Showplace

Lore & Background

Showplace was developed by Pixar in the 1990s, with the Macintosh version co-developed by Phil Beffrey and Dana Batali. Version 1.0 included a 42 Clip Object library, support for importing objects using RIB format, four kinds of lights (ambient, sun, point, spot), unlimited lights, background rendering, and export to TIFF and PICT images. It required 32-bit QuickDraw and a math coprocessor. A LabelMaker utility was provided for creating Looks. Version 1.1 was an upgrade for the Mac Quadra 700 and 900, and a CD version sold for $695 US.

Version 2.0 introduced 18 plugins for basic geometry shapes, import of Adobe Illustrator 3.0+ files and DXF files, creation of 3D type from outline fonts, lathe curves for 3D objects, a Glimpse feature, a Professional Look browser, a three-node version of NetRenderMan, and MacRenderMan standard render. In 1992, Valis Group created the PrimeRIB object library and PickTure ($345 US) and three shader libraries ($345 US) for Showplace. The program was discontinued when Pixar shifted focus to film production.

Reader's Guide

Showplace represents an early attempt by Pixar to bring professional 3D modeling and rendering to desktop computers. Its integration with Pixar's Renderman and support for RIB format allowed users to leverage the same rendering technology used in film production. The program's features, such as multiple light types, background rendering, and import of vector and CAD files, anticipated later 3D software workflows. Although discontinued, Showplace's concepts influenced Pixar's later Universal Scene Description (USD) tool, which includes importing models, creating basic models, applying transformations, and adjusting lighting and materials. USD, released as open source in July 2016, is designed for the modern 3D animation pipeline and is used by Pixar to create 3D animated movies. Showplace thus occupies a niche as a precursor to Pixar's current software ecosystem, demonstrating the company's early investment in accessible 3D tools.

Did You Know?

• Version 1.0 of Showplace sold for US$995 and included a 42 Clip Object library.
• Version 2.0 required Pixar's Renderman for rendering images.
• Pixar's Universal Scene Description (USD) includes many Showplace features and was released as open source on 26 July 2016.