21 Best Free 3D Drawing, Modeling Programs

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The design and visualization of XNUMXD objects is a special category of graphics that is usually addressed to graphic designers. However, this does not mean that a simple user cannot work with them, provided of course that he should have some basic knowledge about the subject and an appetite for reading. 

In any case, we have selected the best-top 3D drawing apps for various uses. 

At this point we should note that these applications include some that are available absolutely free, and many more that include at least some part of them that is provided for free with the possibility of expanding and acquiring the entire package through subscriptions or a one-time payment. This collection does not include time-limited apps

1.

Sweet Home 3D

Sweet Home 3D is aimed at those who want to design their own home rooms. You can make the walls of your rooms, change the color of the walls, the dimensions, put furniture (living room, kitchen), also you can insert 3D models that you made or find respectively in various web sites, change the size and the orientation of each piece of furniture and view the design changes at the same time in 3D view, you can also print the design. 

Draw straight, curved or sloping walls precisely using the mouse or keyboard, insert doors and windows into the walls by dragging them on the drawing, and let Sweet Home 3D calculate the openings, add furniture to the drawing from an expandable and searchable list organized into categories such as kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom. Change the color, texture, size, thickness, location and orientation of furniture, walls, floors and ceilings.

Specify room areas, dimensions, texts in the drawing and place it north using a compass. Enter floor plans of the house to design the walls, 3D models to complete the list, and textures to change the surfaces.

Print and export PDFs, digital images or vector images, videos and 3D files to known file types, extend the capabilities of Sweet Home 3D with extensions programmed in Java, or develop an application development based on its Model View Controller architecture.

2.

DreamPlan Home Design Software

Visualize and design your dream home with a realistic 3D model. Create the floor plan of your house, or apartment, customize colors, textures, furniture, decorations, stairs, and more. 

Before you start designing a new home or working on a home improvement project, perfect your floor plan. In particular, you can switch between 3D, 2D view modes, use the trace mode to import existing drawings, draw outdoor spaces (eg gardens) and many other functions.

3.

Live Home 3D

Live Home 3D is perhaps the most intuitive home design application. Draw detailed 2D floor plans and watch as the structure is automatically made in 3D. Design and decorate the interior, optimizing the layout of the furniture and making smart color choices in a fully functional 3D environment. Live Home 3D automatically creates a 3D image as soon as you draw a design. The latter can be constructed from scratch or detected from an imported image using the smart tools provided by the application.

4.

DIALux

Free software that can help you plan and calculate the lighting required, in rooms, floors, buildings and outdoor areas. DIALux is used as a design tool by more than 700.000 lighting designers worldwide, it is constantly evolving and meets the requirements of modern lighting design and calculation. DIALux can fit perfectly into your existing workflow. It supports many open interfaces and file formats such as IFC, STF, DWG, DXF, IES or LDT. 

For example, you can use data from a different CAD software and create a lighting design in DIALux. With menus in Greek, and the ability to register on forums and watch videos and read instructions on how to work with the software, I'd say it's one of the best programs of its kind suitable for engineers, but also anyone who wants to deal with and adequately calculate the exact lighting that the rooms of his house should have.

However, we should clarify that although the program in general is not particularly difficult, nevertheless one needs to have at least the basic knowledge and some relevant experience with design programs so as not to get 'lost'. 

You can also download the application for Android and iOS, although in this case you will not have the number of features that the desktop version has. However, with this app you can collect information about a room and create a lighting system.

5.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open source parametric XNUMXD modeler built primarily to be able to design objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by changing its parameters. 

It allows you to draw 2D shapes with limited geometry that you can use as a base for building other objects. It contains many components for adjusting dimensions or extracting design details from XNUMXD models to create high-quality finished designs.

It reads and writes to file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and more, making it possible to seamlessly integrate them into your work. is an open source parametric XNUMXD modeler built primarily to be able to to draw objects of any size. 

Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by changing its parameters. It allows you to draw 2D shapes with limited geometry that you can use as a base for building other objects. 

