Which is the best CAD software for 3D printing? Whether you are a beginner or expert 3D printing professional, there is something for you.
Using the right CAD software will make your 3D printing project easier. The right software to use will depend on what you are trying to print.
Print3D is an iOS app that allows people with a 3D Systems printer to print from anywhere. Start prints, prioritize the order, and view how it's going as it prints. Available for free.
Over the years, I've become more experienced in 3D printing and have tested various CAD software programs. Here is an overview of the best CAD software for 3D printing, for both beginners and experts. Best CAD Software for 3D Printing (For Both Beginners & Experts) 1. This small Estonian start-up has created an easy and extremely intuitive app for 3D design. Developed by Dutch 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker, Cura is the most popular 3D slicing software out there. This 3D slicer is a free open source software, and is designed to be able to integrate with 3D CAD software tools like SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor for easier cross platform workflow. Students learn about 3D printing applications by designing and producing models they can actually hold. 3D printing bridges the gap from ideas and images on a page or screen, allowing for the creation of those ideas/images in the physical, 3-dimensional world. 3D printers are now commonly found in classrooms and public libraries.
3D Design Software
There are two main categories of 3D design software: CAD software and 3D modeling software.
Generally, CAD (Computer Aided Design) software is used when creating industrial objects, such as mechanical objects.
On the other hand, 3D modeling software is used in video games and films to make organic animations. However, the software can also be used to create 3D print models.
Using CAD Software for 3D Printing
CAD software are highly technical tools that are used in industrial design, architecture, aerospace engineering, mechanical design, and other fronts.
Typically, a CAD model contains data such as tolerance, dimensions, material properties, specific information about the manufacturing process. Some CAD applications also have advanced animation and rendering capabilities, which make it easier to visualize the final product.
When making 3D printable models with CAD software, you can save the prints in stereolithography file format (STL). This is the default CAD file format for additive manufacturing (AM).
However, there are also other file formats that are used for additive manufacturing.
Which CAD Software Should You Use?
When I started using CAD software with my first 3D printer, I had no previous experience of 3D modeling. If you are a beginner, you shouldn't really be scared of using CAD software. There are lots of tutorials on YouTube on how to use specific CAD software.
Over the years, I've become more experienced in 3D printing and have tested various CAD software programs. Here is an overview of the best CAD software for 3D printing, for both beginners and experts.
Best CAD Software for 3D Printing (For Both Beginners & Experts)
1. Blender
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The first program I downloaded and familiarized myself with was Blender– a full-featured modeling program with a physics engine and animation capabilities. The software has hundreds of settings and menus, which you will not need as a beginner.
With Blender, as is the case with most CAD 3D software, you will need a powerful machine to run it. Getting started with the software is easy, thanks to the many tutorials on YouTube.
After days of watching tutorials, I was more than pleased with what I managed to accomplish in Blender.
This is an awesome program with many capabilities. However, the program requires some computer power and may not be the ultimate beginner program.
Watch Blender Tutorials
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
2. TinkerCad
TinkerCad is a bit of a straight opposite of Blender: it's incredibly simple, educational and runs directly in your browser.
On the software, there's a menu full of basic shapes that you can puzzle together as if it were Lego. However, it is impossible to round off the corners of the shapes you create with the program.
TinkerCad makes it very easy to import vector graphics and make them three-dimensional and ready for printing.
However, the software is relatively limited. There is not a lot you can do with your 3D object with TinkerCad.
Watch TinkerCad Tutorials
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
3. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source 3D modeling tool that allows you to design real-life objects of any size. The free software has parametric component, which makes editing easier. For instance, when you are creating your model, you can go to its history and change the parameters (color, dimensions, etc.) to get a different model.
I wouldn't recommend FreeCAD for professional 3D printing artists since it has just basic options. However, it is a good CAD software for beginners.
Watch FreeCAD Tutorials
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
4. BlocksCAD
BlocksCAD is specifically designed for educational purposes. When you have mastered the software, you will be able to use OpenSCAD, a more advanced CAD program. With BlocksCAD, the commands for developing and transforming objects are represented by color blocks.
