Art of Illusion

Peter Eastman

Art of Illusion is a free alternative program if you want to create 3D images and models that can be used to create animations from those designs too. It is written in Java, so one of the advantages of the program is that it can be run on any Operating System. The standard version includes subdivision surface based modelling tools, skeleton based animation, and a graphical language for designing procedural textures and materials. Functionalities of the program can be increased with plugins. It counts with very interesting add-ons that will let you design plants and trees, vector render or translators to export files as many different formats. Creations can be saved as JPEG, PNG and TIFF; animations can be saved as QuickTime.

Slice3r

Alessandro Ranellucci

Rocrail

Robert Jan Versluis

Bryce

Corel

With this program, and thanks to its intuitive interface, you will be able to easily create spectactular views. It suports almost all formats: You can import these files: OBJ, BMP, JPG, PICT, PSD, TGA, TIF and others. Export to Quicktime, PICT, MOV, BMP, HTML, PSD, PICT,TIF, and others. Included are numerous libraries with lighting effects, weather effects (snow, rain, fog),and rendering boolean, etc. to give more realism to your creations. It is certainly an effective tool for 3D designers who want to give their creations a professional look.

pCon.planner

EasternGraphics

pCon.planner is a professional application that lets you design complex spaces easily. The program is designed to take into account the needs of interior architects and professional designers, yet it's easy enough to use that any regular user can take full advantage of it when planning a new kitchen or living room. Start designing a three dimensional room as simple as creating the walls by clicking and adding elements such as doors and windows ingeniously. pCon.planner has direct access to the pCon.catalog -- an innovative online product and troubleshooting catalogue from the industry's leaders -- where you can be inspired to embark on various practical projects. Once you have finished your project, you can previsualize it easily from your copy of the program. Also, at any time you can choose to see your workspace from a different vantage point. pCon.planner is an intuitive tool for any user who is interested in interior design, since, with its intuitive interface and wide range of possibilities, it makes itself a well-balanced program.

BricsCAD

Bricsys

DreamPlan Plus

NCH Software

DreamPlan Plus is a complete tool that’ll help you create a digital recreation of any type of building, from scratch. Whether you’re thinking about building, restoring or you’re simply curious about what your dream house would look like, DreamPlan Plus is the only tool you need. From its intuitive interface you can create complete 3D models of any type of building and edit them to meet your needs in both the inside and outside of the structure. Once you’ve got your model completed, DreamPlan Plus lets you export the 2D blueprints, and if you’ve already created a sketch in this program, any other user can import the 3D dimensions of the project to their program. The editing controls that DreamPlan Plus includes are really easy to use. Just pick the element that you want to implement inside your model, double click its name on the menu and drag it to the spot where you want to place it. You can also edit the different types of floors, wall papers and exterior textures and pick among the 100 different designs. One of the most interesting features that DreamPlan Plus includes is the easy implementation of mods that can help you add any element that you’re missing in the original program.

AccuRIG

ActorCore

AccuRIG is a free application designed for fast and easy character rigging, aiming to reduce production effort for character artists to focus on the model design with its automation and simplicity. Achieve accurate and superior rigging results in 5 simple steps for models in A/T/scan poses, or with low/high/multiple meshes. Direct export to major 3D tools, or upload to ActorCore and try tons of production-ready animations designed for game, film, archviz, digital twins and more.

MakeHuman

The makehuman team

MakeHuman is a 3D modeling program for human figures that doesn't require any advanced knowledge to use. Thanks to its interactive interface, generating any type of human character can be done in a matter of seconds, and with a high level of detail. You can modify each part of the body by just moving your mouse, and with instant results. On each screen you can choose the detail you'd like to modify, from chest, to waist, down to individual toes. MakeHuman includes plugins to export your 3D models to other editing programs for rendering.

ModelCAD 3000

N/A

ModelCAD is a CAD application especially developed for PC and scale modelers. Maybe if we try to tell a novice what ModelCAD is, we would have to say that ModelCAD is a computer tool for designing and drawing, bu it is much more than that. If you like modeling, you will love ModelCAD because you will be able to quickly and accurately produce designs which are really difficult to design. ModelCAD includes all the features you need to make a complete set of plans and print them to scale on items such as airplanes, boats, cars and trains. Have a try, it is a great choice if you want to create your own models.

