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Best 3D modeling software for Mac

Operating system: A parameter to take into account!

There are a lot of parameters to take into account while choosing your 3D modeling program, and the operating system is one of them. Some programs will exclusively run with Mac, while some others will only run with Windows.

Most of the 3D design programs are running on both Windows and Mac, but there are some exceptions. For example, neither 3Ds Max or the famous 3D modeling software SolidWorks is available for Mac users.

So, what is the best 3D modeling software to use with a Mac? Here are all of the best 3D modeling software for Mac you can use!

Free 3D CAD software for Mac

3D Slash

Do you know the game Minecraft? That’s exactly how this 3D modeling software works: with blocks. So if you’re thinking about beginning your journey in the world of 3D modeling, 3D Slash is perfect for you. If you already have some 3D modeling skills, you probably don’t want to play around with 3D Slash.

This 3D design software works with tools such as a hammer or drill. You start with a solid block and edit it by adding or subtracting cubes. 3D Slash is very easy to learn and fun, however, it is also limited in terms of tools and options.

Blender

Blender is certainly one of the best programs to use on a Mac. It is free, open-source and provides 3D modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking, video editing, and game creation. All of these great tools can be used to create animated movies, visual effects but also great 3D printed models.

Blender has a flexible Python controlled interface allowing you to create your own tools.

 

MagicaVoxel

Magicavoxel is a free program, and you don’t need any commercial license to download it, and it is available on both Windows and Mac. It is a simple and user-friendly interface that will allow you to use it even if you are a beginner.

Are you looking for a program to create voxel art with your Mac, you’ve just found the perfect software for you. This software works using blocks also called voxels. It really allows creating quite sophisticated designs. Voxel’s designs are particularly popular thanks to some games like Minecraft or Monument Valley.

 

Wings 3D

Free and open-source, Wings 3D is a nice way to begin with 3D modeling, thanks to all of its basic tools you won’t get overwhelmed. It has some powerful 3D modeling tools and a customizable user interface and a built-in Auto UV mapping facility to add texture to your model!

This advanced subdivision modeler is powerful but also easy-to-use, available on Windows, Mac, and Linux!

 

TinkerCAD

If you are a Mac user, you also have the possibilities to use browser-based programs, as they don’t require any specific operating system, you can access these programs from any computer. That is the case with TinkerCAD.

This software is particularly good for educational purposes as it is fun and easy to use. If you want to prepare your 3D models before 3D printing them using our online 3D printing service, don’t forget to take a look at our tutorial.

 

Sculptris

Are you looking for a free 3D sculpting software? Sculptris, a CAD program developed by Pixologic might be a good choice if you want a digital sculpting program. Sculptris’ features are easy to learn so it is easy to get started with this 3D design software.

It is quite similar to ZBrush, except that it is free. You build up levels of details step by step thanks to complete sculpting tools. It has all the software tools you need to work on graphic design and create your additive manufacturing project.

Check our Sculptris 3D tutorial!

 

Meshmixer

Mesmixer is a program developed by Autodesk, it is free for Windows and Mac. Meshmixer has a lot of amazing tools allowing drag-and-drop mesh mixing.

This software is particularly great if you want to create 3D models for 3D printing. You can use it to create branching support structures, you can also use its great thickness analysis which is particularly useful to control the wall thickness of your future parts, ensuring that they are actually 3D printable and won’t break during the printing process.

Do you need a little help to prepare your 3D models? Take a look at our Meshmixer tutorial.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an accessible and flexible open-source parametric 3D modeler. This program reads and writes to many file formats which makes it a convenient program to integrate into your workflow. From product design to mechanical engineering, FreeCAD will help you to create your best 3D projects. It can really suit all CAD users using Mac!

If you are looking for the best free 3D program, check out our last blog post we made a top of the best free 3D CAD software!

Premium CAD software for Mac

SketchUp

There are different versions available of this software: SketchUp Free or SketchUp Pro. Like a lot of other programs, SketchUp also has an educational license called SketchUp for schools.

Using SketchUp Pro, you will access a very complete version of this software. You will be able to create from scratch highly-detailed models for 3D printing, but also for visualization. This program is well-used in the architecture or automobile sector, for example.

