Create 3D projects for free. Where to start
You are taking your first steps in the world of 3D design and would like some advice on the programs to use? You are studying 3D animation and you don't know which software to use? Then I really think you've come to the right place, at the right time! As you could have easily guessed from its title, in this tutorial I will point out some of the bestprograms for drawing in 3D currently available on the square.
With programs for three-dimensional drawing I refer to both CAD software (which architects use, engineers and construction professionals to create their own projects) than to those for creating 3D animations, so whatever your needs are in this sense I assure you that you will be able to satisfy them. No worries about price and compatibility either: in the list you are about to consult, there are solutions for all budgets compatible with all major operating systems.
in conclusion, all you have to do is find the solution that best suits your needs, download and install it. To learn more about the operation of each software, then consult its official documentation (these are programs with a fairly long learning curve, using them without proper preparation is almost impossible). Not, But, just chat and let's take action. I wish you, as my usual, good reading and I wish you good luck for everything!
Index
Free 3D drawing programs
You're looking for godsfree 3D drawing programs areWindows, macOS andLinux? Then keep reading. Below, in fact, find those reported that, in my humble opinion, represent the best solutions of this type. Find the one that you think will do the most for you and download it now.
Blender (Windows / macOS / Linux)
The first among theprograms for drawing in 3D which I advise you to consider isBlender. It deals with, in fact, of a great free and open source 3D modeling software, according to many the best in its category. Thanks to its very high potential, it can be used to create three-dimensional animations, games and graphics for use in other projects. It features a fully customizable user interface, includes several object models and allows you to apply a wide range of effects to your creations. It is compatible with Windows and macOS - so it is also considered one of the bestprograms for drawing in 3D on Mac - and can be used on Linux as well.
To download Blender to your computer, visit theits website and click the buttonDownload Blender x.xx.x twice in a row.
Once the download has been completed, if you are usingWindows, open the.msi files obtained and, in the window that is shown to you on the desktop, click the buttonNext. Subsequently, check the box next to the itemI accept the terms in the License Agreement, click the button againNext (twice in a row) and on the buttonsInstall, Yup andFinish. Afterwards, start the program by selecting the relevant oneconnection which was added to themenu Start.
If you are using insteadmacOS, open thepackage .dmg obtained and drag theBlender folder in the folderApplications Of computer. Then open the folder in question, right click onblender icon, select the itemYou open from the context menu and press the buttonYou open, in order to start the software, however, going around the limitations imposed on Apple on applications from non-certified developers (an operation that must be carried out only at the first execution).
After starting the program, you will find yourself in front of the main Blender window and its interface, which is divided into several sections: in the center is the work area, on the right the panel to manage the scenes and the characteristics of the various objects, on the left the one that contains some of the main tools for making 3D drawings (in turn divided into various tabs), in the other there is the functional menu and at the bottom are the commands to view and move the objects added to the project.
For more information on the use of the program, you can read my guide dedicated tohow to use Blender. You may also find it useful to consult thesection dedicated to support and learning on the software website.
SketchUp (Windows / macOS)
Another solution that, in my opinion, you would do well to consider isSketchUp. It deals with, in fact, an excellent solution for all those who want to try their hand at 3D modeling. Allows you to create houses, furniture or even entire cities to the computer in a relatively simple way. To facilitate the understanding of the software there are a series of video tutorials and preset templates that can be found on its official website.. Unfortunately it is paid (with costs starting from 119 dollars / year), but I still chose to report it to you as you can try it for free 30 days. It works on both Windows and macOS.
To download the trial version of SketchUp, visit thesoftware website and click the buttonSketchUp proof. On the new page that appears, select the tab corresponding to the use you intend to make of the program and click on the buttonStart your free trial of SketchUp Studio.
Then proceed to create an account to take advantage of the services offered, filling in the text field with your email address, clicking on the buttonNext one and following the instructions that are proposed to you on the screen. Alternatively, you can register with yoursaccount Google or with theaccount Apple.
Upon successful login, answer the questions you are asked about the industry in which you operate and your interests, describe the characteristics of your company and provide the other details requested by selecting the available options and clicking on the button from time to timeContinues. In the end, select the itemI confirm to accept the conditions of use of the service and click on the buttonStart trial.
