Imagination is the new normal in the world today, as more and more people are willing to dare and go past their limits. Creativity nowadays is stretched beyond imagination as everyone is trying to prove who is better than the other. Every day, exciting innovations are launched.
One of the products that we can’t do without in this era of creativity is the 3D modeling software. This software is the core part of most of the creations all over the world. They are used to design structures and projects for clients by engineers, architectures, and designers. Nowadays, it’s so easy to acquire this high-quality 3D modeling software. There is plenty of great free 3D modeling software that you can use to create fantastic models without spending a penny.
We’ve selected some of the relatively easy-to-use 3D modeling software, and are free to use, as well.
Table of Contents
1- SketchUp
SketchUp is CAD software that can design and edit landscapes and models of interiors and more. It allows its users end to end to design from the earliest design to the end of construction. Interior designers and architects can use it for different design steps like initial diagramming, design development, and request for information and documentation.
Who this product is for
- Interior designers
- Architectures
Key features
- Wide range of symbols
- Cloud-based
- Lighting effects
- Layer manager
- 2d and 3D models
- Textures
- Animations
- Access to Trimble’s 3D warehouse
- Has there modules; SketchUp free, SketchUp for schools, and SketchUp pro
- Has a free version
- One time paid version
Pros
- Easy to use
- Have built-in features like animations, texture effects, and lighting
- It’s simple, fast, and perfect for presentations.
- It guides you in the creation of 3D models.
- It’s excellent for color comparison, model reviews, and material testing.
- It gives freedom to add, remove, or rearrange palettes to appear how you want
Cons
- It cannot be integrated with other design softwares
2- Live Home 3D
Live Home 3D is a virtual home design 3D modeling application that supports Windows, MacOS, and iOS. It allows users to create 3D environments that give the authentic look and feel of a building interior. It suggests and generates 3D views of the floor plan. Its free version offers limited features, but users can upgrade to a paid version to enjoy all of its features.
Who this product is for
- 3D architecture
Key features
- 3D model rendering the design live.
- Detailed 2d floor plan
- Measurement units
- Room tool to draw room
- universal window platform
- arc and straight wall toll for drawing walls
- more than 1,200 materials and more than 1,500 objects
- Has a project gallery with house projects and sample rooms
Pros
- Easy to use
- Very accurate
- It has a wide range of colors and furniture.
- Offers options of converting their design into a 3D plan
Cons
- Have few terrain options
3- OnShape
OnShape is Cloud-based 3D CAD software offering top-down designs with multiple modeling and in-context editing. It guarantees flexibility of work from anywhere on any device. The program uses online databases to store data, eliminating the need for any physical servers and other IT infrastructure costs.
Who this product is for
- Small businesses
- Medium businesses
- Large businesses
Key features
- Real-time design review
- Managed in content design
- Control and monitor design data access
- Complete design history and change-log
- Live business and engineering integration
- Intelligent custom features
Pros
- More user-friendly than similar products
- Excellent customer support services
- It’s cheaper
- No need to install
- Easy to learn with an excellent tutorial
- It runs on a cloud platform, which enables a free work environment.
Cons
- It’s a browser-based program, so you can’t be used without an internet connection.
4- Cedreo
Cedreo is excellent software for presenting residential design concepts fast and producing outstanding 3D renderings. It allows users to update 3D plans in real-time. Has integrated reusable project templates allow users to streamline workflow by sharing with their team. Its users can generate 3D renderings in around 5 minutes. Cedreo also allows users to download renders on their devices.
Who is this product for
- Homebuilders
- Remodelers
- Interior designers
Key features
- 2d plan editing
- 360-degree virtual tour of a model
- 3D interior and exterior design tool
- Floor plan and 3D image download
- Draft proposal drawing
- Project history tracking
- Portfolio creation
- Furniture and material library
Pros
- Draws a complete house model in less than 2 hours
- Very user friendly
- Has a free trial
- Users can fully visualize projects in 3D.
- Users can create 2d floor plans, furnished 3D plans, and realistic rendering of indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Organize the preliminary drafts per client
- Search the database for all projects and view project history
Cons
Outsourcing renderings can be time-consuming and costly.
5- SkyCiv Structural 3D
SkyCiv Structural 3D is a robust, all-inclusive structural analysis and 3D design software. It allows users to model, analyze and design 3D structures. It allows users to analyze structural factors such as shear, bending, and deflection as entirely cloud-based software. It allows users to work their work on cloud storage via the web, anywhere, anytime.
Who this product is for
- Civil, mechanical, and structural engineers
Key features
- Integrated Deck Check design software
- 3D rendering
- Catenary cable analysis
- Connection fixities
- Rotate and twists members
- Deflections
- Bending moment diagram
- Internal axial forces
- Bucklin analysis
- Plate analysis
- Import load combination
- Stress analysis
- Shear force diagram
- Torsion diagram
- Supports Windows, Linux, and MacOS.
Pros
- There’s no need to install it cloud-based.
- A fast learning curve.
- The customer support team responds quickly.
- It has a free version.
- It is very cheap.
Cons
- It has a limited number of structural analysis methods.
- The paid Professional Plan is expensive.
Read also some of the top 3D Printers for Miniatures for 2024
How to choose the right software to buy?
Currently, we have a variety of 3D modeling software available, although not all programs can be considered beginner-friendly. It’s not recommended to make a rushed decision when choosing the right software for your projects because whatever you choose will significantly define the quality of the models that you design.
You may consider reading online reviews, asking your friends, or comparing the price and interface of different software.
The choice is always tricky but certainly, an important one. Below, we take a quick look at the steps that will help you choose the best program.
Purpose
What you want to use the 3D modeling software for will determine the choice. You may consider asking; is it for commercial use or personal use? If you are a beginner and would like software for your personal use, then a free trial version may serve you right. Why should you spend a lot of money buying something you plan to use for fun?
User-friendliness
You are better off with software that’s easy to learn and use. As a beginner, don’t risk acquiring a program with too steep a learning curve. Programs with complicated features may be robust, but they need advanced skills to use them.
For a start, find yourself software with a friendly interface. It takes time to learn, so take one step at a time as you learn the basics before upgrading to a more complicated program.
Training level
Your level of expertise will largely determine the software to choose. Most of the 3D modeling software may not fit your level if you’re starting. As a learner, you don’t need all of the features that come with this software.
Some of them offer training; you can start with them on a free trials plan as you learn your way around. As time goes by and you feel you can handle those complicated features, then you can upgrade.
Model
The purpose of creating your model should also determine your choice. How sophisticated are the models you plan to create? Some of the 3D modeling software with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) may not be good enough to complete the model you intend to design.
The same may be said about computer graphic (CG) software, which may lack the capacity to guarantee the creation of a complete product. Always do your diligent research and study the limitations and strengths of the software before buying it.
See also: Incredible 3D Printers for Under $200
Conclusion
Finally, designing 3D models can be fun and breathtaking, and it’s not hard to find a program that makes it possible for everyone who wants to try 3D modeling. They are all over, and it’s up to you to choose whichever you believe fits you.
Always take your time and understand a different kind of 3D modeling to find the right software for the job. Carefully scan for software and study the market until for the right program that suits you perfectly. Then you can make your decision.