FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters. This is open-source software and can be downloaded easily from the website of MatterHackers. The major aim of the software is to let users experience the plethora of functionalities available with 3D modeling without investing a penny. MatterControl is designed especially for 3D printing. Its intuitiveness and clarity are worth mentioning.
- Software For 3d Printing Design
- 3d Printer Software Free
- Open Source 3d Printing Software Raspberry Pi
- Top 16 Free 3D Printer Software for Beginners in 2018
3D printing can help you create a three-dimensional object by computer and 3D printer. However, it may sound a little difficult for beginners to use 3D printers. This article will introduce 16 free 3D printer software to help beginners use their 3D printer much easily. Learn about: How to slice 3d STL file and 3d print Iron Man?
1. Ultimaker Cura - versatile 3D Printer Software
Ultimaker Cura 3D is a slicing software for 3D printers, it can create a 3D model and slice it into layers, as G-Code, which a 3D printer can understand. Cura 3D is easy to use and you just need 3 steps before printing. Create a model first and then export your 3D files as STL or OBJ formats, these files will be imported, sliced and outputted as G-Code so that the 3D printer can read and follow. You can also set quality, material, speed,cooling and infill in Cura by yourself. Cura 3D is a fully open source software and can be used with most 3D printers. It supports for Windows, Mac and Linux.
2. TinkerCAD - useful 3D Printer Software
Unlike Cura, TinkerCAD is an online computer-aided design software for 3D printing. You can directly access the browser-based app after creating an account on its website. TinkerCAD offers pre-defined shapes and geometric structures, so you can create your models just by dragging and dropping the box to the WorkPlane and adjusting the length, height and width. TinkerCAD is an easy tool for beginners to start up 3D printing.
3. 123D Catch - easy-to-use Free 3D Printer Software
The 123D Catch APP can be used in your smartphones (both iOS and Android operating system), which means that you take photos within your phone and the 123D Catch can turn your photography into a 3D model. This is much convenient and funny for beginners to learn 3D printing. What's more, you can transfer your photos from digital camera to 123D Catch on your computer and print them out a high-quality product.
4. 3D Slash - 3D printer software for free
3D Slash is much different from other 3D printing softwares, it is also a logo and a 3D text maker. It means that you can turn your logo into a 3D model or import your text to export 3D text. 3D Slash is easy to use and suitable for people of all ages, you can design a 3D model by using a simple building-block concept, which just like a modern stone-cutter. As its user-friendly experience, 3D Slash is a wonderful software to get you started with 3D printing.
5. 3D Tin - Good-to-use 3d printer
3D Tin is an online 3D printing software like TinkerCAD, which is intuitive and easy-to -use. All you need is a Firefox or Chrome web browser enabled with WebGL. It's a perfect 3D printing software for beginners. What you should do is choosing 3D templates on the Internet and adding them to your sketch, which will be stored in the cloud and freely accessible, and can be out-printed in STL and OBJ file formats.
6. SketchUp - 3d modeler
SketchUp is an ideal 3D printing software to design complex 3D print models for beginners with a user-friendly interface and relatively flat learning curve. 3D Warehouse of SketchUp is a huge library of 3D templates which is uploaded by users. You can choose one and add it on your SketchUp, which is the easiest way to print a 3D object. What&rsquo's more, SketchUp provides free tutorials which can help you develop into an intermediate or advanced engineer form a beginner.
7. FreeCAD - 3d slicer software
FreeCAD is a free and open-source general-purpose parametric 3D CAD modeler and a building information modeling software which is supported by FEM (finite-element-method). Voice effects software, free download. This program can be used interactively and its functionality can be accessed and extended using the Python programming language. FreeCAD is a great starting point for mechanical engineers who are new to the 3D modeling world.