The software's code is compatible with OpenSCAD's code. Therefore, after developing your models on BlocksCAD, you can polish them up on OpenSCAD. You can export your models as either STL or OpenSCAD.
Check BlocksCAD YouTube channel to learn how to use the software.
Watch BlocksCAD Tutorials
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
5. Creo
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One of the market leaders in product design is Creo CAD software. This program has many functionalities, such as direct modeling, freestyle surface generation, motion generation, parametric generation, structural generation, thermal generation, among others.
With this complete additive manufacturing software, you can perform all your dimensioning calculations while modeling your final idea.
The software comes with a 30-day fully-functioning trial.
Watch Creo 3D Tutorials
Level: Intermediate
Cost: $2,310 for each license
6. Autodesk Fusion 360
Autodesk Fusion 360 is a popular CAD program designed forproduct design. On the software, there is a button that you can press to send your finished item directly to any 3D printer or slicer.
Autodesk Fusion 360 is quite an advanced CAD software. I did not really know how to use any of the features until I got a crash course in SolidWorks, a commercial program with similar features. Photoshop editor free download latest version.
There are two modes to work in Fusion 360: a CAD mode with logic, and a modeling mode, where you can easily turn your stylish symmetrical model into organic models.
Fusion 360 offers a mix of features found in both Blender and TinkerCad. As a result, it is the software I prefer and use the most.
Watch Fusion 360 Tutorials
Level: Intermediate
Cost: $60 per month or free for students, educators & academic institutions
7. Solidworks
Solidworks is one of the best CAD software for professional 3D designers. This parametric feature-based software has various features, including design validation tools. The software is practical and detailed, which makes it an excellent choice for designing industrial objects.
Most CAD software mimics curves by gently inclining flat structures. However, Solidworks uses a system of NURBS, which allows it to create detailed curvatures. Moreover, the software using dimensional sketching rather than polygonal modeling. Dimensional sketching makes resizing less of a hassle.
However, Solidworks has limited support for importing .STL files. If you want to download and edit .STL files, you will need a different program.
Watch Solidworks Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost: $3,995 for each license
8. AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a professional 3D modeling software that is mainly used in industrial and architectural design. The software is great at 2D drafting but not really much at 3D modeling. As a result, it is not as widely used in the 3D printing community as some of the software I've presented above. Moreover, the software has a steep learning curve when you want to make complex models.
AutoCAD is primarily designed for professionals with experience in programming models algorithmically. The software's models can be converted into STLL files for 3D printing.
Watch AutoCAD Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost:From $185/month or $1,470/year
-Free and fully-functional version to download for students and faculties.
9. CATIA
CATIA CAD is not just a CAD software but a multi-platform software suite for CAD, CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) and more. CATIA enabled advanced product design and development through different stages. This makes it an excellent program for systems architects, mechanical engineers, and creative designers.
CATIA also has a 3D design environment through which different parties can collaborate on product modeling and share designs.
Watch CATIA Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost: From $10,000
10. OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is an open-source software for making solid 3D models. This free software is aimed at experienced users looking to use advanced features. Programmers and coders love the software's Extrusion of 2D outlines and Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG).
You can use OpenSCAD to create simple shapes that are already parametrically defined.
However, since the software is completely based on description language, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Watch OpenSCAD Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost: Free
11. Rhino3D
Rhino3D is a commercial 3D computer graphics and CAD program that is known for versatility. The software used NURB, a precise mathematical model that enables manipulation of solids, surfaces, meshes, curves and points in different ways.
Rhino3D comes with various design features and can create complex 3D models. However, it has quite a learning curve.
Watch Rhino3D Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost: Includes different bundles; Rhino 6.0 starts at 995€ for Windows and Rhino 5.0 at 695€ for Mac
Sooner or later, you will find the best CAD software for 3D printing for you. However, if you are a beginner, I would recommend TinkerCad.
