning iClone online through a text based tutorial, as the above outlets you don’t have to register to have access to the tutorials.

Structure: This tutorials are divided into 9 blog posts, 6 covers iClone 5 through a learn by doing style tutorials, and two covers iClone 6.

Interface: The interface is clear and simple, just follow the tutorials (blog posts) from start to finish.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training covers the basics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using iClone.

Cons

1. Six lessons covers an old  release of the software.

Verdict: This is a very good free online outlet where beginners can start learning iClone through a text based tutorial.

3DTotal

3DTotal is the fourth free online outlet where beginners can start learning iClone through a text based tutorial, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The tutorial has a learn by doing style and it’s divided into 3 web pages that beginners should follow from start to finish.

Interface: The interface is very simply, just use the navigation buttons at the bottom of each page to navigate from one page to another.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.

Cons

1. The training isn’t well-structured for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is a good free online outlet where beginners can start learning iClone through a text based tutorial.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning iClone:

1. Reallusion Website is the best outlet for beginners to start learning iClone through video tutorials.
2. Animation and Video Blog is the best outlet for beginners to start learning iClone through a text based tutorial.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in learning iClone.