20 free 3D modeling software

3D modeling tools help turn personal ideas into beautiful models and prototypes in many areas. These tools allow building and customizing a primitive word model, whether you are a beginner or a professional engineer. Popular in many different industries like movies, animation, games, architecture and interior design, 3D models are an important part of various projects.

Choosing the optimal modeling software is often difficult due to the different aspects and features available in these tools. To help you choose, here is a list of 20 3D modeling software for individuals or professional users.

Wings 3D

Wings 3D is an advanced software, offering many modeling tools and customizable interfaces, along with AutoUV integrated mapping tool. It is also a tool to export popular 3D formats. However, although there are many great features such as mirroring symmetrical virtual models, Wings 3D does not support dynamic effects for users.

Compatible operating system: Windows | macOS | Linux

Link download: http://www.wings3d.com/?page_id=84

Daz Studio

Daz Studio, a powerful and free 3D modeling software, may not be easy for beginners to use, but it gives users a very feature-rich experience. This software allows you to create 3D works with real-time graphics rendering GPU acceleration and amazing realistic image results. Parallel to the same features as on Wings 3D, this software also supports dynamic effects as well as the surrounding context of the model.

Compatible operating system: Windows | MacOS

Download link: https://www.daz3d.com/get_studio

Open SCAD

Open SCAD is a free 3D modeling software for Windows, Mac OS and Linux operating systems. Open SCAD focuses more on the CAD aspect (Computer Aided Design, meaning computer-aided design) in creating models rather than artistic aspects. Unlike many other software listed in this article, Open SCAD is not an interactive modeling software but a 3D programming software that can read every detail of the object for display 3D model on the screen.

Compatible operating system: Windows | macOS | Linux | BSD

Download link: http://www.openscad.org/downloads.html

AutoDesk 123D

Not only is a CAD and 3D modeling software, AutoDesk 123D even supports 3D printing technology. AutoDesk 123D includes many different tools to create, design and display 3D models. The site also has more than 10,000 free 3D models for reference, fun tests or for use in personal projects.

Compatible operating system: Windows | macOS | iOS | Android (coming soon)

Download link: http://www.123dapp.com/design

Meshmixer 3.0

Meshmixer 3.0 allows designing and creating 3D designs by combining two or more models with a few simple steps. It follows a simple cut and paste process, and even supports sculpting, ie casting and refining the real-time surface like when creating clay. This software supports 3D printing by taking input design patterns and sending models to 3D printers.

Compatible operating system: Windows | macOS

Link download: http://www.123dapp.com/meshmixer

3DReshaper

3DReshaper is an affordable and easy-to-use 3D modeling software dedicated to handling 3D models. This software is used in many different areas such as art, mining, civil construction and shipbuilding. 3DReshaper has support for different scenarios and textures, as well as features that make modeling easier.

Compatible operating system: Windows

Link download: http://www.3dreshaper.com/en/software-en/download-software/current-release-software

3D Crafter

3D Crafter is a real-time 3D modeling and animation tool combining intuitive drag and drop methods. Complex models can be built using simple 3D shapes, and this software will support shaping and printing. This is an advanced tool for creating animated effects.

Compatible operating system: Windows

Download link: http://amabilis.com/downloads/

PTC Creo

Creo is a comprehensive system for mechanical engineers and model designers to create products using CAD direct 3D modeling approach. Direct models allow creation of new designs based on existing designs or new ideas. Therefore, changes in an object's geometry can be done quickly and easily. This is a premium program but there is a 30-day free trial as well as a free version for students and teachers.

Compatible operating system: Free trial for Windows

Download link: http://www.ptc.com/Products/free-downloads

LeoCAD

LeoCAD is a CAD program for creating virtual LEGO models, compatible with Windows, Mac OS and Linux operating systems. Acting as an alternative to LDD software, this software has an easy-to-use interface, supports the main frame and operates in dynamic mode. This is also the step that this software supports best in the whole process.