It contains many components for adjusting dimensions or extracting design details from XNUMXD models to create high-quality finished designs. It reads and writes to file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and more, making it possible to seamlessly integrate them into your work.

6.

Daz studio

Powerful FREE 3D design tool, which is not only easy to use, but has rich functionality. Whether you are a beginner or a pro DaDaz Studioz Studio enables you to create amazing 3D. 

It is used to produce images as well as videos. Renderings can be made using either the 3Delight rendering engine or the Iray rendering engine, both of which are available for free with Daz Studio, or with a variety of third-party plug-ins. 

Daz Studio also supports importing and exporting various file formats for 3D objects and animations to allow other 3D content to be used in Daz Studio, as well as to download content from Daz Studio for use in other 3D applications. To download the application you must first register.

7.

Bfor artists

Bforartists is a free complete 3D suite for creating 3D content. It offers you the complete XNUMXD technique assistant to create game graphics, movies and photos. From modeling, sculpting, texturing, animation, rendering, to post-processing. 

As with Blender, it is open source software available for free. Note that Bforartists is fully functional without any limitations.

As with any similar application, to work with it you need to have some familiarity-experience with software of this kind. On the page of its creator, you will of course also find the necessary manual to start learning it

8.

DELFTship Free

Fully functional modeling program ideal for students, casual users or anyone else interested in designing a ship and of course as the name suggests it is available for free!

The subdivision surfaces used by DELFTship allow the rapid modeling of the most complex shapes in a very flexible way. Combine this with a very smart user interface and the same reference tools as DELFTship Professional and you'll be designing professional boats in no time! 

You can use DELFTship free to model any type of ship. The program is limited to hulls that are symmetrical about the central plane. Perform basic hydrostatic and drag calculations. 

Use the Lackenby hullform transform to automatically adjust parameters such as displacement and longitudinal center of buoyancy. It can export to various 2D / 3D file formats (.STL, .DXF, .OBJ, .GHS, etc.). 

Although it lacks some of the more sophisticated model features of DELFTship Professional, files created with either version of the program are fully compatible with each other.

9.

Makehuman

MakeHuman is a free tool designed to simplify the creation of virtual characters using a graphical user interface (GUI). It is a specialized branch of the more general subject of XNUMXD modeling. 

The MakeHuman team focuses on this specific industry in order to achieve the best possible level of quality and ease of use in this area. 

The ultimate goal is to be able to quickly produce a wide range of realistic virtual people with just a few mouse clicks and be able to save them as images on your computer, or export them for use in other software. 

People are created with proper manipulation in the app that allow mixing different human features to create unique 3D human characters.

The controls are intended to provide the user with a simple way to create characters that give expression to the widest possible range of human forms. Controllable features are divided into two groups: macro and detail. 

This includes some tools that haven't been built yet or are in the early stages of development for things like poses, animation cycles, managing facial expressions, hair and clothing.

With the exception of modeling, most of these tools follow a "point and click" approach using the MakeHuman library. Through the MakeHuman library, you can add animated facial expressions, shoes, clothes and other details to their character.

It also has tools for exporting virtual people to other software (such as the Blender 3D modeling suite), where further improvements can be made. It is available for windows and Mac OS X. To run the application after downloading the file unzip it and run the makehuman executable file.

10.

FreeCAD

Free Open Source 2D-CAD application for Windows, Macintosh and Linux. Over the last few years there has been an improvement in the cad applications available for Linux and there is always something new coming out. The application is new and in continuous development, and at this stage at least it cannot be compared to professional products of the AutoCAD type, nevertheless due to its continuous improvement it is on a very good path.

11.

CarbideCreate

Combine the power of 2D design and editing with 3D simulation and see your designs come to life. Carbide Create is a downloadable software that runs on Windows and OSX computers. In fact, it is the only CAD / CAM cross-platform software available that is not dependent on "The Cloud". Best of all, it's free for everyone, not just Carbide 3D customers. To download it you must register and your e-mail will be sent in addition to the link to download it and explanatory videos.

