Free 3d printing plans
The 4 Best Websites for Free 3D Printing Files
By Amir M. Bohlooli
Explore these 3D printing websites to find the best 3D models to download for free.
Having access to a 3D printer is a rather exciting privilege. Whether you've only just got your hands on one or a 3D printing veteran, free 3D printing models are always welcome. Designing a 3D model from scratch requires time and skill that you might not have.
There are lots of websites and libraries where you can download free 3D models, but not every 3D model is 3D printable. Below, you will find the four best websites for downloading free 3D printer files.
Thingiverse is the ultimate 3D printing library. This website is entirely dedicated to 3D printers, and most 3D models are uploaded as STL files that can be easily 3D printed. Each model comes with a 3D preview, pictures of the printed product, and print settings.
Thingiverse allows users to post photos of their makes, and creators can remix other 3D files and create new designs. You can look through the different user-published makes to find the best print settings for a file, or to get some inspiration.
One major point which makes Thingiverse the most popular 3D printing library among makers is that it is entirely free. Every file that you see on Thingiverse, you can download and use for free. On the other hand, if you're a creator, you cannot monetize your models on Thingiverse.
Though you don't need to pay any money to use the free 3D models on these websites, it doesn't mean that they're not copyright protected. Do your research before using these files in commercial projects!
MyMiniFactory is a 3D printing community and library where you can find thousands of free and paid 3D models for download. MyMiniFactory has a strong emphasis on role-playing games, such as D&D. Most of the models you'll find here are structures and characters designed for tabletop games.
If you're into printing tabletop figures, then you must have noticed by now that they look drastically better when printed in more than one color. Learn to bring more life to your prints by creating duotone prints.
MyMiniFactory has many community elements. Makers can write their stories in Community Stories, and they can partake in designing and printing competitions to win prizes. The site also hosts an ambitious project called Scan The World, whose goal is to offer art and heritage sculptures in the form of 3D printable files for free. So far, this project has cataloged 17,000 objects which you can download for free.
Cults is another 3D repository and community where you can download 3D models and print them. The site contains both free and paid models, and if you're a maker you can monetize your 3D model on Cults.
If you take a quick look at Cults, you'll realize that it's more oriented towards aesthetic and decorative models, rather than functional ones. Cults has a wide array of jewelry, art, and fashion models. If you're looking to make your own 3D printed jewelry, it's a good place to browse and download models.
Cults also hosts 3D printing contests where you can design a model according to the given guidelines to win a prize.
TurboSquid is a massive marketplace for 3D models. While some of these models are designed to be 3D printed, most are not. However, that doesn't mean that you can't print them with a little tweak.
TurboSquid contains paid and free professional 3D models. You can find some extremely detailed and realistic models available on the site, such as vehicle models, people, and animals.
You can find 3D printable models by searching for STL models. There are roughly 80,000 STL models available on TurboSquid, which was acquired by Shutterstock in 2021.
From Bytes to the Real World
3D printing is an awesome technology that lets you bring 3D creations out of your computer and into the real world. With a 3D printer, you can print any STL model, and you can get these STL models from the websites mentioned in this article.
Though you have to pay to download some models on these websites, there's still a good variety and quantity of free 3D models available. Now all you need to do is to find the model you like most, and get to printing!
Cults・Download free 3D printer models・STL, OBJ, 3MF, CAD
Top design
By extreme3dprint
PiPBOT is a small toy that looks like a tank but in fact it is one of the most complicated 3D printed parts from one piece. It needs no assembly other than folding it like taco. The design was done layer by layer so even it is difficult model its easy to print. All the angles and gaps are perfectly balanced and 3D printer is in its DNA.
