Morphi Developed by a New York startup, Morphi is a 3D software app that was specifically designed for use on tablets. The app allows you to create 3D models in a simple way and contains a complete library with a large number of decorative and functional models. Wings 3D is an ideal first taste of 3D modelling (Image credit: Wings 3D) If 3D modelling's something you want to try, Wings 3D is a great way to dip a toe in the water. It's a pure modelling app that lets you build a basic 3D model out of polygons and then smooth it out by subdividing the mesh.
- Best App For Making 3d Models
- Making 3d Models Out Of Paper
- Best Apps For Making 3d Models Printable
- Best App For Making 3d Models For Games
- Best App For Making 3d Models For 3d Printer
9 Free 3D Design Programs to Get You Started with 3D Printing
Solid Works is a 3D CAD software that comes with tons and tons of powerful features making it one of the best 3D modeling software. It is a program that is developed by Dassault Systemes and runs on Windows. If you are new to three-dimensional modeling and design crafting, this software is not for you. The best tool for any job SketchUp is an easy-to-use 3D modeler that lets you think through and pre-build projects on the computer before you tackle them in real life.
Finding the right 3D modeling software for 3D printing is tough. Latest version of adobe acrobat reader dc. That’s why we want to give you a complete overview about the best and most popular free 3D modeling software in this blog post.
Classifying and benchmarking different 3D design program is a very complicated matter as everyone has different preferences and applications for 3D printing in mind. Our 3D modeling & 3D printing community here at i.materialise uses tons of different software to get the job done: from free online 3D design apps to high-end professional software.
There are several reasons why it’s so difficult to find ‘the best’ 3D modeling software:
- There are tons of 3D modeling programs out there. It isn’t a case of one software dominating the market, which can make choosing the right one quite complicated and confusing.
- 3D modeling software works in very different ways. One software might be quite intuitive for some people, but really complicated for others. There is no one-sizes-fits-all-approach.
- Users typically have very strong opinions that the software they are using is the best one. So everyone seems to have a different opinion on which software is the most suitable for creating a 3D file.
- Professional 3D modeling software often comes at a high price. Many people don’t want to take the risk of purchasing high-end software without having tried free software first.
But we’re going to take it step by step here. I will briefly describe the most popular free programs out there. I will also try to point out how you can progress to more sophisticated programs later.
I have tried to put them into different categories based on the style of 3D modeling that is predominant for each software. While you have to sculpt in some, you merge geometric elements in others.
Solid Modeling/Box Modeling:
If you are just starting and have never created a 3D model before, TinkerCADis absolutely indispensable. It’s an easy beginner-friendly app with a LEGO-approach. Basically you will combine different geometrical shapes together, in order to create new objects. TinkerCAD is great if you like geometrical designs and a geometrical way of thinking. It’s very hard to create organic objects with the interface, however (like people, animals, etc.).
We have a tutorial about how to create your first 3D print in TinkerCad here. Take a look at it to get a better feel for this software.
This ‘saw wrench’ was designed by Pekka Salokannel in Tinkercad.
If you reach the limits of TinkerCAD and you like the logic behind this app, you can continue to more sophisticated software like Fusion 360. Fusion 360 was also developed by Autodesk, the company behind TinkerCAD. This powerful program is now available for free for students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and startups. It combines the professional capabilities of a high-end CAD program with an user-friendly interface and workflow. That’s why Fusion 360 is such a popular program among industrial designers.
Parametric Design/Procedural Modeling:
Parametric 3D modeling software allows you to easily navigate and modify your 3D model by browsing back into the model history and changing its individual elements. Typically this software is at its most powerful if you want to focus on precision. However, you won’t have much ‘free-style’ design freedom.
FreeCAD is a free software that allows you to create precise geometric designs, such as technical parts, replacement parts, gadgets, cases, scale models etc. You can learn the basics in our beginner-friendly FreeCAD tutorial.
Typical workflow in FreeCAD: From a rough sketch to a precise 3D model.
If you would rather like to code your 3D model, OpenSCAD might be for you. This software uses programming language to create 3D objects. If you want to learn how to code your design, take a look at our OpenSCAD tutorial.
A screenshot of free 3D modeling software, OpenSCAD.
If you enjoy FreeCAD you might want to switch to the professional 3D modeling programs Autodesk 3DS Max or Autodesk Maya in the future.
