You can start learning some of the basics here. It’s used in video game development, animated films and visual effects and offers higher-end tools for characters and effects. Maya 3D very similar to 3ds Max, but less user-friendly for beginners. MayaĪutodesk Maya: Navigating the Maya Interface and WorkspaceĪlso by Autodesk, Maya 3D is a 3D modeling, animation, rendering and simulation software. Designers can make their creations come to life with more believable textures, human-like motion, flowing hair and fur, particle simulations and more.

3Ds Maxģds Max® by Autodesk is a 3D modeling, animation, simulation and rendering software used in industrial design, film, games and motion graphics.

Features take you from free conceptual sketches to sustainable energy analysis, with plenty of collaboration and worksharing capabilities. RevitĪutodesk’s Revit specializes in architectural design and structural engineering, specifically Building Information Modeling (BIM).

Rhino offers and entire library of online tutorials, live classes, training guides and more to help you kick things off. It’s used in architecture, industrial, product, multimedia and graphic design. Rhino is a curve-based 3D modeling software that creates mathematically-precise models of 3D surfaces. Screenshot: Training car design with Rhino (via icreatia) As an added bonus, they offer online videos to walk you through the software basics to get you started. It’s used by engineers as well as environmental, industrial and graphic designers. Screenshot: AutoCAD 2014 Tour: Overview of the User InterfaceĪutodesk’s AutoCAD is one of the most versatile and widely-used 3d modeling applications out there. For those ready to step it up a notch, the software also allows you to craft full 3D games, edit videos and realistic simulations (such as fluid, smoke and hair). Features include sculpting, animation, photorealistic rendering and video editing. Screenshot: Creating a realistic head in Blender (via Blender Cookie)īlender is another free 3D modeling application. More advanced versions cost money, but you can still create great renderings and animations with the free version. Sketchup is a user-friendly application that’s free to download and great for 3D modeling beginners. There are many types of of 3D modeling software out there, but we’re going to take you through a list of some of the most popular ones. It enables you to create photorealistic illustrations and mockups that are compelling to clients, as well as expand your skill set to craft blueprints for product and environmental designs. The ability to create designs with 3D modeling software can be a huge advantage for any graphic designer.

Free 3d printing modeling software