Download STL Files
01
Print-in-Place Ford Bronco 2021
Free
02Dino Eggs Set of 3
€3. 68
03TOWEL HOOK
Free
04Baroque Heart - Pet Bowl
€1.53
05Heart Cat with flexible and articulated tail printed in place
€1.84
06Webcam Mirror -Online Teaching solution
€11 -5% €10.45
Nostalgia Casette tape Figet toy
€1
08Dock Switch Flames
€2.99
09The Spooky Mausoleum Dice Tower and the Wanderer
€9. 12
10My Terabytes 💾 microSD card holder
Free
11Unstructured cube, headache,,,
€2
12Moai Dice Tower
€6.40
13Harlequin & Hellequin
€3.80 -30% €2.66
Clicker Bust
€7.20
15Spike
€2
16Soap Dish
Free
17Balloon That Bites, Balloon Animal Dog Skull, Twisted Art, By Pretzel Prints
€2. 76
18Valentine's Day - Condom Gun
€2.50
19Troll Warlord
€6.90
20RC Tesla Cybertruck body for WLToys K989
Free
21UFO Google Nest Mini Stand
€2.76
22MikuRobot | The Multicolor Calibration Robot
€1.25
23Cosmic Astronaut Helmet
€2.30
24Citroen Mehari
€9.65 -50% €4.83
01
TRX4M shock mounts
€1. 84
02Creality Sonic Pad Mount for Ender 3 S1 Pro
€1.29
03Articulated Skull Mask
€4.61
04PRECISION CALIPER 3D PRINTING DIY
€3.10
05Watch Winder / GyroWinder Premium
€4
06Simple boxes for 2 to 6 SD cards or 4 to 12 microSD cards
€1.40
07PiPBOT 1 - Print in Place ROBOT
€4.61
08Flexi Print-in-Place Astronaut
€2.72
09App to create switchable business cards
€3. 50
10Horns
€4.61
11Survival Arrow Gun
€6.37
1216 curved rails and curved crossings compatible with Ikea / Brio (Package 2)
€1.25
01
South Park Crew
Free
02candel mold
Free
03Wendigo Mask (Not so werable)
Free
04Cute Saw Shark Articulated / Print in place
€1.02
05Sponge Caddy for Scrub Daddy
Free
063DPro Wallet 8C
€3. 68
07Cthulhu Bear
€1.15
08Battery Holder
€3
09Ford GT40 Mk. 1
€9.65
10doom theme lamp
Free
11Valentine's Animals
€3.60
12Cosmonaut
€2.50
13Ballerina 3d Print ready Design
€56.49 -75% €14.12
Lamp Led Bulb Awesome Spiral Modern Style Easy To Print
€3. 82
15IKEA NOJIG DRAWERS
€0.67 -20% €0.54
Counting Carrots
€2.76
17Flexi Knuckles the Echidna (Sonic) - Print In Place
€2.54
18Valentine plankton
Free
19All-terrain longboard tire
€1.50
20Sleeping Cat Key Holder
€2.76
2195 Civic Coupe Body Shell (Xmod and MiniZ)
Free
2269 Charger Hemi Body Shell (Xmod and MiniZ)
€0. 92
23Unicorn horn horse snaffle pony
€2.20
24Adjustable PCB Holder - 3D Print for Printed Circuit Board Soldering and Desoldering
€1.03
01
Articulated Cobra + Pencil Holder
Free
02flexi turtle
Free
03Cute Mini Octopus
Free
04PRINT-IN-PLACE SPRING LOADED BOX
Free
05All my Love - Valentines day
Free
06Blue Terrors of Change
Free
07Articulated Lizard v2
Free
08Chapter Master Tu'Shan
Free
09Articulated Shark
Free
10flexi puppy
Free
11Print in Place- Distance Measuring Roll Tool
Free
12Minimus Hotend Cooler System
Free
VW Polo Mk5
€3
Mortal Kombat Ashtray
€1. 50
Bulldog Wall Decoration
€1
Steelborn Electro Priests
€3.69
Mayhem Knight
€2.12
Smartphone Stand Laser Cut NEW
€0.50
Wazowski key chain
€1.50
Viking Helmet
€7.77
See all 3D models
Cults, the 3D printing platform
Welcome to Cults, the world’s leading independent website for 3D printer files. Discover and download the best 3D models for all your 3D printing & DIY projects.
Cults is a digital marketplace for 3D printing and design. Use our 3D model library to discover everything you can do with a 3D printer (FDM, SLA, DLP, SLS) event with CNC machining and laser cutting. You don’t know how to make a 3D file but you want to 3D print objects? Cults is for you! Browse our different categories and download the best 3D printer models for free, open-source or paid mode. The formats you can download are in STL, OBJ, 3MF, CAD, STEP, SCAD or DXF, DWG, SVG format, they are all 3D printable guaranteed or CNC compatible.
