SketchUp is a premier 3D design software that truly makes 3D modeling for everyone, with a simple to learn yet robust toolset that empowers you to create whatever you can imagine.
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The best building information modeling software is Autodesk BIM 360. Designed to help professionals in the construction industry, BIM 360 is capable of connecting teams in. Oct 06, 2020 With its expansive feature set, advanced 3D modeling tools and online forums having everything from tutorials to discussions, SketchUp Pro is unquestionably the best home design software out there. SketchUp Pro lets you effortlessly design highly accurate (to a thousandth of an inch) 3D models of homes (and other similar structures), all using.
Whenever we talk about 3D CAD software, the only term that clouds our minds is AutoCAD. CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design. It’s a program that helps you frame designs with the help of a computer. If you want to know more then let’s dive into this topic and learn about it.
What is CAD Software?
CAD is a useful way to create mechanical or industrial plans and blueprints. It assists you with designing 3D objects and preparing a blueprint in an orderly fashion.
CAD software is used in different industries including aerospace, architecture, 3D modeling, mechanical designs, automobile industry and many more spaces.
Several tools help you render various functions like creating, contouring, applying textures and many more. If you want to enhance your 3D design skills.
In this guide, we have compiled some of the best CAD software for 3D printing and modeling for both beginners and advanced users. Auto paint design software, free download.
What is the Best 3D CAD Software For Beginners & Professionals?
1. Nano Cad
If you are looking for CAD tools that come with the complete “.dwg” support, then Nano CAD is what you are looking for.
You can enjoy the premium features including SNAP, ONSAP, precision tools along with Command Line Tool. Whether you are new to 3D CAD software or are a professional architect, you would find NanoCAD extremely useful.
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The free version comes with several features and provides a good base for the new users thereby making it an excellent 3D CAD software for beginners. But if you are a professional then you need to pay to unlock the professional features.
Nano CAD supports Windows.
2. 3D Crafter
3D Crafter is a real animation and 3D modeling tool that allows you to plan out your 3D models on the computer. The easy to use drag and drop option is something that makes it a must-have tool.
It comes with built-in 3D shape crafting tools and primitive utilities that help you create complex designs and models easily.
This software also allows you to apply animation and effects on the models and shapes. You just need to place the object at each point thereby, making sure that the animations are smooth.
3D Crafter is compatible with Windows.
3. Adobe Dimension CC
Adobe Dimension CC is a part of the Creative Cloud Suite that brings new dimensions into your project and design.
The features such as lighting and high-quality models allow you to build and craft some engaging 3D models easily within seconds. The navigation options along with the drag and drop features make this app, one of the best CAD software for 3D printing.
You can easily craft superfine 3D prints using an image or vector graphics onto a model. Adobe Dimension CC delivers unbeatable performance by helping you create realistic three-dimensional images with perfect texture, contour and lighting effects.
Adobe Dimension CC is fully compatible with macOS and Windows 10.
4. Daz Studio
Daz Studio is a free-to-use 3D CAD software that is full of features and is geared more towards professionals.
Besides these features such as morphing, animation after-effects and posing, the software also enables you to enhance your skills with a list of in-app interactive tutorials and learning modules.
Daz Studio runs seamlessly well on Windows and Mac OS X platforms.
5. KiCAD
If you are looking for ways to design your next Printed Circuit Board (PCB) then KiCAD will do the job. It is one of the best free CAD software systems that is loved by engineers and electricians around the world.
It is an open-source PCB design software that comes with a built-in project manager and four powerful utilities including a printed circuit board editor, schematic editor, footprint selecting tool and the GERBER file viewer/editor.
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There are a few additional features that include:
Two library component editors that allow you to create and edit the schematic components.
A 3D viewer and editor to render your PCB in 3D space.
KiCAD performs smoothly on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Ubuntu.
6. Autodesk 3ds Max
It is a function rendering and modeling program that offers tons and tons of 3D modeling options and tools. You can create, design and animate 3D characters and models for HD games.
This is one of the best 3D CAD software that comes with some features that help you in:
Modeling hard surfaces.
Applying contour.
Creating animations for 3D effects.
Applying after effects.
Texturing to create superfine designs.
This software comes with many learning modules you can use if you want to learn the basics of 3D modeling.
Auto Desk 3ds Max supports Windows, Linux, and iOS.
7. Solid Works
Solid Works is a 3D CAD software that comes with tons and tons of powerful features making it one of the best 3D modeling software.
It is a program that is developed by Dassault Systemes and runs on Windows. If you are new to three-dimensional modeling and design crafting, this software is not for you. A huge collection of tools and tons of features makes it a perfect choice for professional artists and architects.
