These free CAD software for 3D Printing are a great source to quickly get some hands-on experience of designing. Let us look at some of the best free CAD software for 3D printing available for beginners, intermediates and experts. Tinkercad is the simplest and one of the.
On the whole 3D Printing technology has to depend on the sum of its parts that constitute it. For example, a 3D printer is one of the most integral parts of this completely new concept manufacturing, 3D printing technology. The other part is a 3D printing software on which you can design the file according. 3D Tin is an online 3D printing software like TinkerCAD, which is intuitive and easy-to -use. All you need is a Firefox or Chrome web browser enabled with WebGL. It’s a perfect 3D printing software for beginners. In this article, we have curated the list of best free third-party 3D printing software that is best suited for beginner 3D modelers as well as the experienced professional designers. While the built-in 3D Builder suits most, if you arelooking for alternatives, then this post will interest you. 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.
Looking for 3D printing software ?
There are many platforms that are completely free to use. Some are open-source cross-platform tools, while others are cloud-based solutions.
This article will show you the top 3D printing software for the beginner (Mac & Windows), and all the software is FREE.
Blender
In a nutshell, Blender is one of the most powerful 3D printing software tools you can use.
It has a very helpful community and is the subject of a huge number of tutorials online. That and it’s open-source, so people are often writing extensions for it to make it even better and more capable.
Feature
Works with STL and OBJ file formats
Analyze your mesh to identify some errors that could cause your printing to fail
open-source
PrusaSlicer
PrusaSlicer (formerly known as Slic3r Prusa Edition or Slic3r PE) is a slicer software based on the open-source project Slic3r.
It can be used to slice models for both FDM and resin printers, and has various modes that allow you to edit settings based on your skill level, with Expert opening up a huge list of things to customize.
Fear not though, even simple profiles can perform well in PrusaSlicer.
Feature:
Works with 3MF,STL,OBJ and AMF
Ability to use modifier meshes, adjust layer heights, change infill patterns or densities, and set specific numbers of perimeters
Variable layer heights can reduce print times without sacrificing print quality.
Inserting a pause or custom G-code at a certain height
ColorPrint is a feature that originally provided a way to pause prints in order to manually swap filaments at a programmed layer height and show previews in the editor.
Ultimaker Cura
Ultimaker Cura is free software that provides users with seamless integration between its platform and a 3D printer.
It provides a recommended mode to users who are new to 3D printing software, which makes it a great tool for beginners.
On the flip side, if you’re a user who wants complete customization over the final product, Ultimaker Cura also offers a custom mode.
Feature:
Works with STL, OBJ, X3D, and 3MF file formats
Adjustment tools to scale your model
Print on multiple networks and monitor all jobs from one interface
AstroPrint
AstroPrint is a tool for managing 3D printers and is fully compatible with Mac.
It is a cloud-based solution that allows users to monitor and manage your 3D printers, as well as your slicer settings, printer profiles, and material profiles.
With a free AstroPrint Cloud account, you can store virtually all of the information needed to achieve a successful print. Better yet, these settings can be accessed via your browser or the AstroPrint mobile app.
Feature:
Supports remote printing, you can print wirelessly or with a USB cable.
It allows you to scale, rotate, arrange, push up or pull down, and make multiple copies of the designs through your AstroPrint account.
Provides detailed analytics for analyzing the printing process in a better way.
Allows you to view the G-Code files’ print paths and to analyze your design layer by layer.
You can analyze the printing speed which is indicated by different colors.
Reflects the changes visually on the display while adjusting its settings.
AstroPrint can find or identify your 3D printer in a few seconds no matter whether your printer is remote or on a local network.
Provides a push notification when the print is finished or stopped.
3DPrinterOS
3DPrinterOS is an operating system built for 3D print management.
A cloud-based solution to 3D printer management, 3DPrinterOS is a comprehensive suite that encompasses print job queuing and delegation, printer control, and an app-based plug-in system that allows for STL analysis and repair, plus in-cloud slicing.
Features:
STL editor
Upload and print G-codes
Remote monitoring
G-code and toolpath viewing
TinkerCAD
TinkerCAD is a free browser-based 3D design and modeling tool.
With its simple and intuitive interface, TinkerCAD is a great software for beginners. Users can design simple or complex models using shapes and shape grouping.
TinkerCAD supports STL files, which allows users to 3D print their design once it is finished.
