- 3d modelling software are not always only for modelling, however I find Zbrush to be as close as possible to call it a complete modelling software rest of the big boys out there like Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema4D etc. Are in fact pipeline solut.
- Following is a list of notable 3D modeling software, computer programs used for developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of objects, also called 3D modeling.
MilkShape 3D - a low end, popular and simple to use 3D modeling program. Comes with.smd exporter and importer. LightWave 3D - an excellent mid range modeling and animation suite. Currently, a LightWave-only exporter supports static props. Autodesk Softimage - (formerly Softimage XSI) an excellent mid to high end modeling, animation.
In the market for 3D modeling software? Here are the best programs out there to make your 3D dreams come true—including 10 free 3D modeling software options!
With 3D modeling software, you can create just about anything. The industry is changing so fast, however, that it can be a little challenging to determine which 3D modeling program is the best for your 3D modeller needs.
We walk you through the 19 best 3D modeling software options on the market right now. Even better? We share 10 free 3D modeling software programs for the budget-conscious 3D artists.
Once you have the right 3D modeling software, you'll be able to produce stunning 3D designs for your online design portfolio—and featuring such a hot skill is sure to lure in potential clients and employers on the hunt for modeling software experts.
Now, let's take a look at the best 3D modeling software programs out there!
Best 3D Modelling Software
1. Autodesk Maya
Type: SubscriptionPrice: $245/month
When you ask any professional 3D modeller in the industry which program they use the most, Autodesk Maya is the most common answer, and for good reason. Most of the leading animation studios use it (Pixar included) due in part to the massive array of powerful tools offered within the package. The last few years have seen some especially amazing new features burst into the limelight such as truly jaw-dropping live rendering.
There's a catch, though: Maya isn't cheap, and you're going to need to learn to use it before you can create much of anything. There's a lot to learn in 3D modeling programs, and if you can devote the time to truly learn this new artform then every penny you spend on Maya will be worth it. If you want a portfolio that floors clients from the start, this is how to do it.
2. Autodesk Mudbox
Type: SubscriptionPrice: $245/month
In addition to the titan known as Maya, Autodesk also offers Mudbox. It's one of the easiest 3D modeling software packages on offer, but it's more aligned to editing and sculpting 3D models using a simple, intuitive and tactile toolset than it is able in doing more complex 3D tasks. You can increase polygon counts on the fly, set up layers, and gradually adjust your 3D models until they are absolutely perfect. Then, built-in functions create textures, paint colors, correct meshes, and produce Normal maps.
You can also create things from scratch with this program, sculpting whatever you choose, but rigging, texturing, and animation are not its focus. To complete those steps, you'll need Maya or other similar 3D modeling software. Master Mudbox and your design portfolio will be all the richer for it.
3. Houdini
Type: LicensePrice: $1995, $4495, or $499/year
Similar to Autodesk Maya, Houdini is another industry-standard tool that ranks as one of the best 3D modeling software packages available. It uses a different methodology than Autodesk Maya, using a node-based procedural style of production that affords artists a huge amount of control. Similar to Maya, there's a rather steep curve to learning all the tricks needed to succeed with this modeling software. You won't be creating masterpieces in 20 minutes, but, with a bit of persistence, you won't have too much trouble making works of art.
It's on the expensive side, offering yearly licenses or perpetual purchases of Houdini and Houdini FX, but there is also a free version called Houdini Apprentice available that we'll detail in the second half of this article. All in all, Houdini is a solid choice for any VFX artist, and will help you create some stunning CGI to make your online design portfolio truly amazing.
4. Cinema 4D
Type: LicensePrice:$480/year to $2,850
Maxon's Cinema 4D is also a serious competitor and easily among the best 3D modeling software programs you can find. Designed for creating perfect motion graphics, this powerful tool can compete head-to-head with the above entries and hold its own. It can crank out amazing quality that can turn heads, but it's strongest lead over competitors is a simple one: it's much (much) easier to learn. This could be a great help in making your design portfolio as gorgeous as possible—trying out a variety of 3D projects is a great way to show your range to clients.
A caveat (and one that will be problematic if you don't have deep pockets): the cost. With a hefty cost to perpetual licenses (some of which expire), you need to make sure it's the right choice for you before you commit. Thankfully, they also offer a free trial that lasts a bit longer than a month to help you make the decision (and they offer student licenses at a reduced cost).
