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There is a lot of software applications to the 3D printing process. From designing your parts to slicing them into G-code and even controlling a desktop 3D printer while it fabricates your parts, you will inevitably have to choose some 3D programs along the way.
A 3D printing slicer is a program converting your 3D model into a language your 3D printer will understand to manufacture your object. The 3D slicer will digitally cut your 3D model into flat layers; these are the layers your 3D printer will then print one by one. This slicer software will define the model and instruct the 3D printer to print it. A 3D printing slicer usually prepares the model by generating G-code, the programming language the 3D printer will understand.
Slicer software is only helpful if you 3D print with your own FDM desktop 3D printer or resin 3D printer. When using a 3D printing service such as Sculpteo, no 3D printing slicer is needed!
Some slicer software can also be 3D printer hosts, directly controlling your 3D printing machine. For this, you will need to connect your printer to your computer during the whole 3D printing process.
If you want to use additive manufacturing, you need one essential thing: a 3D file and, more precisely, an STL file. You can either design one yourself, use of 3D scanner app or find one online. But the files you find might not always correspond precisely to your needs. It might lack some features, have too many elements in it that you don’t need, or even be damaged. Thus, you will need to use an STL editor to fit your needs perfectly.
You can use CAD software (Computer-Aided Design) or a mesh editing tool. They are made for modeling and objects represented by a 2D surface.
3D modeling software programs are designed to build 3D models of objects. You can then use these 3D models to print your project on a 3D printing service. Creating a 3D model is a mathematical representation of a three-dimensional object or shape. 3D models are used for various mediums, including video games, electronics, architecture, engineering, healthcare, automotive etc. It is possible to use a downloaded application, or an online 3D modeling software.
If you want to 3D print an object, you need to design it on a 3D modeling software – or buy an already-made 3D model.
Cura is an open-source software tool developed by Ultimaker. A popular 3D printing slicer and new users can easily use the software with a quick learning curve. It is a fast and intuitive program, but advanced users can access another 200 settings when needing more precise control over print settings by switching from “Basic” mode to “Advanced” or “Expert.”
You can also use Cura as a 3D printer host software to control your machine, but the 3D printer needs to be connected to a PC during the whole 3D printing process. With Ultimaker Cura, users can monitor all the 3D printing jobs from a single user interface!
Price: Free
Simplify3D is a premium slicing tool. If you are looking for a slicer tool to improve the quality of your 3D prints, then this might be the right choice for you. Indeed, this tool is not only about slicing your model; it’s also correcting issues and allowing you to preview your 3D objects, preventing any other problems you might have.
Simplify3D is compatible with most 3D printers and quickly switches between multiple machines.
Price: $149
System: Windows, macOS, Linux
Slic3r is an open-source software allowing you to slice, preview, and more! Another widely used 3D printing tool. As a good slicing tool, Slic3r cuts your 3D design into horizontal layers, generates toolpaths to fill them, and calculates the amount of material needed to 3D print the object.
Slic3r is a non-profit community project which allows people to experiment with several advanced new features that have become quite common, such as multiple extruders, brim, micro layering, bridge detection, and so on!
Price: Free
System: Windows, macOS, Linux
KISSlicer is an easy-to-use and fast cross-platform app that efficiently slices STL files into printer-ready G-code files. The user interface is basic, but the software will deliver excellent results if you don’t need advanced setting options or customization.
The free version is only for single-head machines; if you want to use multi-head devices, you must choose the PRO version.
Price: Free for the basic version
System: Windows, Mac
This open-source slicer software will allow you to place, scale and rotate your object as well as slice it. You will also get the opportunity to preview your 3D model before 3D printing. Repetier supports three different slicing engines, Slic3r, CuraEngine, and Skeinforge, and handles 16 extruders. This 3D printing tool offers quite a lot of customization, ideal for more experienced users.
Price: Free, but you can donate to support the project
System: Windows, Linux, Mac
PrusaSlicer has been developed by the creators of the Original Prusa 3D printer, Prusa Research. They used the open-source program Slic3r to create their slicing tool.
This program includes many exciting features, such as customizable support structures, multi-material support, or even smooth variable layer height functions. PrusaSlicer 3D software can be used with both FDM and resin printers, and its various modes will allow you to adapt the settings to your skill level.
Price: Free
System: Windows, macOS, Linux
OctoPrint is a free, open-source software accessible from your web browser. It is a real web-based 3D printer host that allows for the control and monitoring of 3D printers. Moreover, OctoPrint is compatible with most 3D printers and offers the possibility to start, pause and stop the 3D printing process remotely.
This tool accepts G-code from any 3D slicer software but can also be used as a slicer for your 3D files, meaning OctoPrint can become your all-in-one print preparation package.
