Among the different techniques that exist for design and creation3D drawings have become one of the most popular. Young people, mainly, are turning to the multiple possibilities offered by the design of three-dimensional figures. Thanks to technological advances, there are more and more programs for make 3D drawings that you can install on your computer, mobile phone or tablet.
Depending on the level of professionalism and complexity, some programs are exclusive to powerful computers or tablets. While others are casual solutions to play around and have fun practicing the 3D drawing style. In this article we explore a top of programs to make your 3D drawings and continue exploring your own creative proposals.
Make 3D drawings easy, fast and beautiful
There are different proposals to make your drawings in 3D. You can choose Professional design suites that are often worth every penny, or free alternatives with more moderate potential but excellent for practicing. Depending on your own needs, you will find a type of software to take your first steps or improve your style and creative abilities. The important thing is to know the wide range available in order to make an appropriate choice for each case.
3D Builder
A free 3D modeling app. You can use it to View, create and customize three-dimensional objectsDeveloped by the Microsoft Corporation team, it is available only for the Windows operating system. The main 3D Builder advantage It is a simple program, very friendly to beginners, but with multiple options for experienced users.
You can create objects from the combination of simple shapes, or download a 3D file and add custom modifications. Additional features of 3D Builder include viewing and repairing, and it also allows you to generate 3D print-ready models in the most popular formats: STL, OBJ, 3MF, and more.
Blender
One of the most well-known programs for making 3D drawings and designs in the sector. Created in 1995, Blender is one of the most complete three-dimensional modeling tools out there.Not only is it a free app, it is also part of the open source universe which allows for a large community of developers constantly providing improvements.
Among Blender's many advantages is its support for the entire 3D pipeline, from modeling to animation, simulation, motion tracking, and rendering. The program is CAD and multiplatform, and can run on Windows, Linux, and Mac. It is based on polygonal modeling, and while it is not the most convenient option for the additive manufacturing sector, customized models can be exported.
FreeCAD for making 3D drawings
The proposed FreeCAD was born as a three-person project: Jürgen Riegel, Werner Mayer and Yorik van Havre. It is one of the most popular 3D modeling options in the industry due to its advanced features and its free and open source nature. The program is compatible with Linux, Windows and Mac, and supports a large number of 3D drawing formats: STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DEX, OBJ, IFC and DAE.
Regarding its operation, It starts with a 2D sketch that will then take the final three-dimensional form.. It has a simple interface and options to define the relationship between lines in a personalized way. For example, you can play with angles, modify their size and other editing aspects. Another way to achieve 3D modeling is through the “fill” function. Today FreeCAD has more than 25.000 members in its community who share different techniques and new designs to share with designers around the world.
openSCAD
Another good option for making 3D drawings for free and from your computer is OpenSCAD. It is a free and open source 3D modeling softwareIt works from scripts, and allows the creation of complex bodies from basic and simple geometric bodies. The only thing the user has to do is become familiar with the programming language.
Once you've mastered the basics of the programming language, OpenSCAD allows you to design highly complex models quickly. It's free software that gives designers full control over their creations. If the experience with OpenSCAD seems complex, a good way to train is by using BlocksCAD, which makes the process a little simpler, although it has reduced capabilities.
BlockCAD
Considered the free 3d modeling software Easier to use, BlocksCAD is designed for the educational sector. It is a platform that is very reminiscent of LEGO games, and can base designs on the use of blocks that end in complex final pieces. BlocksCAD's approach is based on the addition and subtraction of geometric figures on a three-axis plane interface.
The user places the figures, actions and parameters in the left area of the screen, and they are then displayed on the right. The main advantage of BlocksCAD is that it is a OpenSCAD compatible program. After learning the basic parameters, we can make the designs more complex using the other software that is designed for the professional field. BlocksCAD is the tool par excellence to start playing with the 3D design and the creation of your own drawings.
An art that requires training
Like any artistic discipline, 3D drawing requires training and patienceOf course there is a dose of talent, but it is also important to dedicate time and delve into the different techniques and tools to create your drawings. In 3D modeling, the use of technology is essential, and it also requires patience to understand, play with and learn how each new parameter or tool affects our design.
With the programs included in this list, you can begin taking your first steps or professionalize your experience to create all kinds of objects, characters and scenarios. Explore the multiple possibilities of the world of 3D drawing from the comfort of your computer, whether with Windows, Linux or Mac, to be able to get the most out of any platform.