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Online 3D Modeling Software - The Ultimate Guide 2022

Would you like to learn or carry on the 3D modeling path without overloading your computer with heavy software? We propose you try online 3D modeling software. There are many options for beginners and teams of professionals working online. 

Start 3D modeling anywhere you want!

Why should you start using online 3D modeling software ?

What is 3D modeling software?

3D modeling uses software to create a mathematical representation of a three-dimensional object. 3D modeling software now appears to be helpful for many different projects, from education to more advanced applications such as mechanical engineering or architecture. 3D modeling is now a necessary tool.
Indeed, these 3D programs can take you through your rapid prototyping process, proof of concept, and whole production process. But you can also use it for rendering to show your project to a potential client or for simulation.

A 3D modeling software is also an excellent way to create your 3D model, an STL file. These files can then be used for 3D printing, becoming an opportunity to make the most of this game-changing technology that is additive manufacturing. To try out 3D printing, you don’t even need to invest in 3D printers, and you can use online 3D printing services such as Sculpteo to 3D print your parts in just a few clicks.

Online 3D modeling software: How does it work?

3D modeling software is a powerful tool and sometimes requires expensive and robust equipment. Using online 3D modeling software is an opportunity to use software without having to worry about your system: You need an internet connection to access this software from your web browser. But there is another good news, most of these online 3D modeling software is free, making them even more accessible to everyone willing to start using 3D modeling.
Working online is also a great advantage to work from anywhere. You won’t need one specific computer or access to work on your 3D project.

Best free online 3D modeling software

Online 3D modeling: Beginners level

If you’re starting your adventure with 3D modeling, don’t be scared, we all had to go through it. Creating 3D models can be a piece of cake! Check out our list of the best 3D modeling software for beginners. If you have any problems, you can always contact Sculpteo, and our 3D printing experts will assist you from there. Now, let’s talk about 3D design software for beginners.

  • TinkerCAD

Autodesk designed this online 3D modeling software, and it is one of the most popular. It is very intuitive and colorful. It is also well-known for its friendly User Interface and easy learning curve.

It works with drag-and-drop primitive shapes. It is not the most sophisticated tool but will be suitable for amateurs and professionals looking for a speedy way to design a simple object. TinkerCAD was created with 3D printing in mind, so exporting an STL file for 3D printing is not a problem.

You can also find some excellent TinkerCAD alternatives.

 

  • 3D Slash

Do you know Minecraft? This is precisely how 3D Slash works! Discover the ability to add or remove blocks to build your 3D models! It’s that easy. This 3D modeling software is one of a kind.

It is a great choice for first-timers, and with practice, you will be able to achieve more complex models. 3D Slash is also connected to online 3D printing services available in desktop and browser versions.

  • BlocksCAD

Another exciting option is in the field of 3D modeling. You should especially pay attention if you know how to code. BlocksCAD is a friendly introduction to advanced programs such as OpenSCAD.

Here again, you also work with blocks, similar to LEGO bricks. You don’t have to write the code, and you use blocks to command what to do. When you think your code is ready, you render it to preview if the commands worked. This is an excellent way to start simple 3D modeling or get familiar with this type of software before learning OpenSCAD.

  • Third Design

A straightforward online 3D program, its mission is to democratize 3D modeling and 3D animation access. That is why there are no expensive licenses, no downloads, just a sign-up process, and you are all set to begin your 3D modeling journey. 

The third Design focuses on the basics, and you can access free 3D models, and offer presets for your animations. This online program won’t necessarily be adapted if you need 3D files for 3D printing, but Third Design can be a great introduction to 3D modeling.

  • SculptGL

SculptGL takes an alternative take on 3D modeling, and instead of creating 3D models with mesh, it allows you to create characters from a basic shape. This online 3D modeling software was designed to help you bring to life animals or people.

This innovative approach is called 3D sculpting, and the main principles are the same as in traditional clay sculpting. In the virtual reality of your web browser, you will use sculpting tools. Different sizes of brushes will allow you to work from the biggest parts of the character, such as legs, arms, etc., to work your way down to the details.

