Recommendation: Use NSDT scene editor to quickly build 3D application scenes
There are hundreds of different free 3D modeling software tools available for users looking to create their own 3D models - so knowing where to start can be tricky.
3D software modeling tools range from easy-to-use for even the latest beginner to professional-grade software that can take years to learn—so it’s important to choose a tool that matches your skill level.
Best Free 3D Modeling Software – Complete Review
- Daz 3D : Daz Studio
- TinkerCAD: Best free 3D modeling software for beginners
- 3D Slash: Easy free 3D modeling software for beginners
- FreeCAD: Open source free 3D modeling software
- SketchUp
- Blender: Advanced free 3D modeling software
- Meshmixer
- Fusion 360
- Vectary
- SelfCAD
- BlocksCAD
- OpenSCAD
- Wings 3D
Criteria for the Best Free 3D Modeling Software of 2023
- Ease of use : Beginners often use free software tools, so this is important.
- Depth of 3D software : Ease of use since you can do a lot with the software is not a plus. The ideal free 3D modeling software tool is not only easy to learn and use, but has a broad and deep set of tools to create professional 3D models.
- Novelty : A ranking of ten 3D software tools that perform exactly the same function is boring. An award has been given to a 3D software program that takes a completely new approach to creating 3D designs.
1. Daz 3D: Daz Studio
- Price: Free, with additional downloadable premium resources
advantage:
An extensive library of online content created by professional artists.
Facial transfer and morphing.
dForce simulated physics simulations reproduce stunningly realistic cloth and hair movement.
shortcoming:
In-app purchases.
Limited free renderings, no watermark.
Daz 3D, the creators of Daz Studio, offers some of the most fascinating and accessible innovations in the 3D software industry. Daz Studio is a powerful 3D creation and rendering tool that simplifies many technical aspects of media such as animation, posing, lighting and rendering.
They also have a massive online library full of Daz-ready content created by professional artists, allowing you to quickly assemble stunning characters and scenes. It is useful for both amateurs and professionals and is free to download .
Some features that make Daz Studio stand out include:
Main characters and content
Daz's range of roles and toolset really stood out to us. Their Genesis 8.1 male and female characters take center stage in character design - high-definition 3D figures that can be easily posed, animated, dressed and customized using Daz's morphing system and modular system. You can morph the physical appearance of your Genesis characters in a variety of ways, mixing, matching, and blending content to create unique characters ready for photorealistic rendering.
Facial transfer and morphing
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be half hippo? Or what would you look like with crazy new hair? Daz 3D's face transfer allows you to do all of these things - and more.
Just take a photo of yourself and upload it; the software will take care of all the 3D rendering to create an accurate 3D model of your face, fully adjusting all the intricacies of your face as you transfer. When you deform a 3D model, your bone structure will adjust accurately, no matter how wacky your changes are. Once you're happy with the look of your half-hippo, you can animate yourself and make your character dance!
You're not limited to semi-morphs, either. Feel free to customize and morph any two characters - an alien and a werewolf, for example - and create something 80% one character and 20% the other. The possibilities are truly endless. Of course, you can also use it to create unique, realistic characters.
While the FaceTransfer feature is limited to 3 free renders in Daz Studio without any watermarks, users can enjoy the freedom of character morphing, which is how you can customize and tweak your physical appearance in Studio.
dForce simulated physics
Another innovative tool available in the free download of Daz Studio is their dForce hair and cloth simulation feature. With Daz Studio you can intuitively replicate stunningly realistic cloth and hair movement.
Intricate aspects of clothing and hair move based on gravity, wind and any character's movement and can be simulated to a hyper-realistic level. So whether you want a running character's clothes to move in the wind or an athlete's hair to adjust when jumping, you can do it with dForce. Although this is such an advanced feature, you get full dForce access in Daz Studio for free.
Daz 3D has many tutorials and examples on their website, and while Daz Studio is free to download, they have a range of premium 3D models and assets, such as people or animals of all shapes and sizes, which you can also buy.
2. TinkerCAD — Best Free 3D Modeling Software for Beginners
- Price: Totally free!
- Company location: United States
- Accessibility: Browser-based 3D software
advantage:
Easy to use.
Browser-based so no downloads required.
Great for kids and beginners.
shortcoming:
Not suitable for complex designs.