Skyscraper

Ryan Thoryk

Skyscraper is an app developed with C++ that uses the graphics engine Crystal Spaces to generate very realistic, three dimensional constructions of buildings and skyscrapers. You can use any text edit software to create a model. Of course, you will have to learn the programming language that Skyscraper uses. The app comes with some examples and a programming guide. Skyscraper allows you to explore constructions and to travel through their surroundings. Use the elevator or the stairs to go up a level. The view is controlled with a number key and arrows. The Space Bar is to jump and Shift is to accelerate. The simulator that controls the elevators is very interesting. It is controlled by clicking the option “Edit elevator” on the control panel. It allows you to open and close the doors manually, make an emergency stop, press the button for individual floors, etc.

Coohom Floor Planner & Rendering

Coohom

Interior Design 3D

AMS Software

Interior Design 3D is a program for Windows that you can use to create pretty realistic interior designs. Just by adding the elements you like the most in each area of the plan, you can create an outline of the decor that you plan to install in your house in just a few hours. Although the way that Interior Design 3D works can be a bit complicated at the start, you will soon adapt to all the elements and layers that you can add to your design. In fact, you can design each space from scratch or use one of the different templates that will make things a bit easier. Additionally, the program has structures and houses with different floor levels and plants that will help you to create a customized design. Additionally, there is also a large number of furniture and decorative elements that you can add to each room. By dragging each object to the area of the plan that interests you, you will gradually form a blueprint of the house to get a very accurate idea of what you want the real result to be. Interior Design 3D has all the necessary tools for creating 3D interior plans. Even if you don't have that much technical design knowledge, you will gradually get used to how this program works to be able to place items on each plan. You can get surprising results that can give you an idea of how your home will turn out without having to go to costly lengths.

MeshMixer

Autodesk, Inc.

MeshMixer is a tool for creating 3D objects whose sole purpose is to provide an application with a simple interface so that any user can have fun unleashing their imagination and making the most bizarre figures. Because the application is free and non-commercial, its interface is perfectly designed to be easy to use. In other words, you won't need a tutorial of any kind in order to start fooling around with it and creating all sorts of abominations. It'll usually be enough to simply drag elements from one place to another and not much else. Now, for users who want to get more serious about MeshMixer, there are many tutorials on the official website to help you create many different models. You'll find not only PDF manuals but also how-to YouTube videos. As if this wasn’t enough, the official website also has a few extra tricks and advice. MeshMixer is a 3D object creating tool that’s full of possibilities, thanks to which you will be able to create complex models in a matter of minutes. All you need is a little imagination and a minimal amount of patience.

Fusion 360

Autodesk

Blender Portable

Blender Foundation

Blender is a powerful program dedicated to creating images and animations in 3D. The program offers many options in reference to modeling, rendering, animation, postproduction and creation of 3D products. It has a visualizer to see the final project as well. Created by more than 20 professionals, Blender is an excellent free proposal in the modeling field, and it will delight many. The program supports JPG, Iris, TGA, SGI, IFF and Inventor formats. Furthermore, with this portable version you will be able to transport the program comfortably in any portable memory device without having to install it on the PC where you want to use the program.

Meshroom

AliceVision

Meshroom is an application that lets you make 3D models from a series of photos, which is especially useful if you want to export models to other programs where you can continue processing or analyzing the information. Meshroom's interface is pretty streamlined, designed to help you make models without too much difficulty. All you have to do is check out the tools at your disposal, then get started. The first step is dragging photos onto the workspace, after which you'll find multiple ways to interact with them. Meshroom offers several formats for viewing the resulting model. No matter which one you choose, you can easily view the extracted compositions on your PC. You can also export your creations with total freedom and always in the format that best suits your needs. Meshroom is an excellent application for creating 3D models with the photos you feed into it. If you have enough experience in making 3D models, you'll have no problem getting the results you want with this application.

