There are now hundreds of different free 3D modeling software tools for users looking to create their own 3D models so it can be tricky to know where to start.
3D software modeling tools range from being easy to use by even the newest of beginners to pro-level software that can take years to learn so its important to pick one that matches your skill level.
Id recommendDaz 3Das the best free 3D modeling software overall due to its massive library of pre-built elements, allowing users to assemble amazing characters and scenes quickly.
However, complete beginners should opt forTinkerCAD. Its a very intuitive albeit limited tool with a way shorter learning curve, making it perfect for hobbyists who want to easily create basic 3D models.
In this guide compare the most popular free 3D modeling programs Ive tested across all the important criteria device compatibility, features, ease of use as well as any hidden quirks you should know about.
So lets work out which is rightfor you.
Best Free 3D Modeling Software Full Round-Up
: Best free 3D modeling software for beginners
: Easy free 3D modeling software for beginners
: Open source free 3D modeling software
: Advanced free 3D modeling software
Best Free 3D Modeling Software 2024: Criteria
Here are some of the criteria we used to evaluate the best free 3D modeling software tools for 2023:
: free software tools are often used by beginners so this is important.
: being easy to use because there isnt much you can do with the software doesnt count as a plus. The ideal free 3D modeling software tool is not only easy to learn and use, but with a wide and deep range of tools to create professional 3D models.
: a ranking of ten 3D software tools that perform the exact same function is boring. Bonus points were given to a 3D software program that took a completely new approach to creating 3D designs.
Free, with extra downloadable premium assets
Massive online library of content created by professional artists.
dForce simulated physics replicates stunning and lifelike cloth and hair movement.
Limited free renders without watermark.
Daz 3D, 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 streamlines many of the mediums more technical aspects, such as animating, posing, setting up lighting, and rendering.
They also host a massive online library full of Daz-ready content created by professional artists, allowing you to assemble amazing characters and scenes quickly. Its helpful for hobbyists and professionals alike, and can bedownloaded for free.
A few features that make Daz Studio stand out include:
Dazs character range and toolset really stood out for us. TheirGenesis 8.1 Male and Femalecharacters take center stage for character design high-definition 3D figures that can be posed, animated, dressed, and customized easily using Dazs morphing system and modular system. You can morph your Genesis Characters physical appearance in so many ways, by mixing, matching, and blending content to create unique characters ready for photo-realistic rendering.
Have you ever wanted to see what youd look like if you were half hippo? Or how youd look with crazy new hair? Daz 3Ds Face Transfer allows you to do all those things and more.
Simply take a photo of yourself and upload it; the software will take care of all 3D rendering to create an accurate 3D model of your face, with all the intricacies of your face fully adjustable as you transfer. Your bone structure will adjust accurately as you morph your 3D model, no matter how outlandish your changes are. Once youre satisfied with your half-hippo look, you can animate yourself and make your character dance!
You arent limited to just half-and-half morphs either. Feel free to customize and morph any two figures for example an alien and a werewolf and create something 80% one character, and 20% the other. The possibilities really are endless. Of course, you can also use this to create unique, lifelike characters as well.
While the FaceTransfer feature is limited to 3 free renders without any watermarks in Daz Studio, users can enjoy the freedom of character morphs, which are how you customize and tweak physical appearances in Studio.
Another innovative tool available in the free-to-download Daz Studio is theirdForce hair and cloth simulating feature. With Daz Studio you can intuitively replicate stunning and lifelike cloth and hair movement.
Intricate aspects of clothes and hair move based on gravity, wind, and any character movement, and can be simulated to a hyper-realistic level. So, whether you want to have a running characters clothes move in the wind, or an athletes hair adjust as they jump, you can do it all with dForce. Despite being such an advanced feature, you get full dForce access within Daz Studio for free.
Daz 3D has a number of tutorials and examples on site, 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, you can purchase too.
Browser based so no download is needed.
One of the many 3D software tools offered by 3D CAD software giant Autodesk,TinkerCADis a deceptively deep tool. Though it looks fairly basic due to how easy it is to use, TinkerCAD has proved time and time again that it is up with the best free 3D modeling software out there for creating3D models.
