In the digital design world, vector illustration is considered to be one of the most valuable design skills as it allows designers to resize images infinitely without sacrificing the quality of the image. There will be a discussion about that in this guide, and we will dig deep into what vector graphics are, why they should be used, what you can make with them, and who uses them. Have you wondered what 3d vector graphics software are available for beginners?
With vector graphics programs, you will be able to design 3d vector graphics with text or anything else that you would like to add to the vector. It’s absolutely important to note that the quality of the final product will not be reduced as your computer processes these graphics files. Amongst the many free vector graphics software packages one can find on the market, Inkscape is amongst the most popular. Since the program can work on Mac, Windows and Linux, anyone who needs to create vector graphic elements for their project can make use of it.
Here, I will be showing you the best vector graphic software.
Adobe Illustrator
Best for 3D artwork and textures.
Illustrator is a vector graphics software that allows for the creation of 3D graphics, the addition of textures, as well as many other things. Using this application, you are able to share your work seamlessly with others by sharing a link for feedback with them. You can polish your skills and inspire your creativity with the inbuilt learning panel that comes with it.
As a result of its ability to automatically activate fonts, you are able to easily and automatically replace fonts that have been lost.
Features:
- Provides logo design, typography fonts, hand lettering, icon, infographic, banner, and chart design.
- By Adobe Sensei AI, creates and recolors smartly.
- Whenever inspiration strikes, it provides its services.
- Graphics and textures for 3D effects.
- Link sharing facilitates collaboration.
- Discover panel recommends best features.
- Identifies similar fonts and eliminates manual work.
Verdict:
As a highly recommended software for creating graphic design and texturing in 3D, creating typography fonts, creating 3D graphics in vector format, and so on, Adobe Illustrator is highly recommended. The company also offers a 7-day free trial to individuals, students and teachers, as well as a 14-day free trial for businesses and teams.
Pricing:
- $20.99 per month for one app
- All Creative Cloud apps for $52.99
- Teachers and students- $19.99
- Business- $33.99 a month.
Wings 3D
- File FormatsNDO, 3DS, BZW, DAE, GLB, EPS, SVG, JSCAD, IWO, IXO, OBJ, RWX, STL, WRL, X
- PlatformWindows, MacOS, Linux
- SpecializationMesh Modeling
- Use CasesArchitecture, Product Design
Wings 3D is a free and open-source subdivision modeler, also known as a mesh modeler. It has a wide range of powerful tools, but its interface is not overly complicated to put off novice users.
Mesh modelers have the appearance of sculpting programs, but all they do is show the user the “mesh,” which consists of the polygonal flat faces that compose a CAD object.
The Wings 3D software includes a context-sensitive right-click menu, which means that the menu will only display relevant commands depending on what the user has selected at the moment. Despite the fact that it contains many advanced customization options, due to this one of a kind feature, the software is extremely user-friendly for novices. To take it a step further, when you hover your mouse pointer over a command, you will see a description of its function. This will ensure that you are never confused about what various tools are actually used for.
Wings 3D comes with a few features that are surprisingly advanced, yet they are all very easy to use. Using a program like AutoUV, for instance, you’ll be able to map pictures and textures onto a 3D model. On the Wings 3D website, you will find a complete list of the game’s features. Even though the features that it does have are top-notch, it does not provide you with a comprehensive set. Wings 3D does not include any rendering or animation capabilities; therefore, you will need to use a separate program for those tasks. However, Wings 3D should be sufficient for your 3D printing needs on its own.
Due to the fact that the Wings 3D project has been active since 2001, there is a sizable community behind it that has produced extensive documentation in the form of tutorials. On the website, you’ll be able to find a list that includes some of the very best.
- What’s it good for? Beginning or advanced users looking for a large selection of tools with a clean interface that’s easy to navigate.
- Where can I get it? Wings 3D
Leopoly
- File FormatsOBJ, STL
- PlatformBrowser
- SpecializationSculpting
- Use CasesDigital Art, Animation, Game Design
Leopoly is a free sculpting program that runs in your browser and provides a limited set of tools to choose from. Due to its ease of use, it is an excellent starting point for novices and students who are interested in learning the art of 3D sculpting, as well as the customization and 3D printing of their own models.
You don’t even need to sign up for an account to get started sculpting; all you need is a ball of digital clay or a base shape like a human body or face, and you can get started right away. The artist only has access to seven different brushes and a selection of paints. You are able to generate and emboss letters and patterns onto your model, and the “mix” tool enables you to add new primitive shapes to your existing model so that they can be merged, subtracted, or intersected with one another.
Leopoly is helpful if you need someone else to 3D print your designs because newly created models can be easily prepared for 3D printing and sent to a 3D printing service bureau. If you are looking for someone else to 3D print your designs, you can use Leopoly. There is also a fully integrated library that contains models created by users, any of which can be used as a foundation for your design or added to it.
There is some tutorial content available, but it is not extensive, and it is provided by zSpace, the developers of Leopoly. Their material consists of nothing more than a brief document that walks you through building your first model. There are some user tutorials, but it’s probably fine to just use Leopoly in your browser and watch more detailed sculpting tutorials based on programs like zBrush instead. In light of this, Leopoly is an excellent lightweight solution for sculpting.
- What’s it good for? Students and beginners looking for a free, accessible sculpting tool with zero commitment.
