Best free 3D Modeling Software in 2021

Today we have a very rich selection of software for 3D artists on the market. Often times, this kind of software isn't cheap. What should a young or novice specialist do if you really want to engage in 3D modeling, but the cost of a license to use such programs is prohibitively high, and maybe you still do not know for sure whether you will do this work at all or not, but a free trial period for you are not enough, in this case, you definitely do not want to withdraw a pretty tidy sum from your budget for this kind of samples. Fortunately for everyone, there are a number of developers offering their developments for free, and of course there are some free versions of paid programs, cut in functionality. We have studied all the proposed options on the free 3D software market, and so that you do not waste your time on anything other than creativity, we are ready to hold you by the hand and introduce you to the best candidates for solving your problems. I am sure that one of them will soon become your door to the 3D world. Well, let's start!

01. Blender

OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

Without bending its soul, Blender can be called the best free software for 3D artists. Blender provides the widest selection of tools for 3D modeling and sculpture, as well as texturing, animation and of course final rendering. Today Blender provides you with a high level of user-friendliness in an application, impressive stability and very pleasing performance. Free as it is, Blender is capable of surprising and delivering the highest level of result for your 3D creativity, along with absolutely any other representative of paid software for 3D artists.

02. SketchUp

OS: Web Only

Trimble is positioning SketchUp as a premium software that allows people of all skill levels to perform 3D modeling with simple and effective tools that make it possible to bring any idea to life and bring it to life. SketchUp Free lets you work directly in your web browser and offers 10GB of cloud storage. In addition, you have at your disposal a variety of textures and 3D models, both from the manufacturer and created by numerous users, which you can easily import into your projects for free. Added to this is the availability of a free application for viewing 3D models on mobile devices. Not a bad opportunity for free software, isn't it!

03. Rocket 3F

OS: Windows Only

Rocket 3F is free software for Windows users to create polygonal models. How the members of the development team describe their product. Modeling with Rocket 3F is like drawing - it's fast, fun and friendly! The interface and menu of the program are made professionally and with high quality. The program also has an impressive set of modeling tools, sculpting tools, retopology and other necessary functions, which in terms of quality can easily compete with paid software. Therefore, when choosing 3D software, we strongly recommend that you get to know the Rocket 3F capabilities better.

04. Houdini Apprentice

OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

SideFX has long been known in the media industry for its excellent and very expensive Houdini software. This software has a wide range of tools and impressive functionality that has found application in 3D animation and visual effects, in film, television and visualization. Despite the fact that SideFX has appreciated its creation very dearly, they offer to use all the functionality absolutely free by downloading the version of Houdini Apprentice. The program is intended solely for non-commercial use. Thus, you can absolutely free to get used to this software and, of course, develop and increase your 3D artist skills.

05. Daz Studio

OS: Windows, macOS

Today, the Daz Studio software is completely free for your use. Daz Studio will help you with 3D modeling and rendering, as the developers themselves say: "Daz Studio unlocks your imagination so you can build your own universe." This software has been appreciated by many professionals and has a large community. Daz Studio is very friendly to aspiring 3D artists and comes with a range of free 3D models to get your projects started quickly.

06. Fusion 360 (Version for Students and Educators)

OS: Windows, macOS

Autodesk Fusion 360 demonstrates to us a high level of modern software with extremely powerful tools for cloud 3D modeling, impressive in its capabilities and places at times more convenient to use than similar solutions from competitors. This software is often used by CAD, CAM, CAE and PCB developers, although it has much wider potential. If you are a student or teacher, then you have a great opportunity to use this software completely free of charge for your non-commercial purposes.

07. Wings3D

OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

Wings 3D is an advanced 3D modeling software that is both powerful and easy to use. Wings 3D offers you a comprehensive range of modeling tools, a highly flexible and customizable interface, support for a wide range of lights and of course materials, and the included AutoUV display tool. But if you plan to do animation, Wings 3D will not support you in this, because it lacks this functionality. At the same time, this software more than pays for this missing element with its existing capabilities and ease of use. We definitely recommend that you get to know Wings 3D better, you will find a lot of interesting things in it.

08. Cinema 4D (Educational Version)

OS: Windows, macOS

Absolutely great 3D modeling software with a fairly short learning curve. Maxon Cinema 4D is highly regarded in the world and loved by many artists for its very stable performance and ease of learning. Cinema 4D offers an impressive array of all sorts of tools that you can expand if you want thanks to a number of plugins. Maxon makes possible to use Cinema 4D absolutely free for students and teachers by downloading the educational version.

As you can see in the software market for 3D artists, there is a wide selection of decent free options and those that do not require payment in case of non-commercial use. So be patient and explore the tools that will open the door to the 3D world for you! Until next time!