Sculptris

Pixologic

The design of 3D objects is intimately linked with the artist's abilities. Sometimes, 3D design programs have extremely complicated interfaces. Luckily, the free program Sculptris tried to do the exact opposite, and offers a simple, clear, and direct modeling experience. The philosophy behind creating 3D models is similar to that used when working with clay. Basically, you start with a simple figure like a sphere and then use different tools to give it shape until obtaining your final result. When using Sculptris, you can work from a flat surface or a sphere, using various sculpting brushes that make it easy to get the look you want. And, the mirror mode option allows you to create all kinds of symmetrical beings and creatures. It's also possible to give color to your creation with different textures - you can even use images located on your hard drive, or mix between several effects just like you were using a 2D graphic design program. Sculptris is a great 3D design program that also allows you to import and export your work in .obj format or Zbrush, another program created by the same studio.

Shapr3D

Shapr3D

Shapr3D is a 3D editing program that lets you create and edit all kinds of 3D designs. This CAD designing app lets you create things from small and simple objects, like geometric shapes, to complex industrial designs or 3D models with hundreds of different parts. One of Shapr3D's most noteworthy advantages, when compared to other similar programs, is that it lets you create 3D designs from 2D drawings. You can use a mouse and keyboard, a specialized tablet or a touchscreen device to draw. After creating a 2D design, all you have to do is pull it upwards to be able to add volume by applying different colors and lengthen it as much as you want. During this process, you can also create curves, adjust angles, measure the sides and much more. Another point in favor of Shapr3D is its interface, which is very intuitive, especially for users who have already used similar apps. What's more, there is also a complete tutorial that, through 10 basic tasks, quickly helps you to get used to some of the program's most important features. Once you finish the tutorial, which will take just under 15 minutes, you won't find it hard to create any 3D model. Shapr3D lets you import designs in SLDPRT, STL, STEP, IGES, X_T, 2D DWG, 2D DXF, JPG and PNG formats, and, when exporting, the supported formats are: X_T, STEP, STL, OBJ, 2D DXF, 2D DWG, IGES, 3MF and SVG. Thanks to this, you can quickly create designs and then continue working with more complex programs like AutoCAD, Solidworks, NX, Catia, Solid Edge, Fusion360, Rhino3D, Onshape and Sketchup. For all the aforementioned reasons, if you are looking for a program to create 3D designs, don't think twice about downloading Shapr3D. Not only does it offer professional-quality results, but it will take you very little time to achieve them.

FreeCAD

The FreeCAD Team

FreeCAD is a free and open source 3D parametric modeling tool, thanks to which you can design three-dimensional objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to modify your design with ease, using the change history of your creation, being able to change or alter its parameters with just one click. The main goal of FreeCAD is to help its users design objects for the real world. Everything you do within the program uses measurements and units applicable to the real world that, of course, you can customize: centimeters, inches, kilometers, feet... Once you have finished one of your creations, all you have to do is export the result. You can export it for use in other 3D modeling apps, but you can also create patterns to print your works in 3D printers. All objects created with FreeCAD are parametric natively. What does that mean? Simple, its form is entirely based on properties such as number values, text and even other objects. As such, any change you make to your object will be recalculated instantly and recorded in the history. In this way you can preserve the integrity of all your creations and, more importantly, recover any previous form if necessary. One of the most important aspects of 3D modeling software is its compatibility with different formats. And here is where FreeCAD shines. You will be able to import and export models in more than a dozen different formats, including the following: STEP, IGES, OBJ, STL, DWG, DXF, SVG, SHP, DAE, IFC or OFF, NASTRAN, VRML, OpenSCAD CSG, and FCStd. FreeCAD is outstanding 3D modeling software, which not only has an amazing range of features, but also offers a multitude of tutorials and other facilities so that you can learn to carry out any operation. Must-have software.

DIALux Evo

DIAL GmbH,

DIALux Evo is one of the best lighting design tools that you can use to create professional installations from your PC. Using a simple interface, all you have to do is manage your project to obtain realistic results. In DIALux Evo, you can create lighting for individual rooms or entire buildings. For either option, the development methodology will be very similar, and so you need to take the right steps to complete each project successfully. However, the tools are laid out intuitively, so you won't find it difficult to find each feature. Another of the most noteworthy features of DIALux Evo is that there is a range of tools to develop lighting in outdoor areas. To do this, there are different external light sources that will affect the project you carry out. What's more, you can plan each development based on the official regulations of each country. DIALux Evo has everything you need to be able to professional develop any lighting design. With an easy workflow, it will only take you a few sessions before you have an appealing end result that you can even export to present to any client.