5. Modo
Type: Subscription or LicensePrice:$399/year to $1799
To stand out from the crowd, Modo does things a bit differently than the other 3D modeling programs. The Foundry made Modo with art in mind, not just animation, which led to it offering a rather robust and interesting selection of tools. Most notable is how user-friendly it is, allowing neophytes the ability to pick it up with relative ease and become a 3D modeller without years of training.
While it lacks the higher-end tools offered in programs like Autodesk Maya, Maya won't let you intuitively create great quality renders with a low degree of effort: Modo is easy to pick up and figure out in comparison. Finally, Modo sports a wonderfully powerful rendering engine that is easily on par with other high-end programs, allowing you to create pro-quality on the fly.
6. Autodesk 3Ds Max
Type: SubscriptionPrice:$216/month to $1740/year
3Ds Max has been around for a long time, as far as modeling software goes. It predates almost every other current program by several years and has plenty of performance patches under its belt as a result. It's one of the most stable 3D modeling programs around (probably the most stable option on Windows, period) and has a gigantic library available that provides access to countless functions that can make the process of modelling less tedious. Many of these mods also make things easier for beginners.
It has a higher price point but offers free student licenses and a trial that allows you access to all of the features the app has to offer for 30 days, which should provide further incentive to give it a go and wow your clients.
7. ZBrush
Type: LicensePrice:$895
When it comes to sculpting amazing creatures, people, and places, there are no competitors that come anywhere even close to ZBrush. It's a staple in VFX on movies and television, and there are few 3D modeling programs that can match its stature in the video game designer industry. If you're into 3D printing, this is definitely your go-to option: nothing beats ZBrush for making vinyl toys or action figures. Mp3 zip file. You will need training on the various tools and features to make the most of ZBrush, but know that this training is absolutely worth it.
8. Rhinoceros
Type: LicensePrice:$995
Uninhibited design is the focus of Rhinoceros, providing all the tools and features you would expect in the best 3D modelling software, but with an easy-to-learn toolset that allows you to get cracking right away. It's compatible with just about everything and has a well-designed rendering engine that can process even complex animations without unexpected slowdown.
It's free for 90 days, after which point you'll need to purchase a license to continue taking advantage of its features and power. It's worth a look, especially if you want something simple to grasp and get started with.
9. Substance Designer
Type: LicensePrice:$19.90/month and up
What Program To Use For 3d Modeling Using
There are many steps to 3D model creation, and producing realistic textures can be very time-consuming and involved. Enter Substance Designer, one of the most powerful and astounding texture creation applications there is. It can generate some truly astonishing surfaces for your models, and the resulting texture maps will turn your creations into extremely detailed art that not only looks realistic but saves you a ton of time fiddling with bits and bobs.
If you're serious about becoming a 3D modeller, you owe it to yourself to at least give it a try. We guarantee that the results will please you, and afterwards, you won't want to use anything else for your skinning and texturing.
Free 3D Modeling Software
If you're on a fixed income and can't afford to shell out hundreds of dollars for a full license but still want to learn the skills needed to become a 3D modeller, you're in luck: there are some free 3D modeling software options out there as well, and many are quite powerful and capable of producing professional-grade content.
10. Blender
The king of the castle among free 3D modeling software is, without a doubt, Blender. It's been around since 2002 and is quite polished. Running on every major operating system, it provides all the tools you expect in modeling software, including rigging, texturing, sculpting, UVing, and animation. With a solid rendering engine, it has proven itself time and again when compared to the fancier programs out there.
As an added bonus, it's open-source! This means that there are constant improvements and available add-ons for new functionality are not only common, but always free of charge. This puts a lot of power in your hands. If you can't swing an expensive license for Maya, this is the next best thing.
11. Daz Studio
Free 3d Modeling
Recently made free to all, Daz Studio is accessible to newcomers as well as experienced 3D modellers, and is focused around creating art using people, animals, and other assets from their list. Unlike most other entries on the list, this is more akin to a posing tool than one designed to create high-end 3D models for production.
While the program itself is totally free, be advised that a lot of the content on their marketplace is not: this means that to really make the most out of it, you'll still need to plunk down a bit of cash. If you are in it to make art rather than animation for your portfolio, you can't really go wrong: a large amount of content is available right from the start, and anything you make is royalty-free!
12. SkethupFree
A surprisingly easy 3D modeling software option,SketchUp works on every major operating system—it will even run smoothly on your Chromebook!
