A list of the 20 best, most popular and cheapest 3D scanners and 3D scanning software and hardware for 3D printing out there.
- Most Used 3d Software
- Most Popular 3d Cad Software Sketchup
- Free 3d Software
- Most Popular 3d Software For Beginners
- The market for 3D architecture software is massive, and the fact that it often crosses paths with other markets, such as BIM software and CAD software, does not help matters in the slightest.
- Sep 14, 2020 Best 3D and modeling software for 3D printing meshes. MeshLab open source 3D printing software is suitable for designing, texturing and transforming 3D meshes. Meshlab best free 3D CAD software for 3D printing software boasts of a measurement tool which can calculate the linear distance between any two points within the mesh framework.
Free Art Software is collection of digital art, Photoshop, video games animation, music and web graphic design downloads as computer freeware or shareware. Nov 16, 2021 We’ve selected the best modeling and animation software to suit every taste and pocket. Whether you’re already a master in 3D modeling or are just starting out, we’ve got some amazing software for you to check out. Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, Artec Studio, Freeform, 3DCoat.
Posted By Nicolas Sadeghi on Jul 5, 2016 |
Whether it is for professional projects or for hobbyists, a good 3D Modeling Software is a must-have to create efficiently. However, most of them were created and designed for use on Windows or Mac platforms. Besides the world-famous AutoCAD or SolidWorks, there are some alternatives for Linux users. Here is our Top 7 Best 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing on Linux.
Blender
We will start right off the bat by one of the most famous and versatile 3D design software. Blender has the advantage, compared to the other big names such as SolidWorks, to be free and Open-Source, enabling a lot of people to work on various projects with it.
The huge community behind it also ensures a constant flow of new models and addons to use, which is a great way to improve your skills. From 3D Printing to 3D Animation, you can make almost any design if you take the time to do so.
Do not hesitate to take a look at our Blender tutorial for more information and precious advice on this software.
FreeCAD
Most Used 3d Software
FreeCAD enables you to create a parametric 3D design, which makes it particularly efficient for mechanical or engineering designs. It is fairly easy to learn, so you could even use it if you never used CAD software before. Being Open-Source also makes it particularly customizable. For example, you can add new functionalities or automate processes directly by writing scripts.
HeeksCAD
HeeksCAD is a good way for people who are new to 3D design to learn how to handle this kind of CAD software. It offers all the common functions you would need to make basic (yet good) 3D models.
Just like FreeCAD, you can use parametric designs to create and modify your objects. You may encounter difficulties if you try to realize complex models (a lot of the usual tools are not available yet), but again this is not the main goal of HeeksCAD.
Most Popular 3d Cad Software Sketchup
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is CAD software that enables you to work on solids in two different modes. Indeed, you can either use constructive solid geometry, where you define your design as a result of primary operations (such as sums or subtractions), or use a classic extrusion technique, where you make 2D designs that you then turn into 3D. Either way, the software is fitted to export an STL file and has a good community behind it to support you whenever you have issues.
Solvespace
If you are not looking for aesthetics but pure efficacy, then Solvespace is made for you. Solvespace might interest you more if you know C++, as the software was written in this language. The advantages of Solvespace are that it’s free and open-source software.
The learning curve is quite rough, but if you are confident in your skills, there is no doubt that you’ll be able to make almost anything with this software.
This 3D software provides you all the tools you would find in a big name of 3D Modeling Software, such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Even if the interface is minimalistic, the huge amount of possibilities it offers is more than enough to compensate. On top of this, it is a quite small software and needs only 6Mo to be installed.
Solvespace is a parametric CAD program that will allow you to work in both 2 and 3D. Among its tools, you can find volume measurements, exporting 3D wireframes as DXF and STEP tools, toolpath as G code, value entries thanks to arithmetic expressions, and analysis with STL check. On top of all of that, you will be able to work with dimensions and constraints
Wings 3D
Wings 3D is a good alternative to classic 3D Modeling Software. It is very user-friendly, all its commands are made to be clear and intuitive. The actions you can take depend on the context and the object you are working on.
