Among free 3D CAD software, Leopoly is one of the best for beginners. Offering a plethora of benefits, the application is designed for excellence. It offers a cloud-based 3D modeling service. The software is a product from a Hungarian start-up, LeoPoly. And, clearly carries the concept of being easy to use and being user-friendly. A free 3D-modeling software for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, Open SCAD focuses more on the CAD aspects of modeling an object rather than the artistic aspect. Unlike many others listed on this page, Open SCAD is not an interactive modeler but a 3D-compiler modeler that reads in the details of the objects to render their 3D models on the screen. Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD.
Use these free 3D modeling software solutions to quickly turn your design ideas into realistic 3D construction models.
Construction professionals are constantly coming up with new ideas for innovative designs, and it's helpful to have software that can quickly turn these ideas into three-dimensional (3D) representations.
3D modeling software allows construction professionals to transform their designs and blueprints into lifelike models and lets artists clearly visualize the dimensions of their building designs before construction is complete.
There are several 3D modeling software tools available on the market, each with varying capabilities. And if you thought that buying one will cost you a lot of money, think again!
We've analyzed over 100 free design software options in Capterra directories and evaluated user reviews to identify the five best free 3D modeling software solutions (listed alphabetically). You can read our complete product selection methodology here.
5 best free 3D modeling construction software
BIMx
Live Home 3D
Onshape
SketchUp
SkyCiv Structural 3D
Note: Some of these software tools are listed as computer-aided design (CAD), but we chose them because they also offer 3D modeling options for intricate and precise designs and are a good option for users who simply want to do basic 3D design without any animation or texture painting.
1. BIMx
BIMx is a project presentation and collaboration software with integrated 2D and 3D navigation for building projects. Its cloud-integrated workflows and intuitive user interface make project management easier for architects and designers working on building information models and architectural documentation.
3D models in BIMx (Source)
BIMx helps users design interactive 3D models of buildings. Builders, clients, and consultants can use these 3D models to give prospects virtual tours of projects before construction is completed.
We analyzed user reviews for BIMx to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here's what we found.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The software UI is intuitive. | A steep learning curve to master key commands. |
| Virtual tours allow customers to view every dimension of a property even before construction is complete. | The desktop version is less functional than the mobile version. |
How much does BIMx cost? | |
| BIMx offers a basic free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to the paid version for additional features. |
2. Live Home 3D
Live Home 3D is an interior and home design software that allows users to create 3D environments that give the actual look and feel of building interiors. It's mostly used by solo architects and small teams of startup designers working on home interiors.
3D view in Live Home 3D ( Source)
Live Home 3D automatically suggests and generates 3D views of floor plans. Users can either design their own floor plan or import an external image to extract a design and recreate it. In both cases, the software offers users the option of converting their design into a 3D plan.
We analyzed user reviews for Live Home 3D to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here's what we found.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The software's UI is easy to use. | Not many terrain options are available. Even demo projects have the same standard terrain. |
| Users can choose a wide range of colors and furniture for their models. | The UI could be aesthetically improved, and the walkthrough mode is difficult to control. |
How much does Live Home 3D cost? | |
| Live Home 3D offers a free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to its paid version, Live Home 3D Pro, for a one-time payment of $19.99. |
Easiest 3d Modeling Tool
3. Onshape
Onshape is cloud-based 3D CAD software that offers top-down designs with multipart modeling and in-context editing. It's useful for designers, engineers, and manufacturers who want the flexibility of working from anywhere on any device.
3D section view in Onshape (Source)
As a SaaS-based tool, Onshape uses online databases to store data, eliminating the need for any physical servers and other IT infrastructure costs.
We analyzed user reviews for Onshape to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here's what we found.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A fast learning curve. Anyone with basic CAD knowledge can operate the software with ease. | Since Onshape is cloud-based, it lacks offline caching. Therefore, models have to be constantly reloaded during poor connectivity. |
| Users have access to detailed instructional videos to understand primary features. | Since the software operates via browsers, designing large models can be difficult. |
How much does Onshape cost? | |
| Onshape's free version has limited features, but users can upgrade to its paid version, which costs $125 per user per month and is billed annually ($1,500). |
4. SketchUp
SketchUp is CAD software that allows users to design and edit 3D models of interiors, landscapes, and more. It assists in end-to-end designing, starting from the earliest design stage to the end of construction. It can be used by architects and interior designers for different designing steps, such as initial diagramming, design development, detailing, documentation, and requests for information (RFI).
