Introduksjon
The ever-growing need for stellar 3D-modelleringstjenester progressively increases the demand for advanced 3D modeling software. To beat out completion and deliver outstanding results you need to sharpen your knowledge and develop a unique skill set.
We’ve gathered a list of the best 3D modeling software – free and paid, to help you save time searching for the fully-featured software that fits your needs and budget.
Regardless of whether you’re a newbie or a professional modeler. Each of these powerful tools offers you some unique features that can take your modeling to the next level.
No more wasting time. Let’s get right to it.
Top 22 Best 3D Modeling Software Comparison
| Navn | Koste | Pricing Model | OS |
| Blender | Gratis | – Free | WindowsLinuxmacOS |
| ZBrush | $895 – perpetual license$39.95 – a month | – Perpetual – Subscription | Windows Vista and abovemacOS |
| Maya | $215 – per month $4590 – per year | – Subscription | WindowsLinuxmacOS |
| Sketchup Free | Gratis | – Free | WindowsmacOS |
| Cinema 4D | $3495 – perpetual license$59.81-$94 – per month | – Perpetual- Subscription | WindowsmacOS |
| 3ds Max | $1700 per year $215 per month | – Subscription | Windows |
| Mesh Mixer 3.0 | Gratis | – Free | WindowsLinuxmacOS |
| Houdini | Houdini FX – $4,495 per yearCore – $1,995 per yearIndie – $269 per yearFree learning edition | – Perpetual- Subscription | WindowsLinuxmacOS |
| 3D Crafter | Gratis | – Free | Windows |
| Neshorn | € 995 – perpetual license | – Perpetual | WindowsmacOS |
| Fusion 360 | Gratis | – Free | WindowsmacOS |
| Unreal Engine | Free$1,500 – per year | FreeCustom License Options | Windows |
| FreeCAD | Gratis | – Free | WindowsLinuxmacOS |
| Modo | $1,596 – permanent license $377 – per year | – Perpetual- Subscription | WindowsLinuxmacOSCentOS |
| Hexagon | Gratis | – Free | WindowsmacOS |
| 3D Coat | € 379 – perpetual license€19.85 – per month€149.85 – per year | – Perpetual- Subscription | WindowsLinuxmacOS |
| Vectary | Free$12 per month | – Free (personal)- Subscription | Browser |
| Adobe Substance 3D Designer | From $19.99 – per month $219.88 – per year | – Subscription | WindowsmacOS |
| Daz Studio | Gratis | – Free | WindowsmacOS |
| Lightwave 3D | $995 – perpetual license | – Perpetual | WindowsmacOS |
| Geometric Freeform | $2800- perpetual license | – Perpetual | WindowsmacOS |
Best Free 3D Modeling Software
If you’re just starting with 3D modeling, you might think that the best 3D modeling software costs a fortune. But in fact, there are plenty of well-equipped tools that come for free. Besides the most famous modeling programs also offer free alternatives or trials.
So next, we’ll review the best free software for 3D modeling that will surprise you with extensive functionality.
- Blender
To start with, we’d like to introduce one of the most outstanding free 3D modeling software that is many things to many people. Blender is an open-source tool that offers you a wide range of modeling tools and modules that can compete with plenty of big-budget modeling software.
This software is going to cover your model through all stages of the project pipeline: modeling, rigging, rendering, animation, simulation, motion teaching, and even video editing.
Though Blender was mainly used by hobbyists some time ago, now it is a top 3D-modelleringsprogramvare with a vast community of enthusiasts who make it better every day.
Modeling an isometric room with Blender (source YouTube)
Indeed, you’re not going to get the most of it right from the start. Blender has a unique interface and a huge variety of tools to get used to.
However, it is still a great option for those who want to learn hvordan 3D-modellere. At the same, it is a great asset to pros since the range of modules that come with it is really impressive.
Taking that into account, once you get to use Blender you’ll be surprised how much you actually get by investing nothing but your time.
- Sketchup Free
If you’re completely untrained and haven’t yet started practicing, Sketchup Free is a great tool to start with. It is one of the most simple free 3D-modelleringsprogramvare out there, especially when compared to Blender. You can get a grasp of it within hours with plenty of SketchUp tutorials around.
SketchUp Free is hosted entirely in a browser which makes it easier to share files between computers. Besides, it offers you a 10 GB storage and a multitude of user-generated and manufacturer’s free modules, and an option to view your models on mobile.
All this is free of cost.
If that’s not the ideal option, tell me what it is?
Modeling a house in Sketchup Free (source YouTube)
Merk: If you need to bulk up the functionalities and move on to a more elaborate toolkit, you can upgrade to the Pro version for around $250. But, honestly, Sketchup free is more than you’ll need.
