- Easy To Use 3d Design Software
- 3d Printing Design Software
- Free Easy To Use 3d Home Design Software
- 3d Printer Design Downloads
RoomSketcher is an easy-to-use interior design software that takes the hard work out of creating floor plans and 3D images, so you can focus on designing. RoomSketcher has a simple drag and drop. Aug 08, 2019 Kicking off the list is TinkerCAD, an online 3D design application which is perfect for beginners. It makes use of a simple block building concept, which essentially gives you access to basic. LeoCAD is an easy to use software which could be really useful for educational purpose. This program is allowing to build virtual designs using LEGO bricks, a perfect way for kids to start with 3D modeling. It is well-suited for large models with a lot of parts as you can see on the following picture. CAD software refers to a type of software program used by engineers and designers to create 2D and 3D physical component models. These applications have an easy-to-use user interface, toolbars, and a large library of 3D models. You don’t need to have 3D design skills to create home floor plans. Cedreo is easy-to-use, you only have to select the wall thickness and height to start drawing or import a floor plan to draw over, resize or mirror the project if needed. Then, you can view the 3D floor plan in 1 click.
Not all 3D modeling software is created equally. In fact, depending on which rendering artist, architect, or designer you might be talking to, their preference for modeling programs will probably differ as widely as Congress trying to agree on a comprehensive spending budget.
Disagreements aside, there are some tangible and concrete reasons for why certain people prefer certain programs. One of them, of course, being cost. The most complex and powerful modeling software will usually carry a steep price tag (though, as we will see, not always). However, not everyone has their child’s first year of college tuition to spend on computer programs, so finding free alternatives that are also mechanically capable is a necessary side-step.
The programs on this list are entirely free to download and use, and represent a growing groundswell of open source and free software that doesn't necessarily suck. This is a very good thing. Your bank accounts (and your significant others) will thank you.
1 | SketchUp
SketchUp has entered its way into the mainstream like few other visualization programs have. Just about anyone can get the hang of SketchUp in a matter of hours, making it accessible for even the most untrained brains.
The free version of SketchUp is now hosted entirely within a browser, making saving files easier than ever to transport between different computers. You can upgrade to Pro for around $250, but the base version is more than most people - even architects and designers - would ever need. SketchUp might be easy to use, but it can be an incredibly useful design and visualization tool when paired with the right rendering plugin.
2 | Blender
Anyone who uses Blender says the exact same thing: “Wait, are we sure this is free?” It’s not for any reason other than the fact that Blender can do just about anything the likes of 3DS Max, Rhino, and SolidWorks can do without users having to fork over a single penny. The interface is unique, and will definitely take some getting used to, but the vastness of the community that supports Blender have made it easy to learn.
Blender also comes with a proprietary rendering engine called Cycles. Also free. There are few 1-2 punches in the visualization world that stack up to the combination of Blender and Cycles, let alone ones that don’t rip your arm off and beat you with it just for a license key.
3 | Meshmixer 3.0
When the notoriously money-grubbing design software company, Autodesk, starts putting free software into the market, it is understandably met with a raised eyebrow and a wheel-barrel’s worth of skepticism. However, they did just that with Meshmixer 3.0, and surprised everyone when it was, in fact, free, and a useful little modeling tool for inventors, tinkerers, and object makers.
It was developed as a 3D printer interface for people to build and print, well, whatever their imagination conjured up. But, more than that it can be used as a powerful mesh building tool for designers whose focus is on the smaller details in life.
4 | FreeCAD
The free program so free it was named for being free. FreeCAD is free, yes, but it’s also got a powerful little engine working in there that can produce highly detailed 3D models and meshes for those eager and willing enough to give it a chance. Most would shy away from something called FreeCAD because of the whole “you get what you paid for” thing. Normally, I’d agree, but can make an exception in this case (and the other cases on this list).
FreeCAD is an open-source program that focuses on giving users a highly flexible experience by way of parametric modeling. It allows models to be modified quickly by going into the modeling history and changing values of key components rather than having to rebuild things from scratch. It’s component based, and incredibly fast if you know what you’re doing.
5 | 3D Crafter
For those looking for something a little different out of their 3D modeling experience, 3D Crater is a free program to give a look. It utilizes a drag and drop approach to 3D modeling, making it an interesting option for people who don’t have a ton of experience to fall back on. Learning a new program is never easy, so why not get after one that does a lot of the work for you?
3D Crafter doesn’t come with the flexibility, complexity, or raw modeling power of some of the other programs on this list, but it does represent an option that has a fresh take on user interface and can be used to produce some beautiful models and animations.
Use these free 3D modeling software solutions to quickly turn your design ideas into realistic 3D construction models.
Construction professionals are constantly coming up with new ideas for innovative designs, and it’s helpful to have software that can quickly turn these ideas into three-dimensional (3D) representations.
3D modeling software allows construction professionals to transform their designs and blueprints into lifelike models and lets artists clearly visualize the dimensions of their building designs before construction is complete.
There are several 3D modeling software tools available on the market, each with varying capabilities. And if you thought that buying one will cost you a lot of money, think again!
Easy To Use 3d Design Software
We’ve analyzed over 100 free design software options in Capterra directories and evaluated user reviews to identify the five best free 3D modeling software solutions (listed alphabetically). You can read our complete product selection methodology here.
5 best free 3D modeling construction software
BIMx
Live Home 3D
Onshape
SketchUp
SkyCiv Structural 3D
Note: Some of these software tools are listed as computer-aided design (CAD), but we chose them because they also offer 3D modeling options for intricate and precise designs and are a good option for users who simply want to do basic 3D design without any animation or texture painting.