Want help finding the right 3D printer? Then read our guide to buying 3D printers!
Have you ever wanted to turn that action figure you have on your desktop or that souvenir you got from a trip into a 3D model on your computer? A few years ago, the only way you can do that was to use some sophisticated 3D scanner that either uses lasers, complex optics, or an articulating arm to measure the dimensions of any real object and transform them into point clouds. Nowadays, all of those complex operations can be done through your smartphone.
In this list, we take a look at the best 3D scanning apps that you can download to your phone right now. Some are free, some only work with either iOS or Android – whichever type of smartphone you have, there's sure to be one app that suits you.
What to consider in a 3D scanning app
1. Operating system
The Apple community seems to have more users and developers that are more interested in 3D technologies, resulting in quite a lot of Apple-exclusive 3D scanning apps. This does not mean that Android users will be excluded from the fun. If you're a loyal Android user, we've got a couple of cool stuff for you as well.
2. Price
This might come as a disappointment to you, but you're going to be really hard-pressed to find a 3D scanning app that you can use for free, especially if you're looking for ones that produce good results. The good news is that these 3D scanning apps cost just about as much as any standard app on the marketplace. You can download a good app for the cost of a sandwich or a small cup of coffee, which is not a bad tradeoff in our opinion.
3. Ease of use
Depending on where you intend to use the models that you generate, you might not want to spend too much time learning the app. A hallmark of a well-developed app is that it should only take a few minutes for a new user to get a good grasp of how it works.
4. Quality of results
Of course, there's no point using a 3D scanning app that produces an inaccurate model or one that doesn't look good. It doesn't matter if an app is cheap or if it's hard to use. At the end of the day, what matters most is that the work we put in is translated into high-quality results.
The top 5 best 3D scanning apps for your smartphone
1. TRNIO
This Apple-based photogrammetry app used to be free, had a price increase to 99 cents, and now has been bumped up even further to $2.99. Still, we see no reason to complain as every price increase came with an upgrade of features, which has led to TRNIO being one of the top phone-based photogrammetry apps today. For such a convenient and user-friendly app, the $2.99 is still a steal.
TRNIO starts you off with an assisted photo capture mode that shoots up to 70 photos in burst mode while directing you where to move and point your camera. You also have the option of importing photos from your Camera Roll or another computer via an upload link that can be sent by email. The photos you have captured are then uploaded to a cloud server where all the processing happens.
When the cloud server sends you a preview, you are then given the option to crop unnecessary details. The app will almost certainly capture artifacts from your environment, which you'll have to delete manually. Once you're satisfied with the preview, you can tell the app to proceed with high-resolution modeling.
As long as you've captured good, well-lit photos, the quality of the resulting 3D model is usually impeccable. The dimensions are accurate, there is no warping of features, and even subtle textures are reproduced. The sharpness of the details will probably vary based on the quality of the camera on your phone, though, so it's unfair to evaluate the app based on that criteria.
A unique feature of TRNIO is its integrated social features. TRNIO has its very own social network where users can share and comment on the works that they have done. You can also generate a share link via TRNIO and send them to people. The link opens up a browser-based navigator that will let all your friends play around with the model that you have created.
Overall, TRNIO is proof that you don't need a sophisticated depth sensor to come up with a nice-looking 3D model from real-world objects. The fact that you can all those things using an app that costs $2.99 never ceases to blow our minds.
2. SCANN3D
From the top entry of the Apple OS, let's move on the other side and look at what the Android OS has to offer. Right now, the most prominent Android app for 3D scanning is SCANN3D, a free-to-download app that offers several subscription plans. The subscription-based pricing might already be a turnoff for some. After all, we're used to paying for apps with a one-time fee. However, SCANN3D has a couple of things going for it which might justify the regular payments.
Just like TRNIO, SCANN3D has a guided photo capture mode that helps direct you to which angle you should take pictures from. It does not use the burst mode of your camera – instead, you have to take photos manually when all the indicators in the camera turn green. The app also doesn't tell you when you've captured enough photos, so you'll just have to eyeball it.
