3D modeling software
Various 3D modeling often specialize in using one or two 3D modeling geometry types or methods (NURBS, BREP, mesh, etc.).
Parametric / History-based
- Fusion 360: Freemium / Paid. Direct & Parametric modeling. Autodesk's 3D modeling platform for manufacturing, product development, interactive assemblies, generative design, simulation, etc. Integrated CAM.
- OnShape: A web-based 3D modeling platform. A free plan is available.
- SolidWorks
- FreeCAD: Free, parametric modeling software
- Antimony: a free, node-based, Functional representation modeling framework
- Shapr3D: Direct Modeling (touch-first) + basic parametric modeling. a 3D modeling app available for on Windows, macOS, iPadOS and visionOS devices. Very intuitive to use on iPad.
Surface Oriented CAD
- Rhinoceros (Rhino): a modeling environment used by architects, jewelry designers, furniture designers, etc. Rhino is primarily NURBS geometry - includes SubD editing and mesh editing
- Grasshopper, a parametric computational modeling environment for Rhino
- Alias
Freeform / Subdivision / Sculpting
- Blender: Open source & free. Polygonal + Sculpting tools. Animation, sculpting, general 3D.
- Maya (Autodesk): Polygonal & Subdivision + NURBS, Film/game asset creation, rigging, VFX
- ZBrush: Character & organic sculpting
- Mudbox (Autodesk): Texture & sculpt refinement
Architectural / BIM
- Autodesk Revit
- ArchiCAD
Specialized
- TinkerCAD
- OpenSCAD: Script-based modeling. Programmatic / Parametric parts. Open source.
- Vectary
CAM
- Mastercam
- Fusion 360 CAM
Mesh Editing
- Fusion 360 mesh tools
- Rhino mesh tools
- Meshmixer: Autodesk has integrated Meshmixer's tools into Fusion 360
- MeshLab
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is designed for design projects. This means anything you mean to design with the goal of it being a physical thing. Fusion 360 excels better in the scale of objects, not buildings.
Tutorials:
- Autodesk's Fusion fundamentals - video series
- Lars Christensen's YouTube channel: Has lots of Fusion 360 tutorials
- Intro to Fusion 360 (YouTube playlist, Learn Everything About Design)
- Fusion 360 for beginners (YouTube playlist, Product Design Online)
- Fusion 360 Beginner Tutorials (YouTube playlist, The Fusion Essentials)
- How to Model a Working Mechanical Iris in Fusion (YouTube, Learn Everything About Design)
Rhino 3D
OnShape
OnShape is a parametric CAD system. That it is cloud-based means one can use it in a mobile context. It allows for simultaneous collaboration on projects.
Tutorials
SolidWorks
SolidWorks is for use creating and designing 3D models of various products or structures. It is commonly used by engineers, designers, and manufacturers to develop products in industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, etc. SolidWorks allows users to create detailed models, simulate movements and interactions, and generate technical drawings for production.
Tutorials:
3D Modeling in VR
- Gravity Sketch: Pretty decent 3D modeling in VR. Includes SubD (aka T-Splines) modeling. The ability to use gestural movements to derive shapes can yield interesting results. You also then see the resulting model in space around you and can zoom in and out very easily, seeing it in a God's eye view, or an ant's eye view.