Table Of Content
- Blender Studio
- thought on “19 Best 3D Printer Software 2024 (All Types)”
- Best 3D Printers For Beginners in 2024
- Fusion 360®
- Best Site To Find Anime 3D Print STL Files
- A Comparison of the 7 Free 3D Modeling Software for Beginners
- A Quick Overview of the 8 Free 3D CAD Software for 3D Printing
- Create 3D from 2D & back

You can also slice STL files for printing, but to just call OctoPrint a 3D slicer is underselling it. Overall, it’s a sophisticated STL and 3D file fixing and editing system, and well worth using for advanced users who crave added customization. You can split large models into separate slices, saving each individual slice as a separate STL file to print one at a time. You can also print on resin 3D printers, such as the Prusa SL1, using PrusaSlicer. Known for its versatility, Slic3r can be easily integrated into OctoPrint, the 3D printing host program we discuss more later in this article.
Blender Studio
And for more experienced users, the preset options allow for virtually endless customization. Founded in 2014, Vectary calls itself the most accessible 3D and AR design platform — and it’s a completely web-based free 3D modeling software. FreeCAD is a free 3D modeling software with some real skin in the game, having been initially released back in 2002, and despite still being in beta stage development has progressed significantly.
thought on “19 Best 3D Printer Software 2024 (All Types)”
Other important file formats such as OBJ, FBX, PLY, and more are reserved for paid versions. Next, be extra sure that your CAD software is compatible with your 3D printer and integrates well with the slicers and other plug-ins you rely on. The ideal CAD software should also support importing and exporting files in various formats, enabling seamless work across different devices, from computers to tablets and smartphones. This compatibility extends to printing your designs on various 3D printers.
Best 3D Printers For Beginners in 2024
Slicing is the process of converting a 3D model into layers for 3D printing. Comprehensive 3D modeling software will have built-in slicing capabilities, allowing you to control layer height, infill, and other parameters directly within the application. This integration streamlines your workflow by eliminating the need for separate slicing software and ensures that your model is optimized for your specific printer. ZW3D, developed by ZWSOFT, is a comprehensive 3D CAD/CAE/CAM solution that provides a full suite of tools for 3D modeling, drafting, engineering processes, and manufacturing. This powerful yet user-friendly software is suitable for a variety of industries, including mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and small product design.
Despite FreeCAD’s drab interface, the program is a powerful design tool that lends itself well to 3D printing. Aside from this, Blender features a full-fledged modeling and sculpting toolbox to create high-quality 3D models. If anything, Blender suffers from this versatility and comes sided by a hulking learning curve, which means beginners may be overwhelmed by what’s offered here. The software features a potent trove of features and tools suited to creative applications, including modeling, simulation, animation, digital art, video editing, and much more. Through this article, you’ve been introduced to 8 free CAD software options for 3D printing. Each one is suited for different users and fields, with their respective pros and cons.
We have sorted them from most beginner-friendly to most advanced, and included several free 3D printer design software. Much like Tinkercad, 3D Slash aims to demystify the often complex process of 3D modeling and make it fun. Something Tinkercad pulls off with a simple interface, easy to understand and use tools, but they are sufficiently powerful to create precise 3D models ready for 3D printing.
A Comparison of the 7 Free 3D Modeling Software for Beginners

3D Slash also does not have many of the features found on other CAD software like Blender, FreeCAD, or SketchUp. Nevertheless, it’s still a capable tool for creating various 3D designs. This CAD software lets users draw parts in 2D then assemble the parts together in 3D to see how they fit. The program does this using a simple background, allowing users to see if their designs will actually work. These features, along with others, make Solvespace a good software to use when designing mechanical parts that belong to a bigger assembly. In fact, it’s great for hobbyists who want to create figures with joints and other movable parts.
A Quick Overview of the 8 Free 3D CAD Software for 3D Printing