Features:
Import 2D and 3D models
Laser cutting
Click to 3D print
Cloud storage
IdeaMaker
Raise3D’s unique slicer software, ideaMaker is a seamless, free 3D printing tool that helps develop G-Code and can support file-formats including STL, 3MF, OLTP, and OBJ.
Mac users can also join in on the fun.
It has a user-friendly interface for beginners and highly customization features for professionals.
Features:
You can create your own 3D prints with an easy process.
This tool facilitates you with a remote monitoring and management tool to provide a better printing experience.
Includes an auto-layout feature for printing multiple files at a time.
ideaMaker is compatible and works flawlessly with FDM 3D printers.
It can connect with third party open-source 3D printers and allow you to upload G-Code to OctoPrint.
Can adjust the layer height automatically by analyzing the prints.
This tool can provide an interface in multiple languages including Italian, English, German, and many more.
Netfabb
Netfabb provides users with advanced STL analysis and all the tools to model, import and repair a 3D design.
With its additive manufacturing simulation, users can predict how metal additive manufactured parts will deform to help reduce build failures.
Features:
Model import, repair and editing
Design optimization
Additive manufacturing simulation
Repetier-Host
The great-grandaddy of 3D printing software and the favored choice within the RepRap maker community, Repetier is open source and highly capable software for 3D printer control and slicing.
Repetier-Host is a free all-in-one 3D printing software solution that works with almost all popular FDM 3D printers, with over 500,000 installations.
It has multi-slicer support, multi-extruder support, easy multi-printing, full control over your printer, and access from anywhere via browser.
Features:
You can upload multiple print models and can scale, rotate, and make their copies on the virtual bed.
Allows you to slice models with different slicers and optimal settings.
Easily watch your 3D printers via webcam and even create cool time lapses to share
Very small memory requirement so you can print files of any size
Has a G-Code editor and manual controls to give instructions to your 3D printer remotely
Can handle the processing of 16 extruders at the same time even if they all have different filament colors.
Meshmixer
Meshmixer includes a variety of tools to optimize 3D CAD designs for 3D printing.
While there are simple tools for novice users, some features are meant for experienced designers.
An example is the platform’s multi-material design feature, which lets users create objects with multiple materials.
Features:
Drag-and-drop mesh mixing
Robust convert-to-solid for 3D printing
Automatic print bed orientation optimization, layout, and packing
MeshLab
MeshLab is an advanced STL editing software that is open-source, providing tools that enable the processing and editing of 3D triangular meshes.
This free program allows users to edit, clean, repair, inspect, render, and convert meshes, and even merge models into a solid and patch up holes in your 3D model.
Features:
3D reconstruction
3D color mapping and texturing
3D printing, offsetting, hollowing, and closing
Autodesk Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a very advanced piece of software that allows Mac users to really explore their 3D modeling capabilities, without limitations to the creative process.
Although it has a steep learning curve, once you get the hang of it, you can create some amazing models, even functional models that serve a purpose.
Best Free 3d Printing Software For Beginners Beginner
Several professionals make use of Fusion 360 from Mechanical Engineers to Industrial Designers, all the way down to Machinists. There is a free version for personal use, which still allows you to do plenty.
It’s especially good for collaborative team building, where you can share designs and manage them securely from anywhere.
Included in Fusion 360 are major printing tools such as task management and project management.
Features:
Provides users with a unified environment that allows you to create high-quality objects.
Standard design and 3D modeling tools
Supports many file types
This design software makes it easy for you to program your manufacturing process effectively.
An advanced set of modeling tools that provide high-quality prints by using many analysis methods.
Secure data management if working in teams on projects
Single cloud user storage
3D Knowledge is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
When you first begin your 3D printing journey, it can be fun to create objects from existing models. However, it will not take long until you want to print designs of your own. The modeling process can be a barrier that stands between you and your dream creations. Fortunately, there are some free 3D modeling software packages that are easy enough for beginners to master quickly.
The world of 3D modeling software for 3D printing gives you a better understanding of how 3D printing works. In addition, you are not only limited to what you can find online. If your eventual plan is to do enterprise-level design, these free 3D modeling software packages are still a good place to begin. Once you learn the basics, it is easier to move up to more complicated packages. Here are a few of our favorite free 3D software choices for those who are just starting out.
The Best Free3DModeling Software
1.Tinkercad
Tinkercad was created for the educational environment, which makes it excellent free modeling software for beginners of all ages and experience levels. The software is browser-based, so you do not have to download it onto your system. This software is best for working with primitive shapes and joining them together.
