Blender is the epitome of 3D computer graphics software.Examples include 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, skinning, smoke simulation, particle simulation, animation, rendering, and video editing.
Level: Advanced-professional
OS: Windows, MacOS, Linux
License type: Free to use
Fusion 360 is full-blown CAD software that’s relatively easy to use and allows you to drill down to professional depths. It allows for parametric, freeform, surface, and mesh modeling but can still export STLs for 3D printing.
Level: Intermediate-professional
OS: Windows, MacOS
License type: Free for non-commercial uses
SketchUp Free is one of the most intuitive and robust free 3D modeling tools available. SketchUp has its own model repository, the 3D Warehouse, which has lots of user-made models available for use, including those specifically designed for 3D printing.
Level: Beginner-intermediate
OS: N/A (Browser-based)
License type: Free to use
Tinkercad with a simple, bright interface and plenty of educational resources,is specifically designed for those with no prior CAD experience.
Level: Beginner
OS: N/A (browser-based)
License type: Free to use
SelfCAD is a full-fledged environment that supports CAD model design, free-form sculpting, rendering, animation, and even 3D print slicing.
Level: Beginner
OS: Windows, MacOS (browser-based)
License type: Free for personal use
BricsCAD Shape is a completely free modeling and visualization program. It works in the DWG file format and supports direct imports from SketchUp.
Level: Beginner-intermediate
OS: Windows, MacOS
Linux License type: Free
FreeCAD is a free, open-source parametric CAD modeler. It’s a great entry point for designers and mechanical engineers that are new to the 3D modeling world.
Level: Intermediate-expert
OS: Windows, MacOS
Linux License type: Free to use
Meshmixer is a free 3D program by Autodesk that’s very focused on 3D printing. For starters, it works exclusively with polygon mesh 3D files in formats like STL and OBJ.
Level: Intermediate
OS: Windows, MacOS
License type: Free to use
Onshape is a deep and versatile CAD program that goes beyond designing 3D models. It is a “all-in-one product development platform” allows for parametric modeling, team collaboration, and data management
Level: Intermediate-professional
OS: N/A (browser-based)
License type: Free
Vectary is a browser-based mesh and parametric modeling software which certainly manages to include some great features in its simple and easy-to-learn interface.
Level: Intermediate
OS: Windows, MacOS
License type: Free to use