Utilizing what some might consider to be basic shapes, TinkerCAD allows you to create detailed 3D models by connecting different shapes together. The learning curve is far shorter than some of the more in-depth 3D software out there, making TinkerCAD the perfect 3D modeling software for beginners or children. Its ideal for teachingkids 3D printingby creating models to print.
Further showing TinkerCADs ease of use, its the most used 3D modeling software in schools and classes worldwide. As a free online 3D modeling software, its browser based so you can get started in minutes without any complex or lengthy downloads. Whats more, you can download the TinkerCAD app and play around with your favorite models on your smartphone or tablet!
Though Autodesk make a number of different software for various industries, TinkerCAD is perfect for beginners who want to play around with 3D design software and maybe make something cool. You can then export your models asSTL filesor any other file format, and send them to a 3D printer to be 3D printed. Though once you gain more experience you may want to advance to something more complex like AutoCAD, TinkerCAD is a great place to start your 3D design career.
Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Designs are composed exclusively of cubes, making complex designs difficult.
Ideal for complete beginners, 3D Slash feels less like a conventional (and perhaps intimidating!) 3D modeling software tool, and more like a friendly, interactive 3D world where you can create to your hearts content.
The team have clearly thought about how they can make the experience as natural as possible, so non-designers will easily understand how to create their own 3D models without the steep learning curves some programs have.
But that doesnt limit you to just the basics you can still create impressive and more complex objects if thats your goal, but beginners will still find the features intuitive and user friendly.
3D Slash is free for the standard version, with a small monthly cost for Premium, and School and Professional plans also available.
FreeCAD is a free 3D modeling software with some real skin in the game, having been initially released back in 2002, and despite still being in beta stage development has progressed significantly. Its designed to make creating 3D versions of real-life objects as effective and simple as possible.
A very useful feature is the ability to start with a static 2D sketch, which you can then build your eventual 3D model from as you progress. FreeCAD works well on Windows as well as functioning effectively as a free 3D modeling software for Mac users, and once youve created your model, you can seamlessly export it as an STL, OBJ, or evenDXF filesfor other uses such as CNC.
Though designed with mechanical engineering in mind, FreeCAD complements 3D printing as complex, interesting shapes and figures can be created with relative ease despite not being as complicated as some CAD programs on this list. Whats more, FreeCAD is open source, so if you wish to tinker with the software itself, youre free to do so with Python.
FreeCAD is ideal for users with some design experience as some tools may take a little while for complete beginners to learn. But overall, its a very powerful free 3D modeling software tool.
: Free version, $299/year for Pro version
: Download, browser (depending on free/pro)
Sketchup is another great option for designers looking for a 3D modeling software.
Easy to use interface without overloading information.
Created by Lastsoftware in 2000, SketchUp is a veteran of the 3D modeling software industry. A versatile and powerful option, Google acquired the software in 2006 to implement into their services, though it has since been sold to Trimble Inc.
Now offering a free version functioning as an excellent free 3D design software, SketchUp is a great choice for budding designers. Similar to TinkerCAD, SketchUp has a shorter learning curve than most 3D software out there, and comes stocked with tools for almost everything you could ever need.
Despite being currently known mostly in the architectural scene and for its affiliation with Google, SketchUp is becoming more relevant as a free 3D modeling software for 3D printing. They are working to become better integrated with creatingSTL files, and the tools are surprisingly compatible with those who wish to create 3D CAD files. You can currently download the SketchUp STL extension to enable STL files to be created within SketchUp.
SketchUp features an easy-to-use interface without being overloaded with information. You can figure out the basics behind this free 3D software in a few hours easily and be on your way to creating detailed 3D models on your first day that look so realistic they could have been scanned on a3D scanner. You can easily view your models in 3D, and upload them to 3D Warehouse when youre happy with the finished product.
Comes with video editing capabilities.