As it is not a parametric modeling software, it is difficult to use Wings 3D for engineering or mechanical designs. However, you may find everything you need for every other project, so do not hesitate to give it a try.
VariCAD
VariCAD is a license-based CAD program. However, it is very affordable compared to other 3D software and offers precise tools to design mechanical parts. For example, besides the classical tools, you would find anywhere, predefined ISO parts are available for screws or bolts to make sure they fit with their real use.
Being one of the only software you can purchase for Linux platforms, VariCAD surely fills a niche in the world of 3D modeling software.
3D Slash
3D Slash is a great software for beginners. It is easy to use, free, and works with blocks, like a popular game Minecraft. This 3D modeling software is based on editing the blocks with dedicated sculpting tools. It is very simple and straightforward. It is playful and great to get familiar with 3D design.
3D Slash also allows for STL file export which means you can 3D print your models, either with an online 3D printing service or on your desktop 3D printer.
MakeHuman
This 3D modeling software was designed especially for character creation. It is especially interesting for video games and animations.
MakeHuman is a free 3D software, but despite that provides you with really rich options. You will start with a basic humanoid, which you can adjust by parts: face, torso, arms, and legs. You can edit gender, hair, and characteristics depending on age. There are also plenty of options in terms of clothing, from formal to casual.
This software is quite powerful and also allows you to work with the character’s rigging options. The tools are extensive enough to even work with facial muscles.
Meshmixer
Meshmixer is a very popular 3D modeling software. It is designed to work with already prepared 3D design. It has plenty of tools to optimize models, hollow them, generate joints between models, repair your models, or scale them. Thanks to all those options, Meshmixer is especially interesting for if you’re planning to 3D print your 3D design, it is truly powerful and definitely on top of the list of the most popular 3D software.
Onshape
This is a great CAD software for professional users. It will be very beneficial especially for teams working on one project. Onshape works with any device you can imagine, including smartphones.
It has a wide range of mechanical design tools. It allows multiple people to work within one file thanks to built-in cloud software where all the CAD data is stored. It manages a master model, so there is also no need to save multiple versions and avoids confusion and mistakes in sharing the file between different users.
Modo
We can confirm with our first-hand experience that Modo is has a fairly easy learning curve. It was developed with visual effects and industrial design in mind more than engineers. In terms of creating 3D models, this 3D software works with polygons and subdivision surface modeling.
When it comes to animation, Modo uses particle engine and procedural animations. To make the 3D modeling process faster, it also allows you to record macros and apply repeated actions when needed.
BRL-CAD
This 3D software is placed among one of the oldest. It is free and open-source software and with +30 years of experience, it will provide you with stable performance. Its User Interface is pretty straightforward and typical for a CAD program.
It offers interactive geometry options, ray-tracing rendering tools, scripting support, and network distributed framebuffer support.
LeoCAD
LeoCAD is a very user-friendly beginner 3D modeling software. Everyone knows LEGO, right? This 3D program works exactly with those bricks. It is open-source CAD software which is so easy to use, it’s literally child’s play.
It is capable of handling larger projects, however, it is not software aimed for professional applications unless your job requires a LEGO castle to be 3D modeled.
Siemens NX
This CAD software was developed for mechanical design. It provides the user with tools for engineering design, simulations, and tests that were designed to speed up the 3D modeling process.
The user interface of Siemens NX is quite typical for CAD software. It also provides you with tutorials to get a better, in-depth understanding of all the options.
And that is all for our Top 15 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing on Linux. Overall, the solutions you will find cover every aspect of 3D modeling, as long as you put in the time to learn to handle them. You may also have to use several of them at once, in order to fully reach your goals.
However, all of them are good alternatives to the software you would find on other platforms. Furthermore, as most of them are Open Source software, you can count on the help of the whole community to support you in your project.