Digital Sculpting:
Digital sculpting is the way to go if you want to create organic designs: people, animals or creatures. This is where your mouse movements matter the most, and mechanical precision matters the least.
![Free Free](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YuQsxFhBGzw/maxresdefault.jpg)
Meshmixeris a powerful, free software that lets you sculpt digitally and mash different 3D models together. Mold and refine surfaces in real-time like virtual clay! Once again, we have the right tutorial for you to get started.
The ‘Piguin’ by Bert De Niel was created in Meshmixer and 3D printed in our multicolor material.
Sculptris provides an excellent gateway into the exciting world of 3D sculpting. Its features are easy to learn, even for someone with no experience in digital art. Yet the 3D sculpting software is robust enough to create base models that can then be refined in other, more sophisticated applications later.
If this kind of modeling is your cup of tea, you will probably want to switch to the professional premium software ZBrush later on or you can also try one of these 3D scultping programs.
Goat Skull by Jody Garrett was created in ZBrush, the professional version of free sculpting software Sculptris
Polygon Modeling/Contour Modeling:
In Polygon Modeling, your 3D object is basically a mesh based on vertices, edges, and faces. This allows for precisely editing parts of your object. By changing the coordinates of one or several vertices, you can change the shape of the model. That makes this way of modeling very powerful but also more difficult to start with.
The most popular free software in this section is called Blender. However, it’s also the most difficult program mentioned in this blog post. The power of design freedom comes with a steep learning curve. That’s why we published video tutorials on how to get started as well as on how to turn your Blender model into a 3D print.
A premium software that is somewhat similar to Blender is Modo, which also comes in a free 30-day trial version.
Curve & Line Modeling:
![Best app for making 3d models free Best app for making 3d models free](https://46c4ts1tskv22sdav81j9c69-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/mswbprod/2018/05/97740e815727c366334374485448cca0.jpg)
This is the process where models are based on drawing lines or curves in a 3D space. By joining these lines or curves together you will define the surface of your object. This manual way of designing allows designers to create precise objects.
SketchUpis a software that architects, interior designers, and scale modelers love. SketchUp is mainly based on lines – 3D models will be edgy as a result. The first steps are fairly easy, but making a printable model can be challenging sometimes. Take a look at our tutorials to learn how to create your first SketchUp 3D model and how to make it 3D printable.
Once you master this program, you might switch from SketchUp Make (free version) to the premium SketchUp Pro version.
Scale Modeler Guido Mandorf creates his tram models mostly in SketchUp.
Best App For Making 3d Models
For curve modeling Moment of Inspirationand Rhinoceros (Rhino 3D) are popular choices. Unlike SketchUp, you don’t focus on lines but rather on curves. This allows for great round shapes in product designs. You can check out our video tutorial to get a better understanding of Rhino. While Rhino doesn’t come for free, it offers a free 90-day trial. Enough time to test it.
Moment of Inspiration offers a 30-day trial. If you want to try a similar free software to start with, you might want to try free modeling program K-3D.
The Love Lamps by Sandro Lominashvili were designed in Rhino. Monity 1 4 – system monitoring widget.
Now it’s time for you to visit the websites of these 3D modeling programs, take a look around, and download the free or trial versions. If you’re new to the world of 3D modeling, this interview about how to get started with 3D designing is probably of interest to you as well. You should also make sure to avoid these 5 common mistakes when turning a 3D model into a 3D print.
If you want to order a professional 3D print in 100+ materials and finishes, just upload it here and get your price immediately.
Create Textured 3D Models From Any Digital Camera
Strata Foto 3D SE transforms digital images into fully textured 3D models. This Mac-specific Special Edition utilizes a slightly reduced feature set from Foto 3D SE to produce surprisingly accurate results at a minimal price. Quickly digitize organic shapes, soft forms or hand-made items that could take days or weeks to model using traditional methods. Models can be exported from Foto 3D for use in Strata Design 3D or other 3D software.
FeaturesSystem RequirementsReviews & AwardsCompare VersionsCase Studies
Sophisticated Camera Support
Strata Foto 3D CX provides automatic camera support to deal with lens distortion, focal length and image factors specific to particular camera models. Correcting these factors ensures the highest possible fidelity in model capture.
