(Last Updated On: May 31, 2019)![Design Design](https://www.dobot.cc/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/CraftWare.jpg)
Tweet ![Cad Cad](https://endurancelasers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fusion360.jpg)
- Free Cad For 3d Printers
- Best Free Cad Programs For 3d Printing
- Best Free Cad For 3d Printing
- Best Free Cad Program For 3d Printing
- Best Cad Software For Beginners
- Best Free Cad Software For 3d Printing
Blender is an open source and free CAD software, which is usually used by professionals for designing and 3D modeling purposes. It is mostly used in video games, animated films, visual effects, 3D interactive apps, etc. It has a steep learning curve and has been designed keeping professionals in mind. The simple user interface of this free CAD software makes it possible even for beginners to create simple 3D printable models in a short span of time. One of its best features is the 3D Warehouse, which is a massive collection of 3D models uploaded by other users.
Best Free CAD Software Tools: Computer Aided Design or CAD makes use of computer systems to create, modify, analyze or optimize a 2D/3D design. It is an essential tool that is used by designers and engineers.
CAD can be used to create 2D/3D designs for anything from small equipment to huge machines.
CAD software is used in a variety of industries such as architecture, animation, engineering and graphic designing.
CAD software is usually expensive and the price factor can be a major deterrent especially for students. Many times students or those who have just started learning CAD may be unsure of their exact requirements. This is where free CAD software can be the perfect solution.
There are plenty of resources that offer free or students’ edition of software and this can be extremely valuable in the learning process.
Best Free CAD Software – Free CAD Programs
Here is a closer look at the 7 best options to help you get started:
Sculptris
This is a 3D sculpting and 3D modeling program that is available as a free download. It has been created by one of the well-known experts in the 3D industry, Pixologic. It is available for both Mac and Windows users.
It has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy even for beginners to learn and grasp its basic techniques in a short period of time. Intermediate users or those with some knowledge of creative designing will be able to make the most of this free CAD software.
Instead of creating a high-resolution mesh in the start, Sculptris encourages users to build up the levels of detailing in a step-by-step manner. First, the silhouette can be designed using broad brushes eventually moving on to smaller brushes and more details.
You can also extend the features and productivity of this free CAD software as it supports the use of several plug-ins.
SketchUp Make
SketchUp Make is one of the most popular and widely used 3D modeling software. It is used in industries such as engineering, architecture, interior design, designing and development of video games, etc.
It is the free version of SketchUp and is available for both Mac and Windows users as a free download. The simple user interface of this free CAD software makes it possible even for beginners to create simple 3D printable models in a short span of time.
One of its best features is the 3D Warehouse, which is a massive collection of 3D models uploaded by other users. This content can be downloaded and one can explore all the possibilities that this complete 3D modeling software offers you.
DraftSight
DraftSight is a free 2D CAD editor that is equipped with all the required tools for the creation of 2D technical drawings. Whether you are a professional, an educator or a student, this free CAD Programs works well for everyone.
Since it creates, edits and view files in the DWG file format, it makes it easier to open and share the files with other users. This makes it easy to edit existing DWG files.
The availability of a wide number of learning resources is a huge plus and it also offers a great level of support.
Blender
Blender is an open source and free CAD software, which is usually used by professionals for designing and 3D modeling purposes. It is mostly used in video games, animated films, visual effects, 3D interactive apps, etc.
It has a steep learning curve and has been designed keeping professionals in mind. It might not be the easiest free CAD software to master but it is powerful and packed with a range of features.
One of its interesting features is the Blender Game Engine, which can be helpful for those into game designing.
FreeCAD
This open source software is used predominantly by engineers and architects as it supports parametric 3D modeling. This capability allows modification of the 3D design by going back into the model history and changing the parameters of the design.
Though its target audience is mechanical engineers and product designers, it does offer some powerful features for various other uses. This free CAD software is extremely modular and allows customization. It is even possible to get plugins for any additional features that one might need.
Free Cad For 3d Printers
![Design Design](https://www.dobot.cc/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/CraftWare.jpg)
FreeCAD may seem overwhelming in the beginning but the FreeCAD community can be of great help to discover this powerful tool. It has an easy interface and has professional looking layouts and designs in spite of being free CAD software.
