3D programs for beginners & advanced users

1.2. Function: 3DSlash, 3DTin, Autodesk TinkerCAD, Autodesk 123D Design

To create functional, for example, technical parts, you need more control over the shape and size of your 3D model. Many 3D programs offer a multitude of such functions, but unfortunately at the expense of user-friendliness. Fortunately, however, some 3D software providers have released stripped-down versions on the market. These do not have full functionality but are sufficient for most hobby projects. If the functions are not sufficient for a specific project, you can usually export the files without any problems and import them into a more extensive 3D program. Alternatively, you can also leave this work to a 3D modeling service.

3DSlash  is also a free 3D program. With 3DSlash, you have a starting body and chisel your desired object out of this block. This is fun because the processes are well animated and therefore provide a lot of entertainment while designing. In addition to spatial design, you can import photos to refine the design or apply color or motifs. You can install the program on your computer or perform 3D modeling via 3DSlash’s web app directly in the browser. For the latter, you need to register – but this is also free.
Also working via web apps are 3DTin and Autodesk TinkerCAD. The logic of modeling is rather conventional here; from a set of basic shapes, you can create your desired model using typical 3D operations. 3DTin is free, but you must share the objects you design with the 3DTin community under the Creative Commons License. TinkerCAD is also free, but you must store your 3D models in the Autodesk Cloud. If both programs are too simple for you, then you should try Autodesk 123D Design. This is also a free 3D program, but this time for download for PC, Mac, and alternatively also iPad.

2. Professional Use (or Advanced Hobby 3D Design)

If 3D modeling is to be more than a hobby, then you need advanced features for modeling. We have selected some 3D programs for you under the aspect of functionality, without neglecting the costs. If you are still a student, there are numerous 3D software programs available at very affordable student prices (sometimes even free) for which otherwise four-figure amounts would have to be paid.

2.1 Design: Blender, ZBrush, Cinema 4D, 3DS Max, Maya, Rhino

Blender is a widely used, free 3D program. Blender’s functionality is extremely versatile and covers many useful features (e.g., definition and creation of UV maps, 3D sculpting, animations, rendering). Because so many designers use Blender, there are countless resources available online for learning the program. However, you will also need this because Blender is not necessarily one of the easiest programs to learn. If you are still a complete beginner, it may make sense to start with one of the above 3D programs.

ZBrush by Pixologic costs around 800 USD and is a professional 3D sculpting program. It is used by professionals to create characters or edit 3D scans of people, for example. ZBrush offers a wide selection of different ‘brushes’ with which you can not only edit surface textures very detailedly but also easily apply textures (e.g., from photos) to your 3D model. At first, the user interface may seem a bit strange, but once you get used to it, you will appreciate the versatility of this 3D program.

Autodesk 3DS Max (approximately 1,600 EUR (net) annually), Rhino (about 1,000 USD), Autodesk Maya (approximately 1,600 EUR (net) annually), and Cinema 4D Studio (about 3,700 USD) are all very good 3D programs with very detailed and helpful features, but they also come at a price. Such a purchase is definitely worthwhile if you are already a professional; as beginner programs, they are very expensive. The applications of the different solutions are different; 3DS Max, for example, is often used by (interior) architects, Rhino is frequently used for jewelry design, Cinema 4D and Maya are popular for animation creation.

2.2 Function: Blender, FreeCAD, SketchUp, Solidworks, AutoDesk Inventor

Here as well, Blender  is an option due to its high functionality. In general, controlling dimensions is not necessarily a strength of Blender, but this can be circumvented with some tricks, such as entering sizes instead of using the mouse. For relatively simple objects, this is absolutely sufficient; for very high complexity, this 3D program is no longer suitable.

As the name suggests, FreeCAD is a free 3D program. FreeCAD’s user interface is slightly different from the other described 3D programs. It is a so-called parametric 3D software, meaning you can define various parameters and operations for your 3D model, which gives you high control over the dimensions of the model and also allows you to add functionality to the program.

With SketchUp Make (free) and SketchUp Pro (around 700 USD), you can simply draw contours and then extrude them. This is popular, for example, among architects. But other applications such as game design are also possible with SketchUp.

Solidworks is only available through dealers and is very expensive (high four-digit amount). Solidworks is one of THE 3D programs for engineers around the world. In addition to databases with standardized parts, you can also quickly and easily create two-dimensional technical drawings of your 3D models in an automated way.

In addition to the 3D programs introduced here, there are numerous other, sometimes very good software options. These include MODO, OnShape, Moment of Inspiration (MoI), AutoDesk Fusion 360, Hexagon, and Antimony, among others. Do you have experience with them? If so, we would appreciate it if you could share your experience with us as a comment!

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