Automated 3D Space Orientation
A special calibration mat – which can be printed out directly from Strata Foto 3D CX – aids the software in generating 3D model data. This mat allows Foto 3D to calculate where the camera is in 3D space for each image. This orientation information then allows Foto 3D to automatically capture features from the images to build the 3D object.
Feature Pinning – Allows the Use of Any Photo Set
For projects that don’t allow for use of the calibration mat Strata Foto 3D CX now provides direct control using a pin user interface. This allows you to specify the surface area details important to a high quality capture. This new feature allows the use of photograph sets from virtually any source – including video frames, aerial photos and any large object that cannot be brought into a studio setting.
Integrate with Adobe Photoshop for Model Creation
Part of the process of generating a model from photographs involves separating the background from the object. Foto 3D provides powerful color-key tools to automate this process. In addition to these powerful tools, Adobe Photoshop (CS 4 and 5.x) is supported directly with a plug-in, allowing you to easily use Photoshop’s features to get the job done.
Making 3d Models Out Of Paper
Interactive Model Adjustment
Once the geometry is generated, Strata Foto 3D CX gives you the ability to interactively modify the surface polygon detail (“decimation”). A clipping plane is also provided, allowing you to trim the base of the model to ensure a flat base where desired.
Import Models to Photoshop or Strata 3D CX
Models can be sent as a 3D layer to Photoshop Extended design projects, where the 3D object can be painted on, rotated, lighting adjusted, and more. Or, textured 3D models can be exported as VRML or Collada files for import into Design 3D or other 3D software.
In-Depth Feature List
Photo Support
Foto 3D builds and places a UV texture on any model by using a series of photographs. Regardless of the type of camera you use, Foto 3D will calibrate itself automatically for the best results. Foto 3D allows you to take anywhere from 20 to 256 pictures to create your textured 3D model.
Foto 3D builds and places a UV texture on any model by using a series of photographs. Regardless of the type of camera you use, Foto 3D will calibrate itself automatically for the best results. Foto 3D allows you to take anywhere from 20 to 256 pictures to create your textured 3D model.
- Mat Printing
- Lens Calibration
- Up To 256 Images Per Object
- Automatic Camera Calibration
- Merge Additional Photos
Surface Generation
Foto 3D generates a model that includes surface smoothing and interactive mesh decimation. For use in a 3D rendering package, such as Strata 3D CX, you’ll want the highest quality mesh possible. For real-time 3D use, such as Live 3D, you may want to reduce your mesh density for faster downloads.
Foto 3D generates a model that includes surface smoothing and interactive mesh decimation. For use in a 3D rendering package, such as Strata 3D CX, you’ll want the highest quality mesh possible. For real-time 3D use, such as Live 3D, you may want to reduce your mesh density for faster downloads.
- Surface Optimization
- Interactive Mesh Decimation
- Fast Wireframe Generation
- Clipping Plane
Save & Export Features
Once you’re finished with your project, simply export it into VRML or 3DS. Then your file can be imported into Strata 3D CX for rendering and animation, or into Strata Live 3D for real-time display on a web page or PDF document.
Once you’re finished with your project, simply export it into VRML or 3DS. Then your file can be imported into Strata 3D CX for rendering and animation, or into Strata Live 3D for real-time display on a web page or PDF document.
- VRML
- Collada
- 3DS
Masking Features
With a complete toolset that includes automatic mask generation, interactive theshold controls, shrink wrapping and brushes, you’re guaranteed a positive result. Once Foto 3D creates the 3D object, you can then rotate it to any position and finalize any additional masking that may be required.
With a complete toolset that includes automatic mask generation, interactive theshold controls, shrink wrapping and brushes, you’re guaranteed a positive result. Once Foto 3D creates the 3D object, you can then rotate it to any position and finalize any additional masking that may be required.
Best Apps For Making 3d Models Printable
- Automated Masking
- Shrink Wrap Tool
- Interactive Threshold
- Masking Tools
- Import External Masks
Texturing Features
Foto 3D creates a photo-realistic UV texture for your model. You can use Adobe Photoshop to modify the texture from any angle. Simply copy the view to Photoshop, modify the texture, and paste it back into Foto 3D. All texture blending occurs automatically. Optional Photoshop plug ins require CS 4 or CS 5.x.Plug ins not compatible with CS 6.
Foto 3D creates a photo-realistic UV texture for your model. You can use Adobe Photoshop to modify the texture from any angle. Simply copy the view to Photoshop, modify the texture, and paste it back into Foto 3D. All texture blending occurs automatically. Optional Photoshop plug ins require CS 4 or CS 5.x.Plug ins not compatible with CS 6.
