3D modeling programs can help turn some ideas into beautiful models and prototypes that can later be used for a variety of purposes. These tools allow you to create models from scratch, regardless of skill level. Some 3D editors are quite simple, so that even a beginner can master them in a short time. Today, 3D models are used in a wide variety of fields: cinema, computer games, interior design, architecture and much more.
Choosing the best modeling software is often difficult, as it is not easy to find a program that has all the necessary functionality. FreelanceToday brings to your attention 20 free 3D modeling programs.
Daz Studio is a powerful yet completely free 3D modeling software. This is not to say that this is an easy tool to learn; beginners will have to spend a long time studying the program’s capabilities. The creators of the program took care of the user experience, but the convenience of Daz Studio will not be immediately appreciated. One of the features of the program is the creation of GPU-accelerated 3D images during rendering, which makes it possible to create very realistic models. Daz Studio also has support for creating scenes and functionality for animating models.
AvailableFor: Windows | OS X
Free 3D modeling software Open SCAD is designed for serious design (industrial design, interiors, architecture). The creators of the program were much less interested in the artistic aspects. Unlike other similar programs, Open SCAD is not an interactive tool - it is a 3D compiler that displays project details in three dimensions.
Available for: Windows | OS X | Linux
AutoDesk 123D is a large set of various tools for CAD and 3D modeling. Using the program, you can design, create and visualize almost any 3D model. AutoDesk also supports 3D printing technology. The main AutoDesk 123D site has several satellite sites where you can find a lot of interesting free 3D models that you can experiment with or just use for your own purposes.
Available for: Windows | OS X | iOS |
Meshmixer 3.0 allows you to design and visualize 3D structures by combining two or more models in just a few simple steps. The program has a convenient “cut and paste” function for this, that is, you can cut out the necessary parts from the model and paste them into another model. The program even supports sculpting - the user can create a virtual sculpture, shaping and refining the surface in the same way as if he were sculpting a model from clay. And all this in real time! The program supports 3D printing, finished models are fully optimized for sending to the printer.
AvailableFor: Windows | OS X
3DReshaper is affordable and easy to use 3D modeling software. The program can be used in various fields such as art, mining, civil engineering or shipbuilding. 3DReshaper comes with support for various scenarios and textures and has many useful tools and features to make the 3D modeling process easier.
AvailableFor: Windows
The free 3D Crafter program is designed for real-time 3D modeling and animation creation. The main feature of this editor is its intuitive drag-and-drop approach. Complex models can be built using simple shapes, and the program supports sculpting and 3D printing. This is one of the most convenient tools for creating animation.
AvailableFor: Windows
PTC Creo is a comprehensive system designed specifically for mechanical engineers, designers and technologists. The program will also be useful for designers who create products using computer-aided design methods. Direct modeling allows you to create designs from existing drawings or use the program to visualize new ideas. Changes to the geometry of an object can be made very quickly, which significantly speeds up the work process. The program, unlike the previous ones, is paid, but there is a 30-day trial and a free version for teachers and students.
AvailableFor: Windows
Free LeoCAD software is a computer-aided design system for virtual LEGO models. There are versions for Windows, Mac OS and Linux. The program can be a good alternative to Lego Digital Designer (LDD), as it has a simple interface, supports keyframes and works in animation mode. It is the support for animation that sets LeoCAD apart from other programs of a similar nature.
AvailableFor: Windows | OS X | Linux
The VUE Pioneer program will help you create a three-dimensional model for visualizing the landscape. The software may be useful for advanced users who are looking for convenient rendering tools. Pioneer allows you to create amazing 3D landscapes with a large number of presets and provides direct access to Cornucopia 3D content. Using the program you can create many lighting effects.
AvailableFor: Windows | OS X
Netfabb is not only a program for viewing interactive 3D scenes, it can be used to analyze, edit and modify 3D models. The program supports 3D printing and is the lightest and simplest tool in terms of installation and use.
AvailableFor: Windows | OS X | Linux
The free NaroCad program is a complete and extensible computer-aided design system based on OpenCascade technology and runs on Windows and Linux platforms. The program has all the necessary functionality and supports basic and advanced 3D modeling operations. The program's functions can be expanded using plugins and a software interface.
AvailableFor: Windows | Linux
LEGO Digital Designer allows you to build 3D models using virtual LEGO bricks. The result can be exported to various formats and continued work in other 3D editors.
AvailableFor: Windows | OS X
The free ZCAD program can be used to create 2D and 3D drawings. The editor supports various platforms and provides large viewing angles. The presence of many convenient tools allows you to solve most problems associated with modeling three-dimensional objects. The program's user interface is simple and intuitive, which greatly facilitates the drawing process. The finished project can be saved in AutoCAD format and other popular 3D formats.
AvailableFor: Windows | Linux
The free version of Houdini FX, Houdini Apprentice, is useful for students, artists, and hobbyists creating non-commercial 3D model projects. The program has a somewhat stripped-down, but at the same time quite broad functionality and a carefully thought-out user interface. The disadvantages of the free version include a watermark that is displayed on the 3D visualization.
AvailableFor: Windows | OS X | Linux
The design worksheet app allows you to create fairly detailed 3D models. The creators of the program took care of functions that allow you to eliminate problem areas through changes and additions to the existing design. DesignSpark can also be used to quickly change the concept of a 3D product. The program supports direct modeling techniques and 3D printing of models.
AvailableFor: Windows
FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeler designed to create real objects of any size. The user can easily change the design using the history of the model and changing individual parameters. The program is multi-platform and can read and write various file formats. FreeCAD allows you to create your own modules and then use them in further work.
AvailableFor: Windows | OS X | Linux
The free Sculptris program will open a window to the exciting world of 3D for users. Sculptris features convenient navigation and ease of use. The program can be easily mastered even by a beginner who has no experience in digital art or 3D modeling. The work process is designed in such a way that you can forget about geometry and simply create a model, while carefully using computer resources.
Available for: Windows | Linux
MeshMagic can be used to render 3D files, as well as create 2D objects or convert them to 3D. The software has an intuitive interface and can be used to solve a wide variety of problems. Mesh Magic currently only supports Windows. The result is saved in the popular STL format, which can be opened and edited in most online and offline 3D modeling tools.
AvailableFor: Windows
Open Cascade is a software development kit designed for creating 3D CAD related applications. It includes custom, community-developed C++ class libraries that can be used for modeling, visualizing and communicating data, and for rapid application development.
AvailableFor: Windows | OS X | Linux