Arguably the most popular 3D design software,Blenderhas a huge, active community who share their STL files and 3D models as well as information online. A quick Google or YouTube search will yield thousands of results with people eager to showcase their 3D designs or teach you how to use the Blender 3D software. This is down to Blender being a 100% free 3D modeling software tool which isopen source, giving users freedom to create just about anything with its huge range of tools.
Though it has a steeper learning curve, Blender has huge depth to it, making it one of the most complete free 3D software tools out there. This depth makes it a very versatile 3D modeling tool, with uses ranging from film VFX, video games, 3D model design, and its also used as a 3D design software for 3D printing. Furthermore, Blender even comes with an integrated game engine, as well as detailed sculpting tools and video editing capabilities.
It isnt for beginners, or probably even for intermediates, but it is an incredible free 3D modeling software that is ideal for game developers and experienced 3D modelers.
Able to edit existing models with a variety of tools.
Topological optimization makes parts lighter, saving weight and costs.
Difficult to use when developing pieces from scratch.
Meshmixeris an interesting 3D software, in the unique position that doesnt fit into any one particular category. Another one of Autodesks 3D software, Meshmixer differs from its rivals in that it enables you to edit existing models with a variety of useful tools including animation, hollowing/filling, and tools for repairing models.
Meshmixer is therefore a fantastic free 3D modeling software for modifying designs to ensure their quality. This makes it a very useful softwarefor beginners and experts alike, allowing them to polish their models so that theyre ready for 3D printing.
Another main selling point of Meshmixer is its use in topological optimization. With its simple hollowing and similar tools available within the free 3D software, parts can be made lighter, saving weight and costs. This is especially useful for eventual 3D printing in industries such as theaerospaceand automotive sectors where cutting weight is very important.
Overall, Meshmixer is a versatile and consistent option for those who need to polish their3D files. Its perfect for beginners who want to modify their designs, as well as experts who need to optimize their industrial designs. Therefore, Meshmixer is a great free 3D software which encompasses many sectors.
: Free for personal use for a year, Pro version is around $500/year
Fusion 360 is a 3D software that offers the ability to create extremely detailed 3D models, but isnt the best option for beginners.
Great software for experts and educated beginners.
Modeling tools are really good and powerful.
No web-based version which is a drawback for cloud-based software.
Created with schools and academic institutes in mind, Fusion 360 is yet another 3D software created by Autodesk. Its undoubtedly a3D software modeling tool for experts, however it is user-friendly enough for an educated beginner to be able to use. Packed to the brim with innovative features, Fusion 360 is a very collaborative 3D software that allows users to share STL files via the cloud to collaboratively edit and optimize models.
With powerful tools for accomplishing almost any industrial 3D design, Fusion 360 really is an incredible piece of software. It has built-in features to assess stresses that components of your 3D design will encounter, allowing designers to locate potential weak points before printing. Once created, you can then easily export your 3D model as an STL file or any other file format.
Having recently been made free for students, startups, and more, Fusion 360 is a more accessible 3D software than ever before. If youve got some experience, or looking to level up your 3D design skills, this is the perfect 3D software for you.
Web-based making it very accessible.
The simple workflow makes for easy lighting, modeling and sculpting.
Offers templates with pre-rendered and lit screens.
A limited number of projects to create.
Founded in 2014, Vectary calls itself the most accessible 3D and AR design platform and its a completely web-based free 3D modeling software.
Usefully, Vectary offers templates with pre-rendered and lit screens that you can place your 3D models in front of for product shots and other aesthetic uses. The simple workflow makes for easy lighting, modeling and sculpting with their toolset, 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 creations in OBJ or STL file formats, though for other formats youll need to upgrade. Within their free offering you can create up to 25 projects, and you get access to Vectarys library of 3D assets, materials and icons. Upgrading gives you access to their AR preview tools, and have project and team sharing features for better and quicker feedback between multiple people.
Browser-based as well as downloadable versions.
SelfCAD focuses on being the best browser-based free 3D modeling software for students all around the world, allowing people to design 3D files without having to download anything. This has made it a popular choice in the US for schools looking to teach students 3D design. Theres also a PC and Mac downloadable version however for those who prefer it.