Once you get rolling with your favorite 3D modeling software for Linux, you should try 3D printing your models! With an online 3D printing service like Sculpteo, you can easily produce your models at the best quality. Simply upload your STL file and we will 3D print it for you!
Make sure you don’t miss the next dose of 3D printing news with our Newsletter and Facebook page!
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3D modeling software is a key to success of a professional modeler. Working in this field, you must choose tools meeting all your needs. Then, you should be good at operating it. If you are new to the 3D modeling sphere, you might be wondering what software to begin with. And even if you already have a vast experience, you need to keep your eyes open for latest news of the market. First of all, new software makes you more competitive and gives new possibilities. Secondly, programs are constantly being improved. It is important, because these new features can optimize your working process a lot. Make it faster and easier, for instance. I mean, look at the open render libraries. Due to them, you don’t have to render every single object any more!
And there are so many products and versions on the market nowadays. It’s good news, but it can make your head spin. So, what should one pick to create good 3D models in minimum time? And with accuracy? To help you make a choice, here we present top 5 most popular 3D software applications. Any of them can become your personal favorite, whether you are a novice or professional. It’s up to you to choose!
Suggestion 1: SketchUp
This 3D software application is available in both free and paid versions.
It runs on Microsoft Windows and iOS.
File extension – STL.
SketchUp – Learning Process
To begin with, SketchUp has a user-friendly interface. It is quite an easy piece of software.
However, it has some peculiarities that are not obvious, so it’s not easy to learn. But once you get used to them, the program is easy.
Spheres of Use
Modelers use it for 3D Visualization in Interior design, Building design in AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction), Product design, Landscape Design, Outdoor Advertising, 3D modeling for 3D printing, Entertainment industry and Editorial Illustration.
And we also should mention Virtual Architecture. SketchUp is popular there for recreating buildings that no longer exist.
With SketchUp, you can create 3D models of all kinds of products. Furniture, for example. As well as that, SketchUp helps create animated walkthroughs and flyovers. Moreover, it is also a good tool for creating environments in gaming.
Special Features
As for special features, there’s Photo Match. It will let you enrich the design with all kinds of embellishments and features.
Moreover, SketchUp allows to work on 3D models created in other programs, because it supports all the formats. When the 3D model is ready, you can test it: turn around, look from different perspectives, get a virtual walk through the scene.
And there’s also the LayOut feature. It allows to create detailed colorful presentations with styles, measurements and views of a model. When you modify the file, presentation automatically updates the data. Finally, there is also SketchUp WareHouse. It stores a free library of 3D models. That can make your work easier. This way, you don’t have to create your models from scratch!
Suggestion 2: Rhino3D
Rhinoceros3D is a popular curve-based commercial modeling tool.
It was created by Robert McNeel & Associates.
It has .3DM file extension and runs on Microsoft Windows and iOS.
Rhino3D – Learning Process
Rhino has a user-friendly interface. Moreover, it is easy to use and to master.
Spheres of Use
Modelers use Rhino3D in areas of computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing , rapid prototyping, architectural design, product design, in jewelry industry, for instance, industrial design – automotive and watercraft design, for example, and 3D printing. It is also used as a part of pipeline in 3D digitizing, rapid-prototyping, 3D painting, games development.
Special Features
One of the special features of this 3D piece of 3D modeling software – high precision and functionality. The reason for this is that Rhino3D works using NURBS. NURBS is a system of mathematical representation which translates curves and free-form objects with high precision.One more thing – you can export geometry from Rhino3D into 3D printers. Finally, you don’t need any special hardware to install and operate this software.
Suggestion 3: Blender
It was created by a Holland animation studio NeoGeo.
Blender runs on Microsoft Windows and iOS.
The file extension is .blend.
The program is available for free.
Blender – Learning Process
According to 3D modelers, Blender is tough to learn. However, once you understand it, it becomes intuitive.
Spheres of Use
Blender supports the whole 3D pipeline – modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, as well as creation of animated films and even games.
