Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing and 2D animation pipeline. Elmer is a free open source multiphysical simulation software. Elmer includes physical models of fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, electromagnetics, heat transfer and acoustics, for example. These are described by partial differential equations which Elmer solves by the Finite Element Method (FEM). Admittedly, OpenSCAD is not for everyone. This may well be the best free 3D modeling software is for die hard modeling enthusiasts, who relish in seeing in their code come to life in the 3D printer. Best free 3D modeling software (3D Design/3D CAD software) for: Die Hard Coders.

The number and variety of 3D software packages on the market is staggering, but many of the top applications in use by commercial film, gaming, and effects studios cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

It's true that most commercial applications offer time-limited free trials or abbreviated learning editions for students and hobbyists. If you're planning to work in the computer graphics industry one day, these are well worth exploring even if you can't afford a full license, because your skills in the commercial packages are what will ultimately land you a job.

Simulation Modeling Software Applications

However, plenty of free 3D software suites are out there for hobbyists, independent filmmakers who don't have the budget for expensive software, and budget-conscious freelance professionals who have found all the tools and power they need in cost-free solutions like Blender or SketchUp.

Just because the software is free doesn't necessarily make it any less valuable. This list isn't exhaustive. There are dozens of other free 3D tools available beyond those mentioned here. However, these are the strongest of the bunch.

Blender

What We Like

• Interface vastly improved over early versions.

• Great for video games and animation.

• Nearly on par with expensive professional 3D modeling programs.

What We Don't Like

• Less useful in designing architecture and objects like furniture.

• Heavy use of shortcuts to execute commands can be daunting for new users learning the software.

Blender is easily the most versatile entry on this list, and in many regards, it compares favorably to top digital content creation tools like Cinema 4D, Maya, and 3Ds Max. To this day, it stands as one of the greatest open-source development projects ever conceived.

Blender is full-featured, offering a complete range of modeling, surfacing, sculpting, painting, animation, and rendering tools.

The software is good enough to have produced numerous impressive short films and is in use by several professional studios.

Blender was criticized early on for having a confusing interface, but don't let outdated complaints steer you away. The software was given a thorough overhaul recently and emerged with a fresh interface and a feature set that aims for parity with the best.

While you don't see Blender in any Hollywood effects pipelines where Autodesk and Houdini are deeply ingrained, Blender has steadily carved out a niche in motion graphics and visualization, similar to where Cinema 4D excels.

Pixologic Sculptris

What We Like

• Makes quick editing easy.

• Excellent tool for learning the art.

• Users can transition to ZBrush without a difficult learning curve.

What We Don't Like

• Rendering can be slow at times.

• Lacks some useful tools and features found in other software.

Sculptris is a digital sculpting application similar to ZBrush or Mudbox, but with an easier learning curve. Because Sculptris uses dynamic tessellation, it is essentially geometry-independent, meaning it is an ideal learning package for someone with few or no modeling skills who wants to try his hand at sculpting. Sculptris was originally developed independently by Tomas Pettersson, but is now owned and maintained by Pixologic as a free counterpart to ZBrush. Sculptris is aimed at beginners. The website offers video tutorials and an assurance that the skills you learn in Sculptris easily translate to ZBrush.

Sculptris was last updated in 2011. Pixologic still allows downloads but warns that as legacy software, it's no longer maintained or supported.

SketchUp

What We Like

• Great for architectural modeling.

• Large library of models available.

What We Don't Like

• Interface may be a challenge for new users to get used to.

• Importing 3D models created in other programs can sometimes be a problem.

SketchUp is an intuitive and accessible modeler, originally developed by Google and now owned by Trimble. SketchUp excels at practical and architectural design and probably has more in common with a CAD package than traditional surface modelers like Maya and Max.

Like Blender, SketchUp has been amazingly well received and has gradually carved out a niche with professionals in the visualization field due to its ease of use and speed.

The software has little in the way of organic modeling tools, but if your primary interest is in architectural modeling, SketchUp is an excellent starting point. You begin by drawing lines and shapes and then stretch and copy them to make whatever you like. You don't have to draw everything, though. SketchUp offers an enormous library of free 3D models to get you started — search the 3D Warehouse for what you need.

Wings 3D

What We Like

• Good tool for learning 3D modeling basics.

• Supports many other 3D file formats.

What We Don't Like

• Doesn't offer features beyond the basics.

• No animations.

Wings is a straightforward open-source subdivision surface modeler, which means it has similar modeling capabilities to Maya and Max but none of their other functions.

Because Wings uses traditional (standard) polygon modeling techniques, everything you learn here is applicable in other content-creation packages, making this an ideal starting point for anyone looking to learn how to model for animation, film, and games.