One of many 3D software tools offered by 3D CAD software giant Autodesk, TinkerCAD is a deceptively deep one. Although it may seem rather basic due to its ease of use, TinkerCAD has proven time and time again that it has the best free 3D modeling software for creating 3D models.
Utilizing what some might consider basic shapes, TinkerCAD allows you to create detailed 3D models by joining different shapes together. The learning curve is much shorter than some more in-depth 3D software, making TinkerCAD the perfect 3D modeling software for beginners or children. It's great for teaching kids 3D printing by creating models to print.
Further demonstrating the ease of use of TinkerCAD, the most used 3D modeling software in schools and classes around the world. As a free online 3D modeling software, it's browser-based so you can get started in minutes without any complicated or lengthy downloads. What's more, you can download the TinkerCAD app and play with your favorite models on your smartphone or tablet!
While Autodesk makes a lot of different software for various industries, TinkerCAD is great for beginners who want to use a 3D design software and maybe make some cool stuff. You can then export the models as STL files or any other file format and send them to a 3D printer for 3D printing. Although once you gain more experience, you may want to upgrade to something more sophisticated like AutoCAD, TinkerCAD is a great place to start your 3D design career.
Tinkercad is known as a very simple free 3D modeling software.
3. 3D Slash - Simple and free 3D modeling software for beginners
- Price is free, $2/m premium version available
advantage:
Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Very suitable for beginners.
shortcoming:
The design consists entirely of cubes, making complex designs difficult.
Ideal for beginners, 3D Slash feels less like a traditional (perhaps intimidating!) 3D modeling software tool and more like a friendly, interactive 3D world in which you can create.
The team has clearly thought about how to make the experience as natural as possible, so non-designers will easily understand how to create their own 3D models without the steep learning curve that some programs have.
But it's not limited to the basics - you can still create impressive and more complex objects if that's your goal, but beginners will still find the features intuitive and user-friendly.
The standard version of 3D Slash is free, the premium version is available for a small monthly fee, and school and professional plans are also available.
Some designs created on 3D slash. Source: 3dslash.net
4. FreeCAD — Open source free 3D modeling software
- Price: Free and open source!
- Accessibility: Download
advantage:
Easy to use.
Open source.
Multiple export options.
shortcoming:
Not suitable for beginners.
FreeCAD, a free 3D modeling software with some real skin in the game, was originally released in 2002 and although still in beta, development has made significant progress. It is designed to make creating 3D versions of real-life objects as efficient and simple as possible.
A very useful feature is the ability to start with a static 2D sketch and then build the final 3D model as you progress. FreeCAD runs well on Windows and effectively works as a free 3D modeling software for Mac users, once you have created your model you can seamlessly export it as STL, OBJ or even DXF files for other uses such as CNC.
Although designed with mechanical engineering in mind, FreeCAD complements 3D printing, as complex, interesting shapes and graphics can be created with relative ease - although not as sophisticated as some of the CAD programs on this list. What's more, FreeCAD is open source, so if you want to modify the software itself, you are free to use Python.
FreeCAD is ideal for users with some design experience, as some tools may take some time to learn for complete beginners. But overall, it is a very powerful free 3D modeling software tool.
5.SketchUp
- Price: Free version, $299 per year for Pro version
- Company location: United States
- Accessibility: Download, browser (depends on free/pro version)
advantage:
The learning curve is short.
Easy to use interface without overloading information.
Very versatile and powerful.
shortcoming:
Limited rendering capabilities.
SketchUp was created in 2000 by Lastsoftware, a veteran in the 3D modeling software industry. A versatile and powerful option, Google acquired the software in 2006 to implement into their service, although it was sold to Trimble Inc.
Now offering a free version, as an excellent free 3D design software, SketchUp is an excellent choice for budding designers. Similar to TinkerCAD, SketchUp has a shorter learning curve than most 3D software and comes with almost all the tools you need.
Although currently mostly known in the architectural world, and because of its Google affiliation, SketchUp is gaining in importance as a free 3D modeling software for 3D printing. They are working on better integration with creating STL files, and the tools are surprisingly compatible with those looking to create 3D CAD files. You can currently download the SketchUp STL extension to create STL files in SketchUp.
SketchUp has an easy-to-use interface without being overwhelming with information overload. You can easily learn the basics behind this free 3D software in a few hours and create detailed 3D models on day one that look realistic enough to be scanned on a 3D scanner. You can easily view the model in 3D and upload it to the 3D warehouse when you are satisfied with the finished product.