While using SketchUp you can also find already made 3D models in 3D Warehouse, the world’s biggest library of free 3D models!

Maya

Animation, rendering, simulation, Maya is a really complete 3D program with really advanced features, used in the film industry, for example. It has an intuitive sculpting toolset, it is possible to sculpt virtual 3D surfaces like you sculpt real 3D objects from clay or other modeling materials.

It is also making symmetrical modeling much easier. Maya is an advanced software and will enable you to create complex designs.

AutoCAD

Developed by Autodesk, AutoCAD is also one of the best 3D modeling software you will find on the market. This computer-aided design software is perfect for any professional, from engineers to architects. It is allowing to make drafts, edit 2D projects and 3D models for 3D printing.

AutoCAD is a perfect program to create realistic 3D models, using solid, surface and mesh modeling tools!

Modo

Use the direct modeling tools of Modo to create 3D printing projects. Modo has integrated sculpting and retopology functionality. It is a great software if you need to design characters. Modo has a flexible node-based rigging system that will make it easy for you to create, edit, manage and reuse complex character rigs.

Fusion360

We talked about this powerful software in our recent battle of software. This software offers cloud storage, which is really convenient while working on projects with a whole team: everyone can access the same files. This cloud-based system is a great asset for data management. It will ease the whole team’s daily work and improve collaboration.

This CAD program has advanced simulation, optimization and analysis tools. Check out our tutorial to prepare your 3D model for 3D printing using Fusion 360.

Rhino

Rhino is also one of the best 3D modeling software available. You can purchase a Mac version of this program, but there are a few functionalities available with the Windows version that you will not get as a Mac user: work sessions and animation tools, as an example.

All other CAD software features are available. Indeed, it provides mesh and analysis tools. Using Rhino, you can create, edit, render and translate NURBS curves, surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes.

Cheetah 3D

Cheetah 3D is a software specially built for Mac. It is easy to learn, powerful and allowing to create nice 3D artworks thanks to a full set of polygons, subdivision surfaces, and spline modeling tools.

If you are a new CAD user, you will be able to start 3D modeling quite easily using this software!

 

Cinema 4D

Easy to use, Cinema 4D is a powerful 3D modeling software with a user-friendly interface. Thanks to its wide range of CAD tools, you will be able to create great animations and even start amazing 3D printing projects. It is the perfect program if you are willing to achieve a complex design. There are 4 different versions for this software: Studio, Broadcast, Visualize and Prime. There is necessarily a version that will fit your project!

OnShape

Are you looking for cloud-based software? Here is OnShape, a program able to run on any machine through a web browser.

This parametric modeling software can help you with multi-part design. This program really enables to collaborate thanks to real-time sharing and commenting. It can be a real asset for your team if you are working on a 3D project with other people.

Mudbox

Mudbox is a 3D sculpting software working in a similar way as traditional clay sculpting does. In 3D modeling, it is called ‘’progressive detailing’’. It allows you to start with a generated template and work the details up. To do so, you will use brushes.

This 3D modeling software for Mac is user-friendly and has an easy learning curve. There are plenty of advanced options, which means Mudbox is still used for professional applications. If you’re interested in 3D printing, keep in mind that Mudbox does not export STL files, therefore you will need another software to convert your file.

Poser

This 3D modeling software for Mac is especially interesting if you want to design characters for animations and video games. It is a professional-grade but has an easy to learn character creation tool.

It provides you with options to work on complex, detailed characters. It is possible to 3D model people and animals, additionally, you can choose characters and objects from the library. Poser had a good rendering engine which will result in photorealistic images and 3D animations.

Your 3D characters will have automatic rigging options that allow you to work on 3D animations. The results should be pretty realistic. Poser is a great 3D modeling software for advanced users focused on details and quick outcomes.

ZBrush

Zbrush works in a similar way to Mudbox. You start with a pre-loaded shape and add details. The difference is mainly in workflow and some tools. ZBrush, as the name suggests, also uses brushes, however, it gives you more options.

This 3D modeling software for Mac gives you a lot of specialized and customized brushes. You start with the biggest one to define limbs of your character, then with smaller brushes you design muscles, fingers etc, and lastly move on to real details like wrinkles, eyebrows, and others.  

