3D printing resources
3D Modeling Tools
Retrieved from 3dprintingforbeginners
Listed below are the most common and widely used 3D modeling softwares. There are three main categories: CAD Tools, Freeform Modeling Tools and Sculpting Tools. Whereas the tools of each category can generate models suitable for 3D printing, the way the inputs are generated are different: CAD tools are largely based on using geometrical shapes to build models while Freeform modeling tools allow more freedom by allowing you to create freeform shapes. Sculpting tools are pretty much like using digital clay that you can push, pull, pinch and grab to form your models.
For easy reference we included information on User Level and Price, such that you can pick your software of choice based on your skills and budget.
Software | Developer | User Level | Price | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
CAD Tools | ||||
123D Design | Autodesk Inc. | Beginner | Freemium | 123D Design is a powerful, yet simple 3D creation and editing tool. The free version gives you access to most features and allows you to create and use 3D models for non-commercial purposes. |
3DTin | Lagoa | Beginner | Free | 3DTin is a free, browser-based 3D modeling tool that is both easy and intuitive to use, especially aimed at beginners. Once you have created a user account you also get access to the huge repository of Creative Commons 3D models. |
CubeTeam | Otherlab Inc. | Beginner | Free | CubeTeam is a multiplayer 3D painting and modeling program that lets you and your friends imagine worlds out of cubes and then print them in 3D. CubeTeam is free, runs in a web browser, and has powerful editing tools that let you create in a virtually limitless environment. |
Cubify Invent | 3D Systems Inc. | Beginner to Intermediate | €39 ($49) | Cubify Invent is an easy-to-learn 3D modeling tool aimed at helping users to quickly create 3D printable files. The software which comes with free tutorials does only run on Windows though. |
Design Spark Mechanical | RS Components/Allied Electronics | Beginner to Intermediate | Free | DesignSpark Mechanical is a 3D modeling software developed by the electronics distributor RS Components/Allied Electronics. The software equips all engineers with 3D design capability and it is said to be fast and easy-to-use. |
FreeCAD | FreeCAD Community | Intermediate | Free | FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeler built for product design and engineering. Feature rich and with a high learning curve, FreeCAD is rather for advanced users. The software is multi-platform, and runs flawlessly on Windows and Linux/Unix and Mac OSX. |
Geomagic Design | 3D Systems Inc. | Intermediate | €1799 | Geomagic Design is a comprehensive and robust mechanical CAD design tools, allowing ideas to go from concept to production for professional engineers, makers, students and hobbyists. Geomagic Design is available in three versions: Personal, Professional and Expert, each tailored to the needs and budgets of the respective user base. |
Inventor | Autodesk Inc. | Intermediate to professional | $7295 | Inventor 3D CAD software offers an easy-to-use set of tools for 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation. |
Rhino 3D | Robert McNeel & Associates | Intermediate to professional | €995 | Rhinoceros (aka Rhino) is a stand-alone, commercial NURBS-based 3D modeling software commonly used for industrial design, architecture, marine design, jewelry design, CAD / CAM and rapid prototyping. Rhino's popularity is based on its diversity, low learning-curve, relatively low cost, and its ability to import and export over 30 file formats, which allows it to act as a 'converter' tool between programs in a design workflow. |
SketchUp | Trimble Navigation Ltd. | Beginner to Intermediate | Free - €378 | SketchUp is a 3D modeling program for applications such as architectural, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering. Its powerful yet easy to use interface make it ideal for beginners in 3D modeling. A freeware version, SketchUp Make, and a paid version with additional functionality, SketchUp Pro, are available. Note that the free version does not allow you to export to *.stl for 3D printing, you'll need to install a plug-in to do so. |
Solidworks | Dassault Systèmes Solidworks Corp. | Intermediate to professional | $3995 | SolidWorks is a 3D mechanical CAD program widely used amongst engineers and designers. The software features powerful simulation, motion, and design validation tools, advanced wire and pipe routing functionality, reverse engineering capabilities, and more. |
TinkerCAD | Autodesk Inc. | Beginner | Freemium | TinkerCAD is a browser based 3D modeling program ideal for beginners. You can save your designs online or share them with others. Export *.stl files to print with your own 3D printer or send your designs to one of popular 3D printing services. |
Freeform Modeling Tools | ||||
123D Creature | Autodesk Inc. | Beginner | Freemium | 123D Creature is an iPad app that gives anyone the ability to create amazing 3D characters. Design your creature, then sculpt detailed features before adding skin, fur or feathers as surface texture. Export your finished creature as an image, 3D model or have it 3D printed into a real sculpture! |
3ds Max | Autodesk Inc. | Professional | $3675 | 3ds Max 3D modeling software provides a comprehensive modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering solution for games, film, and motion graphics artists. |
Blender | Blender Foundation | Intermediate to professional | Free | Blender is a free and open source 3D animation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation |
Cinema 4D | Maxon Computer GmbH | Professional | $3695 | CINEMA 4D Studio is a 3D modeling, animation and rendering application for professional 3D artists wanting to create advanced 3D graphics. The software is capable of procedural and polygonal/subd modeling, animating, lighting, texturing, rendering. |
Maya | Autodesk Inc. | Professional | $3675 | Maya, is 3D computer graphics software offering a comprehensive creative feature set for 3D computer animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering. It is used to create interactive 3D applications, including video games, animated film, TV series, or visual effects. |
Scultping Tools | ||||
123D Sculpt | Autodesk Inc. | Beginner | Free | 123D Sculpt is a tactile modeling app for iPad. Use your fingers to push, pull, pinch and grab the material just as if you were modeling using clay. |
Cubify Sculpt | 3D Systems Inc. | Intermediate | €99 | Cubify Sculpt is an organic modeling tool that enables sculpting with virtual clay. The software has mash-up capability and exports 3D print ready *stl files. |
Leopoly | Leonar3Do International Inc. | Beginner | Free | Leopoly is a web-based, social 3D sculpting application. Each of the created and saved models are available for the entire Leopoly community for shaping them further. Note that you cannot export your 3D models unless you have a paying account. |
Sculptris | Pixologic Inc. | Intermediate | Free | Sculptris is a virtual sculpting software program, with a primary focus on the concept of modeling clay. Currently available for MacOS and Windows. |
SculptGL | Stephane Ginier | Intermediate | Free | SculptGL is a browser-based 3D sculpting application well suited for intermediate users. The application does allow you to export in *.stl format, an interesting feature for anyone who has their own 3D printer. |
ZBrush | Pixologic Inc. | Professional | $795 | ZBrush is a digital sculpting tool that combines 3D/2.5D modeling, texturing and painting. It uses a proprietary "pixol" technology which stores lighting, color, material, and depth information for all objects on the screen. |