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10 Best Free 3D Modeling Software

Want to create your 3D model with minimal cost? The free modeling software will meet your requirements well.

This software is not very powerful but has all the necessary tools to create, export, and publish 3D models online.

I have tested quite a few free options. However, not many software programs have impressive effects like the names that will appear shortly.

If you are looking for valuable versions like the above, the list below is for you.

1. Foyr Neo

Foyr Neo

Specifications

  • Operating system: Windows, Linux, Rocky Linux
  • System requirements: No.

Key Features

A professional interior design engineer recommended I use Foyr Neo. And this software has surprised me with the benefits it brings.

This one includes all the necessary tools for interior design. Even if I don’t have experience in this field, I can still create a floor plan in just a few minutes.

I also highly recommend Foyr Neo because of its available design inventory. It offers more than 60,000 ready-to-use products, and I can also make some changes to create my unique design.

It is also a special software for online design support. All operations take place on the publisher’s server. Therefore, I do not need to use powerful models of computers to operate.

I am pretty satisfied with the experience that Foyr Neo brings. Quite a pity, it’s not free. After the 14-day trial, I have to pay $14 for the following months to continue using the software.

Price: Free for the first 14 days, $14/month.

Website Link: https://foyr.com

Pros

  • Online design support.
  • 60,000 designs are available.
  • Easy to get used to, easy to use.
  • Full range of interior design tools.
  • It does not require a powerful processor.

Cons

  • Not completely free.

2. Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya

Specifications

  • Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, Rocky Linux
  • System requirements: Multi-core processor.

Key Features

Autodesk Maya is a professional 3D software that I immensely love. I’ve used it to create complex digital photos, 3D character designs, and animated worlds.

For every task, this freeware does a pretty good job. It helps me create pretty lovable cartoon characters and live footage.

It also impresses with its intuitive modeling tools. Right in the first use, I had no difficulty getting used to and starting my creative work.

Autodesk Maya is one of the few free software that has improved my work speed. Even so, some disadvantages still exist, such as the lack of some features.

I hope the publisher will add texture features in the following versions to serve professional work’s needs better.

Price: Free trial & Free student access.

Website Link: https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/overview

Pros

  • Improve working speed.
  • Intuitive modeling tool.
  • Simple, even for beginners.
  • Create complex digital photos.
  • Create good 3D animations.

Cons

  • Missing some features.

3. Blender

Blender

Specifications

  • Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • System requirements: 64-bit dual-core.

Key Features

Blender has quite a few special tools. It has cycle rendering, real-time viewport preview, and rendering support.

In particular, I am most impressed with the modeling power of this software. The software offers a smooth, time-saving experience of converting and editing complex 3D models.

Another unique feature of it is the console in a python programming language. I spent hours tweaking its colors, fonts, and many other settings with gusto.

However, I also understand that not many users love this software feature. Beginners appreciate the intuitiveness more than the user-friendly interface.

Price: Free.

Website Link: https://www.blender.org/

Pros

  • Edit 3D models quickly.
  • Smooth user experience.
  • Many useful tools.
  • Open source code.
  • Customizable support interface.

Cons

  • The user interface is not intuitive.

4. 3DS Max

3DS Max

Specifications

  • Operating system: Windows.
  • System requirements: 64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor.

Key Features

Previously, I did not overestimate the professionalism of free 3D modeling software. This one usually does not provide too many powerful tools. However, the 3DS Max is an exception.

This software possesses quite a lot of powerful tools. Of these, my two favorite tools are visual shading and vignetting. These features make it easy to create sophisticated images and professional renderings.

Another impressive advantage of it is its automation feature. Instead of spending hours doing repetitive tasks, I did the job in no time.

These impressive features make 3DS Max one of the ideal software for professional painters. However, this software would be perfect if there were more plugins to create controls.

Price: Free trial & Free student access.

Website Link: https://www.autodesk.com/products/3ds-max/overview

Pros

  • Powerful tool.
  • Automation saves time.
  • Ideal for professional users.
  • Professional rendering fast.
  • Support sophisticated image creation

Cons

  • There is no plugin to create controls.

5. Sketchup

Sketchup

Specifications

  • Operating system: Windows, macOS.
  • System requirements: multi-core processors.

Key Features

Although I have used a lot of modeling software, I still love sketching drawings by hand. And Sketchup is the software that helped me satisfy my passion.

Sketchup supports two design modes, 3D and 2D. I usually choose to design in 3D and preview or print in 2D. Working with Sketchup, I had no trouble visualizing my ideas.

Sketchup is also excellent freeware for teamwork. The 3D community of the software is quite crowded. I learned a lot while participating in the Sketchup community.

Although possessing many advantages that make me satisfied, Sketchup is still not the perfect choice. I’m still having trouble creating complex shapes with this software right now. Its plugins are not good enough to meet my needs.

Price: Free.

Website Link: https://www.sketchup.com/

Pros

  • Ideal for teamwork.
  • Preview or print in 2D.
  • Suitable for visualizing ideas.
  • There is a supportive community.
  • Satisfy your passion for drawing by hand.

Cons

  • Must use plugins to create complex shapes.

6. ZBrush

ZBrush

Specifications

  • Operating system: Windows.
  • System requirements: Core2duo or AMD equivalent.

Key Features

ZBrush is the favorite software of top digital artists. Contributing to its success is a series of professional tools.

I appreciate the Bas Relief feature that the publisher provides. It helps me position the model well and create impressive embossed surfaces.