Online 3D modeling software: Intermediate level

Maybe your workshop is a little rusty, or you’re just tired of laggy and heavy software that makes your computer sound like a tractor. You might want to consider online 3D modeling then, even though you already have some knowledge of 3D modeling. Let’s have a look at your options.

  • SketchUp

This online 3D modeling software is very well known in the industry thanks to the simplicity and many extensions for premium versions. It is especially used in the architecture field, but not only.

SketchUp has intuitive tools to produce accurate and precise 3D models. This CAD software has drawing layout functionality and many beautiful, photorealistic render options. 3D models can also be easily saved for 3D printing.

  • Clara

Although it’s free and online, this software is quite powerful. It provides you with tools for polygon modeling, texture mapping, UV mapping, and a V-Ray engine that will allow you to produce photorealistic renders.

Besides an impressive set of tools, Clara.io also allows for full collaboration. You can share your 3D models, and others can edit them with live updated changes. On top of all of that, this 3D design software can also create animations! Pretty neat.

  • Vectary

Vectary is another popular 3D modeling software. It offers advanced tools such as parametric modeling, mesh editing thanks to sliders, and selections, which are usually only available in high-grade engineering software.

However, consider that Vectary is more for designers than mechanical engineers. It won’t produce exact 3D models, but you can still create very complex models. It is an exciting 3D program for 3D artists. It also allows for multiple people to work on a project.

  • SelfCAD

SelfCAD is fully ready to 3D print online CAD software. It is user-friendly and easy to learn and will also provide you with more advanced tools to produce complex 3D models within your web browser.

Compared to Clara.io or SculptGL, SelfCAD, as the name suggests, is much more technical. You wouldn’t use it or make an animation or a video game character. It is a unique software for mechanical or industrial design applications. Your 3D models can even be prepared and sliced for 3D printing. SelfCAD gives you the full package to design and produce your parts, thanks to Additive Manufacturing.

Online 3D modeling software: Advanced level

If you’re working in a large team or as a freelance 3D designer, doing your project online might be especially interesting for you. There are a few options for professionals and engineers to use online 3D modeling software for their work.

 

  • Onshape 

Another high-grade CAD software. OnShape comes in different shapes: for your desktop, tablet, and smartphone, which allows you to be fully mobile and take your 3D project to any meeting or presentation.

It offers similar toolsets to Fusion 360. You design your models from sketches, using the different options to turn them from 2D into 3D objects. You can then run simulations and multi-part assembly tests to ensure they work together.

OnShape also allows you to use FeatureScripts, a new open-source programming language to create your customized CAD tools.

 

  • Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is making its way up to many 3D modeling software rankings. This product from Autodesk has numerous design tools for CAD design. From industrial design to mechanical engineering, Fusion 360 will handle your project.

This 3D design software will allow you to prepare necessary documentation of the project, make technical sketches, design highly complex 3D models and even test them for the stress they will have to withstand. 

As you can see, Fusion 360 is the whole package. And obviously, it fully supports 3D printing by providing you with Autodesk 3D printing Studio, where you will be guided through the preparation of your 3D file.  

Which software do you choose?

As you can see, there are plenty of options for different skill levels. From first-timers to professional engineers, you can enjoy the freedom of working online with multiple people and accessing projects anywhere in the world. 

And once your 3D model is ready, you can easily 3D print it using an online 3D printing service. All you have to do is upload your file, and we will deliver it straight to your door! And in case of any questions, feel free to contact us.

3D modeling software | Free online cad for everyone

Create anything from a simple sketch to a fully-fledged design with end-to-end 3D modeling software tools - Sketching, Sculpting, Rendering, all the way to 3D Printing.

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All registered SelfCAD users can access both the web & PC version

No credit card required.

Cut your learning curve short with built-in Interactive Tutorials

Build 3D models from scratch with step-by-step guides all within the app.

Flexible Storage Options

SelfCAD for Web Work from your browser using any device. No downloads required.