LibreCAD
LibreCAD is easy to use free CAD software, which is packed with some high-quality features. It is an open source 2D CAD modeling platform.
It comprises of basic tools that you would require to model and modify the designs. It has an uncluttered interface, which makes it simple for beginners to use. It is suitable for intermediate users as well who are interested in technical designing.
Some of its features include usage of layers, snap to grid for drawing, measurements inside the drawing, etc. This free CAD Programs has a large and loyal fan base of designers and customers alike.
Autodesk 123D Design
Autodesk brings you their free CAD software called Autodesk 123D Design. It is powerful and yet simple to use.
3D modeling and 3D printing are getting hugely popular and 123D Design is capable of working well with most of the 3D printer models available. It is perfect for those who not only want to create a design in 3D but get it printed with a supported 3D printer too.
The simple graphical user interface of this free CAD software makes it ideal for beginners. In addition, there are a number of tutorials to help users in the designing process.
SelfCAD
This is a browser-based 3D modeling software that offers an easy to use platform that allows one to model, sculpt and print models all under one program hence you don’t need to install any extension or software and this makes SelfCAD the perfect software to be used in classrooms and workshops.
SelfCAD is easier to learn yet powerful. You can master everything in a matter of hours. Has various tools like the ImageGenerator tool which allows inexperienced users to create printable 3D shapes from Images. There are also advanced tools like the Magic Fix tool which makes the model ready for printing by identifying problems and magically fixing them.
Moreover, SelfCAD has a built-in slicer which prepares the models for printing.
SelfCAD has already partnered with MyminiFactory, this allows SelfCADer’s to have access to more than 30,0000 models which are printable and they can also upload their models for the world to see them.
It’s free for students and teachers and for the general users they have a one month trial period and $4.99/m thereafter, and this makes SelfCAD the most affordable professional software.
Your design can be transformed into reality by a 3D Printer, You can find a 3D Printer in this article Best Cheapest 3D Printer on Sale.
This is More Best Diy 3D Printer on Amazon
Conclusion
Detailed engineering of 3D models is possible with the help of CAD. It has significant benefits such as a reduction in the development costs and a much shorter design cycle.
CAD designers are able to develop their work on the screen, print it and save it for future reference and editing. This helps them save a considerable amount of time.
With several options available today choosing the right free CAD software would depend on your specific requirements. Though they might not have a high degree of technical functionality most of the free CAD software is powerful and efficient. They offer awesome features that can be used by both beginners and intermediate users.
The possibilities are endless all thanks to the wide spectrum of free CAD software.
Now that you have your handy 3D printer, you must be excited to get started! However, to begin your printing projects, you will need to invest in 3D printing software. This will enable you to print various objects. There is a wide selection of 3D printing software available; however, to get the most out of your 3D printer and to print the most flawless 3D designs, you need the best 3D printing software, which this review will help you with.
The following 3D printing software options have been approved by both professionals and beginners alike as the best 3D printing software in the market.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. This means that an object is created by laying down many layers of material until the final object is created. Each layer can be seen as a very thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the final object.
3D printing is the opposite format of subtractive manufacturing, which involves cutting out or hollowing a piece of plastic or metal using machinery such as a milling machine.
3D printing allows people to produce very complex shapes using much less material than the traditional manufacturing methods.
How Does 3D Printing Work?
You start off with a 3D model. This is something that you create yourself on your computer. When you create your own 3D model, you will need to use a 3D scanner, an app, a code, a haptic device, or some 3D modeling software. Our list below shows you some of the best 3D modeling softwares that are available on the market today.
1. Tinkercad
Tinkercad is considered one of the best 3D printing software programs for beginners due to its easy learning curve, and it only contains three easy tools that enable you to print a wide range of 3D designs, including prototypes, home decor, toys, Minecraft models, and more. It even enables you to make 2D geometrical shapes and change them into 3D models, and it utilizes STL file format, which is the most common file used in 3D printing, so it can be used by a wide range of users.