We are connecting 3D print files makers with people who want to use their 3D printer. Our 3D model repository acts as a real source of inspiration since the best designers share their best STL files daily to offer you their latest inventions!
On Cults you can also find a 3D printer nearby, get voucher codes to buy cheap 3D printers or filaments at best prices and also a whole series of 3D printing contests. Cults is a joyful community that brings together all 3D printing fans to dialogue and create together.
Commission system
You are a designer and you want to sell your 3D models optimized for 3D printing? Thanks to Cults you can earn money with your files STL, OBJ, CAD, 3MF, etc.! For each download, you will receive 80% of the net selling price (excluding VAT) via PayPal. Cults keeps 20% of commission which is used to finance bank fees (about 5%) and then all the costs related to the technical maintenance of the platform: hosting, bandwidth, accounting, email communications, translations, etc. There is no subscription system or fixed fee to pay. You sell, you win!
If you are still hesitating to share your models on Cults, feel free to read this article Why publish my designs on Cults? List of advantages and benefits to get an idea.
- Designers 80%
- Cults 15%
- Banking fees 5%
Upload a 3D model
Top free 3D printing software in 2021
How to prepare a 3D model for printing or learn how to create models from scratch? What software is best for beginners? All these questions can be answered in our article. The applications presented in the review are completely free or have free versions for students, teachers and open source projects.
Why did we put this section before all the others? The answer is very simple. By knowing the whole 3D printing process, you can better understand how each software is involved in the preparation and printing of 3D parts. nine0003
If you have become a happy owner of a 3D printer, but have absolutely no idea what to do with it and how to get started, then this part of the article is for you.
Different programs are used to print 3D models:
- 3D modeling/design/CAD software;
- Software for editing, viewing and restoring STL files;
- Slicing software;
- 3D printer host.
Before you start working, you need to create a 3D model. To do this, you can use different programs for modeling. We wrote in detail about free versions of software for 3D modeling here. nine0003
A small life hack for beginners. If you are not ready to create a model on your own, you can choose and download the right one from the marketplaces. There are also free download links in the maker communities - sometimes the proposed 3D models can be not only interesting, but also useful.
Once a 3D model has been created, it must be converted to a printable format. For desktop 3D printers, this is the STL format. Some created or downloaded files have defects that lead to failures during printing. It is for editing STL files that there is special software that helps prepare the model for playback on the printer. nine0003
The slicer program helps to convert the STL file into a printer-friendly G-code. The functionality of such programs allows you to split a 3D model into thousands of flat 2D layers, which will be sequentially reproduced on a printer.
Finally, the 3D printer host provides communication between the computer and the printer. It allows you to receive information for printing, as well as change the parameters of the device in real time via a PC. Often the Slicer and host are combined into one 3D printing software that is supplied by the printer manufacturer. nine0003
Dear readers of the 3DToday portal, we want to inform you that a new section "Knowledge Base" has been opened on our website of the LIDER-3D online store. In this section, we share owls, experience, settings and secrets of the world of additive technologies, go to the section at this link.
Examples of some already posted articles in the Knowledge Base section: Post-processing of models after 3D printing, 10 calibration models for your 3D printer, How and what 3D printers print, Printing with HIPS plastic, ABS printing settings, Recommendations for Resin Post-Processing HARZ Labs, Best Free 3D Modeling Software for Beginners. nine0035Cura
One of the popular slicer software that comes with all Ultimaker printers. However, its functionality is suitable for use in conjunction with other 3D printers. Since this software is one of the most popular among makers, you can not waste time on profile settings - for most printers they can be found in the program itself.
The software is designed to change important print settings. Start with the “Recommended” mode to select improved quality settings for your printer and easily adapt to the program. nine0003
More precise control of all parameters is possible in the “Custom” user mode. By switching to this mode, you can manage more than 400 different settings.
Cura is not only a simple and intuitive slicer for home users. The software can be used as the main software for your printer, as well as integrated with CAD systems such as SolidWorks or Siemens NX.
The program is constantly updated and supplemented, which allows you to make 3D printing on your printer better. nine0003
►►►Link to office. site Cura
PrusaSlicer
This software is based on Slic3r and, unlike the prototype, has gained great popularity among users. The main difference is a large list of customizable parameters and additional features that make the work more convenient.
