So you want to design or edit 3D models? Here’s the best free CAD software for 3D printing. Includes software for beginner, intermediate and advanced users. It contains many components to adjust dimensions or extract design details from 3D models to create high quality production ready drawings. Accessible, flexible & integrated FreeCAD is a multiplatfom (Windows, Mac and Linux), highly customizable and extensible software.
9 Free 3D Design Programs to Get You Started with 3D Printing
Finding the right 3D modeling software for 3D printing is tough. That’s why we want to give you a complete overview about the best and most popular free 3D modeling software in this blog post.
Classifying and benchmarking different 3D design program is a very complicated matter as everyone has different preferences and applications for 3D printing in mind. Our 3D modeling & 3D printing community here at i.materialise uses tons of different software to get the job done: from free online 3D design apps to high-end professional software.
There are several reasons why it’s so difficult to find ‘the best’ 3D modeling software:
- There are tons of 3D modeling programs out there. It isn’t a case of one software dominating the market, which can make choosing the right one quite complicated and confusing.
- 3D modeling software works in very different ways. One software might be quite intuitive for some people, but really complicated for others. There is no one-sizes-fits-all-approach.
- Users typically have very strong opinions that the software they are using is the best one. So everyone seems to have a different opinion on which software is the most suitable for creating a 3D file.
- Professional 3D modeling software often comes at a high price. Many people don’t want to take the risk of purchasing high-end software without having tried free software first.
But we’re going to take it step by step here. I will briefly describe the most popular free programs out there. I will also try to point out how you can progress to more sophisticated programs later.
I have tried to put them into different categories based on the style of 3D modeling that is predominant for each software. While you have to sculpt in some, you merge geometric elements in others.
Solid Modeling/Box Modeling:
If you are just starting and have never created a 3D model before, TinkerCADis absolutely indispensable. It’s an easy beginner-friendly app with a LEGO-approach. Basically you will combine different geometrical shapes together, in order to create new objects. TinkerCAD is great if you like geometrical designs and a geometrical way of thinking. It’s very hard to create organic objects with the interface, however (like people, animals, etc.).
We have a tutorial about how to create your first 3D print in TinkerCad here. Take a look at it to get a better feel for this software.
This ‘saw wrench’ was designed by Pekka Salokannel in Tinkercad.
If you reach the limits of TinkerCAD and you like the logic behind this app, you can continue to more sophisticated software like Fusion 360. Fusion 360 was also developed by Autodesk, the company behind TinkerCAD. This powerful program is now available for free for students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and startups. It combines the professional capabilities of a high-end CAD program with an user-friendly interface and workflow. That’s why Fusion 360 is such a popular program among industrial designers.
Parametric Design/Procedural Modeling:
Parametric 3D modeling software allows you to easily navigate and modify your 3D model by browsing back into the model history and changing its individual elements. Typically this software is at its most powerful if you want to focus on precision. However, you won’t have much ‘free-style’ design freedom.
FreeCAD is a free software that allows you to create precise geometric designs, such as technical parts, replacement parts, gadgets, cases, scale models etc. You can learn the basics in our beginner-friendly FreeCAD tutorial.
Typical workflow in FreeCAD: From a rough sketch to a precise 3D model.
If you would rather like to code your 3D model, OpenSCAD might be for you. This software uses programming language to create 3D objects. If you want to learn how to code your design, take a look at our OpenSCAD tutorial.
A screenshot of free 3D modeling software, OpenSCAD.
If you enjoy FreeCAD you might want to switch to the professional 3D modeling programs Autodesk 3DS Max or Autodesk Maya in the future.
Digital Sculpting:
Digital sculpting is the way to go if you want to create organic designs: people, animals or creatures. This is where your mouse movements matter the most, and mechanical precision matters the least.
Meshmixeris a powerful, free software that lets you sculpt digitally and mash different 3D models together. Mold and refine surfaces in real-time like virtual clay! Once again, we have the right tutorial for you to get started.