8. CraftWare - 3d printing cad software
CraftWare is a 3D printer slicer software which is developed by CraftUnique to support its CraftBot 3D printer. And it can be used for many other 3D printers that accept G-Code. CraftWare is fast and easy-to-use, it allows users to see printing process layer by layer from any angle and modify or delete any places before printing. A clean and simple user interface, as well as big and colorful buttons on the left side, make CraftWare one of the most user-friendly 3D printing software.
9. Sculptris - 3d printer software
Sculptris is a virtual sculpting 3D printing software with a core emphasis on the concept of modeling clay. Apple computer backup devices. It comes to be free and easy-to-use, which provides excellent rudiments for people who want to start up the world of 3D sculpting. If you want to print statuettes such as comic characters, Sculptris is a fantastic choice for you. It&rsquo's often described as the most powerful, flexible 3D modeling software in the industrial or professional sector.
10. Blender - 3d modeler
Blender is an open source and free 3D printing computer-aided design (CAD) software. It&rsquo's an ideal software for skilled users who want to create more sophisticated 3D modeling such as contour modeling and polygon modeling. Blender is very popular among media workers and artists for creating animated films, visual effects, art, interactive 3D applications and video games. Blender gives its users enormous design freedom with nearly innumerable tools. But it isn't a good choice for 3D printing beginners.
11. Meshmixer - free 3d printing software
Meshmixer is a free 3D editing, fixing, and sculpting tool. Its great points are viewing, checking, editing AND repairing STL files as well as spotting potential problems and automatically repairing them. Meshmixer allows users who want to create organic designs like people, animals and creatures to sculpt digitally and mash different 3D models together. Transfer photos from android to macbook pro.
12. OpenSCAD - 3d printing cad software
OpenSCAD is a free software for creating solid 3D CAD models. Unlike Blender, it focuses on CAD aspects rather than artistic aspects in 3D modeling. It might be a good choice for you if you want to code your CAD models for it uses a programming language to create 3D objects. Therefore, it gives designer full control over the modeling process and enables designers to easily change any step in the modeling process. OpenCAD is available for Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OSX.
13. AutoCAD - 3d slicer software
AutoCAD, a software for 2D and 3D CAD, was developed by AutoDesk and first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers. Up to now, it has been used across a wide range of industries, by architects, project managers, engineers, graphic designers, and many other professionals. AutoCAD supports a large number of APIs for customization and automation such as AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA and ObjectARX.
14. ViewSTL - 3d slicer software
The view is an online and open source way to view Stereo Lithography Files as shaded on-screen images. It is the easiest way to preview STL files. What users need is just open the web page and drag their STL files onto the dotted field. The online STL viewer allows you to display a model in one of three views: flat shading (for quick viewing), smooth shading (to get a high-quality display), or wireframe. It is a perfect 3D printing software for beginners who want to view STL files.
15. Netfabb Basic - 3d printing software for free
Netfabb Basic is a 3D printer slicer software with some nice features, for example, you can analyze, repair and edit STL files before you get to the slicing stage. It is a good choice if you need something more than just slicer software and you want to repair STL files quickly without having to learn to use additional tools like Meshmixer or MeshLab. Netfabb Basic provides a 30-day trial version. When the trial expires, the software will continue to run with the same functionality.
Software For 3d Printing Design
16. SelfCAD - Online 3D Modeling and Slicing Software
SelfCAD offers an easy to use platform that allows one to sculpt, slice and print 3D models all in one program, hence you don't need to launch multiple programs in order to work on your models. It's easier to learn hence ideal for users who are inexperienced like students. In addition, this software has a built-in slicer, so you can prepare your model for 3D printing without needing any additional software which can be hard to handle if you are in a classroom or workshop. SelfCAD is free of for the educators and students and for the general users, they have a one month trial period and later pay $4.99/m.
Conclusion
All of the 16 3D printing software are free and friendly to beginners. But the big problem is that quite a lot of 3D printers are not compatible with them. It may take you a long time to select a 3D printing software to correspond with your 3D printer. Dobot Magician is an excellent 3D printer which supports all of the above software and saves you a lot of trouble.