Price: Free
System: Web browser
MatterControl 2.0 is developed by MatterHackers; this all-in-one program is a 3D printer host, slicer, and CAD software. This software will tackle your entire 3D printing process, from design to actual manufacturing.
This software package targets beginners and advanced users. Many tutorials are available on their website for new users, while experienced ones will have the pleasure to discover the possibilities of advanced settings for customized support generation.
Price: Free
System: Windows, macOS, Linux
ISL is both a slicer and a 3D modeling tool. The developers’ goal was to make a powerful and accessible solution, particularly adapted to beginners. You can find a wide range of slicing settings and pre-configured options if you are not familiar with these programs.
Price: Free
System: Windows, Linux
MeshMixer is a free mesh editing software. You can download it directly from Autodesk’s website. It’s straightforward to use if you want to edit STL files, especially if you wish to resize your 3D object or change some aspects. It considers all the different issues that you may face with your file. These software tools will allow you to get a repaired file ready for additive manufacturing. A free Meshmixer tutorial might help you get started.
Moreover, it also has a built-in slicer tool. Thus, you can directly send your file from MeshMixer to a 3D printer.
Price: Free
System: Windows
MeshLab is an entirely free and open-source program to edit your STL files. Professionals primarily use it since they appreciate its multiple mesh and point cloud processing functions. They also enjoy the possibilities it offers to manage massive files.
It has many processing tools like mesh analysis, cleaning of errors, remeshing, surface reconstruction, automatic smoothing, and visual inspection. Thus, it’s extremely powerful to edit your STL files. You can also use Meshlab to edit your 3D files. You can’t create an STL file from scratch, but you can create new models by merging some existing ones.
Price: Free
System: Windows, macOS, Linux
FreeCAD is a free and open-source CAD software. It uses parametric modeling and can be used by many different users, from beginners to professional 3D designers. Since it’s pretty easy to use, you don’t need to be an experienced CAD designer to use it. Architects and engineers mostly use it because its features were built for mechanical engineers.
Since it was designed for mechanical use and not for modeling, you can’t sculpt a model with it without difficulties. But it will be great to construct mechanical objects or fix your STL files.
Price: Free
System: Windows, macOS, Linux
TinkerCAD is a browser-based program made by Autodesk, meaning you don’t have to download it; you can access it quite easily and start your 3D design and 3D modeling project. TinkerCAD is an excellent introduction to 3D software, perfect for beginners, and this program is adapted for educational purposes. This program will allow you to give life to your ideas without any previous 3D modeling experience.
This app works by placing blocks one by one to create the object you want. It has a user-friendly interface making it easy to use the different 3D tools and create your 3D project. Keep in mind that you might need to switch to a more powerful 3D modeling tool for more complex and intricate designs.
Price: Free
System: Web browser
This 3D modeling application is integrated into Windows. Thanks to a simplified interface, 3D Builder can be used by anyone. A library is available, where you can choose among already made projects. This program is straightforward and doesn’t offer many options but still allows you to work on STL, OBJ, or 3MF files.
However, if you are looking for a program to initiate 3D modeling and 3D printing, you have to try it out.
Price: Free
System: Windows
With many features and several advanced tools, Sketchup is a well-known professional-grade software. The software is beneficial for professionals who need to create 3D models easily to showcase them to their customers. This 3D software is primarily used for architecture, interior design, or engineering projects but can be used for 3D printing.
It offers an open-source library with an extensive collection of 3D models you can use and reuse for your projects. This 3D modeling program is free for personal use or students! Keep in mind that the accessible version of Sketchup is a web platform. This free version can already allow you to develop interesting 3D printing projects and is adapted to both beginners and advanced users.
Find out Sketchup alternatives.
Price: Free, pro version is $299/year
System: Web browser
Fusion 360 is cloud-based software developed by Autodesk, combining parametric, surface, freeform direct, and mesh modeling features.
This 3D software is gaining popularity among professionals and hobbyists. Fusion 360 by Autodesk combines Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software. It has a more modern take on design and will give you numerous design, simulation, and production tools. Fusion 360 will be excellent for 3D printing engineering projects, mechanical parts, and product design. It is also important to mention that Fusion 360 is cloud-based, making it much easier to work in teams. You can also find some Fusion 360 alternatives.
Price: Yearly 495$
System: Windows, macOS, Linux
Blender is a well-known computer-aided design software, and it is a powerful mesh-based direct modeling software and not a parametric one. Professionals even use Blender to develop video games or animation. It is pretty similar to software such as Mudbox or ZBrush, and it is not suitable for beginners.
This program is fantastic for artistic use, with excellent software tools such as sculpting, rendering, and fast modeling. But it is also a perfect software if you need to create 3D printable 3D models, as it also includes CAD features to repair your meshes. It can avoid bad surprises once parts come out of 3D printers.
