Editor’s Note
This overview highlights Blender’s versatility as a CAD software, noting its applications in animation, gaming, 3D printing, and more. The article also briefly mentions Maya for animated film design.
The CAD software Blender is suitable, among other things, for the production of animated films, interactive apps, video games, and also for 3D printing. The numerous functions of this CAD program include 3D modeling, texturing, UV unwrapping, raster graphics editing, 3D sculpting, camera tracking, and rendering. Video editing is also possible with this 3D CAD software.
Otherwise, the program is primarily suitable for designing animated films. Maya provides very good tool sets for this purpose.
The table provides a comprehensive overview of various 3D CAD programs, including details such as name, manufacturer, availability, difficulty level, target audience, description, price, operating system, supported export formats, additional features, and links to the manufacturer’s website. The CAD programs cater to different target audiences from beginners to professionals, cover a wide range of operating systems, and offer various pricing options, from free to paid.
| Name | Manufacturer | Free | Difficulty Level | Description | Platform | File Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tinkercad | Autodesk | ✓ | Beginner | Tinkercad is an easy-to-use, web-based CAD program, ideal for beginners and 3D printing applications. | Web-based | STL, OBJ |
| 3D Builder | Microsoft | ✓ | Beginner | With the introduction of Windows 8.1, Microsoft integrated an app called 3D Builder in its Store, which supports object editing and 3D printing. This 3D CAD program can be downloaded and installed for free as freeware from the Store. | Windows 8.1 and higher, Xbox Series, Xbox One, HoloLens, Surface Hub, Mobile Device, PC | 3mf, obj, ply, stl, vrml |
| 3D Slash | 3D Slash | ✓/Paid | Beginner | The CAD program 3D Slash is very simple and almost intuitive to use and is suitable for children, students, STEM teachers, and anyone else interested in 3D printing. With this CAD software, 3D models are assembled from building blocks – similar to Minecraft. | Windows, Linux, Mac, Raspberry Pi, Browser | 3dslash, obj, STL |
| 123D Design | Autodesk, Inc. | ✓ | Beginner | 123D Design was developed by Autodesk, Inc. and has similar functions to the CAD programs SketchUp and Inventor. | Windows, Mac, iOS | 123x, step, STL, svg, VRML, x3d |
| Fusion 360 | Autodesk | ✓/Paid | Advanced | Fusion 360 is a cloud-based CAD software for 3D modeling and mechanical design, offering comprehensive design and simulation capabilities. | Windows, Mac | STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ |
| FreeCAD | Open Source | ✓ | Advanced | FreeCAD is an open-source program for parametric 3D design, developed for technical and mechanical constructions. | Windows, Mac, Linux | STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ, DAE, SVG |
| Cura | Ultimaker B.V. | ✓ | Beginner | Anyone who wants to use or already uses an Ultimaker 3D printer for their 3D prints should use the 3D CAD software CURA. This software can also provide good service with other printer models. The open-source software is available for free. | Windows | abf, dae, obj, stl |
| Meshmixer | Autodesk | ✓ | Advanced | The CAD program Meshmixer was developed by Autodesk, Inc. and has been continuously perfected. It is also referred to as the “Swiss Army knife for 3D models.” This CAD software is a fully functional program that focuses, among other things, on the mechanical functionality of the design. | Windows, Mac | amf, mix, obj, off, stl |
| SculptGL | Stéphane Ginier | ✓ | Beginner | Those who do not want to rely on traditional modeling tools but also do not want to invest a larger sum are well served with the CAD program SculptGL. Unlike other 3D sculpting programs, it only includes the most important tools, thus providing a good introduction to the basic working method of this technique. The software, offered as CAD freeware, is accessible directly via the browser. | Browser (web-based) | obj, ply, sgl, stl |
| Moment of Inspiration (MoI) | MoI | Paid | Advanced | The 3D software Moment of Inspiration (MoI) was primarily developed for artists and designers. It supports NURBS surface design and filleting. The developers also ensured that the details associated with surface design and filleting do not disturb the creative phase. The mathematical processes take place in the background. | Windows, Mac | 3ds, 3dm, dxf, fbx, igs, lwo, obj, skp, STL, stp, sat |
| Photoshop CC | Adobe Systems Software Ireland Ltd. | Paid | Beginner | Photoshop CC is mainly known among photographers who want to edit their images professionally. At the same time, starting from version 14.1, the program also supports 3D printing. | Windows, Mac | 3ds, dae, kmz, obj, psd, stl, u3d |
| Maya | Autodesk, Inc. | Paid | Advanced | The 3D software Maya, which, by the way, like many products presented here, was developed by Autodesk, Inc., is actually an animation software. However, some of the design variants used here can also be combined with other Autodesk 3D CAD software offerings, which is why we have included it in this list. | Windows, Mac, Linux | Must be supplemented by another program. |
| OpenSCAD | Open Source | ✓ | Advanced | OpenSCAD is a script-based CAD software, ideal for precise parametric design, where modeling is done through programming. | Windows, Mac, Linux | STL, OFF, DXF |