Looking for 3D printing software? Then you have come to the right place. We have compiled an extensive list with software for all your 3D printing needs: from 3D modeling to slicing, from beginner to professional, we have got you covered. Jump right to the section that you are most interested in: the 3D Modeling Tools section covers all kind of CAD software, the Slicers & 3D Printer Hosts section contains the latest print preparation applications and last but not least, the Other Handy Tools contains software that may come in handy when repairing a 3D model.
3D Modeling Tools
Listed below are the most common and widely used 3D modeling softwares. There are three main categories: CAD Tools, Freeform Modeling Tools and Sculpting Tools. Whereas the tools of each category can generate models suitable for 3D printing, the way the inputs are generated are different: CAD tools are largely based on using geometrical shapes to build models while Freeform modeling tools allow more freedom by allowing you to create freeform shapes. Sculpting tools are pretty much like using digital clay that you can push, pull, pinch and grab to form your models.
For beginners who are looking to get some quick results, we have included a section on Customizers. These work with pre-existing models that you easily customize by modifying some simple settings. A great way to get to your first custom-made 3D model – make sure to check them out!| Software | Developer | User Level | Price | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAD Tools | ||||
| (Sponsored link) | VECTARY Inc. | Beginner to Intermediate | Freemium | VECTARY is a free, online 3D modeling tool and community platform where you can create, share and customize 3D models. The Free Plan offers you a fully functional and easy-to-use toolset, with unlimited public models to create and share, and a limited number of private models. |
| 123D Design | Autodesk Inc. | Beginner | Freemium | 123D Design is a powerful, yet simple 3D creation and editing tool. The free version gives you access to most features and allows you to create and use 3D models for non-commercial purposes. |
| 3DSlash | 3DSlash | Beginner | Free - $20/month | 3D SLASH is a free, fun & fast 3D modeling app for non-designer people of all ages. Create your own design in no time like a modern stone-cutter. User-friendly experience with its Minecraft look & feel and great features : picture projection, import / export of STL files and more. |
| CubeTeam | Otherlab Inc. | Beginner | Free | CubeTeam is a multiplayer 3D painting and modeling program that lets you and your friends imagine worlds out of cubes and then print them in 3D. CubeTeam is free, runs in a web browser, and has powerful editing tools that let you create in a virtually limitless environment. |
| Cubify Invent | 3D Systems Inc. | Beginner to Intermediate | €39 ($49) | Cubify Invent is an easy-to-learn 3D modeling tool aimed at helping users to quickly create 3D printable files. The software which comes with free tutorials does only run on Windows though. |
| Design Spark Mechanical | RS Components/Allied Electronics | Beginner to Intermediate | Free | DesignSpark Mechanical is a 3D modeling software developed by the electronics distributor RS Components/Allied Electronics. The software equips all engineers with 3D design capability and it is said to be fast and easy-to-use. |
| Fusion 360 | Autodesk Inc. | Intermediate to professional | Free - $25/month | Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D modeling software tool that has professional capabilities but is far more user friendly than other professional modeling packages. Fusion 360 has become one of the go-to software options for makers and is seen as the next level software for users who have outgrown a basic package such as TinkerCAD. |
| FreeCAD | FreeCAD Community | Intermediate | Free | FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeler built for product design and engineering. Feature rich and with a high learning curve, FreeCAD is rather for advanced users. The software is multi-platform, and runs flawlessly on Windows and Linux/Unix and Mac OSX. |
| Geomagic Design | 3D Systems Inc. | Intermediate | €1799 | Geomagic Design is a comprehensive and robust mechanical CAD design tools, allowing ideas to go from concept to production for professional engineers, makers, students and hobbyists. Geomagic Design is available in three versions: Personal, Professional and Expert, each tailored to the needs and budgets of the respective user base. |
