Just a decade ago, being a visualization artist meant investing thousands of dollars into expensive, proprietary modeling software that was the only way to be considered a professional in the industry. There were some low or no cost options, but they either didn’t fit the bill in terms of usability, or the left a massive “student version” watermark on anything you tried to render, export, or print.
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- 3D modeling takes a lot of practice, but anyone can learn it. Check out the top 10 free and easy 3D modeling software tools for beginners in 2020.
- However, once you do, you’ll be able to create detailed, and highly complex 3D models and meshes that rank up there with some of the more expensive modeling programs. Blender is an open-source, free-to-play 3D modeler and renderer that has been in constant refinement by the developers and the user base since it was released over a decade ago.
Today, thanks to a few savvy developers and a sturdy community of users, there are more than a few capable 3D modeling programs that are 100% free.
And while you still might consider investing in software that can take your 3D visualization skills to the next level, the programs on this list are the best way to try new things, or springboard a career change into the profession. The following free 3D modeling software is representative of an industry that has outgrown the shackles that once tied it to only a few monopolized programs to get it by.
Tinkercad is known as one of simplest free 3D software modeling tools out there. How free is it: Free version, $650 for Pro version; Company based: USA; Accessibility: Download, browser (depending on free/pro) Created by Lastsoftware in 2000, SketchUp is a veteran of the 3D modeling software industry. A versatile and powerful. 3D rendering software is the process of generating an image from a model by means of computer software. Rendering is used in architecture, simulators, video games, movies and television visual effects and design visualization. Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing and 2D animation pipeline. Blender Foundation; Blender Institute; Blender Network.
1 | SketchUp
Few 3D modeling programs are as approachable and easy to understand as SketchUp. In fact, many designers and architects are encouraging their clients to download the program so they might better understand the design of their project on their own time. And when you are comfortable handing the keys of the car over to the client, you know it must be completely idiot proof to drive.
SketchUp’s base software has been free ever since it was first developed. You won’t be able to perform the most complex modeling tasks, but for architects and interior designers, everything you need is immediately at your fingertips. SketchUp is fast, effective, and most importantly, free!
2 | Blender
Unlocking the power of Blender’s modeling tools won’t be as easy to initially grasp. However, once you do, you’ll be able to create detailed, and highly complex 3D models and meshes that rank up there with some of the more expensive modeling programs. Blender is an open-source, free-to-play 3D modeler and renderer that has been in constant refinement by the developers and the user base since it was released over a decade ago.
If you take the time to understand the inner workings of Blender’s interface and toolset, you’ll be rewarded with a powerful and fast modeler that will make you wonder why you considered using anything else.
3 | Pixologic Sculptris
If you’re familiar with ZBrush or Mudbox, then you know how steep their learning curve can be. Such is not the case for Pixologic Sculptris - a piece of 3D modeling software that is easier to use than its name is to say. PS is a free modeling program that was initially developed by Tomas Peterson before being sold to Pixologic and marketed as the no-cost alternative to ZBrush.
The software uses dynamic tessellation for modeling, which is essentially a geometric-independent engine that is well-suited for people without much modeling experience. If you’re looking to get into digital art, videogame development, or 3D animation, you should consider giving Sculptris a look.
4 | Wings 3D
Not to be confused with the post-Beatles Paul McCartney-led mega-band, Wings, this free 3D modeling software is a stripped down subdivision surface modeler similar to the likes of Maya or 3DS Max. Wings 3D does one thing, and does it very well. You won’t find all the other bells and whistles that comparable modelers come with, but you also won’t have to pay for it.
Wings 3D was developed as an open-source alternative to the more expensive and complex subdivision surface modelers on the market. Many of the lessons you’ll learn with Wings can be applied to other programs, making it the perfect starting point for newcomers looking to test the waters of 3D modeling, rendering, and animation.
5 | TinkerCAD
AutoDesk software doesn’t come cheap. Which is why everyone was so impressed when the released TinkerCAD - a free modeling program with a lightweight set of 3D tools for people looking to dip their toes in the water before jumping in with a full design suite of expensive software.
Of course, the program is designed to give people a taste of what 3D modeling feels like without giving them access to more professional grade tools. It’s sort of like a tobacco company giving away free cigarettes, only much less malicious. TinkerCAD is meant to hook young users, but can be used as a viable modeling tool for people who don’t need more complex tools for their work. Free imaging software.
For photorealistic rendering of 3D images and videos, 3D rendering software is a must have. Most 3D modeling and animation tools have their own internal renderer. At times the capacity for internal renderers to produce high-quality, photorealistic images and video is limited. In such cases, an external renderer can be used; one that will improve the quality of the render. Here are some of the top 3D rendering tools for the creation of amazing projects.
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Lumion 3D
Capture your audience’s attention by making great presentations using Lumion 3D. You can create flythrough videos and fantastic images using this tool. Lumion is used by 61 of the top global architectural firms. It has a simple workflow, allowing users to get started within a short period. The render engine is one of the fastest in its caliber.
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AutoDesk 3D
This is a design, visualization and rendering tool that is used in the design of motor vehicles, building, and a host of other products. The render tool can be used to bring videos, still images and even abstract designs to life. The real-time render engine allows you to view your project as you proceed, allowing for faster realization of ideas.