Sketchup is another good option for designers looking for 3D modeling software.
6. Blender — Advanced free 3D modeling software
- Price: Totally free!
- Company location: Netherlands
- Accessibility: Download
advantage:
Huge active community.
Integrated game engine.
Comes with video editing capabilities.
shortcoming:
Steep learning curve.
Blender is arguably the most popular 3D design software, with a large and active community of people sharing their STL files and 3D models and information online. A quick Google or YouTube search will yield thousands of results from people eager to show off their 3D designs or teach you how to use the Blender 3D software. This is because Blender is a 100% free 3D modeling software tool that is open source, giving users the freedom to create anything with its wide range of tools.
Although it has a steeper learning curve, Blender has tremendous depth, making it one of the most complete free 3D software tools. This depth makes it a very versatile 3D modeling tool, with uses including movie VFX, video games, 3D model design, and also used as a 3D design software for 3D printing. Additionally, Blender even comes with an integrated game engine, as well as detailed sculpting tools and video editing capabilities.
It's not for beginners or even intermediates, but it is an incredible free 3D modeling software that is perfect for game developers and experienced 3D modelers.
Although completely free, Blender is a 3D software with tremendous depth, as shown in the 3D model created above.
7. Meshmixer
- Price: completely free
- Company location: United States
- Accessibility: Download
advantage:
Ability to edit existing models using various tools.
Topology optimization makes parts lighter, thereby reducing weight and cost.
shortcoming:
Difficult to use when developing parts from scratch.
Meshmixer is an interesting piece of 3D software that is uniquely positioned not to fit into any one specific category. Another 3D software from Autodesk, Meshmixer differs from its competitors in that it enables you to edit existing models with a variety of useful tools, including animation, hollow/fill, and tools to repair the model.
Therefore, Meshmixer is an excellent free 3D modeling software for modifying designs to ensure their quality. This makes it a very useful software for beginners and experts alike, allowing them to polish their models so they are ready for 3D printing.
Another major selling point of Meshmixer is its use in topology optimization. With its simple hollowing and similar tools available in free 3D software, parts can be made lighter, saving weight and cost. This is particularly useful for final 3D printing in industries such as the aerospace and automotive industries, where weight reduction is important.
Overall, Meshmixer is a versatile and consistent choice for those who need to retouch 3D files. It is ideal for beginners who want to modify designs, as well as experts who need to optimize industrial designs. So, Meshmixer is an excellent free 3D software that covers many fields.
Meshmixer is a 3D printing-based 3D software that allows supports to be generated before printing.
8. Fusion 360
- Price: Free for personal use for one year, professional version is about $500/year
- Company location: United States
- Accessibility: Download
advantage:
Great software for experts and educated beginners alike.
Cloud-based file sharing.
The modeling tools are very good and powerful.
shortcoming:
There is no web-based version, which is a drawback of cloud-based software.
Created for schools and academic institutions, Fusion 360 is another 3D software created by Autodesk. There is no doubt that it is a 3D software modeling tool for experts, but it is user-friendly enough for educated beginners. Fusion 360 is a highly collaborative 3D software with innovative features that allow users to share STL files via the cloud for collaborative editing and refinement of models.
Fusion 3 is truly an incredible piece of software with powerful tools to do almost any industrial 360D design. It has built-in functionality to assess the stresses a 3D designed component will encounter, enabling designers to find potential weaknesses before printing. Once created, you can easily export the 3D model as an STL file or any other file format.
Recently made available for free to students, startups, and more, Fusion 360 is 3D software that’s more accessible than ever. If you have some experience, or want to improve your 3D design skills, this is the perfect 3D software for you.
Fusion 360 is a 3D software capable of creating very detailed 3D models, but it is not the best choice for beginners.
9. Vectary
- Priced free with premium features $12/mo
advantage:
Being web based makes it very accessible.
Simple workflow makes lighting, modeling and sculpting easy.
Templates available with pre-rendered and lit screens.
shortcoming:
There are a limited number of projects to create.
Founded in 2014, Vectary bills itself as the most accessible 3D and AR design platform - it is a free 3D modeling software that is entirely web-based.
Helpfully, Vectary offers templates with pre-rendered and illuminated screens that you can place your 3D models in front of for product photos and other aesthetic purposes. A simple workflow makes its toolset easy to light, model, and sculpt, and you can seamlessly export your finished design or scene as an AR model.
