Free 3D design programs


In: 3D printing and scanning software On: Hit: 165835

3D printing would not be possible without 3D models alone. There are many portals on the web with ready-made models that you just need to download and send to the printer to receive a physical item after a long time.

Ready models are good for the beginning of the adventure with 3D printing - especially in commercial activities, and over time, even in amateur 3D printing, the need to adapt the model to your own needs or even to design it from scratch begins to appear. Knowledge of 3D design is a key issue here - even if we do not have such abilities, programs that allow us to create simple models, so to speak, "from blocks" come to the rescue. Due to a large number of questions from our customers - we decided to collect in one place the most popular 3D design programs - both free and commercial. The list will be constantly expanded.

Projektowanie modeli 3D

Blender logo

Blender

Blender is an advanced 3D graphics and animation program. It is one of the most popular free tools on the market. It owes its popularity to the enormous possibilities, which, however, translate into the difficulty of using the program. Getting to know Blender fully requires a lot of time, but the biggest pluses are the free license and open source code of the application.

On the web, incl. on the official Blender website we can find a number of tutorials and instructions for starting work with the program:

https://www.blender.org/support/tutorials/

Tinkercad logo

Tinkercad

Autodesk's Tinkercad is a very user-friendly 3D design program available online via a browser.

The Tinkercad app is used by designers, hobbyists, teachers and children to create toys, prototypes, interior decorations, Minecraft models, jewelry etc.

Despite the already very simple use of the program - the Tinkercad website offers lessons on the basic functions of the program. The program is not suitable for engineering applications, but for basic needs (especially when you need to make a model very quickly) it is sufficient.

Access to the application is free - registration is very simple and does not require any fees.

https://www.tinkercad.com/

Meshmixer logo

Meshmixer

Meshmixer is another free program for creating and processing models for 3D printing from AutoDesk. The application allows you to combine several models into one, add textures, design supports (supports) and refine the model itself before printing, e.g. closing gaps or reducing sharp edges - which will later affect the print quality.

The program can be downloaded from the website: http://www.meshmixer.com/

Freecad logo

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a 3D modeling program for designing models of any size. The program provides high flexibility in terms of configuration and creating your own scripts and extensions. FreeCAD is cross-platform (Windows, Mac, and Linux), it supports STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and many more. The program has capabilities similar to commercial applications such as Inventor, but is available under an Open Source license - thanks to this we have a professional engineering program legally and for free.

Strona do pobrania: https://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/Download

Sketchup logo

SketchUp

SketchUp is a popular program for designing 3D models. It is perfect at the beginning of the adventure with 3D design thanks to its simple interface. The program also includes a large library of ready-made models for download free of charge. The program can be used for free for non-commercial purposes.

When downloading, select the "Personal projects" option, then just log in with your Google account and the program will be available through a web browser.

https://www.sketchup.com/

XYZPrinting logo

XYZ Maker

XYZ Maker program designed for the youngest users of XYZPrinting 3D printers. It is ideal for the beginning of the adventure with designing and 3D printing, very intuitive and easy to use, and at the same time giving a lot of possibilities. XYZmaker allows you to export 3D files in STL / AMF / OBJ / PLY formats, which allows good cooperation with XYZWare 3D printing software for DaVinci printers.

The program is free for members of the XYZPrinting community and can be downloaded from the website:

https://www.xyzprinting.com/en-US/software/xyzmaker

Which program to choose?

Tinkercad and SketchUp are good for learning 3D modeling.

For advanced users - Blender and FreeCAD should be curious about the sheer number of options available.

Meshmixer may be an intermediate option, but in our list we also include it among the advanced programs.

Free sites with ready-made 3D models

However, if we do not want to design our models ourselves, we can always use the pages with ready-made designs for download - below are some of the most popular sources of ready-made models:

3D printers in the Global3D offer

Are you interested in the topic of 3D design? Do you want to bring your virtual projects to reality? If so, be sure to check out the offer of 3D printers in our store. We have advanced 3D printers for professionals as well as suitable 3D printers for beginners. Our assortment includes products from many renowned manufacturers, including: BCN3D printers, Zortrax printers or Raise3D printers and much more. This way, you will definitely choose the device that is right for you. However, if you would like to check the possibilities of 3D printing first, we encourage you to take advantage of the offer of 3D printing services, under which our specialists will implement your project.