3D construction model in SketchUp (Source)
SketchUp allows users to include lighting effects, texture paintings, and animations in their design models. It also offers a wide range of symbols and predesigned models that allow designers to achieve desired outputs.
We analyzed user reviews for SketchUp to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here's what we found.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The software modules are easy to navigate, even for beginners. | SketchUp cannot be integrated with other design software. |
| Besides drawing and sketching options, the software also offers built-in features such as animations, lighting, and texture effects. | Customer support isn't responsive, and most queries are answered only via online message boards. |
How much does SketchUpcost? | |
| The basic version (web only) of SketchUp is free, but users can upgrade to the paid version, SketchUp Shop (web only), for $119 per user, per year or the pro version, SketchUp Pro (both desktop and web), at $299 per user, per year. |
5. SkyCiv Structural 3D
SkyCiv Structural 3D is cloud-based structural analysis and design software that allows users to model, analyze, and design 3D structures. Due to its structural analysis capabilities, the software is well-suited for civil, mechanical, and structural engineers.
3D structural analysis in SkyCiv Structural 3D (Source)
SkyCiv Structural 3D allows users to analyze structural factors, such as bending, shear, stress, and deflection. Since the software is cloud-based, it requires no installation and works completely online.
We analyzed user reviews for SkyCiv Structural 3D to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here's what we found.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A fast learning curve. | Only a limited number of structural analysis methods are available. |
| The customer support team is quick to respond. | The software's mobile app interface for iPhones isn't intuitive. |
How much does PRODUCT cost? | |
| SkyCiv Structural 3D offers a free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to the paid (basic) version at $69 per user, per month or the professional version at $109 per user, per month. |
The final decision: Which free 3D modeling construction software to buy?
Our list of the five best free 3D modeling solutions can get you started with your software search, but the right fit depends on your design needs.
We recommend the following approach to make your ultimate decision:
|
If you've used or are currently using free 3D modeling construction software that works well for you, tell us about it in the comments section below.
Product selection methodology
To be considered for this list, products had to offer a free, stand-alone version of the software and not a trial version wherein users have to purchase the product after the trial period.
A product was classified as 3D modeling construction software if it contained the core 3D modeling and collaboration features and at least one design feature, such as design analysis, design templates, or design export.
We analyzed nearly 150 products from our engineering CAD software, architecture software, and BIM software market categories to identify these free products. To be selected, each product had to have a minimum user rating of 4 out of 5 on Capterra as of January 6, 2020.
Note: Listed pros and cons are derived from features listed on the product website and product user reviews on Gartner Digital Markets domains (Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice). They do not represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Capterra or its affiliates.
Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.
Are you looking for 3d modelling software for beginners and experts to download in 2020? Yes, you find the best place to find the top 10 best software which required for the 3D modeling. Of course, there were plenty of free BIM modelling tools and software available. Moreover, finding the perfect software for architectural service is always a worthier one. For architectural design and execution of the works, an architect always looks for Best Apps for Architects. Even more, in order to support the same, modelling software plays a significant role.
You can see many Apps for Architects iPad and iPhone for special purposes made on iOS. Even though, they're also available in the play store for Android users. However for an Architect, the importance of software required mainly in PC. Here we collected some of the software for 3d modelling which is highly user rated. You can check and download from the respective portal for free and if you need more advanced, then you can switch to premium versions.
3D Modelling Software best 10 Free Online
Table of Contents
Know in detail and find the user review on the below mentioning highly user rated 3d modelling software for 3d printing. Being an Architect you are here to find the best, moreover, make use of the same and experience how it will help you. 3D education is bringing benefits all over the world of engineering and related. Make your project more exciting and easy to understand and bring construction ideas more powerful to your client.
- Tinkercad
- MagicaVoxel
- Autodesk 123d
- Sketchup
- Fusion360
- Solidworks
- 3ds Max
- 3D Slash
- Cults
- Thingiverse
Best 10 3D Modelling Software in detail
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is one of the highly reputed software for 3D designing. If you are an advanced designer and need to add more modules, Tinkercard is the right choice. Tinkercard connecting coding, classroom as well as Minecraft kind of modules are provided. Obviously, this is really helping every architect and for making the design more perfect. In the sense, it is easier to connect with 3D printing as well. Furthermore, this Tinkercard, it is a helpful tool for electronic & even in coding. This is providing a great baseline CAD support with the users. It is highly recommending software for students, a perfect can be executed with this software.