- Meshmixer 3.0
This tool is unlike any 3D modeling on this link since it is mostly used on pre-designed projects. Meshmixer appears to be really useful if you need to fix the existing STL file, clean up a 3D scan or build a print-ready polygon mesh.
Modeling for 3D printing in Meshmizer (source YouTube)
Proff-tips: Maximizer is very flexible with animation, hollowing, surface stamping, smoothing, etc.
However, some modelers still find the interface slow and not intuitive. So, it’s going to take some time for you to practice.
Nevertheless, it is a perfect free option for a hobby project you need to fix or print.
- 3D Crafter
3D Crafter is an extraordinary real-time 3D modeling and animation software that enable you to transform, sculpt and paint your 3D models.
It uses an intuitive drag-and-drop approach to 3D modeling which is a little different from the standardized modeling process we’re used to. Perhaps that’s why 3D Crafter is not being talked about enough. However, it is still a great free option for those with little experience since the modeling with 3D Crfater is simple, straightforward, and user-friendly.
Modeling in 3D Crafter (source YouTube)
You can create stunning 3D shapes from simple 3D primitives and set up an animated scene by positioning these shapes within one scene. 3D crafter makes sure your animation runs smoothly and provides an option to view them in real-time or record them to a video file.
It is the best free 3D modeling software game developers could ask for if they want to create and transform low-poly models.
- Fusion 360 (education version)
When CAN/CAM is concerned, Fusion 360 is the most detail-oriented 3D modeling software to go with. Being the cloud-based program provided by Autodesk, it enables you to create excellent 3D objects that go into manufacturing.
Modeling a character in Fusion 360 (source YouTube)
The free version of the software perfectly suits the education purposes since it has all beginners might need. Besides, Fusion 360 works with a wide range of modeling techniques and allows you to cover every stage from a sketch to manufacture-ready projects.
- FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source free 3D modeling tool that is based on Object-Oriented Programming. But don’t be scared off by the technical nature of this software. It still allows you to create stunning 3D modes and designs. Give this CAD software a try.
Pro tip: though FreeCAD is still in its development phase it’s worth a try if you want to get a grasp of parametric modeling.
It allows you to build complex shapes based on their properties and relations to other shapes.
Modeling complex shapes in FreeCAD (source YouTube)
To put it simply, you can modify a model by changing the values of the model’s key components instead of building a new model from scratch. Once you get used to FreeCAD you’ll be able to provide a highly-detailed 3D design faster and will less effort required.
- Hexagon
When learning subdivision modeling, you’ll come across Hexagon. It is a free 3D modeling software that hasn’t been updated much. However, it is still a quite capable tool with a versatile set of features for creating objects and props.
Modeling a skyscraper in Hexagon (source YouTube)
You couldn’t ask for more from a free modeling tool. So, Hexagon is worth trying out considering the spline, UV mapping, and 3D painting tools it offers.
- Daz Studio
At this point, you might be wondering why there are some many great tools given away for free since Daz Studio is just that. It is free software rich in capabilities and functionality but lacks creating potential.
That’s why Daz Studio is one of those tools that are best suited for morphing 一 assembling models and adding textures, colors, and components. So 3D artists of any skill level can create stunning 3D objects by morphing built-in models.
Character creation in Daz Studio (source YouTube)
Don’t pass by this modeling software since it could be just what you need to render realistic 3D modeling free of charge.
Paid 3D Modeling Software
For those of you who continue practicing new techniques and tools to broaden your area of expertise, here is a list of industry giants you just have to know about. All of this 3D modeling software is going to cost you. But it’s a reasonable price for the toolkit you get.
Besides, there are also some cheaper alternatives for someone on a tight budget.
- ZBrush
ZBrush is one-of-a-kind 3D modeling software best suited for 3D-skulptur and modeling organic forms. However, the latest updates make it compliant with the hard surfaces as well.
Besides, it is used to create UV maps and textures which enables a 3D artist to create elaborate and extremely photorealistic characters, ready for rendering.
This tool follows a non-standard and non-linear modeling process. You can revert to the previous step, make changes, and roll forward to make your 3D designs more advanced and error-free.
Character modeling in ZBrush (source YouTube)
That said, ZBrush could be really intimidating for newcomers.
It offers a staging number of customizable virtual brushes, which get over 300 and handles up to 100 million polygons per mesh.
Isn’t it stunning?
ZBrush a the best 3D modeling software for advanced modelers who prefer to work with “digital clay”. But if you’re a newcomer you can get better with the variety of video tutorials provided by the community.
Merk: in fact, there are free versions of ZBrush 一 ZBrushcoremini. But it’s only for non-commercial use and offers very limited functionality: up to 12 brushes and 750 000 polygons per mesh.