Ultimaker Cura

Ultimaker

Ultimaker Cura is the most widely used 3D printing software in the world. With it, you can transform any 3D design made on the computer in CAD or STL to a file that can be printed on a 3D printer. It's compatible with hundreds of 3D printers from brands like Creality, Ultimaker, Anet, and more. The 3D figures you design with programs like Fusion 360 or Blender are complete. That said, you need to translate those figures into something a 3D printer can print, which is where programs like Ultimaker Cura come in. With this program, you can choose various parameters related to printing 3D designs. For example, you can adjust the precision of the printing by setting the width of each layer between 0.16 mm and 0.4 mm, with the latter being less precise. You can also choose the number of wall layers to increase the resistance, the amount of inside filling and its pattern, the printing speed, the supports for parts with no support points, and much more. After placing the piece in the correct position for printing, tap the Save button; the program will tell you how much filament you need and the estimated time until the printing is done. So, if you're planning on printing designs with your 3D printer, downloading Ultimaker Cura is a must.

ZModeler

Zanoza Software

ZModeler is a three dimensional modeling tool, designed for users who want to develop models of vehicles and other objects of similar features for videogames such as Euro Truck Simulator, Need for Speed: Most Wanted and even Grand Theft Auto (GTA). The application comes with a large number of features and an overwhelming interface. ZModeler lets its users create 3D models from scratch, allowing them to create anything from the simplest of polygons to the most complex of designs. Due to its features, ZModeler is used mostly by 'modders' and or users with relatively advanced knowledge of 3D modeling. This is not the best application to get started in this world, but rather a tool with which to let your imagination loose once you have the basic knowledge. Due to the application's features, you may end up needing more or less RAM memory to work with. The simpler models are easy to create and will not be very demanding on your computer, but more complex scenes could overcharge less powerful computers. ZModeler is a very comprehensive 3D modeling tool that makes up for a non-intuitive interface with a huge number of quality features. Plus, the application does not require installation. You can, instead, just decompress the files in the compressed file and double click on the executable.

Creality Print (Slicer)

Creality

Creality Print (Slicer) is a slicing tool for 3D printers. With this app, you can transform any 3D file into one that can be printed by a 3D printer. To do this, each model is transformed into a series of layers and instructions so that the printer can print the design layer by layer. Although the most popular option on the market is Ultimaker Cura, Creality Print (Slicer) is very similar in functionality and appearance. In fact, if you have used either one, you'll be able to use the other without any difficulty. The advantage of using Creality Print (Slicer) over Cura is that Creality's program includes profiles for all of its printers, including those for the latest models being launched by the company. As for Ultimaker Cura, profiles take longer to arrive and need to be created by hand. With Creality Print (Slicer), you can get detailed information about your printer, and simply take it to Cura to use it. With Creality Print (Slicer), you can rotate, resize or position one or more parts when 3D printing. You can choose the size of each layer, the printing speed, the use (or not) of supports, and make very precise adjustments to get the best possible prints. So if you're going to 3D print a design with a Creality Ender printer, downloading Creality Print (Slicer) is one of the best options to do so.

Autodesk DWG TrueView 2023

Autodesk

3D Builder

Microsoft Corporation

3D Builder is a 3D design tool developed by Microsoft. With it, you can view, create and customize everything from simple designs, such as toys or parts, to complex projects. The 3D Builder interface is very simple. When you have a project, you can insert elements, edit objects (separate, simplify, merge, etc.), paint, add textures, etc. You can also modify display elements, disabling shading, shadows, colors, reflections, etc. There are a series of highly intuitive controls to move through the designs. With the left mouse button pressed, you can rotate the view. With the right, you can move sideways. If you hold down the Shift key and left-click, you will zoom in and out. With Alt pressed, you can select items on the screen. With 3D Builder, you can also create 3D designs from 2D drawings. If you take a picture with the webcam, that design can easily be converted to 3D. You can apply numerous quality improvements to your final design with that base. 3D Builder has several built-in designs ready for you to use. There are toys, kitchen utensils, boxes, decorative items, and more. In short, if you are looking for a free, intuitive, and easy-to-use 3D design program, downloading 3D Builder is definitely among the best solutions.