An easy-to-use user interface, built-in support for Prusa printers, and multi-plastic settings make it easy to get started with your 3D printer. The slicer also allows you to place additional supports, work with different materials and use smooth features with variable layer height. nine0003
The PrusaSlicer can be used with both FDM and resin printers. Settings panels for users with different experience in 3D printing help to significantly improve the quality of finished models.
A great bonus for those who have worked with Slic3r before - PrusaSlicer supports most of the original features and accepts Slic3r configuration packages when importing profiles.
►►►Link to office. website PrusaSlicer
MatterControl 2.0
MatterControl is a CAD modeling software, slicer and simultaneous host for a 3D printer. With host functions, you can directly control printing by connecting the printer via USB. The program also allows you to cut STL files for export to an SD card for offline printing and, of course, create projects in a separate section of the CAD software.
Structured interface makes it easy to create models and prepare them for printing. A file browser and a library of geometric primitives make it easy to import data into print. Geometric figures can be used as supports, which helps to achieve high quality printing of complex details. nine0003
Advanced print settings and a user-friendly viewer make this software one of the best for comprehensive control of the 3D printing process. In addition to the host and slicer functions, MatterControl has design tools that allow you to design parts. The resulting 3D models are easy to export to a slicer and print. Thus, the program allows you to control the entire process - from creating a model to cutting it and sending it to print.
►►►Link to office. PrusaSlicer 9 website0003
3DPinterOS
3DPrinterOS is a cloud-based program for managing a 3D printer. It combines the functions of a slicer, a host, and an STL file editor. The program can create a print queue, manage the printer and plug-in system based on STL data analysis and recovery applications, and perform cloud slicing.
The free Starter package allows users to download G-codes and send them to print, remotely control the printing process, and get support on a like-minded forum. For a modest fee, you can access additional features, including the ability to collaborate on a project. nine0003
In fact, this program is a universal tool for converting print files to STL format. That is why 3DPrinterOS is suitable for small businesses, education, production and design.
►►►Link to office. website 3DPinterOS
KISSlicer
The abbreviation of this application “Keep It Simple Slicer” can confuse inexperienced users. It's actually quite a complex 3D printing tool. Conflicting user reviews, however, allow us to conclude that the program is popular and has sufficient functionality to work with 3D printers. nine0003
The free version of the program is suitable for most users who work with printers with a single extruder. KISSlicer helps simplify certain aspects of slicing with Profile Wizards for printer-specific settings and Tuning Wizards for optimizing materials. The paid version of the program allows you to work with printers with 2 extruders.
Although the application settings are quite complex, it's worth the effort - the slicer allows you to have full control over the entire printing process. nine0003
►►►Link to office. site KISSlicer
Slic3r
This software is for open source slicers. Its main difference is advanced features that are not found in any other application.
Despite the fact that Slic3r releases almost no updates to its program, it is the base for many other open source software. For example, many programs use 3D honeycomb cavity filling, which is a special merit of the Slic3r developers. nine0003
In 2018, a new version of the software was released with new integrated functions. So, this version has new fill patterns, experimental support for SLA and DLP printers, 3MF format, and USB printing.
On the software website you can find a detailed manual that gives an idea of all the functions of Slic3r. A great bonus of the program is the direct integration with OctoPrint for printing at the touch of a button.
►►►Link to office. site Slic3r
SliceCrafter
Browser-based slicer from IceSL developers. Using the program, you can quickly load STL files, cut them, and then prepare the G-code for printing. In the browser program, you can use almost all the options that IceSL offers.
Although many users find this version less powerful, it is suitable for beginners who do not want to set up more complex 3D printing programs.
►►►Link to office. website SliceCrafter
IceSL
IceSL is an excellent tool for 3D modeling and printing. Several working windows allow you to edit the model directly through a Lua script, select different settings for slicing the model, and view the result in real time. Despite the apparent complexity of working with the software, IceSL allows for elegant parametric modeling.
Slicer settings menu allows beginners to quickly and easily prepare a 3D model for printing. In the latest version of the program, it became possible to specify different values for print settings at a certain layer height. All this allows you to make smooth transitions from dense to light filling and gradation of the thickness of the layers from fine to coarse. nine0003
►►►Link to office. site IceSL
OctoPrint
This program is a host for 3D printers that allows you to control printing and change settings. The software also allows you to remotely control the printer using a Wi-Fi module connected to the device.