(video –ZBrush tutorial for absolute beginners)
- Cinema 4D
Another multi-purpose 3D modeling tool on this list is Cinema 4D. Though it is used for a variety of modeling, rendering, animation, and simulation tasks, it works best with all types of visualization.
It’s been around for a while and already made its mark in motion graphics and illustration. Cinema 4D allows artists to create mesmerizing special visual effects and compelling animations, which is exactly why it is used in Hollywood live-action cinema.
This software for 3D modeling is one of the most advanced and equipped tools. However, it is surprisingly easy to use.
Modeling in Cinema 4D (source YouTube)
The interface of Cinema 4D is well-optimized for both professionals and newbies. It pulls out the most important tools in front of you to streamline and speed up the modeling process.
Such a wide range of options offered by this program comes at a price. But you can check if the software capabilities fit your requirements during the 14 days free trial, and make the decision after.
- Autodesk Maya
If you ask around you probably won’t find any 3D artist who hasn’t heard about Maya. It is an industry-standard software for 3D modeling that’s been around for quite a while. Maya is a robust all-in-one solution that offers you a baffling array of tools to cover almost all CG disciplines.
Modeling, texturing, rendering, special effects, motion graphics 一 is what Maya provides you with. What is more, it comes with the NUBRS, digital skulptur, polygon, UV editing, rigging, and animation tools which make it a real game-changer for the industry.
Modeling a scene in Maya (source YouTube)
Maya is the best 3D modeling software for particles, pre-made hair, cloth, and fluid simulations which makes it a go-to program for those who want to 3D model professionally. No wonder it is so famous among the most popular animation studios.
However, such a robust toolset comes with a big price tag. So you have to make sure Maya covers your needs before spending a fortune on tools you might not even touch.
- 3ds Max
3ds Max is another Autodesk product very similar to Maya. This 3D modeling software is used for game development assets, real-like animation, and simulations. That’s why it is extensively used in film production, architecture, and produktvisualisering.
At the first sight, it is quite the same as any other professional 3D modeling solution with a sophisticated toolset and big library of modifiers. However, there’s still a difference.
Modeling an interior design 3Ds Max (source YouTube)
Proff-tips: 3d Max is probably one of the least approachable software on this list. It has the largest learning curve, blunt UI, and a trivial collection of modifiers when compared to other robust modeling programs.
This makes it hard to learn for those unfamiliar with 3D modeling yet.
Besides the price tag is high and you’ll need to use third-party plugins if the software doesn’t support the rendering mode you need.
- Houdini
There could not be too many industry giants in the 3D modeling area. But Houdini would definitely be in the top 3. It is one of the beste programvare for 3D-modellering used for the creation of films, visual effects, video games, and commercials. Major animation studios like Pixar, Walt Disney, Sony Pictures, and DreamWorks use it for a versatile level of features and unpreceded level of flexibility and power.
Procedural node-based workflow is what makes these 3D modeling tools stand out and allows you to work on complex 3D modeling projects. However, Houdini also offers a range of NURBS, polygon, subdivision, character rigging, rendering, and compositing tools for those unfamiliar with the nodal workflow.
Procedural modeling in Houdini (source YouTube)
Merk: same as any industry giant on this list, Houdini is not cheap. At the same time, it has an affordable commercial option for small studios and a free version of Houdini Apprentice for non-commercial ones.
The last one is the best for novices, considering the learning curve and the technical knowledge required here.
- Neshorn
Neshorn or Rhinoserus is a step out of the conventional modeling environment. It is one of those exceptional 3D modeling software advanced in NURBS-modellering.
Rhino enables you to adapt the LIDAR scans, sculpt objects, ray trace complex scenes, and automate the 3D model modification and detailing processes. Rendering complex animation and designs are easy too with Rhino. It runs them smoothly and doesn’t slow down the system.
Architectural modeling in Rhino (source YouTube)
In general Rhino software is ideal for prototyping mechanical parts of vehicles and aircraft that are to be 3D printed. But the learning curve is shallow though. Still, you can give it a tryout with the 90 days trial version to get a grasp of the modeling process.
- Unreal Engine
If you’re searching for a tool to create interactive products and photorealistic scenes and even the whole gaming world, Unreal Engine is your go-to option. It comes with an extensive Sketchfab marketplace of 3D assets enabling you to create soft and hard body concepts from scratch.
Modeling a donut in Unreal Engine (source YouTube)
The unreal engine supports a wider range of desktop, console, mobile, and virtual reality platforms. It is one of the best free game engines for rigging, skinning, and animation.