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All registered SelfCAD users can access both the web & PC version

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SelfCAD for PC Use your own device to work on your projects and store them offline. Download Now

SelfCAD Hybrid Sync your online and offline projects so you can work anytime & anywhere.

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All registered SelfCAD users can access both the web & PC version

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Affordable & Suitable for everyone SelfCAD combines 3D modeling & 3D printing software features & tools to suit your designing needs

Freelance Designers

SelfCAD integrates with all industry-standard 3D formats so you can enjoy a flexible & faster workflow, whether you're just starting out or looking to impress existing clients.

Businesses

Trusted by professionals in the animation, game production, design, and manufacturing industry.

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Schools & Course Creators

Looking for a free 3D modeling software for students? SelfCAD makes 3D modeling easy to learn and easy to teach.

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Why us?

Enjoy a faster, easier, and smoother 3D modelling process

Easy to use & easy on pocket SelfCAD is an 3D modeling software that can help you complete your most ambitious 3D design projects for a fraction of the cost of other CAD products. What’s more, you can access it through your browser alone or download it if you prefer to work offline.

Simple enough for beginners & powerful enough for professionals Enjoy CAD online software features fit for anyone⁠— from students, self-taught 3D artists, and professional designers

No price hikes for Pro accounts Once you sign up for a paid SelfCAD plan, there will be no additional charges every time we update the software with new features & perks. We also have a free 3D modeling software plan for students & hobbyists.

Customer Support beyond bug fixes & system errors Have a dream 3D design project? Just shoot us an email with the details and some reference pictures. Our support team is always ready to provide resources, tips, and customised tutorials to help you.

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Top 20 Free 3D Printing & 3D Printing Software

Looking for 3D printing software? We've rounded up the top 20 software tools for beginners and professionals alike. Most slicers are free.

What is a slicer? This is a program for preparing a digital model for printing. Models for 3D printing are usually distributed in STL files. To turn an STL file into G-code (a language that a 3D printer understands), a slicer program is required. It is called a slicer because it cuts (to slice - English) a 3D model into many flat two-dimensional layers, from which a 3D printer will add a physical object. nine0005

Which slicer should I choose? In this article, we will tell you which slicer is best for 3D printing for each stage of your work. Which one is better for preparing a 3D model for printing? But what if you need to create a 3D model from scratch? And if you are only taking the first steps in 3D?

Don't be afraid: we've answered all of these questions, including the required skill level for each program and where you can download it. The great thing is that most of these programs are completely free and open source. nine0005

  1. Cura
  2. CraftWare
  3. 123D Catch
  4. 3D Slash
  5. TinkerCAD
  6. 3DTin
  7. Sculptris
  8. ViewSTL
  9. Netfabb Basic
  10. Repetier
  11. FreeCAD
  12. SketchUp
  13. 3D Tool
  14. Meshfix
  15. Simplify3D
  16. Slic3r
  17. Blender
  18. MeshLab
  19. Meshmixer
  20. OctoPrint

#1: Cura

For beginners who need a slicer to prepare STL files for 3D printing

Cura is the default slicer software for all Ultimaker 3D printers, but can be used with most others , including RepRap, Makerbot, Printrbot, Lulzbot and Witbox. The program is completely open source, its capabilities can be extended using plugins.

This program is very easy to use and allows you to manage the most important 3D printing settings through a clear interface. Start in Basic mode to quickly get up to speed and change print quality settings. If finer control is required, switch to Expert mode. nine0005

Cura can also be used to directly control the printer, but then the printer and computer must be connected to each other.

Download: Cura

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#2: CraftWare

3D printers by the Hungarian startup CraftUnique to support their CraftBot crowdfunding machine. However, the program works with other printers. nine0005

Like Cura, CraftWare allows you to switch from "Easy" to "Expert" mode, depending on how confident you feel. It's a colorful app that features a visual G-code visualization with each function represented by a different color. But the most outstanding feature is the individual support service. As far as we know, only the paid program Simplify3D has this.

