Not long ago, we have already recommended four free 3D model websites for QIDI users to give them ideas and convenience. In this blog, we will recommend ten free modeling software which are not only helpful for professionals but also very newbie friendly. We hope that every 3D printing enthusiast can create their own 3D printing projects with modeling software and turn their designs into reality with QIDI 3D printers.

1. Blender

Blender is a free and open source 3D modeling software for artists and small teams. It has professional 3D modeling capabilities for creating animated movies, visual effects, 3D printed models, etc. Blender has a rich set of features and categories, including 3D modeling, UV decompression, texturing, raster graphics editing, skins, etc., and an integrated game engine. Blender is a 3D design software from a Dutch company that is widely used by game developers. Blender is a good choice for people who want to create their own 3D design projects.

2. SketchUp

SketchUp is a free 3D modeling software widely used in architecture, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design. It has drawing layout capabilities and can render surfaces. In addition, SketchUp supports third-party plug-in programs that can extend modeling capabilities. It also has an online open source library where users can select their favorite models. SketchUp is one of the best professional software on the market and the free version offers a great browser-based version while the paid version offers more advanced features.

(Image source: https://www.sketchup.com/)

3. AutoCAD

AutoCAD is the leading product of Autodesk for 2D drafting, detailed drawing, design documentation and basic 3D design. It was developed in 1982 and has become an internationally popular 3D drafting software. AutoCAD is one of the most mainstream design software with powerful features and flexibility. It can be used for 3D modeling, graphics manipulation, text editing, and basic 3D design.

(Image source: https://web.autocad.com/login)

4. ZBrush

ZBrush is a free modeling software that provides tools for drawing and modeling, many of which intentionally overlap. It serves as the industry standard for digital sculpting, and the emergence of ZBrush modeling software has completely overturned the traditional working model of 3D design tools, freeing up the hands and minds of artists. With its powerful features and intuitive workflow, ZBrush is used in a wide range of industries. One of the most famous features is all kinds of digital sculpture. Artists can use costumes and props to create the entire character, ready for rendering. ZBrush is the world's first 3D design tool that allows artists to feel the freedom to create without constraints.

 (Image source: https://www.zbrushcentral.com/)

5. Cinema 4D

Cinema 4D is a powerful 3D creation software designed for professionals and beginners. It has an intuitive and customizable UI that anyone can modify to better suit their needs. Suitable for industries such as film, gaming, architecture, news radio, and more, Cinema 4D comes with a full range of built-in authoring features, including a particle system, rendering modules, and 3D texture painting. It has excellent parametric modeling tools and supports the use of plug-ins, allowing users to easily create and optimize complex 3D effects. In Cinema 4D, users can experience a professional-level modeling experience and complete complex rendering tasks.

(Image source: https://www.maxon.net/en/cinema-4d)

6. Maya

Maya is a powerful free modeling software, which integrates Alias and Wavefront, and is more professional than 3DS Max. Maya is suitable for film, television, games and other fields, and can greatly improve the efficiency of the workflow of development, design and creation. Maya has a wealth of features and tools, completing complex modeling, rendering and animation. The latest version of Maya offers new features and tools that allow related practitioners to work more efficiently. All in all, Maya is a very useful modeling software for those who need it.

(Image source: https://www.autodesk.eu/products/maya-creative/overview)

7. Rhino

Rhino is a 3D modeling tool with the basic operation of AutoCAD and the ability to model the appearance of products. It is widely used in industrial design, architecture, furniture, shoe mold design, etc. Rhino 4 is an excellent modeling software with almost all modeling functions, smooth and sleek operation, and the ability to export high-precision models and apply them to other 3D programs. It is a powerful tool that is popular among users.

(Image source: https://www.rhino3d.com/)

8. K-3D

K-3D is a free and open source 3D modeling software based on GNU/Linux and Win32 platforms. It provides a rich set of features and plug-ins for creating and editing 3D geometries, as well as plug-in functionality. K-3D can visualize pipeline architecture based on nodes to meet the needs of professionals. It also provides the function of visualizing pipeline architecture, which is convenient for professionals to create and edit models. K-3D is simple to operate and easy to get started, which makes it a very useful modeling software.

(Image source: http://www.k-3d.org/)

9. Sculptris

Sculptris is the free, more restricted version for beginners and hobbyists. Based on the ZBrush platform development, its operation is simple and convenient, but it has relatively few functions. This software allows modeling with virtual clay spheres, and it allows movements such as pushing, pulling, pinching, etc. to create coherent meshes that can be 3D printed instantly. Sculptris has some slight drawbacks, but its extreme user-friendly design and intuitive interface far outweigh its shortcomings.

(Image source: https://www.sculpteo.com/en/)

10. OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a free modeling software based on a textual description language and is a command line based 3D compiler. It is available for Linux, Windows and macOS operating systems and can create solid 3D CAD models. OpenSCAD, unlike other CAD modelers, does not focus on artistic aspects and is more suited to producing purely technical objects. When creating models, you can use OpenSCAD's command line interface, which provides a wealth of features and tools to help users model efficiently.

(Image source: http://openscad.org/)