Tinkercad is an online 3D design and 3D printing app that is available for free, so all you need is a web browser.
Download: Tinkercad.com.
2. SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software is used by over 2 million engineers and product designers across the globe. It has 3 different packages available for the beginner, the intermediate, and the pro and is rated one of the best 3D printing software programs due to its strong design operations with intuitive user interface, which allows for a speedy design process. It also includes CAD animation, PhotoView 360, revision control, and more.
SOLIDWORKS packages vary in price; however, free trials are available. For more details concerning the cost of SOLIDWORKS, you will need to contact a sales representative.
Download: SOLIDWORKS.
3. SketchUp
SketchUp is rated one of the best 3D printing software programs for pros and intermediates due to its wide range of tools for geometric objects. In fact, users report that it is the perfect combination of simplicity and operation. This makes it easy to use and why it is rated as one of the best 3D printing software programs available. And since it utilizes STL files, it can be used by used by a number of users.
SketchUp is available for free and is compatible with Linux, PC, and Mac systems.
Download: SketchUp.com.
4. Blender
Blender is one of the most powerful computer aided design (CAD) software programs you can use, which is why it is often recommended for professionals or those with advanced skills. However, it also has one of the largest communities of followers who are big on sharing resources, via various popular online sites, to help make it easier to navigate.
Blender is available for free and can be used with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: Blender.org.
5. Cura
![Cad Cad](https://endurancelasers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fusion360.jpg)
Cura 3D printing software makes it easy to mange much needed 3D settings in a simple interface. This slicer software was originally designed for use with Ultimaker 3D printers; however, it can also be used with other 3D printers, including Witbox, RepRap, Printrbot, and more.
Users love this software for its ease of use, which includes a “Basic” mode that enables swift configuration of print qualities, while the “Expert” mode allows for more control over the print quality settings. It can also be used as 3D printer host software for direct control over your equipment.
Cura is available for free and is compatible with Mac, PC, and Linux systems.
Best Free Cad Programs For 3d Printing
Download: Ultimaker.com.
6. Repetier
Repetier takes your 3D printing to the next level with multi-slicer support via plug ins, multi-extruder support, and support for just about any FDM 3D printer available, which is just perfect for the intermediate to advanced user. And with the Repeteir Host, you can use your tablet, PC, smartphone to control your 3D printer from anywhere.
Nintendo switch contact number. Repeteir is a free download and is for use with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: Repetier.com.
7. Slic3r
Best Free Cad For 3d Printing
Slic3r is open source slicer software that includes an awesome honeycomb infill that is generated in three dimensions, which can significantly increase the strength of the interior infill of your final design. It is also well known for its bleeding edge features that are unmatched. Another benefit of this software is that it can be directly integrated with OctoPrint.
Slic3r software is available for free and can be used with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: Slic3r.org.
8. MeshLab
MeshLab allows you to change or make repairs to your 3D print model. With MeshLab’s advanced STL editing tool, you can fix holes, delete portions of your 3D model, or even merge two models into one for the perfect design. It also helps with raw data processing produced by 3D digitization tools or devices.
MeshLab is available for free and is compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: MeshLab.
Best Free Cad Program For 3d Printing
9. MatterControl
MatterControl is considered the granddaddy of all 3D printing software programs because it features three of the major slicing engines, including Slic3r, Cura, and Matterslice. This allows users to experiment with each feature and compare the results.
Best Cad Software For Beginners
This 3D printing host for your desktop computer is very well structured for ease of use. It also enables you to preview the complete process layer by layer, so you can fix any issues in your print. It also includes an advanced mode, which includes features like mesh repair, and a basic mode where you can adjust the fill thickness, layer height, and more. You can also save the settings for future prints.
MatterControl is a free download for use with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: Matterconrol.com.
Summing Up
Best Free Cad Software For 3d Printing
In the end, the 3D printing program you choose will ultimately help shape your 3D printing experience. Don’t be afraid to try various software until you find the best 3D printing software for you. A good 3D printing program will also provide different levels of use, which will allow you to get a lot of use out of it before moving onto more advanced software.