OctoPrint accepts G-code from almost any slicer, while the host allows you to visualize the received files before and during printing. In addition, cutting files can be done directly in the program, using it as a slicer. nine0003
OctoPrint offers not only a wide range of tools for remote print management, but also several ways to keep track of your tasks. You can set up push notifications or send alerts through different messengers.
The software is open source and has an active user community that offers many plug-ins to extend the program's functionality. On the community page, you can find many add-ons that will be useful when printing. nine0003
►►►Link to office. site OctoPrint
Repetier-Host
Rep-Rap developers favorite host - Repetier is a high performance print management and file preparation software.
Repetier-Host is positioned as a universal software that helps manage printers with a large number of extruders (up to 16 extruders), and also supports almost any 3D printer on the market.
The program has remote access functions through the Repetier Server, which allows you to control your printer through a browser on a PC, tablet or smartphone. nine0003
►►►Link to office. Website Repetier-Host
AstroPrint
Like 3DPrinterOS, this program is a cloud-based solution for controlling and managing your 3D printers. Also, using AstroPrint, you can change slicer settings, manage printer and material profiles. A free account allows you to save print information and access all settings through a browser or the AstroPrint mobile app.
This software is unique in that it is compatible with Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory as well as free versions of CAD software such as 3D Slash and Leopoly. The application also has tools for cutting 3D models with the ability to send files for printing from a smartphone. nine0003
The software will be useful for those who work in large scale networks such as 3D farms, enterprises and universities.
►►►Link to office. website AstroPrint
3D-Tool Free Viewer
3D-Tool Free Viewer is designed to check the structural integrity of STL files and the ability to print a document on your printer. Additional functions, such as "Cross Section" also allow you to look inside the 3D model and evaluate some parameters.
This program can be useful if you want to check your STL file for errors. The user-friendly interface of the software allows you to measure the size, surface area and volume of all parts of the figure, as well as change the distance, angles and radius at the touch of a button. nine0003
For those who do not have sufficient knowledge and experience in CAD, the program offers a quick way to check the STL file and prepare it for 3D printing.
►►►Link to office. website 3D-Tool Free Viewer
MakePrintable
This useful web service allows you to check STL files for errors and correct critical values that may affect printing. Unlike other free programs, MakePrintable gives you complete control over the process. You can choose the level of print quality, make the mesh hollow, fix the polygon count, and even merge multiple targets into one. nine0003
Although the program no longer offers a free version with limited functionality, users may find several ways to use the program. The program has different payment options - for a single file download (about $ 2 per file) or a "Maker" package with the ability to upload up to 30 files per month (monthly price about $ 15).
The advantage of the program is the compatibility of plug-ins with Blender and SketchUp.
►►►Link to office. MakePrintable 9 website0003
Meshmixer
Meshmixer is a super modern and free 3D printing software from the Autodesk family for viewing, checking, editing and repairing STL files. This program helps you identify potential problems and fix them automatically. For example, the program identifies insufficient wall thickness.
The program is positioned as a universal tool for 3D meshes, offering many tools for working with mesh, 3D modeling, surface embossing and others. nine0003
Whether you're trying to fix an STL file, prepare a model for printing, or construct multiple objects, Meshmixer is ideal for all of these purposes.
►►►Link to office. website Meshmixer
MeshLab
MeshLab is an open source application that allows you to edit STL files and also has tools for working with 3D triangular meshes. The software's capabilities help you check, render, repair, and transform meshes, and even solidify models and close holes. nine0003
The application is great for editing 3D models created in CAD. Despite the fact that the latest version was released in 2016, the program is still popular with makers.
►►►Link to office. website MeshLab
NetFabb
NetFabb is a slicing software that includes advanced analysis and recovery of STL files. One of the most powerful tools, NetFabb aims to streamline the user experience by offering support creation, mesh repair, and a wide range of generative design tools. nine0003
The program is free for students, as part of an Autodesk subscription. The 3-year student license allows you to choose one of the following versions:
- NetFabb Standard allows you to quickly prepare a model for printing;
- NetFabb Premium with advanced options for creating grids, supports and automatic packaging of parts;
- NetFabb Ultimate allows you to calculate assembly failures, provides modeling tools, customizable toolpath strategies, and helps automate the process of preparing a model for 3D printing; nine0014
- NetFabb Simulation helps you simulate certain metal printing technologies prior to production.