| Inventor | Autodesk Inc. | Intermediate to professional | $7295 | Inventor 3D CAD software offers an easy-to-use set of tools for 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation. |
| Makers Empire | Maker's Empire Pty Ltd. | Beginner | Freemium | Makers Empire 3D is very easy to use 3D design and printing software. It is built to be usable by kids as young as 5. The paid version includes a primary/elementary school learning program (Teacher's Dashboard, resource, curriculum and professional development). It runs on: iPad/iPhone/Android/Mac/Win/Chromebook. |
| Morphi App | The Inventery Inc. | Beginner | Freemium | Morphi is a simple, powerful 3D design application currently available for iPad and Mac. Morphi empowers people of all skill levels to create 3D models from anywhere with touch, online or offline, using 3D shapes, text, hand drawing, high contrast images and streamlined 3D modeling tools. |
| Rhino 3D | Robert McNeel & Associates | Intermediate to professional | €995 | Rhinoceros (aka Rhino) is a stand-alone, commercial NURBS-based 3D modeling software commonly used for industrial design, architecture, marine design, jewelry design, CAD / CAM and rapid prototyping. Rhino's popularity is based on its diversity, low learning-curve, relatively low cost, and its ability to import and export over 30 file formats, which allows it to act as a 'converter' tool between programs in a design workflow. |
| SketchUp | Trimble Navigation Ltd. | Beginner to Intermediate | Free - €378 | SketchUp is a 3D modeling program for applications such as architectural, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering. Its powerful yet easy to use interface make it ideal for beginners in 3D modeling. A freeware version, SketchUp Make, and a paid version with additional functionality, SketchUp Pro, are available. Note that the free version does not allow you to export to *.stl for 3D printing, you'll need to install a plug-in to do so. |
| Solidworks | Dassault Systèmes Solidworks Corp. | Intermediate to professional | $3995 | SolidWorks is a 3D mechanical CAD program widely used amongst engineers and designers. The software features powerful simulation, motion, and design validation tools, advanced wire and pipe routing functionality, reverse engineering capabilities, and more. |
| TinkerCAD | Autodesk Inc. | Beginner | Freemium | TinkerCAD is a browser based 3D modeling program ideal for beginners. You can save your designs online or share them with others. Export *.stl files to print with your own 3D printer or send your designs to one of popular 3D printing services. |
| Freeform Modeling Tools | ||||
| 3ds Max | Autodesk Inc. | Professional | $3675 | 3ds Max 3D modeling software provides a comprehensive modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering solution for games, film, and motion graphics artists. |
| Blender | Blender Foundation | Intermediate to professional | Free | Blender is a free and open source 3D animation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation |
| Cinema 4D | Maxon Computer GmbH | Professional | $3695 | CINEMA 4D Studio is a 3D modeling, animation and rendering application for professional 3D artists wanting to create advanced 3D graphics. The software is capable of procedural and polygonal/subd modeling, animating, lighting, texturing, rendering. |
| Maya | Autodesk Inc. | Professional | $3675 | Maya, is 3D computer graphics software offering a comprehensive creative feature set for 3D computer animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering. It is used to create interactive 3D applications, including video games, animated film, TV series, or visual effects. |
| Scultping Tools | ||||
| Geomagic Sculpt | 3D Systems Inc. | Intermediate | €99 | Geomagic Sculpt is an organic modeling tool that enables sculpting with virtual clay. The software has mash-up capability and exports 3D print ready *stl files. |
| Leopoly | Leonar3Do International Inc. | Beginner | Freemium | Leopoly is a web-based, social 3D sculpting application. Each of the created and saved models are available for the entire Leopoly community for shaping them further. Note that you cannot export your 3D models unless you have a paying account. |
| Sculptris | Pixologic Inc. | Intermediate | Free | Sculptris is a virtual sculpting software program, with a primary focus on the concept of modeling clay. Currently available for MacOS and Windows. |