MagicaVoxel
Easiest 3d Modeling Software Free
MagicaVoxel is open-source software for 3D designing and its available free online. If you are looking for 3d modelling software for mac and windows free, then Magicavoxel should be the prior software that you should consider. As a matter of fact, it is commercial software and most suitable for isometric drawing. Well, this is free to download on Windows as well as in MacOS computers. A realtime view for rendering the objects has to bring more perfection for the design. Users can easier to create a custom palette and the software helps in keyboard shortcuts at the easiest.
Autodesk 123d
Autodesk 123d is the perfect 3D software tool for all kind of 3D representation. This is getting the most appreciate CAD software, the 3D printing and even all designing can be made most comfortable. Similarly, you may find other Autodesk 123d alternatives online and I don't recommend you to go with it. For Best Apps for Architects, most of them recommended this one and even though, the 2D program is also beneficial. As the tutorials provided by the Autodesk 123d will bring an idea for the middle-class grade student as well. If you are a beginner and want to know the 3D drawing, Autodesk 123d will be the best choice.
Sketchup
In order to make an appreciation easily from the clients, architectural firms highly using Sketchup software likewise, 3ds Max. It is one of the most popular 3D modelling software invented in the world. The best architects all over the world are using still Sketchup and for the building construction, this is best. 3D warehouses, complex renderings, can be easier with this Architects apps. Sketchup is free to download for PC in both windows and in MAC. As a matter of fact, generating photorealistic renderings as well as for particularly of small objects, Sketchup is advisable.
Fusion360
Fusion360 is yet another amazing tool used by designers all over the world. Even this is 2020 and still experiencing Fusion360, the best tool for designing. Correspondingly, not only for architects but also for mechanical engineers and electrical engineers using this. Furthermore, we can easily say it is a universal 3D designing and modelling tool. This is evenly integrated with CAD, CAM, PCB, as well as CAE for the designing and modelling services. Users can also able to execute 2.5, 3, 4, as well as 5 axis machining and even the simulation at the most apparent.
Solidworks
Solidworks is the world-leading 3D modelling free and premium software used by engineers. Not only the civil engineer and architects, even though, but it is also using by the mechanical engineers at the best. Users can easily create – simulate and handle all the data using this software. Instructional drawings and even part designs can be executed easily. Students and beginners can make simpler the complex design using this. Furthermore, design iterations, drawings, moreover testing can be achieved easily.
3ds Max
3ds Max is the most recommending software all over by the famous and best architects in the world. This will be the right choice for animators and for comprehensive 3D designers. Likewise, it is recommended for visualization specialists and this Architect app is able to render high-definition aspects. For bringing the basic texture and effects for your drawing, 3ds Max is an ideal choice. This software is providing multiple animation controlling facility to its users, additionally flexible to handle each inner tools. Motion paths, Active shade rendering as well as MAX to LMV are highly supported.
3D Slash
3D Slash is the most popular 3D software and designers are finding fun with this beautiful software. It is built so simply and easy for basic modelling and currently it is running in 3D Slash 2.0 version. You can easily download 3D slash for PC free, simple building-block idea can be easily executed with this. Users can develop your portraits by adding as well as removing pixelated blocks. Editing the design and modelling can be easily executed by this 3D slash software.
Cults
Cults is yet another architect apps for 3D designing services and which is user-friendly. 3D printing can be easily made use of this Cults software and the Cults software reviews sound great all over. This is not a recommended tool for students or for beginners and it is highly appreciable to used by the famous designers. Furthermore, STL files for the 3D printer Software, cults are using by the designers. It is considering in the category of top 10 software for 3D designing and modelling.
Thingiverse
Easiest 3d Modeling software, free download Sites
The problem of 3D printing and modelling made easily solved by this Thingiverse software. Architects are highly using by this 3D software for modelling and for downloading this one, you should need a high RAM facility PC. Most of the complaining about this software is worst because of the software is very much slow. However, this software is built with a heavy program and however, with the high-speed computer with high RAM facility can solve this issue.
Final Words:
I think you really came to know the importance of using top-rated Best Free 3D Modelling Software free download for windows 10 and Mac. It is your choice of finding which one suits with your needs, feel free to share thoughts on this.