KeyShot
For an awesome, accurate and fast realization of your 3D creations, KeyShot is the perfect render engine to use. It has a real-time render workflow that allows you to see your animations and images become real as you create them. The time required to complete projects is reduced by the inbuilt environments and materials, which you can assign with a click of your mouse.
Indigo renderer
This is an unbiased, physically based 3D rendering tool that uses physical calculations of light to give you the best photorealistic renders ever. The tool comes with plugins that can be used by several 3D modeling software, across many platforms. The application of this render engine has produced some of the most breathtaking videos and images ever seen.
3DS Max
3D design, modeling and animation software, used for a wide range of creative projects. Whether you are creating a cartoon or a realistic scene for a commercial, this software gives you the tools to accomplish this with ease. It is also used for the creation of architectural designs and flythroughs.
Blender 3D
This is an open source, free tool that is used for fantastic 3D creations. You can create cartoons and photorealistic images and videos using this tool. It comes with two inbuilt render engines, namely Blender internal and Cycles. The tool also works with several external render engines such as Yafray and LuxRender.
Maxwell Render
Create plains, trees and grass that looks like it was shot with a high-definition camera, using the internal libraries of this versatile 3D rendering software. The render engine works well with other 3D design tools such as Sketchup and Modo. Create fantasy images and breathe life into them with this versatile tool.
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Sketchup
Create 3D models and renders by simply drawing. With Sketchup, you only need to draw lines and shapes, and then stretch and pull the surfaces to turn them into 3D designs. You can make anything that your mind can imagine. This is a 3D rendering tool that has been dubbed as one of the easiest to use in the industry.
Shaderlight
A 3D rendering tool for Sketchup that uses cloud computing in its workflow. You now have access to unlimited computing power to bring the most resource-intensive creations to life, within a short period. The render engine allows you to buy a full license, or one that you can use as you go, starting from as little as $50.
Other 3D rendering Software for different platforms
Oddly, most of the 3D render tools are designed for Windows and Mac. However, due to the high demand for mobile solutions, there has been an increase in the development of 3D tools for other platforms including iOS, Android, Ubuntu amongst others. Here is a list of these 3D tools.
Wings 3D
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This is a free 3D rendering tool for Windows with advanced sub-division modeling for the creations of lifelike images and videos. It comes with a built-in AutoUV mapping tool for easy assignment of the most complex textures. It exports to the most common 3D formats. Free sound mixing software. NOTE: you cannot animate the models in this tool.
Clara.io
Clara.io is a free 3D rendering software that can be used on an Android system. The tool runs on a web browser and unleashes some powerful tools to help you realize your 3D creations. The material library is vast and allows for photo-realistic texture application. The tool is quite fast and great for the creation of quick visualizations and animations.
Autodesk 123D
This is a free 3D rendering software for Mac OSX, among other operating systems. The various tools allow you to design, create and render 3D models with power and speed. The program supports 3D printing and you can bring your creations out of your computer and into your real world environment. There are thousands of free models that you can use for your projects.
Houdini Apprentice
The free version of the professional Houdini FX, used on Linux. It is great for hobbyists, Students and Artists to create their designs, before moving on to the commercial version. You get watermarks on your renderings and there is a limited render size. Otherwise comes with a lot of powerful features built-in for your creative projects.
LuxRender – The best 3D rendering software for 2016
Free 3d Model Rendering Software
This is an unbiased, physically based 3D rendering engine. It comes with advanced, state-of-the-art algorithms that calculate light flow based on physical equations. These calculations allow for the most photorealistic renders that you have ever seen. It will be hard to believe that the image or video that you are watching was not created using a real-life camera.
What is 3D rendering Software?
These are tools that are used to bring 3D models to life. Whether you are creating cartoons or realistic scenes, you can achieve all these using these versatile tools. They read the texture characteristics, and the lighting to create the images and videos that you want. Some 3D rendering tools are free while others are commercial; some come inbuilt into the modeling software, while others are external. The choice of your 3d rendering tools should be dictated by the project that you have. Some scenes are simple and do not use a lot of system resources, making it ideal to use the inbuilt render engines. Other complex scenes may require the use of external, cloud-based, 3D rendering engines.
How to install 3D rendering software
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Some of the 3D render engines come pre-built into the modeling and animation software. By simply clicking the installer, you not only install the modeling tool but the render engine too. However, in the case of external render engines, you may have to install plugins, which will allow them to work within your modeling tool. If you want to export to a format that can be used by the render engine, then you can do so, directly from the modeling tool, or look for export plugins. In some cases, you may have to go through a complex installation process where you change file paths in your system tools, but these cases are few.
Basically, 3D rendering tools are ideal for people who want to impress their audience through imagery. Just like the musician uses instruments to enthrall their listeners, 3D modeling artists depend on the render tools to bring their creations to life. What good would a 3D modeling and animation tool be, if it could not render the designs into captivating images and videos? The tools have several features and you should go through each carefully before deciding on which render engine to use.
Basically, 3D rendering tools are ideal for people who want to impress their audience through imagery. Just like the musician uses instruments to enthrall their listeners, 3D modeling artists depend on the render tools to bring their creations to life. What good would a 3D modeling and animation tool be, if it could not render the designs into captivating images and videos? The tools have several features and you should go through each carefully before deciding on which render engine to use.