| SculptGL | Stephane Ginier | Intermediate | Free | SculptGL is a browser-based 3D sculpting application well suited for intermediate users. The application does allow you to export in *.stl format, an interesting feature for anyone who has their own 3D printer. |
| ZBrush | Pixologic Inc. | Professional | $795 | ZBrush is a digital sculpting tool that combines 3D/2.5D modeling, texturing and painting. It uses a proprietary 'pixol' technology which stores lighting, color, material, and depth information for all objects on the screen. |
| Customizers | ||||
| 3DRacers | 3DRacers Ltd. | Beginner | Free | 3DRacers is a 3D printed indoor racing game, based on Arduino. Use the browser-based editor to configure your car and have the finished design emailed to you, all in .stl format. 3D print the car parts, assemble the model and go racing! |
| Cookie Caster | Dreamforge Inc. | Beginner | Free | CookieCaster lets you design, share and create custom cookie cutters. If you have your own 3D printer, you can download the 3D model of your design for for printing at home. If you don't own a printer you can have your design printed via the 3D printing service, Shapeways. |
| Candle Caster | Kurt & Manuel Meister | Beginner | Free | Candle Caster is a super easy to use tool that lets you create molds to cast your own candles. Extrude your favorite shape, adjust the height and width then set the wick diameter. Once done, your design can be exported in .stl format, then 3D printed. |
| Charmr | Autodesk Inc. | Beginner | Free | Autodesk Charmr is a customizer that lets you turn a photo into a one-of-a-kind customized, 3D-printable piece of jewelry. The finished design can be 3D printed either via a 3D printing service or downloaded as .stl for home 3D printing. |
| Lithophane Generator | Mark Durbin | Beginner | Free | The Lithophane Generator allows you to create a 3D printable lithophane in a just a few seconds. Simply upload photo of your choice - anything you want whether it be a wedding photo or a photo of your favorite scenery - into the browser window, modify the settings and generate an STL file for 3D printing. |
Slicers & 3D Printer Hosts
This section lists all software required to prepare and execute a 3D print. The Print Preparation column indicates whether the software allows you to prepare your 3D model for printing by such actions as scaling, rotating and placing the model on the print bed. Slicing generates the G-code necessary to feed into your 3D printer.
Note: the Cross Platform Tools work with all 3D printer brands making them ideal if you own a 3D printer without any native software. All the programs listed here require you to install a piece of software on your computer. The Cloud Based Solutions are browser based, they all require an internet connection such that the slicing, mesh repair and print queue management can be executed in the cloud.
| Software | Developer | Print Preparation | Slicing | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross Platform Tools | ||||
| Ultimaker Cura | Ultimaker | Yes | Yes | Cura is a free slicer and host software developed by Ultimaker. As Cura is open-source, its use is not limited to Ultimaker 3D printers. Intuitive, fast and easy to use, Cura is our pick for 3D printing beginners looking for a robust yet simple to use 3D printer front end. |
| CraftWare | CraftWare | Yes | Yes | CraftWare is a free, fast, and easy-to-use slicer software that can also prepare and manage your prints. CraftWare's impressive gcode visualizer and manual support setting mode make it an excellent alternative to many of the more established 3D printer host softwares. |
| KISSlicer | KISSlicer | Limited | Yes | KISSlicer is a cross-platform G-code generator for 3D printers. Generates excellent slicing results albeit a somewhat dated user interface. Exists both in free and premium versions. |
| Repetier Host | Hot-World GmbH & Co. KG | Yes | Yes | Repetier Host is an open-source 3D printer front-end. It uses Slic3r as default slicing engine but Skeinforge is also available. |
| ReplicatorG | ReplicatorG | Yes | Yes | ReplicatorG is an open-source 3D printer front-end using Skeinforge as slicer. The software will drive MakerBot, Thing-O-Matic, CupCake CNC, RepRap printers or generic CNC machines. |
| Simplify3D | Simplify3D | Yes | Yes | Simplify3D is a widely used premium slicer and 3D printer host. The software combines several powerful features allowing you to repair, prepare, preview and slice your 3D models. Its lightning fast slicer combined with advanced support generation and a feature rich preview mode make this software a very interesting option for slightly more advanced users. |