►►►Link to office. NetFabb site
About programs for 3D modeling, which even a beginner will understand, we wrote in this article. Here are equally useful, easy-to-use, and most importantly, free programs for three-dimensional modeling and 3D printing.
3D Builder
The 3D Builder application offers its users the ability to quickly visualize and edit 3D models. The software helps to create and import files in 3D printing formats. Using simple editing tools, even entry-level users can create 3D images. nine0003
The application has its own extensive library of 3D models. You can also upload an external file or use the Kinect V2 sensor to scan and import a new 3D image. By joining the 3D Builder community and downloading the 3D Printing SDK, you can expand the capabilities of this free program.
►►►Link to office. website 3D Builder
Figuro
This browser-based modeling software combines the accessibility of TinkerCAD with the power of more advanced 3D modeling tools. The program is suitable for those who want to improve their design skills without going too deep into details. nine0003
The creation of objects in Figuro is based on the principle of polygonal modeling - you generate polygons by modifying them and combining them with each other. If you are using the program for the first time, we recommend using additional tools for checking and repairing STL files.
The program has a simple and pleasant user interface. An extensive gallery allows you to evaluate the capabilities of the software and get inspiration for creating new objects.
►►►Link to office. Figuro 9 website0003
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a professional 3D modeling CAD program. Unlike other software, the software allows you to cover the entire process of planning, testing and 3D design.
The program has powerful tools for solving industrial design problems. Fusion 360 allows you to simulate the design of objects under design as well as the loads that they will face after commissioning.
Design collaboration, cloud file sharing, and import/export of various CAD file types make the application a pleasure to use. nine0003
Fusion 360 is free for students, startups and hobbyists. At the same time, amateur projects must not be commercial, startup income must not exceed $ 100,000 per year, and the student license of the program is limited to three years.
►►►Link to office. site Fusion 360
FreeCAD
Multifunctional CAD software is great for developing design skills. Parametric modeling software creates models according to the given parameters. The big advantage is the ability to drag and control objects directly with the mouse. nine0003
A feature of this program is the ability to return to the history of the creation of an object and edit its parameters. Despite the fact that the software is free, it has all the necessary tools for full-fledged work.
FreeCAD allows users to draw 2D shapes as a basis for creating additional objects. The program is suitable for product design, mechanical engineering, architecture and other areas.
►►►Link to office. FreeCAD website
OpenSCAD
Unlike the other programs presented, OpenSCAD focuses more on the CAD aspect of 3D modeling. The software works as a 3D camillator that reads a script file describing a 3D model and then converts the object into a 3D model.
The open source program is constantly updated with new features. For example, the latest update has a new Customiser panel. Get support and advice on using the application and working with updates in the user community. nine0003
The software does not have interactive components, but it helps to better control the modeling process and control the design parameters settings. OpenSCAD is considered to be the ideal tool for students.
►►►Link to office. OpenSCAD website
Blender
A popular CAD program with a steep learning curve. This software is not the best choice for a beginner, but is ideal for those who are familiar with 3D modeling concepts and want to create more complex models. nine0003
The latest version of the program is more accessible. So the user interface has become more convenient, and a three-dimensional viewing window has also appeared. Eevee's advanced add-ons, real-time renderer, and Grease Pencil for 2D drawing and animation greatly enhance the program's capabilities.
The open source program is constantly updated with new functional solutions for comfortable work.
►►►Link to office. Blender website
OnShape
OnShape is a powerful browser-based CAD program designed for professional users. The software allows you to organize joint work on a project and store data in the cloud.
The program gives all team members instant access to the same CAD workspace and the same data in the cloud. The additional ability to manage the main design without the need to save copies and keep track of different versions of files makes the work really convenient. nine0003
The program has a free version for students and teachers, as well as users who are engaged in non-commercial projects.
►►►Link to office. OnShape
Top Free 3D Modeling Software (for Beginners) for Spring 2021 / Sudo Null IT News Users can export their models and either 3D print them or post them online for others to download for free or for money. nine0003
These programs range from easy-to-use for beginners to professional programs that can take years to learn. That's why we've created our list of the best free 3D modeling software to help you make your choice.
