3D Modelling
Most 3D models you will encounter have been created in a 3D modelling software. Becoming proficient with 3D modelling allows you to create anything you can imagine and it only takes a short while to be able to make a lot of impressive things.
There are a plethora of these 'Computer Aided Design' (CAD) software such as:
Tinkercad - A free browser based software design for complete beginners. Intuitive and easy to learn but limited in capabilities - Tinkercad is good enough for most models we print in the studio. You can find a quick guide here or you can watch our recorded Introduction to Tinkercad Workshop here.
(Note that tinkercad cannot open models of more than 25mb or >300,000 polygons, see optimisation below for more info).
Fusion 360 - Free for students and staff of Edinburgh University. This software allows for complex and adaptable designs great for those who have graduated from using Tinkercad, it includes a huge list of advanced features including formative design, assembly and stress simulation. Think Fusion 360 for more complex mechanical parts and assemblies. You can watch our recorded Introduction to Fusion 360 Workshop here.
Blender - A free sculpting and animation software, blender is more likely the 3D modelling tools of artists. Think Blender for sculpting high detail figures and shapes up to and including at a professional level. You can watch our recorded Introduction to Blender Workshop here.
And also SolidWorks, Inventor, Maya, Catia, ProEngineer, Meshmixer, Solidworks, Solid Edge, FreeCAD, Sculptris, 3D Slash and Wings 3D.
Rhino - While commonly used in 3D modelling, Rhino unfortunatley does a very poor job of creating models suitable for 3D printing and its often outputs damaged models with inverted faces or unsealed spaces. While we don't recommend Rhino as a first choice for 3D printing, if you have already made a model in it you can follow this guide to make your model compatible with 3D printing: Rhino 3D printable tutorial