The ‘Piguin’ by Bert De Niel was created in Meshmixer and 3D printed in our multicolor material.
Sculptris provides an excellent gateway into the exciting world of 3D sculpting. Its features are easy to learn, even for someone with no experience in digital art. Yet the 3D sculpting software is robust enough to create base models that can then be refined in other, more sophisticated applications later.
If this kind of modeling is your cup of tea, you will probably want to switch to the professional premium software ZBrush later on or you can also try one of these 3D scultping programs.
Goat Skull by Jody Garrett was created in ZBrush, the professional version of free sculpting software Sculptris
Polygon Modeling/Contour Modeling:
In Polygon Modeling, your 3D object is basically a mesh based on vertices, edges, and faces. This allows for precisely editing parts of your object. By changing the coordinates of one or several vertices, you can change the shape of the model. That makes this way of modeling very powerful but also more difficult to start with.
The most popular free software in this section is called Blender. However, it’s also the most difficult program mentioned in this blog post. The power of design freedom comes with a steep learning curve. That’s why we published video tutorials on how to get started as well as on how to turn your Blender model into a 3D print.
A premium software that is somewhat similar to Blender is Modo, which also comes in a free 30-day trial version.
Curve & Line Modeling:
This is the process where models are based on drawing lines or curves in a 3D space. By joining these lines or curves together you will define the surface of your object. This manual way of designing allows designers to create precise objects.
SketchUpis a software that architects, interior designers, and scale modelers love. SketchUp is mainly based on lines – 3D models will be edgy as a result. The first steps are fairly easy, but making a printable model can be challenging sometimes. Take a look at our tutorials to learn how to create your first SketchUp 3D model and how to make it 3D printable.
Once you master this program, you might switch from SketchUp Make (free version) to the premium SketchUp Pro version.
Scale Modeler Guido Mandorf creates his tram models mostly in SketchUp.
For curve modeling Moment of Inspirationand Rhinoceros (Rhino 3D) are popular choices. Unlike SketchUp, you don’t focus on lines but rather on curves. This allows for great round shapes in product designs. You can check out our video tutorial to get a better understanding of Rhino. While Rhino doesn’t come for free, it offers a free 90-day trial. Enough time to test it.
Moment of Inspiration offers a 30-day trial. If you want to try a similar free software to start with, you might want to try free modeling program K-3D.
The Love Lamps by Sandro Lominashvili were designed in Rhino.
Now it’s time for you to visit the websites of these 3D modeling programs, take a look around, and download the free or trial versions. If you’re new to the world of 3D modeling, this interview about how to get started with 3D designing is probably of interest to you as well. You should also make sure to avoid these 5 common mistakes when turning a 3D model into a 3D print.
If you want to order a professional 3D print in 100+ materials and finishes, just upload it here and get your price immediately.
I bet Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%, the 3D printed marathon shoes, must've motivated you to build something cool. It's only wise that you would want to try a 3D printing software before investing in a 3D printer. However, choosing a good free 3D printing software can prove to be a hassle. There are too many options where each caters to a diverse range of applications.
To make things a bit simpler, we've compiled a list of the best 3D printing software for beginners. But before we take a look at the list, there's one thing you should know. If you're already using Photoshop, then you can get started right away. Photoshop also lets you create 3D models from scratch and print them using services like Shapeways 3D.
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Read More1. TinkerCAD
Kicking off the list is TinkerCAD, an online 3D design application which is perfect for beginners. It makes use of a simple block building concept, which essentially gives you access to basic shapes using which you can make your 3D models. That makes it an excellent tool for creating geometric designs.
TinkerCAD is fairly simple to get familiar with, and it also offers a bunch of amazing tutorials to speed up the learning process. Once you're done making a model, it lets you share or export the file easily.
And if you don't own a 3D printer, you can also make use of its third-party printing service integration to get your model delivered to your doorstep in no time.