Price: Free
System: Windows, macOS, Linux
Sometimes, two 3D printing software can be quite similar. That is why we decided to make some software comparisons to help you make the best choice for your 3D project.
Once you selected the perfect program for you you might need a tutorial you get started. If you are not ready to take 3D modeling classes, Sculpteo made some tutorials with all the basics needed to start making your first 3D models using the following software:
Blender: A versatile open-source 3D creation suite with powerful features for modeling, animation, and rendering.
Solidworks: Industry-standard parametric 3D CAD software known for its precision in mechanical design and engineering. We recommand using Solidworks alternatives if you need a more affordable option
Sketchup: User-friendly 3D modeling software ideal for architectural and interior design projects.
Meshmixer: A free, intuitive tool for 3D mesh processing, editing, and sculpting.
Inventor: Autodesk’s 3D CAD software specializing in product design, simulation, and documentation.
Alias: High-end industrial design and surface modeling software, commonly used in automotive and product design.
Rhino: NURBS-based 3D modeling software celebrated for its flexibility in design and architecture.
Spaceclaim: Direct modeling software that simplifies 3D design and editing processes for engineers and designers.
Sculptris: Beginner-friendly digital sculpting software offering a stepping stone to more advanced 3D modeling.
TopSolid: Integrated CAD/CAM software for design and manufacturing with a focus on parametric modeling.
Catia: Comprehensive CAD/CAM/CAE software widely used in aeronautics, aerospace automotive, and industrial design.
Wings 3D: Lightweight and user-friendly 3D modeling software, ideal for hobbyists and beginners.
FreeCAD: Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler designed for creating real-life objects.
Fusion 360: Cloud-based CAD/CAM tool by Autodesk, known for its collaboration features and parametric design.
Inspire: Simulation-driven design software that optimizes structures for performance and efficiency.
OpenSCAD: Script-based 3D CAD modeler, great for creating parametric designs with code.
SculptGL: Web-based digital sculpting tool for creating 3D models in the browser.
3D Builder: Simple and easy-to-use 3D modeling software for Windows, suitable for beginners.
Mathematica: A computational software system that includes functionality for symbolic computation, visualization, and more.
3D Studio Max: Professional 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software used in the entertainment industry.
Modo: Powerful 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software known for its versatility and artist-friendly workflow, favored in game development, visual effects, and design industries.
Selecting the best printing software is fundamental to ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow. Understanding the basics of 3D printing software is crucial, as it serves as the bridge between digital designs and tangible creations. Several platforms offer cutting-edge software solutions, each catering to different user needs and preferences. Compatibility is a key factor, with top-tier software ensuring smooth integration with a wide range of 3D printers. The ability of these programs to interpret intricate geometries accurately is paramount, allowing users to translate complex digital designs into physical objects with precision. This technological revolution in 3D printing software has empowered creators and innovators, offering a transformative avenue for turning imagination into reality. Now that you have this selection of 3D printing software, you are ready for your 3D printing journey. If you don’t want to invest in your 3D printer and need professional quality, try out Sculpteo’s online 3D printing service! Upload your 3D file right now, and you will get an instant quote for your project.
Any questions about the 3D printing process of your parts? Contact us, our team of 3D printing experts, we’ll help you with your project.
For those delving into 3D printing, choosing the right free modeling software is crucial. Blender, an open-source tool with a rich set of modeling, sculpting, and texturing features, is popular among users. TinkerCAD offers a user-friendly, browser-based experience, making it accessible for beginners. FreeCAD, designed for engineering and product design, is a powerful parametric CAD modeler. MeshLab, known for mesh editing, aids in preparing models for 3D printing. Sculptris, a free digital sculpting tool, is perfect for artists creating organic 3D models. Keep in mind that the 3D printing software landscape evolves, so it’s advisable to check for the latest recommendations.
A CAD software might be required to create the 3D model you want to 3D print. CAD allows precise creation and customization of 3D models, ensuring they meet specific size, shape, and structural requirements. CAD software provides the necessary tools to design intricate details and ensure geometric accuracy, crucial for successful 3D printing. However, for beginners or simple projects, there are also user-friendly, free 3D modeling tools available that can serve the purpose without the complexity of full-fledged CAD programs.
There are plenty of free 3D printing software, such as Blender or Tinkercad if you are considering 3D modeling. Otherwise, for slicing software such as Cura can be a good option. Finally, for STL editing, Meshmixer is a good free option for your 3D printing project.
There are a lot of 3D sculpting software available on the market. For animation or 3D modeling, Maya is one of the best options, you will get the opportunity to use a set of sculpting tools for free-form design. ZBrush and Mudbox are also well-known sculpting software.
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