Chances are someone will have had the same issue, and the question will be long-since answered or resolved in one of the many fantastic Blender tutorials. Our Blender keyboard shortcuts cheat sheet can help you do that.įurthermore, the Blender community is prolific and encouraging. It's also a good idea to learn how to navigate Blender faster. And the tools are plentiful: 3D modeling, 3D editing, physical rendering, animation tools, compositing, texturing, material editing-even an integrated basic game engine for quick testing. At least until you learn how to navigate Blender and switch between its many tools. To really get to grips with Blender, I would advise finding an online tutorial series and following it. The range of tools outstrips most (if not all) other free competitors, and a healthy number of paid alternatives, too. Why? Because it ticks so many boxes for a free piece of software. Let's take a look at the best free 3D modeling software you can lay your hands on, and which one's right for you.īlender features in a phenomenal number of free 3D modeling software guides.

Unity with ProBuilder: Game development with 3D modeling plugin.

Tinkercad: Lightweight, entry-level 3D design.

MeshMixer: Artistic modeling, 3D printing.

Wings 3D: Good all-around tool for artistic and technical design.

FreeCAD: Engineering and technical design, popular with 3D print designers.

Blender: Artistic modeling, but also technical design.

Here's a short overview of what's out there:

The type of 3D modeling software you need depends on what you're trying to do, as certain 3D modeling tools work best with certain types of design.

If you know where you look, however, you can find full-featured 3D modeling software available that won't cost you a dime. It's all around us.īut 3D modeling isn't easy, and 3D modeling software can be prohibitively expensive. There are 3D models in the films and TV shows you watch, in the video games you play, and even in the blueprints for 3D printing.

3d model animation software free