12.

Energy3D

It is a simulation-based engineering tool for designing green buildings and power plants that utilize renewable energy sources to achieve sustainable development. 

Users can quickly design a realistic structure or import one from an existing CAD file, place it over a map image (eg Google Maps or multiple maps) and then evaluate their energy performance for any given day and location.

Based on computational physics and weather data, Energy3D can quickly generate time graphs (similar to data loggers) and heat maps (similar to infrared cameras) for analytical studies.

Artificial intelligence is also used to support genetic design, engineering optimization and automatic evaluation. At the end of the design, Energy3D allows users to print it, cut the pieces and use them to assemble a life-scale model .

Energy3D was primarily developed to provide a simulated engineering design environment to support science and engineering education and training from middle schools to graduate schools. 

Since the simulation results are accurate and the user interfaces are friendly, it can also be used as an entry-level energy simulation tool for professionals. See the relevant videos on how to work with the application here.

13.

Blender

One of the best freeware programs for creating 3D objects. Used for modeling, rigging, water simulations, animation, rendering, non-linear processing and to create interactive XNUMXD applications such as video games. It is available for all major operating systems such as Windows Linux and Mac OS X. Blender has advanced animation tools, various character and costume design tools, hardware creation tools and Python programming language for internal scripting.

14.

3DCrafter

Another free real-time 3D modeling software and animation tool that incorporates an intuitive drag-and-drop approach to 3D modeling. It is suitable even for novice users as it guides you step by step through a very explanatory menu. You can build complex models from simple 3D models. The basic version of 3DCrafter is a fully functional product provided for free. Upgrades are available for those who require additional features either for game development or for providing realistic images, now also available as an application in the Windows Store.

15.

PotterDraw

PotterDraw is a free 3D software application for pottery design and illustration. It is useful for creating cylindrical shapes such as pots, bottles, vases, cups, plates, glasses, glasses, or anything similar. 

The outer wall is pulled using a wedge, which consists of one or more curved or linear segments. The inner wall is created automatically. PotterDraw can export files suitable for 3D printing. 

It can also map synthetic or user-defined textures onto the container. Mesh and texture properties can be modulated by oscillators for more complex effects, and morphs can be animated to create videos.

16.

Model Air Design

The new, free, fast and easy way to create model airplanes. It is a modern software tool for designing model aircraft. Model Air Design is for any person, who has a desire to design and create model airplanes, but has found Computer Aided Design (CAD) software too difficult and time-consuming to learn.

You can design 3D models of computers without the complexity of 3D CAD software. It is so easy and intuitive to use that you will not have a hard time learning how to create with it. You will design airplane models in minutes.

With Model Air Design you can create a computer model aircraft from a group of airplane parts. Instead of carefully designing every detail of the aircraft, you simply choose from a selection of pre-designed parts. 

Model Air Design will assemble and design the aircraft from the parts you choose. In addition, you will be able to modify and place the parts of the plane as you like. 

For example, you can modify a fender in length, width, or height, and you can place it higher, lower, forward, or backward. Model Air Design makes it possible to visualize your aircraft design ideas. Once you see what your plane will look like, you can start drawing plans, cutting wood, molding foam, or using fiberglass to build your model.

Model Air Design is not like a conventional CAD program. It is essentially a visual design tool. It is not like a CAD program in the sense that it does not provide measurements and does not create line drawings that would assist in creating model airplane designs. 

However, the commercial version of this application, when completed, will export a model file that can be used by most CAD programs to produce line drawings and provide accurate measurements to build an aircraft model.

17.

Room Planner

Renovate your apartment, get inspired by the default layouts and design your bedroom, bathroom, or living room. You can choose interior items from a comprehensive product catalog to design and furnish your home the way you've always wanted, and you can see how everything will look in 3D virtual reality. 

Start one of the existing designs created by industry professionals or create your own. Change furniture, decor, add new items, observe your home from different angles, create realistic snapshots and see how your image becomes reality.