Some free online programs run entirely in the browser, others require a download. But they are all, at least in the short term, free.
List of the best free 3D modeling software in 2021:
TinkerCAD - Best program for beginners
- 3D Slash - simple program for beginners
FreeCAD - Free source code
- 9000
Blender - Aphewed free
MeshMixer
Fusion 360
Vectary
SelfCAD0003
OpenSCAD
Wings 3D. Free programs are often used by beginners, so this is important.
A well-developed set of tools for creating professional 3D models.
The presence of new tools that allow you to take a completely new approach to creating 3D designs. nine0003
1. TinkerCAD is the best free program for beginners
Country of origin - USA. Available to work in the browser.
This is one of the many 3D CAD programs from Autodesk giant TinkerCAD. The tool looks deceptively primitive, easy to use, but again and again it makes it to the top of the best free programs.
TinkerCAD allows you to create detailed 3D models using basic shapes by joining them together. The learning process is much easier than in other programs. It is perfect for beginners and kids to teach kids how to 3D print. It is most often used in schools and classrooms around the world. You can get started in minutes in your browser without downloading. What's more, you can download the TinkerCAD app and play with the models on your smartphone or tablet! nine0003
Autodesk produces a variety of software for various industries. TinkerCAD is perfect for beginners in 3D design to make something cool. You can export the model to STL and any other format and send it to a 3D printer. Once you gain the necessary experience, you may need a more sophisticated program such as AutoCAD. But at the same time, TinkerCAD remains a great program to start your career as a 3D designer.
2. 3D Slash is a simple free program for beginners
Basic version is free, premium version costs $2 per month.
Ideal for beginners. 3D Slash is not like a regular program, more like a friendly, interactive 3D world where you can create whatever you want. The development team clearly thought out how to make the user interface as natural as possible, understandable to non-designers, without a complex learning process. The functionality is intuitive and convenient.
At the same time, you are not limited to basic shapes. You can create impressive and more complex objects. The standard version is free, the premium version comes with a small monthly fee. School and professional plans are also available. nine0003
3. FreeCAD is a free and open source program
FreeCAD was released back in 2002, and although still in beta testing, its development has advanced a lot. It is designed to make the process of creating 3D versions of real objects as efficient and simple as possible.
A very useful feature is the ability to start with a static 2D sketch, from which you can then build the final 3D model. FreeCAD works well on Windows and Mac, you can easily export the model as STL, OBJ or even DXF files, for example for CNC. nine0003
Although FreeCAD was developed primarily for machine tools, it can also be used for 3D printing. What's more, FreeCAD is open source, so you can work with Python.
FreeCAD is ideal for users with some design experience, as some of the tools can be difficult for beginners. But overall it is a very powerful free 3D modeling tool.
4. SketchUp
Basic version free, Pro version $299 per year. The country of the developer is the USA.
A veteran of the 3D modeling software industry, created in 2000 by Lastsoftware. In 2006, Google bought it to implement this versatile and powerful tool in its services. It has since been sold to Trimble Inc., who have offered a free version. SketchUp is a great choice for beginner designers. It, like TinkerCAD, is easier to learn than most other 3D programs. Contains almost all the tools you might need. nine0003
Though mostly used by architects, SketchUp is gaining popularity in 3D printing. The tools are surprisingly well suited to 3D CAD file creators. You can download the SketchUp STL extension to create files in STL.
SketchUp has a simple interface that is not overloaded with information. You can easily figure it out in a few hours and create a very realistic 3D model on the first day.
5. Blender - Extended Freeware
The country of origin is the Netherlands.
Possibly the most popular 3D design software. Blender has a huge active community that shares its STL files and 3D models as well as information on the web. A quick Google and YouTube search will turn up thousands of links where users showcase their 3D designs and share their Blender 3D experience. Such popularity is primarily due to the fact that the program is 100% free and open source. You can create almost anything in it. The choice of tools is huge. nine0003
The learning process is more complex than in previous programs. However, thanks to its toolset, Blender is a versatile 3D modeling program. It is used in a variety of applications ranging from VFX for movies, video games, 3D model design to 3D printing. In addition, Blender comes with an integrated game engine as well as detailed modeling tools and video editing capabilities. This incredible free software is ideal for game developers and experienced 3D modelers. nine0003
6. MeshMixer
Country of origin - USA.
