Top 10 Free 3D Modeling Programs

Top 10 Free 3D Modeling Programs
Posted by Ebru Dağ on December 5, 2019

For beginners or those unfamiliar with the world of CAD, 3D modeling can be confusing. However, knowing your 3D modeling program options and basic concepts is the best way to get started. You can start with a software that you think is most suitable for you among the 10 free 3D modeling programs we can recommend for starters to improve in 3D modeling.

Tinkercad

Tinkercad, which is at the top of the list of the best free 3D modeling programs, is an online free 3D modeling software created by Autodesk.

It has a user-friendly and simple interface that can be easily used by children and adults who have no 3D modeling experience.

Tinkercad, the most accessible 3D modeling program, teaches all the basic concepts of 3D; it allows you to easily drag and drop simple geometric shapes such as cubes, cylinders or spheres into the workspace and convert them into a CAD model.

It also has a connection with different 3D printer services and with some practice you can make your first 3D model very quickly.

Sketchup

SketchUp, which is considered the easiest and most flexible 3D modeling program available, has been in service since 2000. It has two versions, free and pro.

You can use Sketchup, which has a free version online, online by becoming a member of their website. It is one of the best choices to start 3D modeling thanks to its clear and intuitive design tools and user-friendly user interface.

In fact, advanced complex and large objects can be designed with Skethcup, which was developed for architects, designers and filmmakers. For this reason, the pro version has different payment plans for different features. If you pass the beginner level and move on to more advanced levels, you can choose one of these plans that suits you.

Vectary

Vectary is an online-based software capable of creating 3D modeling and real-time images. It was developed for designers who focus on graphic, product and game design, and also for 3D printing. It can be used by anyone interested in 3D modeling.

You don’t need to be an expert to use Vectary software. All you need is the basics. It’s easy to learn this 3D modeling software that works with a drag and drop interface. It also has a free version that you can access by signing up on its website.

MatterControl

MatterControl is a free and open source software that you can download from the MatterHackers website.

It’s aimed at the maker community, especially for 3D printing. It’s very intuitive and has a design toolkit that lets you create something from scratch or customize existing models.

MatterControl also has a slicer function that makes your models ready for 3D printing. It can be useful for beginners to start modifying models and get to know some terms.

MeshMixer

Meshmixer is a very simple software developed by Autodesk to modify and edit any 3D object. In a few words, it’s like Adobe Photoshop for 3D models.

This is a great starter software especially for 3D printing hobbyists because Meshmixer is capable of editing, repairing and optimizing any model. It has some shaping tools for volumes and surfaces that anyone can learn by playing around with. It is a completely free 3D modeling software.

Onshape

A modeling software specifically designed for technical and spare parts design, Onshape is the first fully cloud 3D software developed.

It is a good option for beginners because it has a free version for non-commercial and educational use by registering on its website. Users will be able to draw basic geometry, extract objects and combine them very easily. It also has a clean user interface and is compatible with mobile devices such as tablets, Android and iOS smartphones, so you can update your designs wherever you go.

Fusion 360

Developed by Autodesk, Fusion 360 is a powerful and accurate software that allows users to do parametric modeling, extrude shapes or create free forms.

It is a professional software used in disciplines such as industrial design, so it is a bit more complicated to use, but we think it is a good choice for beginners. After some experience with an easier 3D modeling software, you can easily switch to Fusion 360.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open source parametric 3D software released in 2002 that is an alternative to other expensive software such as AutoCAD.

As the name suggests, it is completely free. It allows users to create more detailed and complex models.

19.09.2024