What is free 3d graphic design software? In this article, you will find good free 3d graphic design software. But first of all, it’s necessary to know the definitions of these words. What is free 3d graphic design software? Free means that it is free and can be downloaded from the web for free. Also, it can be used for commercial purposes but with limitations. Some require attribution too.
Free 3-D modeling software is an application that enables you to create models in one or more levels of virtual reality. These applications can be used in computer animation and visual effects, video games, engineering, architecture, construction, and design industries. Free online 3-D graphic design software is a freely available computer program that can be accessed over the internet.
3D graphic design software is at the forefront of today’s latest technological advances, and it’s some of the most powerful tools used by modern designers. However, not everyone is willing to pay for this tool. Fortunately, there are very good alternatives to expensive professional software packages out there.
Graphic design plays a vital role in industry, advertising, fashion and entertainment. The application of graphic art is found everywhere in today’s world from simple tools like sticky notes to high tech gadgets like computers. Today, there are many creative tools available for 3D computer graphics to make designs easier and more enjoyable for users.
Criteria For Best Free 3D Graphic Software
Here are some of the criteria we used to evaluate the best free 3D graphic software tools:
- Ease of use: free software tools are often used by beginners so this is important.
- Depth of 3D software: being easy to use because there isn’t much you can do with the software doesn’t count as a plus. The ideal free 3D modeling software tool is not only easy to learn and use, but with a wide and deep range of tools to create professional 3D models.
- Novelty: a ranking of ten 3D software tools that perform the exact same function is boring. Bonus points were given to a 3D software program that took a completely new approach to creating 3D designs.
Adobe Substance 3D
Adobe Aero is software that enables you to draw 3D designs. It allows you to rotate and transform the objects. This application can be used to add the texture of objects.
Features:
- You can add a transparency effect to objects.
- Allows you to blend two objects together.
- Create a 3D human skeleton that can be animated seamlessly.
- You can move 3D object pixels forward or backward with ease.
- You can make high-quality virtual photographs.
Tinkercad
- File FormatsOBJ, SVG, STL, PART
- PlatformBrowser
- SpecializationDirect Modeling, OpenSCAD
- Use CasesEducation
With a simple, bright interface and plenty of educational resources, Tinkercad is specifically designed for those with no prior CAD experience. In addition to being one of the most accessible 3D modeling software around, it can also be used right in your browser.
Don’t let the colorful look fool you. The Tinkercad software from Autodesk is simple but powerful, allowing you to use primitive shapes, such as cubes, cylinders, and spheres, to realize your ideas in CAD by means of drag and drop. You can move, rotate, and scale each shape, and assign them to be a solid or “hole”. Grouping shapes allows you to create the intricate 3D model’s you’ll find in Tinkercad’s gallery.
There are plenty of tutorials from Tinkercad itself that are basic and slowly paced. If you find yourself frozen in most CAD interfaces, the Tinkercad learning page is the place to start. It features short, individual lessons for every aspect of the interface, and a list of lessons that walk you through a variety of simple models. For more involved lessons, the “projects” section will guide you through model-making in more detail. The tutorials are especially suitable for children.
Tinkercad also provides users with the ability to design, program, and simulate electronic assemblies, as well as a feature called Codeblocks, which uses lines of code to create 3D objects with OpenSCAD. It’s a great all-around tool for learning modern maker tech.
- What’s it good for? Entry-level students and people with no experience using 3D modeling software.
- Where can I get it? Tinkercad
Meshmixer
- File FormatsOBJ, STL, 3MF, AMF, DAE, PLY, WRL, SMESH
- PlatformWindows, MacOS
- SpecializationDirect Modeling, Sculpting, Optimization
- Use Cases3D Printing Optimization/ Repair
Meshmixer is a lightweight 3D modeling software developed by Autodesk that should be in every maker’s toolbox. As the software’s website puts it, it’s a “Swiss Army Knife” for 3D objects that allows you to manipulate, add to, splice, merge models, and more, with ease.
The program is mostly used to tweak, repair, or optimize existing 3D models, but also has sculpting and solid modeling tools built in. The tool selection is simple but offers enough variety to get you intimately familiar with the tools you’ll need for either form of 3D modeling.
Since Meshmixer is tailor-made for 3D printing, not only can you design and repair 3D models in the program but also add support structures, orient models, and use Meshmixer’s variety of unique optimization tools to prepare your design for printing.
There might be a slightly steeper learning curve with Meshmixer in some places compared to software made especially for beginners, but there’s a manual by Autodesk to learn any unfamiliar terminology and get your footing. The program is a little dated at this point and not being updated, but it’s completely free and will always come in handy – so you can’t really go wrong.
- What is it good for? Beginners who want a simple tool that will remain useful later on.
- Where can I get it? Meshmixer
ZBrushCoreMini
- File FormatsOBJ
- PlatformWindows, Mac
- SpecializationSculpting
- Use CasesDigital Art, Animation, Game Design
ZBrushCoreMini is a stripped down version of Pixologic’s ZBrush, a powerful and popular sculpting program among many advanced and professional designers. Don’t let that scare you off, though. CoreMini is made with beginners in mind, so it’s easy to learn for those with little 3D modeling experience.
Like many other sculpting programs, you’re given a lump of digital clay to edit using brushes. ZBrushCoreMini keeps things simple with a selection of eight basic brushes that add to, smoothen, subtract from, inflate, pinch, and polish your model. the program also includes four of Pixologic’s “Vector Displacement Meshes” (VDM). These are brushes that enable you to instantly create a complex shape on your model, and there’s a huge variety of shapes included. This gives you a very helpful foundation when you’re just getting used to sculpting. Having trouble making a decent ear? Just pop one in with the VDM and start customizing it.