Bevel Pro is also a pretty unique feature of ZBrush. In the past, to generate bevels for meshes, I had to create a low-manifold model. However, with this helpful feature, I quickly completed the task.

In addition to the above impressive features, ZBrush also conquered me with professional features such as surface noise, precise strokes, and easy brush transitions.

Unfortunately, this software’s list of impressive features does not include animation. It is a notable drawback of ZBrush, especially for users looking for all-in-one software.

Price: Free trial.

Website Link: https://www.maxon.net/en/zbrush

Pros

  • Precise drawing.
  • Well-positioned model.
  • Generate surface noise.
  • Many professional tools.
  • Create an excellent embossed surface

Cons

  • Lacks animation functionality

7. Cinema 4D

Cinema 4D

Specifications

  • Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • System requirements: Intel 64-bit, Apple M1-powered, or CentOS 7 64-bit.

Key Features

I used Cinema 4D to create professional-looking footage. And fast, powerful and flexible are my impressions of this software.

Its toolkit is quite complete. The simulated images created by Cinema 4D are pretty similar to reality. The software produces detailed and vivid images from fabric, rope to yarn.

Color is also a pretty prominent feature of Cinema 4D. With OCIO color management technology, it delivers dramatic cinema-grade colors.

In addition to being suitable for professional filmmaking, this software is also a good choice for game development and motion graphics.

But, for the above versatility, it comes with many of the same tools. And it is this feature that makes Cinema 4D’s rendering window quite confusing.

Price: Free trial.

Website Link: https://www.maxon.net/en/cinema-4d

Pros

  • Versatile.
  • Professional film creation.
  • Support for game development.
  • OCIO color management.
  • Accurately simulate images.

Cons

  • The rendering window is pretty messed up.

8. Modo

Modo

Specifications

  • Operating system: Windows.
  • System requirements: Intel Core i3+ or AMD equivalent.

Key Features

One of my favorite things about Modo is the rendering and shading features. This feature makes material correction and detail enhancement simpler.

This software also provides a lot of tools to support game creation. Modo models are constantly improving their modeling capabilities. It also optimizes my workflow by giving quick measurements and conditional commands.

Another feature that is also quite useful for game production is the action exporter. I have no trouble exporting animations for games.

Modo is a pretty impressive piece of software for me. But, it still has minor drawbacks, such as suboptimal mouse behavior and snap errors.

Price: Free trial, $65/month.

Website Link: https://www.foundry.com/products/modo

Pros

  • Useful for game production.
  • Action Exporter.
  • Support good animation production.
  • Update the modeling feature regularly.
  • Good rendering and shading.

Cons

  • There are still some minor snap errors, mouse behavior,

9. TinkerCAD

TinkerCAD

Specifications

  • Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, Rocky Linux.
  • System requirements: should have at least 4Gb of RAM.

Key Features

If you are new to 3D modeling, TinkerCAD is the tool you should consider.

Unlike previously introduced software, TinkerCAD works in the browser. Therefore, this tool is compatible with even the lowest configuration computers.

But TinkerCAD is suitable for beginners because of its detailed video tutorials. I usually enhance my skills with its tutorials.

I am pretty satisfied with the basic features and ease of use of TinkerCAD. My only complaint about this part is that navigating when working in the 3D window is quite tricky. To avoid wasting much time on manipulation, I learned keyboard shortcuts instead of using the mouse to navigate.

Price: Free.

Website Link: https://www.tinkercad.com/

Pros

  • Easy to use.
  • Full basic features.
  • Ideal for beginners.
  • Support multiple video tutorials
  • It can be available to improve design skills.

Cons

  • Navigating is a bit difficult.

10. Onshape

Onshape

Specifications

  • Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Rocky Linux.
  • System requirements: No.

Key Features

Onshape is one of the most professional software on this list. Its specific version requires up to $2,100/year. However, with an account for educational purposes, you can experience professional features for free.

Some impressive features are cloud storage for efficient online collaboration, cross-device access support, and an impressive range of design tools.

I also highly recommend Onshape’s browser-based operating system. I am satisfied with this software’s lightweight browser and working experience.

In particular, it provides an API and more than 50 technical applications. Its equipment is sufficient for CAD implementation, workflow optimization, and drawing management.

Even so, Onshape still has some disadvantages. And its most significant problem is not optimizing for printing. Unlike some software that allows direct printing, when using Onshape, I have to export or download the drawing.

Price: 0 – $2,100/year.

Website Link: https://www.onshape.com/en/

Pros

  • Professional
  • Cloud storage.
  • Favorable for collaboration.
  • Drawings can be accessed on any device.
  • It’s completely free with an education account.

Cons

  • Not optimized for printing.

How To Choose

Team of 3D Modelers

Simplify the process

Most 3D modeling software is not too complicated. It’s still better to prioritize options that aren’t too complicated. Ensure that the software’s workflow does not slow down your device when installing and using the software.

Operating system

The operating system must also be compatible with your operating system.

Currently, most 3D modeling software is compatible with Windows and macOS. A few software will be compatible with Linux and other less popular systems.

You can also opt for cloud-enabled 3D modeling software. These options work well on all models, even the lowest configuration devices.

Format

An optimal software should allow you to work with many different formats.

Usually, some formats only available in macOS are not supported on Windows and vice versa. You need to pay attention to this issue to work more efficiently.

Conclusion

Although I have tested many 3D modeling software samples, I am still quite satisfied with the above 10 suggestions. I will always suggest you try out Foyr Neo for its impressive features and Cinema 4D for professional filmmaking.

I hope you have found the ideal one for you in our list. Thank you for reading!