Then wait for the download of the SketchUp installation package to be completed. Subsequently, if you are usingWindows, open thefile .exe obtained and, in the window that is shown to you on the screen, click on the buttonsYup, Come on (twice in a row), Install andFine.
SumacOS, instead, open thepackage .dmg obtained and drag theSketchUp icon in the folderApplications Of computer. Afterwards, right click on it, choose the itemYou open from the context menu and press the buttonYou open in response to the window you see appear, in order to circumvent the limitations applied by Apple to non-certified developers (an operation that must be performed only at the first start).
Once SketchUp is started, select the box relating to the acceptance of the conditions of use of the program, click the buttonContinue, then on the buttonLog in and log in to your account. Subsequently, close the browser tab that opened and go back to the program window.
After completing the above steps, select one of the available models and wait for the SketchUp editor to open, then use the tools attached to the software interface, which is organized as follows: in the center is the area reserved for the project, at the top you will find a bar with drop-down menus to save, import and export projects etc., further down there is a menu with icons that act as a shortcut, while on the left there is the icon bar to access the most used work tools in design.
For details and insights regarding the use of the program, I recommend reading my tutorial onhow to use SketchUp. You may also find it useful to consult thesection dedicated to support, to tips and tutorials on the software website.
Paint 3D (Windows 10)
If you are using a PC with su installedWindows 10 and you are not particularly pretentious when it comes to three-dimensional designs, you can consider turning to the use ofPaint 3D. As easily deduced from the name itself, it is the evolution of the "classic" Paint from Microsoft, which includes new features, in particular as regards the 3D design. It is free and is integrated into the latest operating system of the Redmond company (if removed, it can be downloaded for free fromrelated section of the Microsoft Store). To notice, then, that its interface is fully translated into Italian, reason why it falls fully within thefree 3D drawing programs in Italian.
To start using Paint 3D, start the program, selecting the relevantconnection that you find inmenu Start. Once the Paint 3D main window is displayed, press the buttonNew one to start creating a new project.
You will then find yourself in front of the main screen of the program, which is organized as follows: in the center is the drawing area, at the top the tabs to access tools for drawing and adding 3D shapes (and 2D), the program menu and selection commands, cropping, display management etc., while on the right there are the commands for the exact choice of the instruments to be used and the relative customizations.
When you are done with your creation, click the button3D view to see your design from every angle. To proceed with saving, instead, click on the buttonMenu at the top left and select the itemSave with name from the menu that appears.
For further details and insights, I recommend reading my guide specifically dedicated tohow to use Paint 3D.
Other programs for drawing in 3D
None of the programs for drawing in 3D that I have already proposed has convinced you in a particular way and you would therefore like me to report somealternative? I'll satisfy you instantly. In the following list, in fact, you will find additional software useful for the purpose that, in my opinion, you would do well to consider.
- FreeCAD (Windows / macOS / Linux) - is one of the best CAD solutions available in the free field. It is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux and is aimed at various types of users: from professionals to hobbyists who want to try their hand at a 3D parametric modeling program for the first time. Another important thing to note is that the software is capable of reading and writing various file formats.
- OpenSCAD (Windows / macOS / Linux) - is another 3D modeling software, free and open source, which deserves to be taken seriously. It probably isn't among the most intuitive solutions of its kind, but it includes several features that make it very interesting. Going into more detail, it is a 3D compiler that reads scripts that describe the objects to be rendered three-dimensionally. This means that it is not an interactive modeler in the strict sense of the term, but a more advanced solution aimed at giving maximum control to the user.
- Sweet Home 3D (Windows / macOS) - from the name you understand it immediately: it is a software for designing houses and gardens. It allows you to draw in two dimensions and simultaneously preview the result obtained in 3D. In addition, includes a wide variety of items to choose from. Basically it's free, but eventually it is also available in a paid variant only for Mac (costa 14,99 euro) which includes a greater number of furnishing elements. Note that, considering its characteristics, falls fully within theprograms for drawing houses in 3D most interesting of the moment.