- Automatic Texture Creation
- UV Unwrapping
- Incremental Map Generation
- Texture Map Editing
- External Texture Editing
- Large Map Resolution
- Tone Correction
System Requirements
Macintosh Minimum System Requirements- Power Mac with Mac OS X 10.4 or later
- Intel Mac with Mac OS X 10.4 or later
- 512 MB RAM
- 75 MB free disk space
- Monitor resolution of 1024×768
- Optional Photoshop plug ins require CS 4 or CS 5.x. Not compatible with CS 6.
- Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000 with SP 4 or later
- Pentium Compatible or better
- 256 MB RAM
- 330 MB free disk space
- VGA color display with 800×600 resolution
- Optional Photoshop plug ins require CS 4 or CS 5.x. Not compatible with CS 6.
Vizworld
“It’s a bargain… Users who find themselves frequently needing to scan 3D models will find Foto3D CX an invaluable tool for it’s power, flexibility, and excellent price point.”
IT Enquirer
“…Strata Foto 3D CX is a lot faster than creating a 3D model from scratch in Cinema 4D, Vue, or Maya. For example, if you are on a deadline for an advertising project or an illustration with a story that will be published both in print and online, Strata Foto 3D CX may cut your project time in half – if not more.”
Layers Magazine, Four and a Half Stars
“Strata Foto 3D makes it possible to take nearly any object and make a 3D model with just a little set-up time and a digital camera.”
Mac NN
Strata Foto 3D “…is an efficient photo-based system for modeling real world objects that allows users to create 3D models with no technical skill or expensive hardware.”
Gamasutra
Strata Foto 3D creates “…high quality, fully textured 3D meshes.”
GFX Artist
Best App For Making 3d Models For Games
On Foto 3D, “Picture how many hours this could save you. We did and now we’re believers… Overall, for the majority of 3D artists, we feel this will be a must have application.”
Best App For Making 3d Models For 3d Printer
Compare Foto 3D Versions
FEATURES | FOTO 3D SE | FOTO 3D CX |
Photoshop Plug-Ins Generate an object from a layered Photoshop file or send the finished 3D model back to Photoshop CS Extended. | ||
Lens/Camera Calibration Correct for the specific distortions your lens or camera produces. | ||
Markers Flag specific points across photo sets to build models without the need for the positioning mat. Ideal for very large objects. | ||
Image Support Up to 256 images per object, Merge and place non-mat photos. | ||
Interactive Mesh Decimation Change mesh density on the fly to achieve the detail desired. | ||
Clipping Plane Feet not quite flat? Use clipping plane to create flat surfaces. | ||
Maximum Mesh Resolution | 12,000 Polygons | 20,000 Polygons |
Save & Export Features Collada (DAE), VRML and 3DS. | ||
Automated Masking Create masks automatically from clean backgrounds. | ||
Masking Tools Create your own masks in-app. | ||
Import External Masks Import masks from another application. | ||
UV Unwrapping and Texture Creation Model is textured with the photos used to create the mesh. | ||
Maximum Texture Resolution | 800 Pixels | 1600 Pixels |
Tone Correction Adjusts for photo sets where lighting isn’t uniform. | ||
Incremental Map Generation Add new photos of specific details to the generated mesh at any time. | ||
External Texture Editing Copy and Paste textures in and out of Foto 3D for maximum flexibility. |
Case Study | Bruce Hardwoods® Cleans-Up
Packaging Corporation of America was approached by long-time client Armstrong World Industries to help them launch a new product. Armstrong had a prototype for their new Bruce Hardwood spray-on cleaner product but they needed a design for a shipping box that doubled as a shelf display and as a mini pallet display.
Read More…
Read More…
Case Study | Museum Captures The Past
Swedish museum Murberget has an extensive collection of artifacts – so many in fact that it cannot display them all within the confines of its physical building. Head of Research for Murberget, Lars Goran Spang, thought what they needed was a way to make the museum “virtual” – after all, there’s no limit to the room available on the web.
Read More…
Read More…
User Video | James Wang Photography
Watch this video as James Wang walks through capturing and refining a porcelain doll figurine. You’ll see the figurine going from photographs to a finished, fully textured 3D model.Watch the Video…