Focused on simplicity and ease of use, SelfCAD offers all the necessary tools to create whilst still retaining a short learning curve that beginners can use. Built with 3D printing in mind, SelfCAD also includes browser-based slicing tools for preparing your STL or G-code files for 3D printing.
Overall, SelfCAD is a simple 3D design software program with a clean layout that doesnt scare you off. It includes all the tools necessary for students and beginners to create amazing 3D models to print, without the steep learning curve involved in some other 3D software tools. Theres a reason it is becoming increasingly adopted in schools worldwide.
Has education in mind, having been created to complement 3rd to 8th grade STEM education.
Imported ST files do not convert to OpenSCAD files.
At 3DSourced our priority is to educate, and therefore we have a soft spot for any individual or company with similar priorities. BlocksCAD firmly has education in mind, having been created to complement 3rd to 8th grade STEM education. BlocksCAD is a cloud-based free 3D modeling software that encourages the learning of math, computational thinking, coding concepts and designing models to be 3D printed.
Theres a wide range of projects in their freely available gallery to use as personal or class projects, ranging from snowmen, to jewelry rings, to fish, and even the infamous Among Us cafeteria.
Designed to collaborate closely with OpenSCAD, BlocksCAD is designed to be simple, fun, and child-friendly. 3D designs can be created through colorful, easy-to-manipulate blocks, which can then be exported either as STL files or as files to be opened and edited in OpenSCAD. For complete beginners, BlocksCAD offer extensive tutorials on the basics of 3D modeling, and how to use their 3D software.
For educators, there are added features for managing students accounts, and a range of lesson plans are also available.
Can make designs with just the use of a mouse.
Though afree 3D CAD software, OpenSCAD looks intimidating as you are enveloped in code and scripts. Its a powerful tool but be warned, its not for the faint-hearted or for those who arent used to coding.
Launched back in 2010 by Marius Kintel and Clifford Wolf and maintained by regular updates and patches, OpenSCAD has attracted a niche cult following among 3D designers who prefer the scripting rather than artistic method of design. It is also worth noting that you can design 3D parts in OpenSCAD with just a mouse, though this is not the sole intent of the program.
Overall, were impressed with OpenSCAD for offering something new and doing it for free. We recommend at least intermediate knowledge of scripting before trying it however, or youd probably be better off with one of the other3D CAD softwareoptions on our list.
Simple for beginners and easy to navigate.
Not as modern-looking or user-friendly as Vectary or TinkerCAD.
Wings 3D is a completely open source and free 3D modeling software that has been actively developed and improved since 2001. Its not as modern-looking or user-friendly as software like Vectary or TinkerCAD, but works very well for character, tabletop model and other creative 3D modeling projects.
Its fairly easy to navigate with features that make tweaking your models such as via sculpting, welding, cutting, bridging or bending parts simple even for beginners.
Each menu is context-sensitive, so when you right-click different selections, different options appear based on what youre most likely to need. This advanced time-saving tool makes it a great 3D modeling software option for beginners and experts.
Other articles you may be interested in include:
If you need a 3D slicer heres our guide to thebest 3D slicers for FDM 3D printing
For all software for optimal 3D printing, we also have a ranking of thebest 3D printing software
For resin 3D printing, youll need a slicer specialized for resin prints. Heres our guide to the bestresin 3D slicers
If youre interested in 3D printing, we have a ranking for thebest 3D printers for beginners
Other curated article recommendations from our team:
3DSourced is a leading authority in the field of 3D printing and scanning, dedicated to delivering expert insights and guidance since 2017. Our team, composed of experienced industry professionals, has been at the forefront of analyzing and reporting on the evolving landscape of 3D technology. Over the past six years, our commitment to quality and accuracy has earned us numerous accolades, including awards for our feature stories. Our hands-on experience is extensive, having rigorously tested more than 20 of the latest models in 3D printers and scanners. At 3DSourced, our mission extends beyond reporting; we strive to make 3D printing accessible and understandable for everyone.
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