It has several features that also add to the appeal. For instance, it has a circuit editor that helps you learn basic electronics. You can even ask it to create objects based on a set of instructions that you can input by code. You can save in obj, svg, STL, 123dx, 3ds, C4d, and mb formats. It should be compatible with most 3D printing software.
2. Onshape
Onshape was designed specifically for those who want to design technical models and spare parts. One of the things that we like about this one is that the interface is easy to understand, and it can create parts that CAD-ready. You can import and extrude existing models to your 3D printing software easily. There is a free version that has limited capabilities, but it is excellent for those who want to learn 3D modeling. Once you learn it, you can upgrade to the fully-featured professional package.
Another excellent feature that this free 3D modeling software offers is that you can use it on many different devices. You can use it on mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. This means that you can work anywhere at any time. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and as a browser-based system.
It can save in a wide range of formats that you do not see often. It can save in STL and sawt, but it might be noted that it does not save in obj, so you will need to check your 3D printing software. It allows you to do some incredible models in high levels of detail. It is offered as a free version or a professional version that is upwards of $2,000 per year. However, if your eventual goal is to move up to enterprise-level software, it is an excellent place to begin.
3. MatterControl
MatterControl is open source free 3D modeling software that can be downloaded from the MatterHackers website. It was intended to be clear and intuitive for beginners who want to learn 3D modeling. We feel that they achieved this goal. You can design a model from scratch or import and modify an existing one and send it to your 3D printing software.
With MatterControl, you do not need a separate slicer program because it comes with this capability built-in. You can print directly from the software without having to import it to another tool. This is an excellent choice for beginners, but it also has some advanced design features that let you explore and play beyond the basics.
4. 3D Builder
Although 3DBuilder is not as robust as some of the other programs in terms of features, it is still a solid piece of free modeling software for beginners. 3D Builder was a part of a more recent Windows 10 update. Unfortunately, they did not provide excellent support or tutorials to help you get started. There are a few YouTube videos available to help you out, but they are not plentiful either. This was the main drawback of this software. It is a powerful program, but only if you can figure out how to get it to work.
Once you actually figure it out, it can do some complex models. It is excellent for working with primitive shapes. After the learning curve, there is a powerful, free program inside. If you have Windows 10, you probably already have it, so it is worth a try.
5. BlocksCAD
BlocksCAD is a browser-based free 3D modeling software program that is meant for students. It is focused on helping students learn math and coding concepts. It was designed as a teacher’s aid to help kids learn3D modeling and coding. However, if your goal is to start as a complete beginner and master these concepts, then it is an excellent place to start.
While many of the free 3D modeling software programs on this list can anticipate what you want them to do, this one was designed to make you think through a process. For instance, if you want to create a flowerpot, you need to stat with two cylinders, transform them, and link them. If your goal is to get into modeling as quickly as possible without understanding how it works, this might not be the best software. However, if you want to learn the reasoning behind modeling and coding, BlocksCAD is the perfect place to begin the journey.
6. Sculptris
Sculptris is a bit more complicated, but it gives you a more realistic experience of physical hands-on sculpting. You can get an extraordinary level of detail with this tool. However, it is also a bit more complicated. While it is not as advanced as some of the more professional software, it does require that you at least know the basics. It might be best to begin with an easier free 3D modeling software package and then move up to this one when you feel that you are ready.
It is only compatible with Windows and macOS. It will not work with Linux systems. In addition, it only saves in obj and goz formats, which might limit its compatibility with your 3D printing software. This was its only drawback.
This free modeling software for beginners will get you ready to work with professional-level tools. The most amazing feature of this software is that it allows you to edit mesh with the stroke of a brush, much as you would use a sculpting knife. You can also paint and map textures, too. What makes this one stand out is the level of detail and clarity of the models that you can create.
7. Blender
Best Free 3d Printing Programs
The minute you look at the Blender interface, you know that it is a powerful program. We included it on this list because even though it is a bit more complicated, you do not have to learn all of the bells and whistles to use it. However, if you have visions of creating a more complicated design, or if you want to get into things such as 3D animation, this program can do it all. For basic 3D modeling software for 3D printing, it is fairly easy to use.
Blender has even been used by Pixar to create portions of its 3D animated movies. It can work with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. It can also work with a variety of formats, including blend, vrml, obj, x, lwo, svg, ply, dxf, fbx, dae, 3ds, and STL. By default, it saves to blend format, so you have to make certain to save to a format that is compatible with your 3D printing software and slicing software.
