We’ve refined this article by adding a simple, beginner-friendly introduction to 3D modeling and a practical guide for choosing tools, addressing common newbie challenges. We’ve reorganized the content into four clear categories, streamlined each software description, and paired them with rich learning resources. This ensures you can easily find the right tool, kickstart your 3D creation journey, and gain more value from your learning experience!
The purpose of this article is to assist beginners of 3D modeling in finding the best software tools that are free, easy to use, or both. With hundreds of products and services available and many claiming to be the best, becoming a 3D modeler can initially be overwhelming. Fear not!
We’ll introduce eight beginner-friendly options that fit a variety of project requirements. They offer intuitive user interfaces, robust features, and comprehensive learning resources.
For more information on selecting the right tools for you, we’ve also published the following guides. Be sure to check them out.
What is 3D modeling?
Let’s quickly touch on the basics. A 3D (three-dimensional) model, as the term suggests, consists of three dimensions––width, height, and depth. While our brains interpret people and objects in conventional films and photos as 2D (two-dimensional), 3D computer graphics also portray depth to deliver a more realistic representation of the physical world.
The surface of a 3D model is made up of polygons––2D shapes with straight sides. They define the appearance of a model. The higher the polygon count, the more detail the 3D model.
3D modeling is, of course, widely used in computer graphics niches such as animation, virtual reality, special effects, and games. Over the last decade, the technology has found applications in mainstream
professional fields as well:
• Streamlining product development with 3D representations of prototypes.
• Creating a new medium for artistic expression.
• Visualizing architectural designs to enhance designer-client communication.
• Improving training for high-risk situations with lifelike simulations.
Curious to learn more? Read this comprehensive introduction to 3D modeling.
What are the characteristics of a beginner-friendly 3D modeling tool?
Before we unveil our picks, here are several tips for assessing the right tools for you.
• Ensure the software’s interface is highly rated regarding user intuitiveness.
• Does the software offer learning resources such as tutorial videos and bite-size courses?
• Is it affordable? You don’t want to commit financially while you’re still exploring what’s right for you.
• Does it come with automation and AI generation features to help you with more advanced processes?
Without further ado, our eight recommendations.
Spline’s user-friendly workspace offers parametric objects, polygonal editing, and other advanced processes made simple, all within a browser-based platform that requires no complex setup. With intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, you can quickly manipulate elements, while its robust toolset lets you incorporate vector artwork, 3D designs, and other essentials to bring your envisioned composition to life. Thanks to a collection of easily digestible tutorials, you’ll be 3D modeling and creating stunning designs in just a few hours, making it an approachable choice for beginners and rapid creators alike.
Blender is a versatile 3D modeling, rendering, 2D animation, and texturing software. Widely regarded as the top free 3D software for animation, it provides a complete pipeline, including modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking, and video editing.
With its open-source nature, Blender benefits from a large developer community that is continuously expanding its functionality.
• Operating System:
o Windows 8.1 (64-bit) or above
o Mac OS 11.2 (Big Sur) or newer
o Linux distribution with glibc 2.28 or newer (64-bit)
• Pricing: Free Blender is completely free for all users, with no catches, and you can opt for a Blender Studio subscription at $12/month for extra tutorials and updates.
• Learning resources: You can find plenty of resources on YouTube by using the #b3d hashtag. You can also subscribe to Blender Studio for more official information.
FreeCAD is primarily applied in real-world object design, utilizing physical units such as microns, kilometers, inches, feet, or a combination of units.
Maya is the go-to software for professional 3D modeling and animation, offering powerful tools for character rigging, simulation, and rendering. Its steep learning curve and high cost make it less suitable for beginners, so we won’t spend too much time on it here. However, as you progress in your 3D modeling journey, we recommend eventually adding Maya to your 3D graphics toolbox.
3D models created on the platform are inherently parametric. Changes to shapes are calculated for you, and change history is recorded in an undo/redo stack. The values of one object automatically affect the values of other objects, allowing you to create 3D objects and environments with complex, custom parametric chains.
