Dealing with 3D software or creating 3D objects seems to be quite difficult and quickly discourages beginners, which may also be due to the large range of 3D software. This causes many to give up before creating their finished STL files. To give you an overview, we have compiled a list of the most popular programs for getting started with 3D modeling. This compilation will help you design the 3D model of your choice, which you can then use to easily print your final product at home on your FDM or SLA 3D printer. We present our TOP 11 most popular 3D software for 3D models!
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1st place – Morphi
Developed by a New York start-up, Morphi is a 3D software application designed specifically for use on tablets. The app allows you to easily create 3D models and includes a complete library with a large number of decorative and functional models. While the application itself is free, you have to pay to open certain 3D models and application tools. If you’re interested in using this version in schools, there’s another version: the Morphi Edu, which is priced at $4.99 for 20+ downloads. More information can be found here.
2nd place – BlocksCAD
This 3D software was specially developed for educational purposes. Their development is done in such a way that anyone can later use OpenSCAD, a more professional CAD software. The commands for the development of the objects and their transformation are represented by color blocks reminiscent of the well-known LEGO building toy. BlocksCAD’s code is fully compatible with OpenSCAD’s, allowing you to make the latest improvements to your models. Export formats can be OpenSCAD or STL. To ensure that everyone can learn the software, BlocksCAD has created a Youtube channel with various 3D modeling tutorials. The license costs $149 per year. More information can be found here.
3rd place – Leopoly
Leopoly is a cloud-based 3D modeling software developed by the Hungarian start-up Leopoly of the same name. The software has a simple usability and various options in modeling such as a library of available objects that can be customized in color and text. The user can also select the model from a gallery of files created by other users. This 3D software is mainly aimed at brands, designers, developers, students and consumers who are beginners in 3D modeling. More information can be found here.
4th place – 3DSlash
3DSlash was founded in 2013 by Silvain Huet – inspired by his son who plays the video game Minecraft, a game about surviving in a world of small blocks. Similar to Minecraft, 3DSlash uses the power of small blocks that you can either delete or place to create your 3D model. The software offers various tools to create your designs, including the ability to transform parts of reality into 3D with just one image that you can easily upload and edit. With a resolution down to 0.1mm, this program will help ensure your object is fairly accurate and help you bring your creative reality to life! More information can be found here.
5th place – TinkerCAD
This is Autodesk’s free online 3D modeling software aimed at absolute beginners. The software features an intuitive block building concept that allows you to develop models from a range of basic shapes. The online software includes a library of millions of files that users can use to find shapes that best suit them and then edit them as they please. There is also direct interaction with third-party printing services. TinkerCAD is a fairly simplistic program and will have limitations for some designs. However, it is primarily aimed at people who have no experience in modeling for 3D printing. More information can be found here.
6th place – Clara.io
Clara.io, published by Exocortex, is a full-featured cloud-based 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software that runs in your web browser. This cloud-based 3D modeling solution makes it possible to create complex 3D models and beautiful photorealistic renderings and share them without installing any software programs. The learning curve isn’t too steep, which makes it suitable even for users who don’t have much experience with 3D modeling. In this software, 3D geometries are made up of different elements called components. The three different components are faces, edges, and vertices. The Clara.io website provides the resources needed to learn more about how to model with this software.
7th place – SketchUp Make
SketchUp Make (formerly known as SketchUp) was developed by LastSoftware in 2000 for use in architectural design and is now owned by Trimble Navigation LLC. The program is free and offers simple tools for a wide range of applications: manufacturers, architects, designers, engineers and builders. With this software you can easily convert your ideas into a 3D model. Before you start creating, you can choose a template that will guide you through the entire modeling process. It’s a very versatile 3D software that strikes a good balance between usability and functionality. A good option for beginners who are serious about learning CAD modeling. More information can be found here.
8th place – Sculptris
Sculptris uses a kind of “digital sculpting” as a basis for creating a 3D model. In other words, creating your model is similar to sculpting an object out of clay using various tools. You start with a sphere, which the user can then model as desired by stretching, digging, smoothing, etc. This makes it an ideal tool for creating animated characters or video games. Sculptris is owned by Pixologic, the creators of Zbrush. Although this is a good 3D beginner software that is no longer under development, you can still download it but it may not be compatible with new operating systems. More information can be found here.
9th place – Moment of Inspiration (MoI)
MoI is software available for both Windows and Mac. It is particularly useful because the user interface has been designed to be very intuitive. Hence, it is a suitable 3D modeling software for beginners or anyone who is frustrated by the complexity of existing CAD tools. Most users are either designers or artists, but the software’s advanced Boolean capabilities also allow the creation of mechanical models. The license costs $295.
10th place – Vectary
Vectary is an online 3D modeling tool that allows you to create, share, and customize 3D designs. It includes a combination of freeform and subdivision modeling, which is especially useful when using the drawing feature. Vectary was built from the ground up to make 3D modeling easy for beginners (but can also be useful for pros). Models are stored in the cloud where they are accessible via any modern browser, users can access their creations very easily and share their models from anywhere in the world. More information can be found here.
11th place – Mesh mixer
Meshmixer software is free CAD software from the Autodesk software family. Meshmixer is not typical CAD software as it does not allow you to create a product from scratch. Instead, this software helps you animate, model, fill, hollow out, 3D surface emboss, and auto-repair existing models that you modify to create your own. More information can be found here.
You can find more information on this topic in our expert interview.
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