The free package includes access to Vectary Studio to create and design models, as well as the ability to export your work in OBJ or STL file formats, but for other formats you'll need to upgrade. In their free product, you can create up to 25 projects and have access to Vectary's library of 3D assets, materials, and icons. The upgrade gives you access to their AR preview tools, with project and team sharing features for better and faster feedback between multiple people.
10. SelfCAD
- Pricing: $14.99/month, or $599 for a perpetual license. There are discounts for educators.
- Accessibility: browser-based version as well as downloadable version
advantage:
Browser-based and downloadable versions.
Easy to use.
A popular choice for schools.
shortcoming:
Only simple designs can be made.
SelfCAD is focused on being the best free browser-based 3D modeling software for students around the world, allowing people to design 3D files without downloading anything. This makes it a popular choice for schools in the United States looking to teach their students 3D design. There's also a downloadable version for PC and Mac, though, for those who prefer it.
Focused on simplicity and ease of use, SelfCAD provides all the necessary tools to create while still retaining a short learning curve accessible to beginners. SelfCAD was built with 3D printing in mind and also includes a browser-based slicing tool for preparing STL or G-code files for 3D printing.
Overall, SelfCAD is a simple 3D design software program with a clean layout that won't scare you away. It includes all the tools students and beginners need to create stunning 3D models for printing without the steep learning curve involved with some other 3D software tools. There's a reason it's increasingly adopted by schools around the world.
11. BlocksCAD
- Price: Free to use, with paid education plans for schools
- Company location: United States
advantage:
With education in mind, designed to supplement STEM education in grades 3-8.
Used in a wide range of projects.
Simple, fun and kid-friendly.
shortcoming:
Imported ST files are not converted to OpenSCAD files.
At 3DSourced, our top priority is education, so we have a soft spot for any person or company with similar priorities. BlocksCAD has education firmly in mind and is designed to complement STEM education in grades 3 to 8. BlocksCAD is a free cloud-based 3D modeling software that encourages learning mathematics, computational thinking, coding concepts and designing 3D printing models.
In their freely available gallery are a variety of projects that can be used as personal or classroom projects, from snowmen to jewelry rings to fish and even the infamous "Among Us" cafeteria.
Designed to work closely with OpenSCAD, BlocksCAD is designed to be simple, fun and child-friendly. 3D designs can be created from colorful, easy-to-manipulate blocks, which can then be exported as STL files or files to be opened and edited in OpenSCAD. For complete beginners, BlocksCAD offers extensive tutorials on the basics of 3D modeling and how to use its 3D software.
For educators, there are additional features for managing student accounts, and a range of lesson plans are also available.
12. OpenSCAD
- Price: Totally free!
- Accessibility: Download
advantage:
Regularly updated and patched.
Just use your mouse to design.
powerful.
shortcoming:
Coding experience required.
Although OpenSCAD is a free 3D CAD software, OpenSCAD can seem intimidating when you are surrounded by code and scripts. This is a powerful tool - but be warned, it's not for the faint of heart or those not accustomed to coding.
Launched in 2010 by Marius Kintel and Clifford Wolf and maintained with regular updates and patches, OpenSCAD has developed a niche following among 3D designers who prefer scripting to artistic design methods. It's also worth noting that you can design 3D parts in OpenSCAD using just your mouse, although that's not the program's only intention.
Overall, we're impressed that OpenSCAD offers something new, and it's free. However, we recommend that you have at least an intermediate scripting knowledge before attempting it, otherwise you're probably better off using one of the other 3D CAD software options on our list.
13.Wings 3D
- Price: Free
advantage:
Open source.
Beginner-friendly and easy to navigate.
shortcoming:
Not as modern or user friendly as Vectary or TinkerCAD.
Wings 3D is a free, completely open source 3D modeling software that has been actively developed and improved since 2001. It's not as modern or user-friendly as software like Vectary or TinkerCAD, but it's great for characters, desktop models, and other creative 3D modeling projects.
Even for beginners, it is easy to navigate through functions that make it simple to adjust the model, for example by engraving, welding, cutting, bridging or bending parts.
Each menu is context-sensitive, so when you right-click on a different selection, different options appear based on what you're most likely to need. This advanced time-saving tool makes it an excellent 3D modeling software choice for beginners and experts alike.
Original link: 13 Best Free 3D Modeling Software for Beginners in 2023 (mvrlink.com)