1. Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free online 3D modeling software developed by Autodesk.
It has a very user-friendly interface designed for educational purposes, making it especially suitable for children and beginners who have no experience in 3D modeling.
Tinkercad is probably the easiest 3D modeling software to get started with, as it teaches users all the basics of 3D modeling and allows them to convert ideas into CAD models by simply dragging and dropping original shapes such as cubes, cylinders or spheres.
It can also connect to various 3D printer service providers. With some practice, users can quickly create their first 3D model.
2. Vector
Vectary is an online 3D modeling software that claims to be the simplest 3D design tool.
Firstly, it is web-based software. What makes it even more powerful is the ability to render 3D models in real time.
It is designed for graphic, product, and game designers, manufacturers, and 3D printing enthusiasts, but can be used by anyone interested in 3D modeling.
Vectary only requires basic knowledge of 3D modeling concepts and has a drag-and-drop interface.
The system already contains several 3D models and users can create or modify them by dragging and dropping with the mouse.
It's a pleasant tool to use and a powerful resource for beginners to learn. A free version is available by registering on their website.
3. Free Sketchup
SketchUp is also considered the simplest and most flexible 3D application available.
The first version was released in 2000 and is available in free and paid versions.
It was acquired by Google in 2006 and its Chinese name is “sketch master”.
We will focus on the free version as it is more accessible and anyone can use it by registering an account on the website.
The free version is also an online software that can be accessed through a browser.
Due to its simple learning curve, clear and intuitive tools, and user-friendly interface, it is an excellent choice for beginners.
However, don't assume that software suitable for beginners can't be used to create advanced models.
SketchUp is a powerful tool, originally created for architects, designers and filmmakers, which means you can also design complex, large-scale models.
In fact, the professional edition offers plug-ins and tools that can be added to increase the productivity and functionality of the software.
4. Matter Control
MatterControl is free and open-source software that you can download from the official MatterHackers website. It is aimed at the manufacturing community and is dedicated to 3D printing. MatterControl is very intuitive and has a set of design tools that allow you to create or customize existing templates from scratch. After your 3D model design is complete, you can also slice with MatterControl to prepare for your next 3D print.
5. Mesh Mixer
Meshmixer is a simple software developed by Autodesk to manipulate and modify any 3D model, just like Adobe Photoshop for 3D models.
It is an excellent software for beginners, although it can be cumbersome to use for modeling, it is invincible for repairing, editing and modifying 3D models.
Powerful and free to use, it is necessary software for 3D printing enthusiasts. Additionally, it has sculpting tools for volume and surface, which everyone can learn by playing.
6. Fit
Onshape is a professional, online 3D modeling software that is also a good choice for beginners. It offers a free version that can be registered on your website for non-commercial or educational purposes.
Users will be able to easily draw basic geometry, stretch objects and combine them. Onshape also has a user-friendly interface and is compatible with mobile devices such as Android and iOS tablets and smartphones, so users can update their designs anytime, anywhere.
7. Fusion 360
Fusion 360 was developed by Autodesk, a powerful and accurate software that allows users to perform parametric modeling, stretch shapes or create freeforms. It's professional software used in industrial design and other disciplines, so it can be a little complicated to use.
However, we think it's a good choice for beginners because once you understand parametric design thinking and can skillfully build some simple 3D models, you'll understand the basics. Even if you learn another parametric modeling software, you can make inferences and understand everything in a single instance.
Fusion 360 is available in professional and free editions for students and enthusiasts.
8. Free CAD
FreeCAD is an open source parametric 3D modeling software released in 2002 that has become a replacement for other expensive software such as AutoCAD. As the name implies, this software is completely free and has a suite of design tools, allowing users to create more detailed and complex models.
While it may not be the simplest software for beginners, the learning curve allows you to learn more each time you use it. The best part of the software is that it is open source, which allows users and developers to add new modules and tools over the years.
For beginners who want to fully participate in the CAD world, FreeCAD may be the best choice.
9. Sculpture
Sculptris is 3D software that focuses on digital sculpting and can be seen as an introduction to learning more professional software like ZBrush. Sculptris allows users to edit any surface with a variety of brush strokes, as well as map or paint textures to 3D models.
The software is still available for free on the Pixologic website, but is no longer in development. They warn that it may not work on newer operating systems. However, if you're interested in digital sculpting, it's still worth a try.
10. Blender Modifiers
Lastly, I know that Blender may not be an easy-to-use 3D software for beginners, but I also recommend it because it is completely open source and free.
Even if you are not familiar with 3D modeling, you can use functions such as the modifier menu to give your model a different look. For example, you can use the “shrink” tool to get the “low polygon” effect, or use the “remesh” tool to get the voxel shape, or use the “solidify” tool to add thickness to the walls of the 3D model. You can also use the surface subdivision tool to give your model a smoother shape.
Blender is suitable for animation design, modeling, and creating complex 3D models. However, its mode of operation and habits are different from the software we have used in the past and it takes time to become proficient. It has many functions and modeling styles and is a very powerful software. But even beginners can start learning how it works and create something with it.