Please note, however, that this program is still in beta, so bugs may occur. nine0005

Download: CraftWare

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac

#3: 123D Catch

-systems, smartphones and tablets, which allows you to convert images of objects into a 3D model. Pictures can be taken with a smartphone/tablet or digital camera.

You need many photos of an object from different angles - the more the better - after which they will be compiled into a 3D model. nine0005

123D Catch is more of a fun app than a professional 3D printing tool, but after some tambourine dancing, you can get good results, especially when paired with an STL editor like MeshLab or Meshmixer.

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Android, iOS, Windows Phone

#4: 3D Slash

and surprisingly simple, and refreshingly new. With 3D Slash, you can design 3D models using your dice skills. nine0005

You can start with a large block and, like a virtual sculptor, remove small cups from it with tools such as a hammer or drill, or start from empty space and build a model from cubes and other shapes. You can paint with flowers or use template pictures.

Other features worth mentioning are tools for creating logos and 3D text. The Logo Wizard imports an image and creates a 3D model, while the Text Wizard allows you to enter and format text, and then turn it into 3D. nine0005

Recommended!

Download: 3dslash.net

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux, Browser

#5: TinkerCAD

- A computer-aided design (CAD) system for 3D printing, which is a good starting point for beginners. Since its capabilities are limited compared to Blender, FreeCAD and SketchUp, many users switch to more powerful tools after some time. nine0005

As in 3D Slash, here you can build models from basic shapes. At the same time, unlike 3D Slash, TinkerCAD allows you to create vector shapes in 2D and convert them into three-dimensional models.

Come in: Autodesk TinkerCAD

Price: Free

Systems: Browser

#6: 3DTin

For beginners who want to create 3D printable models

another easy and intuitive online tool choice for beginners in 3D modeling. All you need is a Chrome or Firefox browser with WebGL enabled. nine0005

Choose from a huge library of 3D shapes and add them to your sketch. All sketches are stored in the cloud, access to them is free if you honor the Creative Commons license. Everything can be exported to STL or OBJ formats.

Enter: 3DTin

Price: Free

Systems: Browser

#7: Sculptris

For beginners who want to create 3D printable models

clay. This is a fantastic 3D modeling program if figurines are your main task. For example, you can make a bust of your favorite video game or comic book character. Sculptris is completely free and bills itself as a stepping stone to the more complex (and expensive) ZBrush tool. nine0005

Download: Pixologic Sculptris

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac

#8: ViewSTL

For beginners who want to view STL files

ViewSTL is the easiest way to view STL files . Simply open a web page and drag the STL onto the dotted box.

The STL online viewer allows you to display the model in one of three views: flat shading (for a quick view), smooth shading (for a high-quality image), and wireframe. nine0005

Enter: ViewSTL

Price: Free

Systems: Browser

#9: Netfabb Basic

some nice features that allow you to analyze, "repair" and edit STL files before moving on to the model cutting stage.

A good choice if you need more than just a slicer and want to be able to quickly fix STL files without having to learn programs like MeshLab or Meshmixer. nine0005

Don't let the 'Basic' in the title fool you, Netfabb Basic is actually a very powerful 3D printing tool. It's "basic" only in the sense that it doesn't cost €1,500 like Netfabb Professional!

Download: netfabb. de

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

No. 10: Repetier

For advanced to prepare STL files for 3D printing

9002 the next level of 3D printer slicer software, but if you want to stay open source, you should look into Repetier. It is the great grandfather of 3D printing software and a favorite of the RepRap community. nine0005

To date, the program is moving by leaps and bounds from the level for beginners to advanced users. Packaged in an all-in-one configuration, it supports up to 16 extruders, multi-slicing via plug-ins, and virtually every fusing 3D printer on the market. Get ready to tinker!