| Slic3r | Slic3r | Yes | Yes | Slic3r is a popular cross-platform slicer. This open source slicer is fast, generates good results but its settings needs some tweaking initially. |
| OctoPrint | Gina Häußge | Yes | Yes | OctoPrint is an open-source web interface for your 3D printer. It allows you to control and monitor every aspect of your 3D printer and your printing jobs right from within your browser: follow your print via the webcam feed, get constant feedback on the progress of your print, monitor and adjust temperatures and start, stop or pause your print job. Powerful plug-ins even allow Ocotprint to send you push notifications, integrate Octoprint messages into your messaging tool of choice or gather advanced print statistics. |
| Cloud Based Solutions | ||||
| 3DPrinterOS | 3D Control Systems Ltd. | Yes | Yes | 3DPrinterOS is a platform that gives users the ability to search or upload 3d printable content, quickly and easily repair designs, customize settings, slice in the cloud and send files for printing anywhere in the world. 3D Printer owners and new users alike can share CAD files and multiple 3D printers all from a single cloud interface. |
| Formide | Printr BV. | Yes | Yes | Formide is an online platform that enables you to control 3D printers and manage projects. It allows you to organize different printers, files, materials and slice profiles via its built-in cloud-slicer Katana. Through the power of the cloud, Formide enables you to queue print jobs, remote monitor your prints and receive instant feedback – wirelessly and effortlessly. Note that you need 'The Element', a piece of hardware to enable Formide's capabilities. |
| AstroPrint | 3DaGoGo, Inc. | Yes | Yes | AstroPrint is a browser-based software application that lets you slice, store and print your 3D files from any web enabled device. In addition, you can monitor your 3D printer and organize designs in the cloud. With AstroPrint you can manage from your printer from any web enabled device, the responsive UI makes it simple to 3D print from your phone, tablet, or computer. |
| MatterControl | MatterHackers, Inc. | Yes | Yes | MatterControl is a free, open-source 3D printer front-end that lets you organize and manage your 3D prints. MatterControl features an intuitive approach to 3D printing, allowing users to queue multiple parts for printing without pre-slicing, preview and manipulate designs, as well as integrating a library that enables users to organize and search their design files. You can connect your 3D printer to the cloud via MatterControl Touch, a touchscreen tablet that acts as a dedicated 3D printer control console. |
Other Handy Tools
Below are a few more tools that can come in very handy, be it for fixing 3D models or preparing them for printing.
3d Printer Software Free
| Software | Developer | Price | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| MakePrintable | Mixed Dimensions Inc. | Free - $25/month | MakePrintable is a web service where you can upload your 3D model before printing. The software will then analyse the design and give you statistics on its printability. You then configure the output characteristics and the algorithm will re-mesh your model for 3D printing removing all problems, providing you with a model ready for 3D printing. |
| MeshFix | Marco Attene | Free | MeshFix is an open-source 3D model repair tool that fixes various defects in meshes, such as holes, non-manifold elements and self-intersections. The output is a water-tight triangle mesh, ready for 3D printing. Only available for Windows. |
| Meshmixer | Autodesk Inc. | Free | Described as 'Swiss Army Knife' for 3D meshes, Meshmixer is a state-of-the-art software for editing triangle meshes. The software has mesh repair capabilities but also functions like scultping, hollowing, scaling, mirroring, cutting and building support structures making it invaluable for 3D printing. Best of all, Meshmixer is free and available for Windows, OS X, and Linux. |
| NetFabb | Autodesk Inc. | 30 day free trial - $150/month | Netfabb is 3D print preparation tool that offers a wide range of pre-print features such as repairing meshes, adjusting wall thickness, reducing file size, merging or subtracting parts. The software also has a powerful function to create, analyse and adjust supports for 3D prints. |
Open Source 3d Printing Software Raspberry Pi
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