Merk: but it goes for free only before you earn $1 million in revenue. To use it for commercial projects you’ll need to pay 5% of revenues from sales, as per the royalty model Unreal Engine incorporates.
- Modo
While being a little limited in the capabilities when compared to other tools on this list, Modo is still worth your while for a couple of reasons. It is a fully-featured 3D modeling software with a well-implemented toolset and a user-friendly design. Artists can experiment with the UI if they like due to the highly customizable nature of this software.
Modeling in Modo (source YouTube)
Therefore, it is an ideal solution for those who’re just starting with 3D modeling and want to create realistic textures and form fast and easy.
Besides, Modo perfectly combines procedural technical in-build tools to create high-end 3D renders, which no other package can keep up to yet. That’s why it continues to grow in popularity.
- Vectary
It is a common misconception that browser-based tools can’t pull off what built-in downloadable software can. Vectary here proves the opposite. It is a powerful 3D modeling software that is “built by 3D designers for 3D designs”.
Winter tree in Vectary (source YouTube)
That said, Vectary provides a set of useful shortcuts, snappy tools, and an extensive library that together make the modeling process much faster and easier. To top it off, it offers you advanced textured materials and high-quality templates.
It might seem unreal, but 3D modeling could be as simple as dragging and dropping with this tool.
- Lightwave 3D
Lightware 3D is a modeling app with a solid set of features and an interactive PBR renderer that was “reintroduced” at the beginning of 2020. Though the toolset is quite old, it offers you such advanced features as radiosity, realistic reflection, character animation, subdivision surfaces, and much more.
Creating 3D models in Lightwave 3D (source YouTube)
LightWave operates as 2 different apps 一 Modeler and Layout where the first is used to build asses and the second for texturing, animation, and rendering correspondingly.
This makes it a robust solution for karaktermodellering, motion graphics, and visual effect.
- 3DCoat
For those who want to practice modeling from scratch or editing the model created with a scanner, 3DCoat is a preferred option. It is an all-in-one solution with a decent set of tools for UV mapping and texture editing which are limited in most 3D modeling software.
Modeling in 3DCoat (source YouTube)
So, 3DCoat enables you to retopologize a mesh, clean up a scan, sculpt a model or paint on top of it. Though it’s often underestimated it is worth a try. And it goes for an affordable price.
- Geomagic Freeform
Once you step out of the most popular 3D modeling software a little, you’re going to discover plenty of stunning tools, one of which is Geomagic Freedom. It is a multipurpose 3D modeling tool with a special modeling workflow.
Modeling in Geomagic Freedom (source YouTube)
It incorporates touch-based haptic divides to enable modelers “feel” the real clay when creating a model in a digital environment. Besides, you can import CAD or 3D scan data to modify or combine them with the existing shapes from digital sculpting.
Proff-tips: Other advanced tools Freeform allows you to incorporate are the likes of shelling, rapting line, 3D data repair, conversion of a digital coral to NURBS surfaces, mold design, etc.
Together they make this software application for a variety of industries.
- Adobe Substance 3D Designer
The next “must-consider” option that helps you go through every stage of the 3D modeling pipeline is Adobe Substance 3D Designer. It comes with four applications — 3D Sampler, 3D Designer, 3D Painter, and 3D Stages at a very affordable price considering the industry.
Modeling a shelf in Adobe Substance 3D Designer (source YouTube)
The holistic modeling approach followed by Substance 3D enables you to create, color, texture, and stage your models in real-time. Besides, it also provides a multitude of 3D design resources which allows you to produce high-quality models and tekstur kart in a shorter time.
- Artec Studio
Last but not least paid 3D modeling software for today is Artec Studio best suited for those who love scanning modeling techniques. It is paired with the Artec 3D scanners to make modeling as smooth and easy as possible. The software features advanced 3D scanning, data processing, and 3D data algorithms.
Scanning an object for modeling in Artec Studio (source YouTube)
Artec Studio also uses powerful color and brightness caption features to deliver precise and realistic results.
Except for plenty of options for manual processing, this software provides an autopilot mode for those starting with 3D scanning. Thus, Artec automatically chooses the scanning algorithm to deliver accurate results. And you can export those results to any other 3D modeling tool if you need to.
How to Choose the Best Free Software for 3D Modeling?
3D modeling has one of the most booming markets so the demand for high-quality is going to grow. You need to be well equipped with the best 3D modeling software to stand up to the industry requirement.
With all of the stunning tools we’ve just discussed, it is going to be a hard choice. But you can easily narrow down the result by a variety of factors: your skillset, technique, and industry you’d like to develop around.
“Start simple and move into complexity” is a golden rule of 3D modeling that applies to 3D modeling tools as well. So, choose the 3D modeling software that best suits your needs and requirements.
