MikuMikuDance

Part of the VOCALOID Promotion Video Project (VPVP), MikuMikuDance (commonly abbreviated to MMD) is a freeware animation program that lets users animate and create 3D animation movies of the Vocaloids. The MikuMikuDance program itself was programmed by Yu Higuchi (HiguchiM) and has gone through significant upgrades since its creation.

Features:

 * Animate various 3D models and accessories
 * Interpolation/Curves
 * IK Bone animation
 * Import background animations
 * Import/Export Motion Data
 * Import WAV sound files to play along with your movie
 * Adjust camera position and properties
 * Adjust light source and properties
 * "Bullet Physics Engine" and the ability to adjust the "physics" of models and gravity
 * Adjust resolution
 * Render AVI file of movie at desired frame rate and compression technique
 * Render screenshots in various formats
 * Shadow Mapping

Experimental Features

 * Motion capture using Xbox360 Kinect interface.

History of changes to MMD:

 * MMD model Rin Kagamine was introduced on May 3, 2008.


 * Version 3 (Multi-model edition) allowed multiple models to be on the same stage, background animations, and introduced models Len Kagamine, Neru Akita and Kaito
 * Version 4 provided an English user interface and an upgraded version of Miku's MMD model
 * Version 5 implemented the "Bullet Physics Engine", "shiny textures" and sphere mapping
 * Version 6 implemented "Anti-Aliasing", "Shadow Mapping", "Ability to render screenshots in various formats" and users are now able to click and drag MMD-related files onto a MMD interface to automatically load them.
 * Version 7 provided the "Separate Window" option for a bigger screen on a separate window. A "register all facial frames" option is also added.
 * MikuMikuDance is currently at Version 7.30.

Extra Notes:

 * An English tutorial (Part 1 and Part 2) for Versions 2 and 3 was released on September 25, 2008 by Mikudan and it is recommended reading for those wishing to use MikuMikuDance and its later versions.


 * For more models, accessories, backgrounds, stages and other addons, it is recommended to visit VPVP Wiki (Japanese Language)

Model distributions
The editing and distribution of models has been the most controversial when it comes to MikuMikuDance. Though the software is freeware, MMD models are not allowed to be freely distributed without permission of their owners, who impose some restrictions on the use and release of their models outside of their control. Some model producers only release via a "invitation-only" communities where access is restricted. Others that are not part of a community but allow download from a blog, but will pull any model that users do not abide to. Breaking the MMD models rules and regulations is a serious act of mistrust:

"CAUTION！" NO further MMD model distributions MAY available.

Some users disobey the MMD model regulations and re-distributed the models against the original authors' requests. The original authors are the owner of copyright(s), however, the violator did not accept ANY request asking him/her to respect the regulations. Many MMD modelers ware greatly distressed to see the violence, and they are considering terminate further distribution.

In fact, the sufferer declared that she would NEVER distribute her models in public again.

The picture is clear. THIS IS THE RESULT OF CONTINUED VIOLATIONS.

Read and follow the regulations, please. We know we're good enough to do so :) "

--A warning from the MMD website "Witchcraft", regarding a violation of terms of their models and the cease and decease of the distribution of their models

MMD owners in western fandoms freely commit "model trades" to acquire rare and sought after models, however, in the process they often trade away models which are forbidden to be passed around without the owners consent. These models include paid for models like Nekomura Iroha's and is regarded as the most disrespectful act in the MMD Japanese fandom. Those who break the rules and do not abide by the owners request to cease and decease may cause the owner to stop handing out their models freely. This has already occurred in several instances. Continued distribution of the model after the creator has pulled the model only further angers the model makers.

Model producers do not own the copy right on any mascot they recreate. However, models meant for sale must be approved for sale by the studios. Studios may turn a blind eye to the use of the models for MMD in PVs anyway, as it aids in the promotion of the Vocaloid software, though premission will have to be sought for commerical use of any mascot character model. Exclusive models have sparked controversy among the community, since users view MikuMikuDance as a free program as well as the various models created for it. The thought of paying for models or placing strict rules upon them have been seen as limiting its potential. While others find this tactic to mean that a user will respect the model and also make it difficult to edit due to its rarity.

Windows 100% magazine
MMD's popularity among otaku has spread wide enough for it to have its own magazine, as well as being featured in the computer magazine, Windows 100%.

During the year of 2010 exclusive models were created and submitted to Windows 100% as a bonus for potential purchasers. It is rare that these models are given out to the community, as they come with strict rules in their Readme files to not distribute, edit or trade. At times a lower quality version is instead created as a beta for the community to download, but the rules for the model still apply.

MMD users should never trade these models

Trivia

 * Lat式ミク is the first MMD model to be turned into a collectible figure.
 * Lat式ミク is one of the most famous models that is not provided by the software itself. It has been used in many PVs and is regarded as one of the highest quality models for MMD, also having many variations on the model itself.  Its most famous usage was when it served as the base in the Studio DEEN and GWave PV.

Model Gallery
Presented by release of Vocaloid software.