This program is easy to use if you know the depths of designing and modeling. The PDF guides and essential options help you modify the quality of your designs and models.
Solid Works runs smoothly on Windows.
8. Blender
Blender is a free-to-use open-source CAD software that assists you with 3D designing, shaping and modeling and rendering functions, thus making it a versatile program.
You can do much more than just handling projects, animations, applying after-effects, three-dimensional printing and whatnot. This is undoubtedly an excellent CAD software for 3D printing.
You can also install certain add-ons to unlock several functions, options and features depending on your assignment.
Blender is highly Windows macOS and Linux.
9. FreeCAD
FreeCad is a 3D CAD program that allows you to design real objects of any size in 3D space. It is a dynamic parametric modeling program and you can easily change the dimensions and parameters of your models or designs using its model history menu.
You can use this software to create:
Fantastic 3D characters, locations and areas for game projects.
Architectural models and designs.
Animations and after-effects.
Industrial designs.
There are some primitive options and features that make FreeCAD one of the best CAD software tools for professionals:
Sphere
Cone
Box
Cylinder
Torus
It is a multiplatform performer and can process multiple file-formats including DAE, STEP, IFC, OBJ, DXF, STL and many more.
FreeCAD syncs well with Windows, macOS and Linux devices.
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10. Mesh Mixer
MeshMixer is a top-notch 3D CAD program that you can use for shaping and modeling excellent 3D designs. It is geared more towards handling professional models in 3D space, thereby making it a good choice for artists and architects.
You can also use it to build, edit and modify models from scratch as the program provides all the necessary tools.
If your assignment is all about 3D modeling, crafting and printing then this program will assist you in your projects. All this makes Mesh Mixer one of the best CAD software for 3D printing.
These are some features it offers:
Tools for brushing.
Tools for measuring thickness and stability.
Mesh smoothing tools.
MeshMixer works well on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
So these are some best 3D CAD software systems to get if you are a civil engineer, architect, graphic designer or a 3D artist.
Bonus 3D CAD Software
Based on the recommendations and user ratings from our study we are also revealing an excellent CAD software for 3D printing.
3DReshaper
3DReshaper is a wonderful 3D CAD program that helps you in processing the models. If you are a professional artist with years of experience in modeling, after-effects and three-dimensional printing then this is the program you are looking for.
It is a flexible app that caters to several industries including shipbuilding, automobile, civil engineering, arts, gaming and many more sectors. It packs a punch of features and supports several scripts for hassle-free modeling.
If you are interested in getting an app that can save your time and assist you in your complex projects, then this is one of the best CAD software for 3D printing
This is a unique program that easily processes 3D point clouds from various sources including:
Best 3d Modeling Software Mac
Digital devices.
Laser scanning.
3D scanners.
Other sources such as UAVs.
Since point-cloud processing is the most difficult step to manage and handle, the software offers powerful tools and functions such as Automatic Segmentation to manage and process point clouds and Fusion to simplify your tasks.
3DReshaper works perfectly fine on Windows 10.
Conclusion
This brings an end to our guide and concludes the list of best CAD software. It is difficult to answer which CAD software is the best as each of the above-mentioned programs comes with its own set of advantages and useful features.
Xyzmaker 3d Modeling Design Software
It is worth suggesting that running animation and 3D effects on your computer require powerful hardware. Most of the apps discussed in this guide are free and are undoubtedly the best CAD software tools for professionals that will assist you in your assignments and projects. We hope that you select the program that suits your needs and works the best for you.
Most flagship 3D modeling programs are either too expensive or require a steep learning curve, making it difficult for beginners and home users to turn their ideas into 3D prototypes and models. Not everyone wants to spend hundreds of dollars on software they just need for occasional use or small projects.
Similarly, beginners also often don’t have the time and training required to master flagship 3D modeling software such as 3D Studio Max and Maya. The good news is that there are many 3D modeling programs that make it easier for beginners to turn their ideas into a model, while most of them are also free.
This post includes some of the best and most popular 3D modeling software that available for free (or at least available as a free trial).
Contents
What is 3D Modeling Software?
As the name suggests, a 3D modeling software allows developing an object in three dimensions. It’s a specialized software that develops a mathematical representation of objects, surfaces etc. in 3D and may also allow displaying such 3D models as a ‘normal’ 2D images. The advancement in technology and more affordable hardware has made it possible for the masses to print their 3D models. A 3D model uses points in a 3D space and connects them by geometric entities like straight lines, triangles, curved surfaces and more to represent physical bodies.