- Where can I find it? Leopoly
BlocksCAD
- File FormatsXML, SCAD
- PlatformBrowser
- SpecializationOpenSCAD
- Use CasesEducation
BlocksCAD is a 3D modeler that, similar to Tinkercad’s implementation with “codeblocks,” simplifies OpenSCAD scripting for beginners through a colorful and appealing user interface. BlocksCAD was inspired by Tinkercad.
OpenSCAD is a novel approach to 3D modeling that generates renderings through the execution of scripts. It lacks the visual appeal of some of the other modeling approaches, but it makes precision relatively simple. If you are intimately familiar with coding or if you would like to introduce someone to coding while providing them with instant gratification from renderings, it could be an appealing form of modeling for you to engage in.
Because it was initially designed to introduce younger users to the process of 3D modeling through scripting, BlocksCAD is an excellent tool for use in the classroom. Through a process of dragging and dropping colorful blocks that represent commands, it is able to visualize, to some extent, the experience of script-based modeling. The model script is constructed by stacking these blocks one on top of the other like LEGO bricks. You can render the 3D model whenever you want to make it appear for inspection so that others can view it.
BlocksCAD does not currently offer the ability to save files directly as an STL file format; however, you can save the code. In order to make your models available for 3D printing, you will need to take the colorful BlocksCAD script and copy it into OpenSCAD itself. This will give you access to additional file formats.
The tutorial that is built into BlocksCAD is designed to be as simple as possible, instructing users to simply drop their first primitive shape into the code and then render it. There is a BlocksCAD channel on YouTube that includes some more in-depth lessons, in addition to the fundamental ones. Because the software is designed for novices, there is not a significant amount of community-created content; however, any OpenSCAD tutorials will also be applicable here.
- What’s it good for? Students and beginners looking to learn or try their hand at 3D modeling with OpenSCAD scripting.
- Where can I get it? BlocksCAD
Blender
- File FormatsDAE, ABC, USDC, SVG, PDF, BVH, PLY, STL, FBX, GLB, OBJ, X3D
- PlatformWindows, MacOS, Linux
- SpecializationSculpting, Mesh Modeling
- Use CasesDigital Art, Animation, Game Design
If this is your first time using Blender, you might find it funny when I tell you that it’s an excellent program for people just starting out, but bear with me here.
Blender is a free and open-source piece of software that can be used for 3D modeling and animation. It is among the most powerful of its kind and is utilized by professionals with a high level of expertise to create even feature-length animated films such as the one that is available on Netflix called Next Gen. However, the user interface can be quite daunting despite the fact that anyone can access it for free and that it is the only program you will ever require.
Blender is one of those programs that made it onto this list for a few different reasons. To begin, it provides some of the most comprehensive options for 3D modeling methods. Second, because it is such a widely used and open-source program, there is a sizable community of users, and there are many resources available for newcomers.
The Blender subreddit on Reddit alone has more than six times as many members as the subreddit for the next largest 3D modelling software. The community features the work of both seasoned artists who are eager to show off their creations and complete beginners who are eager to demonstrate the improvements they’ve made after following various tutorials. The aforementioned tutorials are also abundant, and the majority of them are very user-friendly. The donut tutorial written by Andrew Price, also known as the “Blender Guru,” is widely considered to be the most popular of its kind. In it, users are guided through the interface, given a list of shortcut keys, and shown how to design a donut and a cup of coffee that look fantastic.
- What’s it good for? Learning 3D modeling with an enthusiastic community, or professional 3D modeling with an advanced suite of tools.
- Where can I get it? Blender
Vectr
FixThePhoto editors’ choice
Editors’ Rating (5/5)
Windows / Linux / Chrome OS / Web
Pros
- Cross-platform and browser versions
- Intuitive, easy to use interface
- Easy project sharing
- WordPress integration
Cons
- Not found
This is a graphic design free software for creating different projects – from t-shirt prints to full-fledged graphics for websites. Vectr has a simple and intuitive interface, allows you to export created files in real-time.
Also, this software provides functionality for exchanging the information between different devices, which makes it convenient for team design.
Their website tells you several times that it’s not difficult to use and the developers can help you any time and with any question.
The Vectr’s learning curve is low. That’s why if you can’t afford to buy more expensive vector programs, this will be a great option for you to start.
It’s very simple to find various tutorials using Vectr software as there are about 30 of them on their website. You can use this software both online and via download. As for your work, it will be automatically saved and synched.
- Read more about the best Adobe Illustrator alternatives.
Canva
The best program for quick edits
Editors’ Rating (5/5)
Web / iOS / Android
Pros
- Access from any computers and devices
- Thousands of templates
- Easy to use
Cons
- Requires fast Internet
Canva is used by 10 million people and offers universal design tools that allow users to create anything they want, including email headers, presentations, and infographics for blogs. Canva also has a large user base. Their website has a layout that is very easy to understand, making it suitable for novices. In addition to that, it possesses a drag-and-drop feature as well as free graphic templates of a very high standard.
Because of its strong compatibility with visual elements, this program is frequently utilized by non-designers as a fallback option. This is the best free online graphic design software that you should use if you are only going to be working with simple graphics. It is fantastic if you want to make something quickly but do not have a lot of time to get professional skills.
Conclusion
Today there is a huge amount of software for computer graphics and vector design, which makes it practically impossible to choose just one. So if you are looking for a good authoring package at an affordable price – our article will help you choose the most suitable option. In our ranking we took into account only free application with an open source code. So they are really free!