In contrast to TRNIO, all the modeling of SCANN3D happens locally. This does eliminate the time needed to upload photos and to download the model, but the processing phase may take pretty long if you're using an old phone. It's also a very resource-intensive process which will almost certainly drain your battery. This feature may be advantageous, but only for users who have newer and more powerful phones.
The app offers three quality options for the modeling process: Basic, High, and Ultra. Naturally, a higher quality model takes more time to process and will also drain your phone's battery more. The quality in Ultra mode is pretty amazing, though. The details and textures are sharp, and the dimensional accuracy of the model is very close to the real thing. The same cannot be said of the Basic and High modes, as they tend to make distortions more pronounced.
As long as you've captured good, well-lit photos, the quality of the resulting 3D model is usually impeccable. The dimensions are accurate, there is no warping of features, and even subtle textures are reproduced. The sharpness of the details will probably vary based on the quality of the camera on your phone, though, so it's unfair to evaluate the app based on that criteria.
A unique feature of TRNIO is its integrated social features. TRNIO has its very own social network where users can share and comment on the works that they have done. You can also generate a share link via TRNIO and send them to people. The link opens up a browser-based navigator that will let all your friends play around with the model that you have created.
Overall, TRNIO is proof that you don't need a sophisticated depth sensor to come up with a nice-looking 3D model from real-world objects. The fact that you can all those things using an app that costs $2.99 never ceases to blow our minds.
2. SCANN3D
From the top entry of the Apple OS, let's move on the other side and look at what the Android OS has to offer. Right now, the most prominent Android app for 3D scanning is SCANN3D, a free-to-download app that offers several subscription plans. The subscription-based pricing might already be a turnoff for some. After all, we're used to paying for apps with a one-time fee. However, SCANN3D has a couple of things going for it which might justify the regular payments.
Just like TRNIO, SCANN3D has a guided photo capture mode that helps direct you to which angle you should take pictures from. It does not use the burst mode of your camera – instead, you have to take photos manually when all the indicators in the camera turn green. The app also doesn't tell you when you've captured enough photos, so you'll just have to eyeball it.
In contrast to TRNIO, all the modeling of SCANN3D happens locally. This does eliminate the time needed to upload photos and to download the model, but the processing phase may take pretty long if you're using an old phone. It's also a very resource-intensive process which will almost certainly drain your battery. This feature may be advantageous, but only for users who have newer and more powerful phones.
The app offers three quality options for the modeling process: Basic, High, and Ultra. Naturally, a higher quality model takes more time to process and will also drain your phone's battery more. The quality in Ultra mode is pretty amazing, though. The details and textures are sharp, and the dimensional accuracy of the model is very close to the real thing. The same cannot be said of the Basic and High modes, as they tend to make distortions more pronounced.
The SCANN3D app offers no cropping or manual editing capabilities. If you want to clean up your model, you will have to export it as an STL or OBJ file and edit it using a desktop-based software. This makes for an unnecessarily long workflow, especially if you're just making 3D models for quick sharing.
Although the quality and ease of use of SCANN3D rank it among the best, the subscription-based pricing is its biggest downfall. Unlike the affordable TRNIO, we find it hard to believe that anyone will download and try SCANN3D for fun. We think that this greatly reduces the market potential of an otherwise great app.
3. Qlone
Qlone is another great 3D scanning app that can be used in both Apple and Android devices, although it is a bit choosy on the phone models it is compatible with. The good news is that the app is free to download and use, so you can test its compatibility with your phone without having to spend anything. The bad news is that the use of the app isn't completely free.
Qlone's implementation of image capture is a bit different because it relies on an 'AR Mat,' a black and white grid that you can download from their website and print at home. The object you want to scan will have to be placed on top of the AR Mat, and the app uses the patterns of the AR Mat to direct you through the image capture phase.
