Meshmixer is a free tool by Autodesk that is mainly used to inspect and repair existing 3D models for 3D printing.

If you are more of a visual learner, they also have a YouTube channel where they upload tutorials and product tips regularly. SketchUp has a great selection of learning tools and resources for new users, including their SketchUp Campus, user forums, help center, and blog. While they are currently rolling out the beta for a SketchUp for iPad app with Apple Pencil support, it could still be some time before that resource is fully available.

It works best on a computer, as touch and mobile devices like phones and tablets seem to have a lot of issues with the interface. While SketchUp Free is not powerful enough to be a long-term commercial solution (SketchUp Pro is a much better option for this), it is a helpful tool for hobbyists and students to get started and practice these skills. This software is an excellent resource for creating complex 2D and 3D designs for engineering, interior design, architectural design, product development, and prototyping. Sketchup Free is a browser-based 3D design system that enables you to build 3D models by drawing and extruding 2D shapes. Rick Davidson and Grant Abbitt’s introductory Blender course on Udemy is one of our favorite premium options, while this series on Youtube offers an excellent overview of the software for free. You can take professional-led video courses on paid learning platforms like Skillshare and Udemy or simply browse YouTube for video tutorials, program overviews, and speed models. You can learn from countless available resources and join Blender communities for feedback on your projects.

Out of all of the free software options in this article, Blender easily has one of the most enthusiastic and extensive user bases. Its user interface is also very different from that of comparable programs (such as Maya) and is not very intuitive, so much of the struggle at first is simply learning the controls and navigation. Blender is an open-source 3D modeling and animation suite that allows you to model, sculpt, rig, and animate your projects all within one environment.ĭue to its broad range of capabilities, Blender has a steep learning curve for beginners. If you’re looking for a good multipurpose program that can do a bit of everything, Blender is a great option.

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