It’s worth noting that CoreMini limits you in polygons and file types, doesn’t allow imports or renders (though includes live ambient occlusion), and restricts you in a few other ways. The great thing about getting started with it is that transitioning to the more advanced Zbrush software down the road will be easy once you’re ready. ZBrushCore, the next tier up from the free CoreMini software, is just $10 a month for a subscription, or $180 for a one-time purchase.
Pixologic offers a good variety of tutorial content with ZClassroom and you’ll be prompted to check it out upon installing ZBrushCoreMini. They have lessons for all the basics, but the top tutorials are for the full ZBrush program – so scroll down to the smaller ZBrushCore selection to see a more familiar interface in your lessons.
- What is it good for? Beginners interested in learning digital sculpting, especially those who want some help from VDM brushes.
- Where can I find it? Pixologic
Blender
Blender is a 3D modeling software for developing visual effects, animated movies, games, and more. This tool allows beginners to import or export videos in MPEG, QuickTime, and AVI file formats. It offers keyboard shortcuts for convenience.
Features:
- It has a path tracer for realistic rendering.
- You can create, transform, sculpt, and edit your models.
- It offers a real-time preview of the 3D scene and tracked footage.
- You can customize shortcuts.
- This tool helps you to turn still characters into impressive animations.
- You can export your design as an image.
- This 3d modeling program enables you to draw a polygon shape.
Google SketchUp
Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling computer program. The tool comes with a 3D gallery that lets you search for models and share among other users. This application lets you visualize your ideas.
Features:
- It helps you to customize the 3D workspace.
- You can collaborate with other people.
- This free modeling software enables you to manage layers effortlessly.
- Google SketchUp helps you to set lightning effects.
- Supports numerous plugins.
Link: https://www.sketchup.com/
SolidWorks
SolidWorks is a free 3d CAD software that runs on Microsoft Windows. It enables you to create, validate, manage, and transform your idea into the design of the product. It is easy to use application that helps you to shorten your product development time.
Features:
- You can design, reuse, and automate products.
- Solidworks allows you to save frequently used parts and templates for easy access.
- You can create 3D images.
- This simple 3d modeling software has an analysis tool that helps you to verify the performance of your product.
- You can verify that components are assembled properly before starting the production process.
Onshape
Onshape is a tool that helps businesses to modernize the process of product design. This application helps you to manage your product design. It allows you to import or export industry file formats. You can use this program to review design in real-time.
Feature:
- Supports live chat as well as commenting.
- Securely share your design with others.
- You can customize the features.
- It allows you to draw parts, drawings, and assemblies.
Autodesk Maya
Type: Subscription Price: $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.
Houdini
Type: License Price: $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.
7 Advantages of 3D Modeling
1. Realistic, Quick & Easy
With 3D modeling, you can show your product more realistically. This 3D modeling technique is easy and simple for designers. Designers before finalizing all the important aspects can evaluate the project from different angles. Also, they can make changes before making the prototype. Physical models are important but, 3D models provide you with the quickest way to detect the flaws in the project. Also, 3D modeling enables you to concentrate more on the creative essence. With this, you can save a lot of time and money in the development of the prototype and you can see how small changes in design will look.
2. Expand the Design
By using the 3D modeling software you can design any type of feature. In other words, you can make different shapes of your own choice. Not just shape, you can easily make complex patterns with just a click. But don’t forget, it requires skills and expertise. Designers who do not use 3D modeling usually face the issue in clearly representing their idea. For this reason, the 3D model gives designers the free hand to increase their aesthetic vocabulary.
3. Easy Corrections & Remodeling
If you make minor or major changes in your physical project, you won’t be able to see its impact. With 3D modeling, it becomes easier for the designers to inspect the overall design. Moreover, if you think your project needs remodelling you can easily do it with 3D modeling software without any additional cost & expense. Another advantage of 3D modeling is that the result will be the same as designed. Read How to Make a 3D Model of Your Home Renovation Vision, to know more about 3D modeling.
4. Increases Quality & Efficiency
The most interesting application of 3D modelling is its use in the combination of 2D techniques. This combination helps designers in exploring new creative workflows. In this manner the efficiency and productivity of the designer increases. Not just this, you can show the better quality of your rough work to a potential customer. Another interesting feature of 3D modelling is the combination of hand-drawn sketches with 3D effect in a single picture.
5. Better for Project Approvals
With 3D modeling of your project, you can easily compel and satisfy the prospect. The prospect can see the little details you have worked on. However, with 2D drawings, you cannot do so. Hence, 3D modeling multiplies the chances of approval. Even after approval if the prospect requires changes, you can do that without investing much time.
6. Measurements
A 3D modeling design can clearly display the physical dimensions of the project and its distance in relation to other objects in the total layout. This will help the prospect to see and adjust arrangements based on the size of the project. Even 3D modeling makes it easier for the designer and prospect to work together. In addition, the designers can communicate their ideas to the entire team easily with 3D modeling. Basically, it is a common ground for all the designers and other professionals involved in the process of designing.
7. Eliminate Language Barrier
In 3D modeling, you do not need clear instruction to understand the project. With such modelling, you can easily make the other person understand your planning, regardless of his/her language. In simple terms, the virtual reality it creates makes it simple for another person to understand.
Conclusion:
When you work as a 3D graphic designer, it can be hard to find quality tools to help you achieve the results you want. It can be even harder to find the best 3D design software for a cheap price. But the truth is that there are some great programs available for both your desktop and online.
Graphic design software and computer aided design software are programs that are designed for the management of digital graphics. Some such as vector-based graphic design software and some such as raster-based graphic design software.