Meshmixer is a unique program that does not fit into any particular category. Another development from Autodesk, Meshmixer sets itself apart from the competition in that it allows you to edit existing models using a variety of tools, including animation, buckle/fill, repair. Meshmixer is well suited for design modification and quality assurance. Useful for both beginners and experts. Allows you to improve and prepare your models for 3D printing. nine0003
Another important advantage of the program is the possibility of using it in topological optimization. With simple tools, parts can be made lighter and more economically. This is especially useful for subsequent 3D printing in industries such as aerospace and automotive, where the weight of the model is very important.
All in all, Meshmixer is a versatile option for those who need to improve their 3D model. Beginners can change their models, experts can optimize industrial designs. nine0003
7. Fusion 360
The program is free for personal use for a year, the Pro version costs about $500 per year.
Country of origin - USA.
Another Autodesk development for schools and academic institutions. It is undoubtedly a tool for experts, but easy enough to use for an educated beginner. Fusion 360 is a sharing program that allows you to share STL files via the cloud for collaborative editing and model optimization. nine0003
Powerful tools for virtually any industrial 3D design. It has built-in functions for estimating the load that the components of a 3D model will face. This allows designers to find potential weaknesses before printing. Once created, you can easily export the model to an STL file or any other format. The program has recently become free for students, startups, and more. If you have some experience or want to improve your 3D design skills, this 3D software is perfect. nine0003
8. Vectary
Free program with premium features for $12 per month.
Vectary launched in 2014 and calls itself the most accessible 3D and AR design platform. This is a free web-based 3D modeling program. Vectary offers templates with pre-rendered and lit screens that you can place your 3D models in front of for product photography and other artistic purposes. A simple work interface with the necessary set of tools makes working with lighting and modeling easy. You can easily export your finished design or scene as an AR model. nine0003
The free package includes access to Vectary Studio for creating and designing models, as well as the ability to export your creations to OBJ or STL formats. For other formats, you will need an update. You can create up to 25 projects for free, as well as access a library of 3D assets, materials, and Vectary icons. A paid upgrade gives you access to AR preview tools, as well as project sharing features and teams for better and faster feedback between multiple people. nine0003
9. SelfCAD
Free education software. For the rest, it costs $4.99 per month.
Country of origin - USA.
SelfCAD focuses on being the best browser-based, no-download free 3D modeling software for students around the world. It is popular in American schools teaching 3D design to students. Simple and easy to use, requiring a short training period, SelfCAD has all the necessary tools for creating models. It also has slicing tools to prepare STL or G-code files for 3D printing. nine0003
SelfCAD is a simple 3D design program with a very clear interface, suitable for beginners.
10. BlocksCAD
The program is provided free of charge. There are paid educational versions for schools.
Country of origin - USA.
BlocksCAD is educationally oriented and was created for STEM students in grades 3-8. It is a cloud-based free 3D modeling software that promotes learning about mathematics, computational thinking, coding concepts, and designing models for 3D printing. nine0003
The free gallery has a wide selection of projects that can be used in personal and classroom work, ranging from snowmen, jewelry rings, fish, and even the infamous cafeteria. Works great with OpenSCAD, designed to be simple, fun and easy for kids to work with. 3D models can be created using colorful, easy-to-manage blocks and exported either as STL files or as files to be opened and edited in OpenSCAD. For beginners, BlocksCAD offers extensive tutorials on the basics of 3D modeling and how to use 3D software. nine0003
11. OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is a free downloadable program. It looks intimidating, because it “envelops” with codes and scripts. This is a powerful tool. But keep in mind that it is for those who are used to coding. The program was created back in 2010 by Marius Kintel and Clifford Wolf. New updates and patches are released regularly. OpenSCAD is loved by 3D designers who prefer a scripted rather than an artistic design method. It is also worth noting that a 3D part in OpenSCAD can be created using only the mouse, but this is not the only feature of the program. nine0003
Overall, we are impressed with OpenSCAD: it offers something new and free of charge. However, at least intermediate knowledge of scripting languages is required.
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