It is open source and is an excellent way to have access to more advanced options and professional-level software for free. There are plenty of YouTube videos and other tutorials available online. Our suggestion is that you take this software one step at a time, and don’t try to learn it all at once. It is free 3D modeling software that might take some investment of time to learn, but once you do, you can master almost any other software quickly.
8. Sketchup
Sketchup is one that had to make the list of free 3D modeling software for 3D printing. It has been around since 2000, and you can choose a free version or upgrade to a professional version. It is easy to learn 3D modeling for beginners, but many professionals continue to use it. It can save in stl, png, and skp formats.
This tool is available online, and you do not have to download anything, which can be great for those with slower devices. Some of the other software on the list, such as Blender, can have some lag if you do not have a faster processor available. Sketchup solves this issue.
If you are familiar with 2D programs, such as Paint, the interface is similar. One thing that we like about this one is that all of the tools are at the top level, where you can see them easily. There is no memorizing where the drop-down menu to find what you want is located. This makes the program easy to learn and develop some proficiency with it quickly. Best multi track recording software.
9. Vectary
Vectary began as a program for professionals and designers, but it was so easy to use that beginners soon began to adopt it. It has a workflow that allows you to design models that would be complex on other software. This allows you to build anything that you can imagine with very little experience with the program. It even has a drag and drop feature that makes creating easy and intuitive.
This 3D modeling software for 3D printing can save in STL, obj, OBJ, and glTF formats. They offer a free, Lite, and Premium package. You can create your own project from scratch or work with customized templates. It has a searchable library that has components that you might want to use in your project. This makes designing easy, even for those who do not consider themselves to be artistically inclined.
10. Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is industrial-level 3D modeling software for 3D printing, but it offers a simpler free version that anyone can use. This one is a bit different because you can collaborate with others to create complex projects. It is easy to do team projects with this software.
The software can help you create incredibly detailed, professional models, even if you are a beginner. It can save in a wide range of file formats, which is convenient if you have only limited formats available with your 3D printing software. It can save in obj, catpart, dwg, dxf, f3D, STL, igs, pdf, sldprt, sat, and stp. This professional-level program allows you to build, assemble, and test working models. It can even simulate the stresses that the component will be under. This allows you to quickly build and test prototypes with only one piece of software. It is an excellent choice for students who plan to go into the design and engineering professions. It’s important to note that while you can use it for free, the credits they provide don’t last long. It’s an awesome piece of software but this is something that you may want to keep in mind. Check out current Autodesk promotions here! They usually have great deals going on.
11. Meshmixer
Meshmixer is similar to Adobe Photoshop and has an interface that is easy to understand for beginners. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. However, it is limited in the formats in which it can save a model.
It can save in STL, mix, obj, off, and amf. This might limit its compatibility with some printers. However, if you have a slicer and printer in one of these formats, it is an excellent piece of software. Most systems are now compatible with STL and obj formats, so this would not be expected to be problematic, but it is a good idea to check compatibility before you install it.
It has several functions that make it a favorite. It is an excellent choice for modeling prosthetics and mechanical parts. One of its capabilities is that it can reduce the excess bulk from a model, which can save on printing costs. This can also help to reduce weight where it is needed. You can easily hollow, scale, and repair mesh with this software. It is feature-rich and easy to use, which makes it an excellent choice for free modeling software for beginners.
12. FreeCAD
Beginner 3d Printing Software
FreeCAD is exactly what the name suggests. It is similar to CAD. Only it is free, open-source 3D modeling software. It has a wide range of design tools that allow you to do models with a high level of detail. It is a bit more complex in terms of functionality, but they provide many tools that will help you to get up to speed quickly and easily.
FreeCAD works on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. You can model in both 2D and 3D. It can save in a number of formats, including STL, step, iges, obj, dxf, svg, scad, iv, ifc, and FCstd. One feature that we like about this program is that if you need to go back to a previous version of the model, you can do this using your history. It also has several different plug-ins and extensions available.
Best Free 3d Printing Software For Beginners Free
These are our top choices for free modeling software for beginners. As you can see, each of them has advantages and disadvantages. The best part is that they are free. You can try out a few and see which one you like the best. They range in skill level from beginner to pro. If you want to learn 3D modeling for printing, you will be sure to find something that is the right fit from this list.