What Are The Best 3D Design Software For 3D Printing?

Autodesk Fusion 360, SketchUp, Tinkercad, and Blender are some of the top-rated 3D design software for 3d printing.

You might already know about 3D models used for animation, visual effects, and engineering design purposes.

The 3D software tools are specifically designed for modeling, sculpting, and designing 3D objects to create those 3D models.

However, 3D software that only consists of tools for designing 3D models isn’t enough.

You also need 3D printing software to print those 3D modeled objects as it converts them into a format that the 3D printer can understand.

You don’t need to install a separate program for 3D printing.

The best 3D software, such as Fusion 360, Blender, Tinkercad, SOLIDWORKS, etc., all come with tools for both 3D designing and printing.

Moreover, these software programs are also best known for their unique features.

For instance, Fusion 360 and SOLIDWORKS are acknowledged for their mechanical engineering and product design specification.

Tinkercad and SelfCAD are ideal for beginners. And Blender is the best choice for game development.

What is The Best 3D Software For Beginners?

Tinkercad is the highly recommended 3D software for beginners.

First of all, it’s browser-based, so you don’t even have to go through the trouble of installing it on your device.

Just open it in your web browser and start the designing process.

Moreover, it’s free and comes with a user-friendly interface, making it an ideal option for beginners.

Which is The Best 3D Printing Software?

PrusaSlicer is the best software for 3D printing, as it offers powerful tools for detailed print settings and multi-material printing.

It supports various 3D printers, particularly Prusa printers, and is compatible with different printing needs.

Moreover, it’s best known as an excellent open-source slicing software and is also available for free.

Best 3D Design Software For 3D Printing

We recommend you the following top-rated software for 3D designing and 3D printing:

01. Autodesk Fusion

Often called Fusion 360, Autodesk Fusion is one of the best 3D design software for 3D printing.

Many engineers, professional designers, product developers, and advanced hobbyists use it for advanced modeling.

Besides supporting Windows and macOS, it’s accessible through web browsers as it’s Cloud-based. It’s well-known for its following features:

• Integrated CAD, CAE, and CAM tools to support combined design, engineering, and manufacturing.
• Offers advanced modeling tools, such as parametric and direct modeling.
• Includes tools for many performance tests
• Supports multiple design products

To know more visit Autodesk Fusion360 official link

02. SketchUp

Many architects, interior designers, and landscape architects use SketchUp for 3D modeling.

It supports macOS and Windows and also has a web-based version. Its unique features include:

• Offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface
• Provides users with a wide range of pre-made models
• Supports various extensions and plugins
• Includes layout tools for comprehensive 2D documentation creation from 3D models

You can download it from https://www.sketchup.com/

03. Rhino

Rhino is widely used for creating complex and precise 3D models by many artists, industrial designers, animators, and architects.

It supports macOS and Windows, and its key features are:

• Creation of complex, accurate, and detailed models through powerful tools
• Excellent integration with powerful rendering engines
• Offers extensive plugin support
• Uses NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) modeling for designing complex shapes

Visit Rhino homepage to know more

04. Solidworks

It’s one of the best 3D design software for 3D printing, especially known for creating complex and detailed mechanical designs.

It’s CAD software and is mainly used in the aerospace and automotive industries.

It only supports Windows, but its following features make it unique:

• Offers excellent simulation tools to test and validate designs
• Supports easy design modification
• Provides precise control
• Supports complex assemblies creation
• Offers powerful tools for drafting and documentation, including comprehensive 2D drawing tools for manufacturing

Visit Solidworks homepage

05. Tinkercad

It’s a free web-based software that is widely popular for its 3D modeling and printing tools.

Many DIY enthusiasts, beginners, and hobbyists consider it an ideal 3D software for them because of its following features:

• Offers an intuitive, user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface
• It doesn’t require any installation
• Supports direct export to various 3D printers
• Provides beginners with various educational guides
• It makes modeling simple and easy

You can download it from https://www.tinkercad.com/

06. Blender

Blender is widely popular among game developers, animators, and artists for its comprehensive toolset, especially for supporting the entire 3D pipeline.

Moreover, it’s an open-source 3D software tool and is also available for free.

Its supported platforms include Linux, Windows, and macOS. Its following key features make it unique:

• Excellent rendering engines, such as Cycles and Eevee
• Powerful tools for video editing, modeling, animation, etc.
• Provides support for virtual reality programs

You can download it from https://www.blender.org/

07. SelfCAD

SelfCAD is a 3D modeling software and slicing tool, best known as an all-in-one platform for 3d designing and printing.

It combines modeling and slicing in one tool without making the user interface tricky. This is why many beginners and hobbyists prefer it.

Moreover, it’s Cloud-based, so it doesn’t require any software installation. It supports macOS and Windows. Its unique features include:

• Offers a simple yet intuitive and user-friendly interface
• Built-in slicer
• Provides users with various learning resources

You can download it from https://www.selfcad.com/

How To Choose 3D Printing Software?

You need to look into your specific needs and purposes when choosing the right 3D printing tool.

Always keep the following points in mind when selecting 3D printing software for yourself:

• First of all, understand your skill. If you’re a beginner, go for the one that is easy for you to handle. However, if you’re an advanced user, you can choose the one with an intuitive interface and professional tools.
• Also, look into your budget. If you require basic tools for 3D printing, you can choose a free software for that. Whereas, professional users should choose subscription-based software for 3D printing.
• Have a clear understanding about your needs, goals, and purposes. Like, if you’re dealing with prototyping, you would need such 3D printing tools which support easy modifications and fast iterations.
• Make sure that the 3D printing tool you’re selecting is equipped with all basic and essential tools, including file compatibility, modeling, etc.

What is The Best Free Cad Software For 3D Printing?

 It’s Tinkercad. This browser-based application offers free yet powerful 3D printing tools.

It features an intuitive, user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface. It also offers a wide range of shapes and models.

Its tools are well-known for creating effective 3D models for free, making it the best free CAD software for 3D printing.

Is SketchUp Good For 3D Printing?

Yes, it is for many reasons. First of all, it features a simple and friendly user interface, making the designing process more straightforward for beginners.

Moreover, it offers powerful, advanced-level tools for 3D printing and supports various file formats.

It also comes with a variety of pre-made models. So, yes, it’s an excellent 3D printing tool for beginners and professionals alike.

What is a Good Free 3D Modeling Software?

Many 3D modeling software offer free tools; however, Blender is the best free software equipped with excellent tools.

Its powerful tools are good for various applications, including creating detailed 3D models for printing, developing visual effects and animations, modeling, rigging, motion tracking, and more.

It’s free, but you should know that it’s a bit tricky to handle, especially for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So, choosing an excellent 3D design software for 3D printing depends upon your purposes and needs.

If you’re a beginner or student, you should choose Tinkercad or Blender, as they offer free design services yet are equipped with powerful tools for 3D design.

And, advanced users can choose Autodesk Fusion 360 for its professional and robust features.