TOP 10 BEST 3D SOFTWARE FOR BEGINNERS

TOP 10 BEST 3D SOFTWARE FOR BEGINNERS

The first step to approach 3D printing is to know the modeling platforms, in this case 3D software. Until now it had been thought that it is a complicated part of the process and that you have to learn a lot to be able to correctly control the creation of models through these tools.

Today and to end with this taboo, we present 10 options of 3D software for beginners. It is not necessary that you have any kind of experience; with these simple platforms you will be able to create, download and merge the best models.

TinkerCAD

 Developed by Autodesk, it is considered one of the easiest CAD 3D softwares to use. It is among the 10 most popular software in the industry. It is free and can be used in the web browser, without the need for any downloads. There are chances that it will be used in smartphones and tablets.

TinkerCAD is intuitive and very easy to use, so it is usually one of the most popular option to use in school classrooms. You can create designs from scratch due to the possibility of creating from simple shapes and modifying already existing designs, such as cutting them, combining them, etc. Its output format is STL.

Morphi

 It is a modeling application designed specifically for use in tablets. It was developed by a New York startup, The Inventery. It allows the creation of models in the simplest way, in addition to having a library that houses a large number of decorative and functional models.

The application is free, what has a price is to open models and tool of the application. It also has the Morphi Edu version that is specially created to be used in school, with a price of $ 9.99. And recently they opened the possibility of downloading it for Mac users with 15 trial days before paying $ 4.99

SelfCAD

 Although SelfCAD is a new software that arrived earlier this year, it has become increasingly popular for beginners, and is one of the 3D softwares chosen for public schools in the United States. Based on SaaS, this software offers an easy-to-use platform that allows you to sculpt, model and cut, making it perfect for inexperienced users, but powerful enough for professional designers to design complex models.

SelfCAD is 3D CAD / Cam online software that is also available (no internet connection required after startup!). One of our favorites with this software is that it gives you the ability to cut the model directly from the software and send it to the 3D printer. If you are interested in trying this software, you are lucky! SelfCAD offers a free trial directly on their website, before paying 9.99 per month!

3D Slash

3DSlash was created in 2013 by the inventor Silvain Huet who was inspired by his son playing the video game Minecraft, where you have to survive in an open world created with small squares. This is how 3Dslash works with small blocks that can be deleted or created for the development of your final object.

The software offers different tools to shape your design, there is also the possibility to transform parts of 3D reality with just one image, simply upload and track. The resolution is up to 1/10 mm which makes an object have a high quality. 3DSlash was created to target the general public and provide an easier way to get started with 3D modeling.

Sketch up

 It belongs to the company Trimble Navigation, but in its beginnings it belonged to Last Softwares and Google. SketchUp was launched in 2000 primarily for architectural design. In 2006, Google bought the company, because it is one of the 3D software perfectly suited to create buildings on Google Earth. Now, under Trimble Navigation LLC, the program offers simple tools for a wide spectrum of users: manufacturers, architects, designers, engineers and builders, who can easily draw their ideas in a 3D model.

Before starting to draw, you can select a template according to how you will use the software, an example is how the manufacturer for 3D printing or an architect can design the landscape and buildings and you choose your priority features within the interface.

Leopoly

Leopoly is an online 3D modeling tool developed by a Hungarian company with the same name. It is intuitive and very easy to use. It offers different options for modeling an object:

A library of objects that are already available, which can be customized in terms of text and color. The user can choose his model of the 3D gallery that includes different files created by other users. You can start from 0 and sculpt and build at your whim in the different ways proposed by the platform. Finally, it is possible to import the TIC model directly if you have an OBJ or STL file.

Sculptris

With Sculptris you can create 3D models in just a few minutes and without installing the software. The creation of your model will be as easy as shaping an object modeled in clay! In fact, the software starts from a sphere that the user can then model as he wants: stretch it, dig it, and smooth it, and so on. An ideal tool to make animated characters or video games! Sculptris belongs to pixologic, the creator of ZBrush, ideal software for those who are a bit more advanced in 3D modeling.

Fusion 360o

 A software developed by Autodesk, allows you to create CAD and CAM models. Ideal for industrial and mechanical design, which accompanies you from design to manufacture of the final object. The entire development process is integrated into a single platform based on the cloud that is compatible with Mac and PC. You can easily modify all kinds of complex shapes. The software is free for students, teachers and new companies. Otherwise, you can have a monthly or annual subscription.

Meshmixer

One more of the 3D softwares belonging to the Autodesk family, is not a typical CAD software, since it does not allow you to create your model from the beginning. Instead, this software will help you with animation, modeling, zippering, gap filling, self-repair, among many other things of previously created models.

With a responsive interface and the many tools and functions at your disposal, this is an excellent 3D printing software for any beginner looking to gain more experience with 3D technologies. The Meshmixer is available for free on its website for Windows or MacOS users.

Other options

For those who have never had contact with any 3D software or are very clear about what they are looking to print, there are tools that allow you to develop specific models, ranging from romantic gifts to topographic maps. Here are some examples:

Charm: It is part of the Autodesk applications and allows you to download models of pendants to place the photograph of your loved one.

Candlecaster: It is an option to create a nice container of candles

Cookiecaster: allows you to create your custom cookie cutters. From a simple model created by you or you can design it from a photograph.

3D Racers: Print 3D racing cars is possible, they have unique and original designs.

Terrain2STL: It is a perfect tool to print models of the surface of the earth, you can choose the area you prefer.

Makerbot Printshop: is an application that allows you to create and print different models ranging from bracelets to funny decorative objects.

Litophane: This platform allows you to upload a photograph that will be converted into a 3D model, the surprising thing about its proposal is that the result is something similar to a traditional engraving that is possible to see through light.