Learning ZBrush is not so easy, but once you get a hold of the tools, you will discover what amazing, photorealistic renders you get with this 3D modeling software for Mac. Another benefit of this 3D program is a 3D printing plug-in which allows you to 3D print in full color.

Best 3D Printing Software for Mac

View:

Open Source Commercial

  • 1

    Blender

    Blender Foundation

    Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing and 2D animation pipeline. Cycles is Blender’s built-in powerful unbiased path-tracer engine that offers stunning ultra-realistic rendering. Blender’s comprehensive array of modeling tools make creating, transforming and editing your models a breeze. VFX professionals say: “Probably the best tracker in the market”. Blender includes production ready camera and object tracking. Allowing you to import raw footage, track the footage, mask areas and see the camera movements live in your 3D scene. Eliminating the need to switch between programs. Thanks to the high quality rigging and animation tools, Blender is being used for numerous short films, advertisements, TV series and feature films now.

  • 2

    AstroPrint

    AstroPrint

    Keep your 3D models stored neatly in the cloud so you can access them anywhere. Simply upload your own .stl files for cloud based slicing or upload pre-sliced .gcode files. Add and edit your designs with our online STL viewer and print wirelessly through a beautifully simple, intuitive interface. Slice with confidence with manufacturer suggested settings. Everything is accessible from your browser so there is no software to install or keep up to date. Using the AstroPrint mobile app, you can print by enabling WIFI 3D Printer so you can print from any device, remotely controling your 3D printer, and even get push notifications when your prints are finished. Neat! View real-time progress of your prints. Add a camera to stream live video, take snapshots, and timelapses. Whether you are with a 3D Print Farm Business, a major University with 100+ printers, or an Enterprise like Stanley Black and Decker, we have you covered.

  • 3

    MakePrintable

    Mixed Dimensions

    MakePrintable is a cloud solution that analyses and repairs any 3D model for 3D printing. It's created by Mixed Dimensions. Our Vision at MakePrintable is streamlining the process between 3D content and 3D printing. Making it simpler for anyone to get into 3D printing, by ensuring print success from the get-go. Our platform is for 3D hobbyists, engineers, makers and 3D enthusiasts who use 3D printing in their workflow and don't want to spend their time repairing wall thickness or solidity issues. In-depth analysis of your 3D model's printability and a highlight of problematic areas inside of our viewer to help you understand your model's challenges before printing. Advanced wall thickness adjustment that is unmatched by the industry, easily adjust thin walls and let our fixer detect and thicken thin areas for you automatically.

  • 4

    Meshmixer

    Autodesk

    Meshmixer is state-of-the-art software for working with triangle meshes. Do you need to clean up a 3D scan, do some 3D printing, or design an object that fits something else? Meshmixer can help. Think of it as a sort of "Swiss Army Knife" for 3D meshes. Drag-and-Drop Mesh Mixing. 3D Sculpting and Surface Stamping. Robust Convert-to-Solid for 3D printing. 3D Patterns & Lattices. Hollowing (with escape holes!). Branching Support Structures for 3D printing. Automatic Print Bed Orientation Optimization, Layout & Packing. Advanced selection tools including brushing, surface-lasso, and constraints. Remeshing and Mesh Simplification/Reducing. Mesh Smoothing and Free-Form Deformations. Hole Filling, Bridging, Boundary Zippering, and Auto-Repair. Plane Cuts, Mirroring, and Booleans. Extrusions, Offset Surfaces, and Project-to-Target-Surface. Interior Tubes & Channels. Precise 3D Positioning with Pivots. Automatic Alignment of Surfaces. 3D Measurements. Stability & Thickness Analysis.

  • 5

    Slic3r

    Slic3r

    The Slic3r project has been under active and massive development. Make sure you get 1.3.0 now or try the development builds! Slic3r is free software, developed by Alessandro Ranellucci with the help of several contributors and a wonderful community. Turn your 3D models into G-code. Visual preview of toolpaths. Advanced configuration management. Custom G-code with conditional logic. Print spool queue (print on multiple machines simultaneously) or send to OctoPrint. FDM/FFF and SLA/DLP. Modifiers (distinct settings on custom regions). Most features are exposed from command line, thus providing a handy tool for batch operations and custom integrations. A C++ library for building custom applications on top of the Slic3r internal algorithms. Handle 3D models (open, repair, transform, convert). Generate G-code in many flavors. Generate infill patterns. Send G-code over serial port. Estimate G-code printing time.