Autodesk Inventor is a very powerful 3D CAD software primarily used in mechanical design. It’s basically Fusion 360 but with features dialed to eleven, such as direct modeling, dynamic simulation, and parametric modeling. It can also import and export in many file formats, allowing it to be used with other design software such as Solid Edge. Solvespace is a free parametric 3D CAD with a very friendly user interface and many tools for design creation. As such, it’s easy enough to be understood and used even by those new to 3D printing.
The Best AI 3D Model Generators in 2024 - All3DP
The Best AI 3D Model Generators in 2024.
Posted: Sun, 25 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
AstroPrint will then allow you to prepare and send your files to the printer through a web interface without any additional software. The program is unique in that it seamlessly integrates with MyMiniFactory and Thingiverse. It is also compatible with free 3D CAD software such as Leopoly and 3D Slash. OctoPrint is a free open-source web-based 3D printing host that offers complete control over both the 3D printer and 3D printing operations. The software can be coupled with a WiFi device (e.g. Raspberry Pi) so you can control your printer remotely using the web interface. You can also set the program up to send push notifications or alerts through messaging apps.
Tinkercad: The Online Software to Start 3D Modeling - 3Dnatives
Tinkercad: The Online Software to Start 3D Modeling.
Posted: Sat, 02 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
It’s no stretch to say that someone with zero modeling knowledge should find their bearings using 3DSlash in no time at all. It’s one of the best free 3D printing CAD software tools for beginners. For more advanced users, Blender has the most comprehensive catalog of modeling tools. It has a learning curve, but once you’ve mastered it, you can achieve pretty much anything. UltiMaker Cura is free, easy-to-use 3D printing software trusted by millions of users. Fine-tune your 3D model with 400+ settings for the best slicing and printing results.
Developer AutoDesk also provides an extensive library of tutorials, learning resources, and projects to help you make that first step to creating a CAD design for 3D printing. The design phase is a walk in the park, using a Lego-inspired shape-based approach that’s easy to pick up. SolidWorks allows you to adjust model settings in preparation for 3D printing. There’s also a Mesh Workbench, which contains analysis and repair tools to iron out any potential errors that could lead to a failed print. FreeCAD works based on Workbenches, or toolsets, with different functions.
This 3D printing software includes advanced topology optimization features, the creation of internal lattice structures for lightweight yet strong parts, and a variety of other premium features. Overall, it’s the most advanced 3D printing software for additive manufacturing, and wholly for industrial applications, rather than hobbyist projects. Another open source 3D printing software tool, Repetier-Host is known for its effective multi-extruder support and its versatility and compatibility with such a wide range of 3D printers. You can precisely create rafts and brims, especially useful for tougher filaments like Nylon and ABS, and the previewing features can pick up things you might have missed that could cause the print to fail.
Designed to be simple to use and integrate into your 3D printing workflow, Cura can seamlessly link with 3D CAD software tools, such as Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks. Then once you’re ready to print, the Monitor stage allows you to remotely observe progress, including displaying estimated time remaining and the estimated amount of filament required. Though it comes at a cost, Autodesk have made Fusion 360 free for students on an educational license, as well as offering a free trial for all users.
The CAD software landscape offers a range of options, from feature-rich to more basic, and some can be quite costly or less user-friendly. The program allows users to export models in OBJ and STL file formats. These can then be imported into a slicer to prepare the model for 3D printing and create a G-code file with all the instructions the printer needs to complete the print. Blender is free software that can be used as a 3D modeling, animation, and rendering tool. The reasons for the software’s huge popularity include a wide list of features and functions, and users that are involved in discussions and make recommendations. Though it has a steep learning curve, Blender is still one of the most powerful and popular free 3D modeling software for designers, artists, and animators.
If you are looking for an STL slicer software, then the following programs are for you. Check out the list below and see for yourself, which is best for you, depending on your skills and capacity. After just a couple of minutes of using this 3D sculpting software, it will feel like second nature to you.
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