- AutoCAD (Windows / macOS) - it is the most popular CAD software in the world. It is produced by the Autodesk software house and is used in engineering fields, mechanical and architectural to carry out projects through drawings in two and three dimensions. It is not within everyone's reach, but for professionals working in the sectors listed above (and for students who are in the process of doing so) there is no more complete solution. It works on both Windows and macOS and is paid (costa 293 euro / month or 2.361 euro / year), but I decided to report it to you in this guide of mine because a free trial version is also available with a duration of 30 days. For further information, you can read my specific guide onhow to use AutoCAD.
- Maya (Windows / macOS) - is an animation software, 3D modeling and rendering produced by the aforementioned Autodesk and running on both Windows and macOS. It is a high-profile professional solution and is mainly suitable for those who work in the world of 3D animation or are about to do so. It is paid (costa 281 euro / month or 2.264 euro / year), but for students and teachers the download is free, while for all the others it is available in a free trial version working for 30 days.
Programs for drawing in 3D online
You don't want or can't download new software on your computer and would like me to report someprograms for drawing in 3D online? Said, done. You find them indicated in the following lines. You can use it from anybrowser and operating system, without having to install absolutely anything on your PC. Fantastic, vero?
Tinkercad
The first online 3D drawing program I suggest you use isTinkercad. It deals with, in fact, of a free online application made available by Autodesk (the same AutoCAD and Maya software house I told you aboutin the previous lines) made mainly for those who intend to approach the world of three-dimensional drawing. It allows you to devote yourself to digital design and 3D modeling and to transform your ideas into real objects thanks to3D printers.
To use it, connected tohome page of the service and click the buttonStart Tinkercad which is located in the center. Then create your account to use the service, filling out the form that is proposed to you with the requested information.
Subsequently, click on the buttonLet’s Go and you will find yourself in the presence of the editor of the service, whose interface is organized as follows: in the center is the work area, on the right the three-dimensional elements to add to the project, on the left the instructions for use and on the other the toolbar to change the display mode and to edit the 3D objects added to the project.
When you see fit, you can save your creations by clicking on the buttonExport located at the top right.
SketchUp Free
SketchUp Free is the web variant of the program I told you about instep at the beginning of the guide. Then, it is a totally free solution and you can do everything from your browser window, without downloading absolutely anything to your computer.
To start using SketchUp Free, go to thehome page of the service and click on the buttonStart modeling. On the page that opens, create an account to use the service by filling in the text field with your email address, clicking on the buttonNext and following the instructions that are proposed to you on the screen. Alternatively, you can register with theaccount Google or with theaccount Apple, pressing on the appropriate buttons.
After registration, tick the box to accept the terms of use of the service, click on the buttonOK and then on thatStart modeling present in the center of the new page displayed.
Subsequently, you will find yourself in the presence of the editor of the service and you can begin to use it to create your three-dimensional projects. Its interface is organized as follows: in the center is the work area, on the left is the bar with the tools to add and edit the elements to be included in the project, on the right you will find the toolbar for choosing materials, styles, the type of scene, set the display mode etc.. and at the top you will find the menu bar.
When you are done, to save the project on your computer in the proprietary SKP format click on the button with thethree lines horizontally located at the top left and choose the itemDownload from the menu that appears, while to export the project in another supported format you have to select the itemExport from the menu.
3D drawing app
You don't have a computer at hand and would like to know if there are anyapp per smartphone e tablet through which you can try your hand at 3D drawing even on the move? The answer is yes.
In fact, there are various solutions useful for the purpose that can be used both onAndroid than oniOS / iPadOS, like the ones you find in my guide dedicated tographics app and in my post onapp for technical drawing.
AUTHOR
Salvatore Aranzulla
Salvatore Aranzulla is the most widely read blogger and IT popularizer in Italy. Known for discovering vulnerabilities on Google and Microsoft sites. He collaborates with computer magazines and edited the technological column of the newspaper Il Messaggero. He is the founder of Aranzulla.it, one of the thirty most visited sites in Italy, in which it responds with simplicity to thousands of computer-related doubts. He has published for Mondadori and Mondadori Informatica.
