Xsi

XSi is an acronym that can refer to more than one topic, but it is most commonly associated with a 3D computer graphics software package. In this context, XSi denotes Softimage|XSI, a full feature 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and visual effects system used in film, television, and game production.

Softimage|XSI was developed by Softimage Co. and introduced as a successor to the company’s earlier Softimage 3D products. It gained recognition for its integrated workflow and a node-based environment known as ICE (Interactive Creative Environment), which allowed artists to build complex effects and tools without external programming. The software supported standard modeling and animation features, with extensibility through scripting and APIs, and it interfaced with several popular renderers of its time.

The Softimage product line changed hands as the industry evolved: Softimage was acquired by Avid Technology in the early 2000s, and later Autodesk acquired Softimage from Avid in 2008. Autodesk continued to develop Softimage|XSI for several years before discontinuing its development in 2014. After that, no new major releases were issued, and the product entered a maintenance and end-of-life phase, with studios increasingly migrating to other Autodesk offerings or alternative packages.

In other contexts, XSi can appear as a model designation or branding suffix used by various manufacturers, but these uses are unrelated to the Softimage software and vary by product line.