Additional features such as ready-made designs, a complete furniture catalog (5.000 products), unlimited rooms to build and realistic HD renderings are available through an auto-renewable subscription for one week, one month or one year.

18.

RoomSketcher

Easy to use home design software that you can use to design and visualize your home plans. Create floor plans, furnish and decorate, then see it all in 3D. Create floor plans and house plans using the RoomSketcher app or order floor plans. Interactive live 3D, stunning 3D photos and 360 panoramic views available at the touch of a button. 

With powerful features capable of meeting all your home layout and design needs. Whether you're building a new home, renovating a room, or getting ready to sell your home, RoomSketcher lets you create floor plans, furnish, decorate, and visualize your design ideas in 2D and 3D. 

The app includes great features to meet your home design needs, whether you want to rearrange your furniture or plan a renovation.

All of the app's features are easy to use and easy to understand, so you can get started right away. The drag-and-drop user interface makes it easy to design walls and add windows, doors, and furniture. 

Easily try out different wall and furniture layouts, change colors and finishes on walls, ceilings and floors and see them in 3D. Live 3D lets you walk around your floor plan as if you were actually there.

Once your home design is complete, easily share and collaborate with friends and family. RoomSketcher is ideal for contractors, homeowners, designers and decorators who need a home design software with high-quality 3D visualization.

It does not require technical knowledge of 3D drawing, since the demanding work of drawing and creating XNUMXD images is done automatically by the application.

19.

Wings 3D

Wings 3D can be used to model and texture low to medium range polygon models. It does not support animation and only has basic OpenGL rendering facilities, although it can export to external rendering software such as POV-Ray and YafRay. 

It is often used in conjunction with other software, so models built in Wings are exported to applications more specialized in rendering and animation, such as Blender. 

Due to Wings' context-sensitive design, each selection mode has its own set of mesh tools. Many of these tools offer both basic and advanced uses, allowing users to specify vectors and points to change how a tool will affect their model. Wings also allows users to add textures and materials to models.

20.

Blockbench

Free, modern model editor for low-poly and boxy models with pixel art textures. Models can be exported in standard formats, shared, printed on 3D printers, or used in game engines. There are also several exclusive formats for Minecraft Java and Bedrock Edition with format-specific features. 

It has a modern and intuitive user interface, plugin support and innovative features. It is the industry standard for creating custom 3D models for the Minecraft Marketplace. 

It provides the appropriate tools for creating low-poly models (a mesh of polygons in XNUMXD computer graphics that has a relatively small number of polygons. Low-poly appears in real-time applications, e.g. games) to make complex shapes using the modeling tools of the application. 

Create, edit and paint your texture from within the app. Create or import palettes and paint or draw shapes. Blockbench can automatically generate a map and UV template for your model so you can start painting right away. 

You can directly paint your model in 3D space, use the 2D texture editor, or connect to your favorite external image editor. It also has a powerful animation editor with which you can customize your model and then use the position, rotation and scale keyframes to bring it to life. 

Use the chart editor to fine-tune your creation. Animations can later be exported to Minecraft, Bedrock Edition, or XNUMXD model editors such as Blender and Maya. Finally, you can customize Blockbench by downloading plugins. 

Add-ons extend the functionality of the program beyond what it is already capable of by adding new tools, and support for new export formats and model generators.

21.

5D Planner

Simple-to-use application that allows anyone to create beautiful and realistic 2D and 3D designs for indoor and outdoor spaces. 

You can choose interior and exterior elements from a comprehensive catalog to design and build your home or any other space the way you want using the virtual reality feature. 

The free version contains: unlimited number of projects, catalog with 150+ free items, 2D and 3D editing. In Planner 5D there are no restrictions in choosing a floor plan, creating a design and room design: kitchen, bathroom, living room or bedroom. 

Add interior decoration to the room: paintings, clocks, vases, lamps, curtains and more. Build a house and plan the landscape design around the house: swimming pool, sea or lake, garden with swing and place to relax. In the application, you can do not only home interior design or room design, but also the design of a cafe or gym.