You can draw, set orbits, and combine elements to create true 3D art with ease in a natural, sketch-based approach. Through Sketchup, you can draft some cool home layouts, furniture, and isometric art without needing to create primitives and extrude for hours. This is super-handy for those looking into becoming an interior designer. You're also spared the rigor of rigging, and the annoyance of UV maps as well. This is a great tool for those more looking to make cool art.
13. Sculptris
Sculptris has a lot going for it: it has, for example, some of the sculpting power of Zbrush (but none of the price associated with it). It's the absolute best free 3D modeling software for sculpting; nothing else even comes close to it. Within a few short minutes, you'll be able to figure out the way the controls operate; even pint-sized artists have no problem, and can get to creating silly faces in no time.
While it can produce some truly neat models, you will still need another 3D program to make the most out of it. If you are looking for a way to make insanely awesome sculpts and feel like a master 3D modeller without shelling out for Zbrush, nothing else available can compare.
14. Houdini Apprentice
SideFX's Houdini is a great program—one of the best free 3D modelling software options on our list, in fact. Equipped with all the power and flexibility offered by the paid version of the program, Houdini Apprentice will allow you to learn to use all its features without shelling out the $2,000 required for the pro version. Personal projects are totally fine, but without a license, you'll still need to purchase the full version to make use of it for commercial purposes.
15. Vue
Vue is known for being the 3D modeling software of choice for creating amazing 3D landscapes. Compelling worlds are a breeze to shape, and it even has numerous features bundled in to make sure your creations don't look too real. Camera lens distortions, depth of field and anti-aliasing strategies all combine to give a huge amount of control to your scene and how it renders.
The catch? You won't be able to save in the same format compatible with the paid version, and your files will be auto-watermarked to avoid the use of assets in commercial products.
16. Autodesk Maya
If you want a chance to learn the best 3D modeling software on the market, you have that opportunity: Autodesk Maya offers a 30-day trial to everyone interested in checking out what it has to offer. Students can even enjoy a student license for the duration of their studies. This gives you plenty of time to hone your abilities and master the program by the time you're serious about using it professionally.
The only limit you have with the free version is a simple one: you can't use the assets you create in commercial products.
17. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is still in active development, but it already has tons of cool features. As far as free 3D modelling software goes, it's hard to beat something with this many useful tools. Thanks to parametric models, you're able to define shapes based on properties (and even other objects), which means you can recalculate entire sections on-demand.
18. MakeHuman
With a simple UI, MakeHuman allows budding 3D modellers to easily design humanoid characters with a suite of useful and intuitive tools. As simple 3D modelling software goes, it's extremely focused and serves a single purpose: character design. If you're looking to dive into the pools of 3D art this is a great place to start. Within a few minutes you'll be able to figure out how to combine meshes and create interesting personalities for use in your next project.
19. OpenSCAD
Less about the artistic and more about the functionality, OpenSCAD is entirely intended for the more technical side of 3D asset production. Through programming and math, this program excels at producing exact replicas of your designs in a 3D printer, making it an exceptional option for anyone who is looking to make devices and toys rather than character models and creatures.
Don't Forget to Upload Your Creations to Your Online Portfolio!
If you're looking to cut your teeth in this fun and relatively new art form, now is definitely the right time to do it: the gaming industry is booming; and VFX are used in just about everything we consume online, on TV, and on the big screen. And clients love finding designers that you can keep up in this 3D modeling software realm.
Once you've created some awesome new pieces of work, make sure to upload them to your online portfolio. If you don't have one, just use a website builder to build one in minutes. Pick an online portfolio that comes with stylish templates along with designer-friendly features like client proofing, so your clients can proof designs, right on your website.
You can create entire worlds in 3D modeling software—now go have fun!
*Need some more design inspiration?
A Guide To Graphic Designer Salaries—And How To Negotiate Them
14 Neat Ways To Boost Your Typography Skills
63 Extremely Cool Adobe Illustrator Tutorials
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3D modeling is the representation of an object in software form. It essentially involves transforming an object into mathematical data. 3D modeling software is used in a variety of fields such as 3D printing, architecture, animation, gaming, and industrial design. A good 3D modeling software is very important in a graphic designer's toolkit because it allows the designer to create rich and detail oriented illustrations for his/her client. It also allows the designer to create a realistic blueprint and see how it blends with the environment in which the designed product is intended to be used/placed.