1. BIMx
BIMx is a project presentation and collaboration software with integrated 2D and 3D navigation for building projects. Its cloud-integrated workflows and intuitive user interface make project management easier for architects and designers working on building information models and architectural documentation.
3D models in BIMx (Source)
BIMx helps users design interactive 3D models of buildings. Builders, clients, and consultants can use these 3D models to give prospects virtual tours of projects before construction is completed.
3d Printing Design Software
We analyzed user reviews for BIMx to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
The software UI is intuitive. | A steep learning curve to master key commands. |
Virtual tours allow customers to view every dimension of a property even before construction is complete. | The desktop version is less functional than the mobile version. |
How much does BIMx cost? | |
BIMx offers a basic free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to the paid version for additional features. |
2. Live Home 3D
Live Home 3D is an interior and home design software that allows users to create 3D environments that give the actual look and feel of building interiors. It’s mostly used by solo architects and small teams of startup designers working on home interiors.
3D view in Live Home 3D ( Source)
Live Home 3D automatically suggests and generates 3D views of floor plans. Users can either design their own floor plan or import an external image to extract a design and recreate it. In both cases, the software offers users the option of converting their design into a 3D plan.
We analyzed user reviews for Live Home 3D to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
The software’s UI is easy to use. | Not many terrain options are available. Even demo projects have the same standard terrain. |
Users can choose a wide range of colors and furniture for their models. | The UI could be aesthetically improved, and the walkthrough mode is difficult to control. |
How much does Live Home 3D cost? | |
Live Home 3D offers a free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to its paid version, Live Home 3D Pro, for a one-time payment of $19.99. |
3. Onshape
Onshape is cloud-based 3D CAD software that offers top-down designs with multipart modeling and in-context editing. It’s useful for designers, engineers, and manufacturers who want the flexibility of working from anywhere on any device.
3D section view in Onshape (Source)
As a SaaS-based tool, Onshape uses online databases to store data, eliminating the need for any physical servers and other IT infrastructure costs.
We analyzed user reviews for Onshape to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A fast learning curve. Anyone with basic CAD knowledge can operate the software with ease. | Since Onshape is cloud-based, it lacks offline caching. Therefore, models have to be constantly reloaded during poor connectivity. |
Users have access to detailed instructional videos to understand primary features. | Since the software operates via browsers, designing large models can be difficult. |
How much does Onshape cost? | |
Onshape’s free version has limited features, but users can upgrade to its paid version, which costs $125 per user per month and is billed annually ($1,500). |
4. SketchUp
Free Easy To Use 3d Home Design Software
SketchUp is CAD software that allows users to design and edit 3D models of interiors, landscapes, and more. It assists in end-to-end designing, starting from the earliest design stage to the end of construction. It can be used by architects and interior designers for different designing steps, such as initial diagramming, design development, detailing, documentation, and requests for information (RFI).
3D construction model in SketchUp (Source)
SketchUp allows users to include lighting effects, texture paintings, and animations in their design models. It also offers a wide range of symbols and predesigned models that allow designers to achieve desired outputs.
We analyzed user reviews for SketchUp to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
The software modules are easy to navigate, even for beginners. | SketchUp cannot be integrated with other design software. |
Besides drawing and sketching options, the software also offers built-in features such as animations, lighting, and texture effects. | Customer support isn’t responsive, and most queries are answered only via online message boards. |
How much does SketchUpcost? | |
The basic version (web only) of SketchUp is free, but users can upgrade to the paid version, SketchUp Shop (web only), for $119 per user, per year or the pro version, SketchUp Pro (both desktop and web), at $299 per user, per year. |
5. SkyCiv Structural 3D
![Software Software](https://s.pick3dprinter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Blender-3d-modeling-software.jpg)
SkyCiv Structural 3D is cloud-based structural analysis and design software that allows users to model, analyze, and design 3D structures. Due to its structural analysis capabilities, the software is well-suited for civil, mechanical, and structural engineers.
3D structural analysis in SkyCiv Structural 3D (Source)
SkyCiv Structural 3D allows users to analyze structural factors, such as bending, shear, stress, and deflection. Since the software is cloud-based, it requires no installation and works completely online.
We analyzed user reviews for SkyCiv Structural 3D to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A fast learning curve. | Only a limited number of structural analysis methods are available. |
The customer support team is quick to respond. | The software’s mobile app interface for iPhones isn’t intuitive. |
How much does PRODUCT cost? | |
SkyCiv Structural 3D offers a free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to the paid (basic) version at $69 per user, per month or the professional version at $109 per user, per month. |
The final decision: Which free 3D modeling construction software to buy?
Our list of the five best free 3D modeling solutions can get you started with your software search, but the right fit depends on your design needs.
We recommend the following approach to make your ultimate decision:
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If you’ve used or are currently using free 3D modeling construction software that works well for you, tell us about it in the comments section below.
Product selection methodology
![Design Design](https://3dstagedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Truss-4-1000x563.jpg)
To be considered for this list, products had to offer a free, stand-alone version of the software and not a trial version wherein users have to purchase the product after the trial period.
A product was classified as 3D modeling construction software if it contained the core 3D modeling and collaboration features and at least one design feature, such as design analysis, design templates, or design export.
We analyzed nearly 150 products from our engineering CAD software, architecture software, and BIM software market categories to identify these free products. To be selected, each product had to have a minimum user rating of 4 out of 5 on Capterra as of January 6, 2020.
Note: Listed pros and cons are derived from features listed on the product website and product user reviews on Gartner Digital Markets domains (Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice). They do not represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Capterra or its affiliates.
3d Printer Design Downloads
Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.