What's more, Repetier Host works remotely via Repetier Server, so that the 3D printer can be controlled via a browser, tablet or smartphone. nine0005

Download: Repetier

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#11: FreeCAD

The program is a great option for developing your design skills. More technically, this parametric 3D modeling program allows you to easily change the project by rolling back through the history of the model and editing the parameters. nine0005

Download: freecadweb.org

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#12: SketchUp

For beginners who want to create 3D printable models

SketchUp is the perfect combination of simplicity and the perfect combination functionality, with a user-friendly interface and a relatively flat learning curve (i.e., as experience grows with the time spent), the ideal program for developing three-dimensional models.

The Make SketchUp version is free and will include everything you need for 3D modeling if you also download and install the free STL exporter. There is also a professional edition for architects, interior designers and engineers. nine0005

Download: sketchup.com

Price: Free (SketchUp Make), $695 (SketchUp Pro)

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#13: 3D-Tool Free Viewer

view and validate STL files

3D-Tool Free Viewer is a sophisticated tool that, among other things, allows you to check the structural integrity and printability of your file. With the Cross-Section function, for example, you can look at the model from the inside and check the wall thickness. Very useful if you want to check your STL file for killer errors before printing. nine0005

Download: 3D-Tool

Price: Free

Systems: PC

#14: Meshfix

your model for errors.

Price: Free

Systems: Browser

#15: Simplify3D

For professionals to prepare STL files for 3D printing print. A flexible algorithm checks the model for problems, fixes them, shows a preview of the printing process (ideal for identifying potential problems), and then slices it. nine0005

This slicer offers the best infill pattern options in the competition. For models that require supports, Simplify3D will create the appropriate structures on its own and give you full control over their placement. For printers with a dual extruder, when printing with different materials, the Dual Extrusion wizard will help, as a result of which, for example, it will be easier to remove the dissolving filament.

Simplify3D supports 90% of today's commercially available desktop 3D printers and is compatible with Marlin, Sprinter, Repetier, XYZprinting, FlashForge, Sailfish and MakerBot firmware. Simplify3D can also be used to directly control the printer, but then the printer and computer must be connected to each other. nine0005

Download: simplify3d.com

Price: $149

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#16: Slic3r

source code, which has a reputation as a carrier of super new functionality, which you will not find anywhere else. The current version of the program is able to show the model from multiple angles, so that the user gets a better preview experience.

There's also an incredible 3D honeycomb infill, the first of its kind that can extend over multiple layers rather than repeating itself like a stamp. This significantly increases the strength of the internal filling of the model and the final printout.

Another option is direct integration with Octoprint. Once the files on the user's desktop are sliced, they can be directly uploaded to Octoprint with one click.

Download: Slic3r

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#17: Blender

For professionals who want to create 3D printable models

Blender is a popular computer-aided design (CAD) system with a steep learning curve. Not at all the best choice for beginners, but what you need if you are quite experienced and need something more complex for modeling and printing.

In short, Blender is one of the most powerful tools out there. Its community is always ready to help, there are a lot of educational materials. It's also open source, so enthusiasts often write extensions to make it even better and more powerful. nine0005

Download: blender.org

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#18: MeshLab

For professionals to prepare STL files for 3D printing

MeshLab - advanced editor. It allows you to remove parts of a 3D model, merge two models into one, patch holes. If you need a program to modify models for 3D printing or some kind of "repair" work, MeshLab is the right choice.

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

#19: Meshmixer

For professionals to prepare STL files for 3D printing files. It's especially good for identifying potential problems and fixing them automatically. For example, it will show paper-thin walls that can lead to problems with 3D printing. Meshmixer is part of the Autodesk family of 3D printer software, so it should work well with tools like TinkerCAD. nine0005

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac

#20: OctoPrint

start, pause or interrupt 3D print jobs. Combined with Wi-Fi capable devices, it makes for a great monitor for remotely monitoring the 3D printing process.

Octoprint understands the G-codes of almost all 3D printers and slicers and includes a gCodeVisualizer to visualize this code before or during printing. nine0005

If you want to work away from your 3D printer and control it remotely, Octoprint is the best you can find.

Download: octoprint.org

Price: Free

Systems: PC, Mac, Linux

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