3D modeling software packages come with a range of features and tools and each one offers a solution to certain specific kinds of use cases. Choosing the right software depends on understanding those features. Following are a list of some of the best 3D modeling software packages along with a brief explanation of their main features.
Beginner level software packages
TinkerCAD: TinkerCAD is a free 3D modeling software optimized towards beginners and designers/non-designers who are completely new to 3D modeling. Its interface is great because it allows a new user to combine the most basic shapes and build a model that is complex. Think of it like a lego building activity, using basic building blocks, but on a computer. It is understood that one can build impressive 3D models with results comparable to those achieved in software programs like Raspberry Pi. TinkerCAD is probably not the software that a designer will use on a long term basis. It can be looked upon as a stepping stone towards eventually graduating to a more sophisticated software like AutoCAD. TinkerCAD works on a web browser in any OS.
SelfCAD: SelfCAD is another great 3D modeling software for beginners. It allows 3D modeling and slicing via its intuitive graphical user interface. SelfCAD is known for its simple design where anyone can start creating models without going through a very steep learning curve. It is geared primarily towards 3D printing and allows preparation of 3D models for printing, slicing, and piping of the g-code. It has a marketplace feature from where one can download pre-made 3D printable objects housed in a library of over 45,000 objects. DIYers and students are the major users of SelfCAD. Its subscription costs $15 a month, but students and teachers can get a 65% discount making it a very affordable price. SelfCAD works on a web browser in any OS.
3D Slash: If you like Minecraft, then 3D Slash is going to be fun. It uses the same concept of block-building, as in the game, to create models. It is free software and pretty easy to use. With some light training, one can start building models. You can even import existing models into the software. What is different about this software as compared to other traditional modeling software packages is that there are no features like extrusion, revolution, sweeps, etc. The modeling in 3D slash is based on working with cuboids that can be subdivided into smaller blocks. Tools provided in the software are named hammer, chisel, drill, trowel, etc. For example, a hammer can be used to remove individual cubes while a trowel can be used to add individual cubes. The software can connect to online printing services or model repositories. You can even export your design file to STL and print it on your own 3D printer. 3D Slash works with Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Raspberry Pi. DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists will enjoy working with 3D slash.
Intermediate level software packages
Sketchup: Great for making renders and animations for free. It is free to download and it's a great option for beginners and intermediates. It has a clean and simple user interface which allows relatively inexperienced designers to explore 3D modeling at their own pace. Sketchup does have paid advanced versions, but the free version can do a lot of things as well. This software is used in industries such as architecture, interior designing, construction, urban planning, and engineering for visualization and planning-related tasks. One of the best features of this software is 3D Warehouse, which is a library of 2.2 million pre-made downloadable models. Sketchup works on Windows and Mac.
FreeCAD – As the name suggests, FreeCAD is a free open-source 3D modeling software that is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. If you know programming, then you can use that knowledge to implement new features to your software copy as the program is built partially on Python. FreeCAD has a modular design where you can add plugins over the core application depending on your requirements and use case. You can 3D design real-life objects, simulate robot movements, modify your design by changing the parameters of the old design, and even sketch 2D shapes. FreeCAD is more oriented towards the CAD community. Hence, it can be a bit overwhelming to a new user initially. Overall, FreeCAD is a good parametric CAD modeler that will be appreciated by mechanical engineers or designers who can program a bit as well.
OpenSCAD: If you are a die-hard coder who also likes to see your coded models come to life with a 3D printer, then OpenSCAD is for you. It is not a typical modeling software but rather a compiler. The software is based on the concept of constructive solid geometry and 2D outline extrusion. It specifies the geometric primitives of a model and defines how those primitives are altered or manipulated in order to create a 3D model. All of this is done via code. The advantage of using this code-based approach to modeling is that you can save and reuse the code for other projects. Obviously, not everyone will find the coding approach workable. Hence, this software is not for everyone. But it is free and available on Linux, Mac, and Windows.