Cinema 4D

Maxon

Cinema 4D is a powerful program for Windows where you can create 3D simulations with your computer. Thanks to an extensive variety of tools, you have everything you need to animate, model, simulate and render any design. What's more, the tool lets you share the results with your work team to carry out professional projects. The way that Cinema 4D works requires technical knowledge that lets you get the most out of each function. However, the program's intuitive interface means that you can also learn how to manage the numerous tools while you practice. In Cinema 4D, there are dozens of model types that let you create objects, textures and layers with absolute precision. Simulating any of the materials that you see in real life is digitally possible, thanks to the numerous options that let you configure the program. Equally, you can adjust the work desk to your style when it's time to design, so the screen only shows you the elements you need. Cinema 4D is an outstanding program that any industrial designer can use to make the most of their ideas. By sculpting a multitude of pieces or figures, animating them and then rendering them, you can get impressive 3D miniatures. The tool also lets you export your work to multiple formats that are compatible with the main media and operating systems where you will present your work.

SketchUp Pro

Trimble

SketchUp Make is 3D modeling and graphic design program which allows you to easily and quickly manipulate all kinds of 3D models. It includes a complete tutorial that will help you to learn how to use all of the tools it offers very quickly. The tool includes all kinds of modeling options, ranging from creating basic geometric figures to manipulating vertexes and faces, not to mention the texture, lighting and rendering tools. Creating a geometric figure is easy. You only have to draw a square with the pencil tool and drag it with the mouse and it will acquire volume. From then on, it's possible to create windows, doors and all the shapes you can imagine. Of course, you can also choose their color and textures. If you aren't good at creating your own models, the program also includes a huge database of resources created by community members that you can use for free. It includes all kinds of elements, from vehicles to furniture, including human figures and all kinds of decorative elements. SketchUp lets you export your 3D models as different formats: JPG, BMP, TIFF and PNG files for 2D renders and 3DS, DEM, DDF, DWG, DXF and SKP files for 3D objects and scenes. You can also render video scenes and movement as MOV and AVI files. This is a multipurpose tool for industrial design, architecture, and interior design. In addition, the program is designed to allow you to upload your models to Google Earth so that you can share them with other users of the program. If you are able to make a 3D image of a building of a monument in your city, then you are the right person for SketchUp.

InsideCAT Lite Edition

Victor García Tascón

InsideCAT is a file organizer program designed to catalog all your PC disks (CD, DVD, floppys, CD-Audio...) with an excellent support for compressed and multimedia files. It enables you to catalog files and locate them in a fast way. Use it as file organizer and never lose a file again. It works under all Windows versions. InsideCAT can find any file or folder inside a group of PC discs. Mostly CD-ROM and DVD-ROM, although it can also work with any other type of disc. Besides, it allows the user to catalogue music CD-Audio discs. It saves the disk information on your HD and you will no need to have the disks inserted to see the information. It supports 14 compressed files formats, multimedia files: (more than 38 variants), searching according to all data catalogued It allows adding descriptions to the files, folders and catalogues, and searches them. I addition you won’t need any third-part software because it has 'built-in' routines for all file formats.

Muso

MUSO TNT Ltd

Muso is an interesting music cataloger. This program enables you to access your entire music collection from within the same window, with the option to display your collection using categories. Just import your songs from your hard drive, or synchronize the program with your iTunes library, and after a few minutes Muso will have sorted and stored your information in its database. Once if has all of the above information, you will be able to access your music library, and sort it by, for example, artist, album, composer, or even release date. The program can work with audio files in .mp3, .mp4, .m4a, .flac, .ogg, and .ape formats. It also includes access to Wikipedia and Last.FM databases so that you can get all of the information you need about each album, song, and artist. Muso also allows you to play music using Winamp or iTunes.