That is why it is a good choice for product visualization, architectural visualization, print and TV advertising. However, it’s not very popular in film industry. The problem is that Blender isn’t always compatible with the existing pipelines in these spheres, which are normally based on Maya or 3D Max.
Special Features
This 3D software has a really helpful feature – a powerful toolset for simulation. This is why Blender is so useful for Product Modeling and Advertising. Besides, it has a video editor and a built-in engine tool.
And what you should absolutely know is that Blender is an open system. That means, it has a Python controlled interface. Owing to this, you are able to modify its layout at your convenience and personalize it.
Suggestion 4: ZBrush
ZBrush is a commercial 3D software application.
It was created by Pixologic.
It runs on Windows platform and doesn’t work with iOS.
ZBrush – Learning Process
Zbrush is a rather complicated piece of software, and mastering it is not easy.
Special Features
ZBrush works on the principle of sculpting. Which is why the process of use might seem unusual. However, it allows to create high-resolution models – up to 40 million polygons and more.
Spheres of Use
The main functions of ZBrush are 3D modeling, texturing and painting. It is used for creating movies, video games, illustrations, advertising, 3D printing, scientific visualization, automotive and jewelry design.
As for video games and movies, ZBrush is used by artists to create highly realistic characters and environments. However, for animation, you’ll have to use other programs additionally. Blender or Maya, for example.
As well as that, ZBrush is used to create realistic illustrations for books.
In advertising industry, this software is a popular choice for creating 3D prototypes.
In 3D printing, ZBrush enables us to work with high resolution geometry and create high quality 3D scans. For instance, realistic 3D models of human body parts for further printing.
Furthermore, scientists use ZBrush for recreating ancient buildings and organic creatures that are extinct.
In automotive design and jewelry, ZBrush allows to create realistic surfaces, reproduce fine details and experiment with textures. Finally, it is a popular tool for creation of presentations of the said products.
Suggestion 5: Autodesk 3ds Max
This professional 3D software application is commercial.
It was developed and published by Autodesk Media and Entertainment.
As for the platforms, it works on Microsoft Windows and doesn’t run on iOs.
Autodesk 3ds Max – Learning Process
First of all, it is rather complex to use. However, there are lots of tutorials available on operating Autodesk 3ds Max. Learning is quite hard. Moreover, it takes some time to get used to the interface.
Spheres of Use
3Ds Max is a popular choice for professional 3D rendering services. It is used in real estate and architecture, education, animation, games. TV studios use this piece of software for special effects and pre-visualization of movies. For instance, “Avatar” contains 3D graphics made in 3Ds Max. Furthermore, this is one of the most popular tools for architectural visualization. As for the real estate, 3Ds Max allows to create appealing images for presentation of the spaces. Finally, this piece of software is used to showcase all kinds of processes – organic, medical or mechanical. It is therefore popular in Engineering, Medical, Manufacturing and Educational Sector.
Free 3d Software
Special Features
There is a library of existing components and an extensive toolset for modeling. Due to this, the results are of a high accuracy, and the workflow is fast. And the software has an effective set of tools for living characters simulation. Hair, skin and cloth, for example.
As you can see, each of these tools has its advantages as well as disadvantages. It is important to define your goals and weigh all pros and cons. Don’t have time to learn all the procedure? Need a perfect solution for your business as quick as possible? Contact us! ArchiCGI studio of architectural visualization works with all formats of 3D models, created in those programs. We’ll be happy to develop your ideas promptly and at a very reasonable price!
We wish you most interesting project and lots of loyal clients
Present your architectural project like a work of art with AI-powered CGI
Irma Prus
Content Writer, Copywriter
Content Writer, Copywriter
Most Popular 3d Software For Beginners
Irma writes articles and marketing copy for ArchiCGI. Her dream is that more people discover the power of CGI for architecture. Irma is into neuromarketing, ruby chocolate and Doctor Who series.