  • 6

    Ultimaker Cura

    Ultimaker

    Trusted by millions of users, Ultimaker Cura is the world’s most popular 3D printing software. Prepare prints with a few clicks, integrate with CAD software for an easier workflow, or dive into custom settings for in-depth control. At the heart of Ultimaker Cura is its powerful, open-source slicing engine, built through years of expert in-house development and user contributions. Intent profiles print specific applications at the click of a button. Recommended profiles tested for thousands of hours ensure reliable results. ‘Custom mode’ gives over 400 settings for granular control. Regular updates constantly improve features and printing experience​. If you own a 3D printer, software matters. Get the most from your printer with software designed to suit your workflow. Manufacturing doesn’t need to be complicated. We design our software so anyone can use it – both experienced or rookie 3D printer users.

  • 7

    SelfCAD

    SelfCAD

    SelfCAD is a 3D modeling for users of all levels. There is an online as well as downloadable versions for Windows and Mac. Most of the CAD programs available are either expensive or don’t generally provide all the necessary 3D modeling and printing tools. Some take months or years to learn and are meant for specific industries. SelfCAD has bridged this gap as it’s affordable, easy to learn and it targets all the industries. It has a simplified user interface too making it a perfect tool for novice users. SelfCAD is fully-featured including modeling, Sculpting, rendering, simple animations, and 3d print slicer, but the aggregate amount of tools is much less than any compatible software package because of its brilliant UX. The in-built slicer of SelfCAD is handy as it helps prepare the designs for printing without having to switch to another program. SelfCAD is very affordable. There are interactive tutorials available that helps one learn 3D modeling with much ease.

  • 8

    Fusion 360

    Autodesk

    Fusion 360 unifies design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing into a single software platform. Get integrated CAD, CAM, CAE & PCB on a single development platform. Also includes EAGLE Premium, HSMWorks, Team Participant, and access to consumptive services, such as generative design, cloud simulation, and cloud rendering. Engineer products with a comprehensive set of modeling tools. Ensure form, fit, and function of your products with various analysis methods. Create and edit sketches with sketch constraints, dimensions, and a powerful suite of sketch tools. Edit or repair imported geometry from non-native file formats. Make design changes without worrying about time-based features. Create and edit complex parametric surfaces for repairing, patching or designing geometry. Create history-based features, including extrude, revolve, loft, sweep, etc., that update with design changes.

  • 9

    ideaMaker

    Raise3D

    IdeaMaker prepares Gcode for 3D printing and support STL, OBJ, OLTP and 3MF files. It features user-friendly interface and limitless customization for advanced users. For example, ideaMaker allows adaptive layer heights to automatically adjust the layer height depending on detail level required for printed area, further improving quality and reducing print time. Furthermore, user can differentiate the settings for single or multiple models by Modifier, Per-Group Setting, and Per-Layer Setting. In additional, ideaMaker provides customized support, free cut and model repair. ideaMaker is seamlessly linked to Raise3D’s other resources and tools. RaiseCloud is a cloud-based printer management platform enabling automate small batch manufacturing and print remotely. ideaMaker Library is an open library for user to get and share slicing profiles, model files and printing files. ideaMaker enables user to upload Gcode to Octoprint, thus its connected any 3rd party open-source 3D printer.

  • 10

    OctoPrint

    OctoPrint

    Control and monitor every aspect of your 3D printer and your printing jobs right from within your browser. OctoPrint's powerful plugin system allows extending its functionality with awesome plugins from the community. Free and open source software released under the Affero General Public License (AGPL). Control and monitor every aspect of your 3D printer and your printing jobs right from within your browser: Access the embedded webcam feed and watch remotely how your printer is creating your newest thing, get constant feedback regarding the current progress of your print job, take a look at the integrated GCODE visualizer to see a rendition of the GCODE you are currently printing, keep an eye on the temperatures of your hotends and print bed and adapt them on the fly, move the print head along all axes, extrude, retract or just define your own custom controls, start, stop or just pause your current print job, you are in full control at any time.