Meshmixer: If fixing 3D meshes and optimizing them for 3D printing is what you are after, then Meshmixer is a pretty good software to do just that. Meshmixer has a distinct focus on the mechanical functionality of 3D models. You can model solid prosthetics with mechanical parts using this software. You can connect different parts into a single model by automatically generating joints using this software. The overall cost of printing can be saved by trimming down unwanted mass from the core 3D design using Meshmixer. You can even repair mesh designs using functions such as hollowing, scaling, and mesh simplification. Judging by its special focus on fixing and optimizing meshes, Meshmixer is not a beginner level software, but rather an intermediate level package. It is a free-to-download software and works with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Professional level software packages
AutoCAD: AutoCAD is considered by many to be the gold standard of 3D modeling software. It is perhaps the best known software in the industry. AutoCAD has been around since 1982. It is a desktop application, but now has a mobile, web, and cloud version on offer. It has one of the widest arrays of features among all software packages that we reviewed and that range allows it to serve a bunch of industries, from architecture and graphic design to engineering and manufacturing. A beginner can benefit by using the core basic features while some specialized training can unlock the potential of the advanced features that AutoCAD offers. For those interested in 3D printing, AutoCAD is connected to Print Studio which allows seamless connectivity to your 3D printer. The software is not cheap and will cost you over $1500 a year. AutoCAD is compatible with Windows and Mac.
Rhino3D: Rhino3D (also known as Rhinoceros) is a software used in CAD, CAM, prototyping, 3D printing, architecture, industrial and product design, and other applications. The basis of the modeling done in Rhino3D is NURBS, which is a mathematical model that focuses on producing numerically precise representations of curves and other shapes. Hence, you will have to enter numbers when you shape your models or place them somewhere within the software. This may slow down the workflow in certain situations. Designers looking for mathematically precise designs will appreciate Rhino3D. Pricing starts from around $200 and goes up as per the version of software selected. Rhino3D works on Windows and Mac.
Blender: Blender is perhaps the most popular 3D modeling software within the 3D printing community. Due to that popularity, you will find lots of search results related to Blender on Google, YouTube, and discussion forums. All that information and help will be definitely helpful because Blender is known to have a steep learning curve for beginners. But once you put in some effort, you will like the freedom that Blender gives you in terms of the wide variety of tools and design possibilities that you have on the table. You can use features like UV wrapping, texturing, rigging, skinning, soft body simulation, etc. It can also create animated films and visual effects. Best of all, the software is open source and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Zbrush: Zbrush is a popular digital sculpting software. If you are looking to create creatures, figurines, and organic objects, then Zbrush does a great job. The makers of Zbrush have borrowed concepts from clay sculpting when designing this 3D modeling software. It works on the principle of progressive detailing in which you first start out with a primitive model or a generic model that you either make or import into the software. Next, you define the features of the body such as arms and legs. You then move onto smaller brushes are work on details like muscles, fingers, and so on. Then you move onto more minute details like wrinkles and scars. All these phases of modeling and features result in a steep learning curve for new users. But, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, then you won't find many software packages that are better at 3D sculpting than Zbrush. The pricing on this software is mid-level with educational packages priced at around $500 and professional ones starting from around $900. Windows and Mac operating systems are both compatible for Zbrush usage.
Industrial level software packages
SolidWorks: A very popular 3D modeling software among engineers, Solidworks is a household name in the engineering industry. It is optimized towards the creation of parts and assemblies that one would eventually build in a manufacturing plant. It was designed keeping in mind industries like aerospace, industrial equipment, automotive, architecture, medical, energy, and shipbuilding. This software runs on Microsoft Windows. Being an advanced software package with advanced features, it requires a fair bit of training and engineering knowledge for the most effective use. It is not cheap either though one can get an educational license for around 10 euros a year. Solidworks is compatible with Windows.
Fusion360: Fusion360 has really grown in popularity over the last few years. This Autodesk product not only offers designing and modeling options, but it can also simulate the construction of the models designed and the stresses that the model will undergo when it is used. Fusion360 is also great for 3D printing because the models designed can be directly imported into Autodesk Printing Studio and a 3D printable file can be created. If you have a team of designers that are collaborating remotely, then Fusion360 has a cloud file-sharing feature as well. This software does extensive training if one plans to use its advanced features. It also costs about $500 a year for a subscription. Fusion360 runs on both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Easy 3d Modeling Program
Inventor: Another Autodesk product, Inventor is a direct competitor to Solidworks. Subscription prices start from $1935 and a fair amount of training is necessary to master this software. One also needs to have a reasonably advanced knowledge in engineering to get the most out of inventor. It is used for 3D mechanical design and product simulation. Someone who is not satisfied with the 3D printers available in the market and wants to build his/her own 3D printer will like using Inventor as the modeling software. Windows and Mac operating systems are both approved for Inventor use.