Compatible operating system: Windows | macOS | Linux

Download link: https://drive.google.com/a/hongkiat.com/folderview?id=0B4QpN1vpGh_sUWJZSkVVaEtzcW8&usp=sharing#list

VUE Pioneer

Pioneer helps create vast terrains by displaying surreal landscape images. It is very useful for professional users who are looking for a rendering program. This software helps create amazing 3D scenery with a variety of pre-installed elements, and it also allows direct access to Cornucopia 3D content. The software also supports light and shadow effects.

Compatible operating system: Windows | macOS

Link download: http://www.cornucopia3d.com/products/vue/vue_2015_pioneer/?page=download

Netfabb

Supported for popular platforms like Windows, Mac OS and Linux, Netfabbis not only allows users to view but also can analyze and edit 3D models. The software also supports 3D printing, and is the most compact tool compared to competitors in terms of capacity.

Compatible operating system: Windows | macOS | Linux

Link download: http://www.netfabb.com/downloadcenter.php?basic=1

NaroCAD

NaroCAD is a comprehensive and scalable CAD model application. This software is based on OpenCascade technology and supports both Windows and Linux platforms. NaroCAD supports both basic and advanced 3D modeling operations, and can be expanded through programming interfaces and plugins.

Compatible operating system: Windows

Link download: http://narocad.com/downloads/

Lego Digital Designer

Lego Digital Designer is referred to as LDD, created by LEGO Corporation, compatible with Windows and Mac OS operating systems. The program allows building models using virtual LEGO bricks. This software has an export feature, allowing created models to be opened and edited in other 3D modeling software.

Compatible operating system: Windows | macOS

Link download: http://ldd.lego.com/en-us/download/

ZCAD

ZCAD can be used to create 2D or 3D drawings. This software supports different platforms but also provides great views and different tools to reduce the burden of modeling tasks. Its user interface is easy to understand and the drawing process is quite simple. Completed designs can be saved in AutoCAD format as well as many other popular formats.

Compatible operating system: Windows | Linux

Download link: http://sourceforge.net/projects/zcad/

Houdini Apprentice

Houdini Apprentice is a free version of Houdini FX. Houdini Apprentice can be used by students, artists and hobbyists to create non-commercial 3D model projects. In addition to a limited graphics rendering, image copyright on 3D graphics rendering, and a few other minor limitations, Houdini is a tool with many features on a great interface.

Compatible operating system: Windows | macOS | Linux

Link download: http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_download&task=apprentice&Itemid=208

DesignSpark

With a design spreadsheet, DesignSpark allows users to create highly detailed 3D designs. The software promises to offer users easy-to-use features to eliminate difficulties in making modifications and additions to 3D products quickly. DesignSpark also supports direct modeling techniques as well as 3D modeling of your model.

Compatible operating system: Windows

Link download: http://www.rs-online.com/designspark/electronics/eng/page/mechanical

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeling software developed primarily to design realistic objects of any size. The software is easy to modify the design by using model history and changing parameters. This program is a cross-platform tool (Windows, Mac OS and Linux) that allows reading and writing different file formats. The software also allows you to build your own modules or embed them in your customized application.

Compatible operating system: Windows | macOS | Linux

Download link: http://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/?title=Download

Sculptris

Sculptris provides a great door to enter the exciting 3D world. Its features are easy to learn, navigate and use, even for people with no digital experience or model creation. It eliminates geometrical concerns during the design process and will dynamically divide the model, better processing resources in your computer.

Compatible operating system: Windows | macOS

Link download: http://pixologic.com/sculptris/features/

MeshMagic 3D

MeshMagic 3D helps create 3D rendering files and draw 2D objects or convert 2D designs to 3D. This is an easy and intuitive 3D design software for users in many different areas. Although the software currently only supports Windows operating systems, it also allows saving output files in popular STL format, open and editable formats in many other online and offline 3D modeling tools. together.

Compatible operating system: Windows

Link download: http://www.nchsoftware.com/meshmagic3d/

Open Cascade

Open Cascade is a software development kit (SDK for short) to develop 3D CAD data processing applications. It includes regular and special C ++ libraries, providing 3D modeling utilities, data display, rapid exchange and application development.

Compatible operating system: Platform of many mobile and desktop computers.

Download link: http://www.opencascade.com/content/download-center

Have you used any of the above 3D modeling software? Where is the software you like best? Please let us know your answer through the Comments section below!

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