Try TinkerCAD2. Cura
Next up is Cura, another great 3D printing application for beginners from Ultimaker, a leading manufacturer of 3D printers. Unlike TinkerCAD, Cura is a slicing software for 3D printers which you can use to create a 3D model and slice it into layers as G-Code for the printer.
On top of that, you can also use Cura as a failsafe measure for your models. It can let you know if there are any problems with your model's structure that might cause issues with the printing.
That feature is a blessing for beginners since it ensures that you don't waste any printing material or time on creating models with structural issues.
Try Cura3. Sculptris
While TinkerCAD is great for creating geometric designs, you should give Sculptris a shot if you want to create something a bit more organic. It's quite simple to use and offers a few key features that will help you create stunning 3D sculptures.
Working on Sculptris feels a lot like working with modeling clay, which makes it one of the best options if you're looking to create 3D models of things like cartoon characters; something that you can't do with TinkerCAD.
However, you'll only be able to create very basic 3D sculptures with Sculptris. You'll need to rely on other premium software like ZBrush to refine your designs later.
Try Sculptris4. SketchUp
If 3D sculpting isn't really your cup of tea and you'd much prefer software that relies on line drawings to help you create a 3D model, then you should try using SketchUp. The software is suitable for most skill levels as it has a natural learning curve. And once you get going, the software offers a couple of advanced features as well in the paid version.
Much like TinkerCAD, SketchUp is useful for creating geometric designs. The software is most commonly used for designing architectural projects. So if that's what you're aiming for, then you just can't go wrong with it.
The best part about using SketchUP is that it's also available as a web app. You can work on your design on any system as long as you have it saved on your account.
3d Drawing Printing software, free download Mac Download
Try SketchUp5. Meshmixer
Meshmixer is another viable option if you're going to be sculpting organic models in 3D as it makes use of a triangular mesh to help you create smooth, even surfaces.
Just like Cura, the software also includes a feature which will help you check your model for holes and fix them in real-time.
Along with that, Meshmixer is also great for preparing your designs for 3D printing. It includes tools to slice the sculpture for the 3D printer, generate supports for structural integrity and even analyzes the design's fragility before you send it over for printing.
Try MeshMixer6. 3D Slash
Now if you're aiming for a retro, blocky aesthetic for your 3D models, then you should check out 3D Slash. The software allows you to upload your 3D model which it then breaks down into 3D building blocks.
You can then make any changes to the model using a variety of different tools. However, you will face some limitations in terms of functions in the free version of the software.
Along with the ability to pixelate just about any model, 3D Slash also offers a VR mode. You can use that mode to get a clear view of how your model will turn out using a VR headset. 3D Slash comes with one of the simplest user interfaces out of all the software on this list. That's what makes it a fantastic option for people of all ages.
Try 3D Slash7. FreeCAD
Rounding things off is FreeCAD, a parametric 3D modeling tool which will help you create precise geometric designs like replacement parts for your gadgets. The software isn't as good for creating new designs as it is for altering existing ones because of its parametric component.
Editing existing designs is fairly simple; you just need to head to your model history and change the parameters. It's that simple.
So if you're not hell-bent on creating your 3D models from scratch, then you should try FreeCAD. However, if you'd much rather create your custom model, then you'd be better off with either of the other options.
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Click here to see our windows apps articles pageCreate Amazing 3D Models
I hope you've got a fair idea of what you can achieve with these 3D printing software. How about you give them a shot and create your first 3D model? If you've tried your hand at 3D modeling, then I'd recommend to check out some tutorials these software have to offer to get started.
Just keep in mind that 3D printing can prove to be a pretty expensive hobby, so make sure you've inspected your designs thoroughly before you hit that print button. Why stop a shoe, when you can 3D print a dream home?
3d Drawing Printing software, free download Mac Free
Next up: Looking to pick up another cool hobby? Check out the next article for some amazing Raspberry Pi projects that you can try.
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