  • 11

    3YOURMIND

    3YOURMIND

    Additive doesn’t exist in isolation. AM processes need to communicate with other software systems, provide quality assurance, and work in the highest security environments. In order to support enterprise production, we ensure that our software is built to integrate. We support complex on-premises installations and provide a well documented API to send order information, optimized 3D files, tracking information and production data to a company’s existing enterprise software. We understand how to deploy our software into these critical environments and include a change management process to synchronize with your company’s way of work.

  • 12

    Repetier-Host

    Repetier

    Import one or more 3D models and place, scale, rotate or duplicate them on your virtual bed. Slice your plate with different slicers and optimal settings for perfect results. Check the result completely, in regions or layer for layer. Print directly from the host via USB or TCP/IP connection, via SD card or via Repetier-Server. Repetier-Host works with almost all popular 3D FDM printers! Repetier-Host is your ALL-IN-ONE software solution, which gives you countless benefits. Repetier-Host can handle up to 16 extruders with different filament types and colors simultaneously and visualize the result with individual filament colors, so you can see your result before printing. Repetier-Host includes directly 4 different slicers: Slic3r, Slic3r Prusa Edition, CuraEngine and Skeinforge. If that is not enough, you can use any other slicer you want with Repetier-Host.

  • 13

    EQUINOX-3D

    EQUINOX-3D

    The 3D modeler with the fastest, fully integrated ray-tracer. Because "rasterization is so 20th century™" 3D modeling, animation, photorealistic rendering, photorealistic VR content creation, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, laser-cutting and much more! Why is EQUINOX-3D better? As our artist said: "all engineers should be forced to use the software they write". I use EQX many hours a day and there is no need to force me! Super-fast photorealistic renderer, the first fully integrated interactive ray-tracer in a modeler. You can do full editing/modeling on ray-traced windows! Powerful subdivision surface modeling. Powerful CAD/CAM features, 3D printing and laser-cutting support. Universal rendering API that allows full modeling on any renderer and fully integrated Cg renderer with a quality that closely matches the ray-tracer. HDR texture support and HDR rendering output. Super fast importance-sampled HDR environment light support.

  • 14

    Creality Slicer

    Creality

    Creality slicer-4.8.0 is the new update with the Portuguese language for all the Creality FDM 3d printers. It is only used on windows if you use Mac, please install the Cura software. Creality is a leading 3D printer manufacturer dedicated to developing the FDM/resin 3D printer, 3D printer filament, and maker related products. Founded in 2014, Shenzhen Creality 3D Technology Co., Ltd. focuses on the design, research, production of 3D printers and 3D printing related products. Consisting of professional researchers and skilled engineers, our R&D team constantly strives for creative function and excellent user experience. The company’s R&D investments on 3d printing cover FDM/resin 3D printers, 3D scanners, filaments, resin, as well as 3D printed drones and robots that back up STEAM education. We intend to enable people to know more about 3d printing technology. Create reality, achieve dreams!

  • 15

    PrusaSlicer

    Prusa Research

    PrusaSlicer is our own in-house developed slicer software based on the open-source project Slic3r. PrusaSlicer is an open-source, feature-rich, frequently updated tool that contains everything you need to export the perfect print files for your original Prusa 3D printer. PrusaSlicer is based on Slic3r by Alessandro Ranellucci. It's completely free and open-source. Thanks to the strong community and core team of developers in Prusa Research we can continually add new functionality. You can follow the development process on Github. Paint custom supports directly on the model! Or block automatically generated supports in selected areas. You can also use custom meshes as support blockers and enforcers. Everything is neatly saved in the project file, always customizable. Testers and developers at Prusa Research are constantly working on presets for 150+ filaments and resins. We are adding profiles on regular basis, following materials by the most popular manufacturers.

  • 16

    Ultimaker Connect

    Ultimaker

    Manage the 3D printing process from your desktop for maximum efficiency. Queue print jobs across one or multiple Ultimaker printers, schedule maintenance tasks, and track print analytics. Ultimaker Connect makes it easier to manage 3D printers in the workplace. Group printers based on your workflow and start scaling up production. Make your printers work harder. Send a print job from your desk, remove when it’s done, and the next print in the queue starts automatically. Track analytics to optimize your 3D print process and increase ROI.

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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.

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.

  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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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