All processing is done locally, which can take a few minutes depending on how powerful your phone is. Qlone has a pretty comprehensive editing tool that allows you to retouch and clean up your model. You can take photos and make GIFs of your model and share them to your usual social networks.
Unfortunately, the free features of Qlone end there. If you want to export your model as an STL or OBJ file so you can do some real work with it, you're going to have to pay. You can signup with a one-time plan that offers unlimited exports. This pricing scheme works for us. Hobbyist and curious users can try it out for free, while enterprise users who need to clean up their models can pay.
A major criticism of Qlone is that its image capture process isn't foolproof. The app generates a half-drome with the AR Mat at its base, which it uses to assess the degree of coverage of the object being scanned. Unfortunately, this dome approach tends to result in a lot of models, especially smaller ones, getting distorted. While this isn't always the case, you can expect to spend a lot more time with Qlone before you can get a perfectly good 3D model.
4. Sony 3D Creator
A tech giant like Sony isn't one to get left behind when a trend like 3D scanning hits. The Sony 3D Creator app is Sony's entry into this burgeoning field, and it came pre-installed on the Xperia XZ1. Of course, a huge limitation of this app is that you can only use it on Sony Xperia phones, which is a shame because the app is not bad.
The main drive for the development of the Sony 3D Creator is for users to scan their own faces and make 3D models of their own heads. This was a peculiar direction to make, given how other 3D scanning apps lean on a more professional angle. Still, it was a marketable gimmick that got people talking about the app.
The app has five self-explanatory modes: Selfie, Face Scan, Head Scan, Food Scan, and Freeform Scan. As you can guess, the Face Scan and Head Scan modes are the most heavily used. Scanning someone's face is incredibly fun and is made easy with onscreen indicators that turn green when it's time to take a new photo.
Unfortunately, the results of the face-scanning feature are inconsistent at best. The app seems to struggle with identifying boundaries between features, resulting in facial features blending into each other or just disappearing completely.
The other modes, Food Scan and Freeform Scan, are meant to be used on inanimate objects and seem to perform much better. Perhaps this is just an effect of the fact that inanimate objects have a better contrast with their surroundings compared to the features on someone's face.
The Sony 3D Creator app is a fun little app for creating digital avatars of real people and playing around with facial models. However, we find it hard to imagine any 3D design professional seriously considering using the Sony 3D Creator to come up with high-fidelity 3D models.
5. Scandy Pro
Back at the realm of Apple-exclusive apps, our last recommendation is Scandy Pro, an app that was specifically designed for the iPhone X line. Buchcover erstellen app. This is a pretty big limitation, but Android users can also use the older Scandy version.
Scandy Pro greatly simplifies the modeling step by creating the model real-time as you take the photos. Not only does this significantly shorten the process, but it's also a very useful gauge for you to know if you've captured enough photos or if there are angles with poor resolution. The preview that the app shows you as you capture the photos is the actual model – no shortcuts taken.
Since the first version of Scandy Pro, their editing tool has been greatly upgraded to allow you to retouch, smooth, or crop your model. Once you're happy with your model, you can export it as STL, OBJ, or PLY files for more refined editing.
Take note that although the app is free to download and use, you'll have to pay a subscription fee to be able to save your models. The free-to-use function is great for users who just want to have fun with 3D modeling. On the other hand, the quality of output of Scandy Pro looks good enough for professional use, which is more than enough to justify paying for the subscription.
Final thoughts
3D scanning apps have been around for so long that many of the pioneer apps in the field have now become discontinued. However, the current generation of 3D scanning apps is just downright impressive. The fact that we can produce all these high-quality models using just our smartphones with no extra hardware is already mind-blowing. This is something that we would not have believed possible a couple of years ago.
As you may have noticed from the list, some of the apps may be free to download and use, but you will have to pay to access their more advanced functions. This seems fair for the developers, as these 3D scanning apps will probably be used for commercial applications anyway. Do you have a model that you've captured using your smartphone? We would love to see it! Drop us a line in the comments section.