The application of 3D models is only limited by our imagination as they can be used in almost any industry. For example, the medical industry uses them for illustrating organs in detail, while the entertainment industry creates characters and whole movie sequences using 3D modeling software. Known as 3D rendering, most 3D modeling software support converting 3D models into 2D images, which is an important factor to consider while choosing a modeling software.
Things to Consider When Choosing
Selecting the right kind of 3D modeling software is crucial in getting the desired results as there are many programs available, each aiming to serve different type of users. Some are specialized tools developed for home designers, while others focus more on game graphics, film and animation. Thanks to the advanced and more affordable technology, 3D printing is now within reach of the masses. But with so many options to choose from, it often becomes a daunting task to pick the software that works best according project-based requirements. This post includes beginner-friendly as well as 3D modeling software that focus more on advanced users.
Here are some of the important things you need to consider before selecting a modeling program:
Are you looking for a software for artistic projects, engineering projects or both?
Does it offer all the project-specific features required for successful completion of a project?
Is it available for free, as a trial or as paid software?
Does it offer a timeline editor?
The supported file formats and formats in which you can export or print the models
Is the software easy to use and learn?
The supported platforms/Operating Systems and software requirements
Hardware requirements
Parametric vs. Explicit modeling
Parametric modeling is mostly used by architects and engineers who are more interested in specific dimensions, while explicit modeling is commonly used by artists and industrial designers who want more flexibility. Explicit modeling makes it easier for users to make on-the-fly changes, which might not related to other defined geometry points.
Online vs. Offline Software
Online tools run in a web browser and are mostly suitable for casual users who are dealing with small projects. Offline or installable 3D modeling software are run from a local machine using its hardware resources. Although casual users might get away with older hardware and integrated graphics cards, serious 3D modeling requires powerful and specialized hardware, especially GPUs such as NVidia’s Quadro or AMD’s FirePro/FireGL.
The more complex the modeling projects become, the more powerful hardware you’ll need otherwise you might have to wait for hours before the software completes tasks such as rendering. It’s better to ensure that the hardware meets at least the minimum requirement or you might alter run into performance issues. A beginner-friendly software might not be the best option if you are looking for advanced options and vice versa. That’s why it makes more sense to compare what a software has to offer with your own requirements and see if it’s really the right solution.
Blender
Although not among the most easy-to-use modeling software, Blender is one of the most popular free 3D modeling software based on an open-source technology. It is free to use for almost any purpose, including 3D modeling, animation, rigging, rendering, motion tracking, game creation, compositing and video editing. The software is backed by a strong community of users that includes studios and hobbyists. Blender is based on Cycles Render Engine that offers realistic CPU and GPU rendering, real-time viewport preview and support for VR rendering.
Blender also includes tools VFX professionals and animation artists need to complete their projects, including camera and object tracking, raw footage import, footage tracking, area masking, skeleton, auto skinning, custom bone shapes and sound synchronization. The viewpoint allows combining 2D and 3D and supports Onion Skinning.
Since the software is based on a flexible Python interface, users can customize it according to their individual requirements and change things such as colors, layouts and size. Users can take advantage of hundreds of community-made addons that help getting stuff done in less time and with less effort. In a nutshell, rather than being a software for artists, Blender is more like an all-in-one solution that works great for advanced users. Blender is available for Windows, Mac OS, Linux and Steam.
Key features
Free and open-source
Highly customizable
All-in-one solution
Community-backed
Cycles Render Engine
CPU and GPU rendering
VR rendering support
Real-time previews
Production-ready camera & object tracking
Raw footage import
Auto and manual tracking
Combines 2D and 3D
Supports all major operating systems
Autodesk Meshmixer
Available for Windows and Mac OS, Mesh Mixer is offered by the same company that’s behind flagship CAD and 3D modeling software such as AutoCAD and 3D Studio Max. It’s a free software that primarily focuses on triangle meshes and allows printing 3DPrint-ready models. Users can either start a project from scratch or modify existing meshes to make required changes. The long list of tools on offer includes mesh mixing, 3D sculpting, convert-to-solid, brushing, surface-lasso, free-form deformations, bridging, Booleans, precise 3D positioning and measurements and thickness analysis.
Users can modify the existing mesh libraries to create their own models or develop something entirely new from them. The software is particularly useful for users who are not highly skilled in CAD as Mesh Mixer makes it easier for them to start mixing existing models and create something unique. It can also serve as a program for advanced users to model and transform multiple meshes.
Key features
Free
Works on Windows and Mac OS
Makes it easier to work with triangle meshes
Robust 3D printing
Drag-and-drop mixing
3D sculpting
3D patterns and lattices
Advanced selection tools
Free-form deformations
Auto-repair
Precise 3D positioning and measurement
Thickness analysis
Auto surface alignment
Daz Studio
Developed by Daz3D and compatible with Windows and Mac OS, Daz Studio is a free, yet powerful 3D art and animation software. Although it offers a lot of advanced functionalities, it also works well for beginners and home users. It offers a variety of features that allow everyone to create stunning pieces of art, including animation and rendering, 3D morphing, GPU-accelerated real-time rendering and interactive tutorial.
Artists own their creations as there are no royalties involved. Some advanced features such as Daz to Maya (allows easily transferring Daz figures to Maya) and Auto-HumanIK controls might intimidate beginners, but professionals would find them very useful. Daz 3D models support cross-application compatibility and the software comes with built-in file export functionality. This feature is particularly useful for artists who work with other flagship programs such as 3D Studio
Mac and Maya.
The supported export formats include Autodesk FBX, Universal 3D, OBJ, BVH and COLLADA. 3D Printing is also part of the package and users can easily select models from their existing library. If you are not interested in all the advanced features Daz Studio has to offer and are looking for a more beginner-friendly software, you might like considering DX Studio.
After discontinuation of the widely popular app 123D, Autodesk decided to consolidate its different tools into other apps and created Tinkercad, which is an online app for 3D design and printing. The easy-to-use app is used by hobbyists, designers, teachers and even kids who can design everything ranging from toys to home decors and Minecraft models. It allows users to place basic building blocks aka Shapes to add or remove materials.
Users can either use the built-in templates or import their own. Shapes can be rotated, moved and adjusted freely in the space, while tools such as the ruler allow entering precise dimensions. Users can create basic models by grouping a few shapes together as well as create complex and detailed models.
What makes Tinkercad so popular is the fact that users don’t need to have any prior design experience and CAD skills to get started. The app is very easy to learn and allows users to start building models in very little time. It’s a great solution for people who are not able to deal with the complexity of 3D programs and want to easily make and print 3D pieces. Users also don’t have to install anything or worry about hardware requirements as everything is processed in AutoDesk’s capable machines.
Key features
Easy to use
Browser-based (HTML5/WebGL supported browsers)
Shapes as basic building blocks
Shapes grouping
3D printing (standard STL file)
Color printing (VRML files)
2D and 3D import
Laser cutting
Cloud-based storage for easier access
FreeCAD
FreeCad is an open-source parametric 3D modeling software for designing real-life objects. It allows modifying existing designs by going back and changing the parameters. Being an open-source software, FreeCAD is highly customizable, extensible and scriptable. It supports a variety of file formats, including DXF, STL, IGES, STEP, SVG, OBJ and DAE and works on Windows, Macs and Linux. It works great for hobbyists and home users as well as experienced CAD users and educators. Since the software’s functionality is accessible to Python, programmers can extend the core functionality and automate tasks using scripts.
The extensive list of FreeCAD’s features includes natively parametric objects, a modular architecture, import/export to industry-standard formats, geometry-constrained 2D shapes, robot stimulation module for studying robotic movements, 2D views of 3D models on a sheet, rendering module and path module. Advanced users who need a software with minimum memory footprint can run the FreeCAD as a command line app. Mac malware removal software. FreeCAD can even be used as a server for producing content for other programs.
Key Features
Free and open-source
Parametric model
Model history and parameter changes
Module-based, modules are loaded only when needed
Complex 3D operations on complex shapes
Supports most standard formats
Geometry-constrained 2D shapes
Robot stimulation module
2D views of your 3D models
Rendering module
Path module
Can be used as a command-line app for minimal memory footprint
Can be used as a server for other programs
Boolean operations
3D Crafter
Available only for Windows, 3D Crafter is a powerful and real-time animation and modeling software. Its drag-and-drop interface allows users to start creating shapes and build the final model. Although the freeware offers a lot to beginners and home users, they need a certain degree of artistic talent and engineering know-how. The basic starting shapes include cubes, spheres, cylinders, cones and torus, which can be dragged-and-dropped to create more complex models. Users also need to be familiar with what different tools can accomplish such as Crease, Lathe and Equalize.
Although beginners need to be familiar with key concepts and tools, the built-in tutorials help novices quickly get started. The freeware does not include a rendering engine so you’d have to consider another software that’s a must for your projects. However, lack of a rendering engine is an advantage for users who are still using older hardware or their systems lack a dedicated graphics card.
Key features
Runs fine on older hardware, integrated graphics
Real-time animation and modeling
Drag-and-drop interface
Built-in tutorials and help content
Boolean operations
Timelines and sequences
Free-to-download 3DCrafter wireframes
Support for importing file formats of other programs