Tinkercad

What We Like

• Easy-to-learn interface.

• Design tools are online, no software to download.

What We Don't Like

• Doesn't fare well with very complex designs.

• Requires an internet connection.

Tinkercad is an impressive suite of free, lightweight 3D tools offered by Autodesk as an easy entry point into the world of 3D. Autodesk develops five different applications under the Tinkercad banner, including modeling and sculpting apps, an iPad based creature designer, and a tool to assist with fabrication and 3D printing.

In a way, Tinkercad is AutoDesk's answer to Sculptris and Sketchup and is meant to interest beginners in 3D without the tremendous learning curve of their Autodesk's flagship applications: CAD, Maya, Max, and Mudbox.

Daz Studio

What We Like

• Includes lots of props and models to use.

• Strong in animation, image, and film creation tasks.

What We Don't Like

• Limited sculpting, modeling, and surfacing tools.

• Easier to create new models in other 3D software and import for use.

Daz Studio is an image creation tool that comes with a wealth of characters, props, creatures, and buildings that you can arrange and animate to create still images or short films. The software is primarily meant for users who want to create 3D images or films without the overhead of creating all their models and textures by hand.

The software's animation and rendering toolset is fairly robust, and in the right hands, users can create impressive shots. However, without a full range of modeling, surfacing, or sculpting tools built in, your content can become limited unless you're willing to buy 3D assets in the Daz marketplace or create them yourself with a third-party modeling package.

Still, it's a great piece of software for people who just want to jump in and create a 3D image or film without a whole lot of overhead.

Mandelbulb 3D

What We Like

• Create impressive fractal objects and scenes.

• Can play around with formulas to see what you get.

• The website offers downloadable examples to experiment with.

What We Don't Like

• Takes some time to acclimate to this software.

• Interface is overwhelming at first and not as intuitive as other 3D software.

If you're interested in fractals, Mandelbulb 3D should be right up your alley. The application certainly takes some getting used to, but the result is stellar once you know what you're doing. The 3D fractal environment includes color, lighting, specularity, depth-of-field, and shadow and flow effects used to generate amazing fractal objects. If the concept of fractals is Greek to you, visit the featured artists' section of the Mandelbulb website to see the types of things you can do with this software.

Autodesk Software (Free but Limited)

What We Like

• Free top-tier 3D design software if used only non-commercially.

• Powerful and feature-rich software tools that are industry standards.

What We Don't Like

• Install samsung galaxy s3 drivers. Steep learning curve when starting to use these complex software packages.

• Software can have hefty system requirements and be resource intensive.

Autodesk offers virtually its entire software line free for non-commercial use to 'students and community members.' However, you don't have to be enrolled in a school to download them. If you want to work in the industry eventually, knowing Autodesk software is a valuable skill, so this is a highly recommended path. The only limitation is that you can't use any of the software in commercial projects. Among the educational downloads are 3DS Max, Maya, Inventor Professional, and AutoCAD.

Free 3d Modeling Software

The following is a list of notable computer simulationsoftware.

Free or open-source[edit]

• Advanced Simulation Library - open-source hardware accelerated multiphysics simulation software.
• Algodoo - 2D physics simulator
• ASCEND - open-source equation-based modelling environment.
• Cantera - chemical kinetics package
• Celestia - a 3D astronomy program.
• CP2K - Open-source ab-initio molecular dynamics program
• DWSIM - an open-source CAPE-OPEN compliant chemical process simulator.
• Elmer - an open-source multiphysical simulation software for Windows/Mac/Linux.
• Facsimile - a free, open-source discrete-event simulation library.
• FreeFem++ - Free, open-source, multiphysics Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Freemat - a free environment for rapid engineering, scientific prototyping and data processing using the same language as MATLAB and GNU Octave.
• Galatea - a multi-agent, multi-programming language, simulation platform.
• GNU Octave - an open-source mathematical modeling and simulation software very similar to using the same language as MATLAB and Freemat.
• OpenModelica - an open source modeling environment based on Modelica the open standard for modeling software.
• JModelica.org is a free and open source software platform based on the Modelica modeling language
• Mobility Testbed - an open-source multi-agent simulation testbed for transport coordination algorithms.
• NetLogo - an open-source multi-agent simulation software
• ns-3 - an open-source network simulator.
• OpenFOAM - open-source software used for computational fluid dynamics (or CFD)
• OpenEaagles - multi-platform simulation framework to prototype and build simulation applications.
• Open Source Physics - an open-source Java software project for teaching and studying physics.
• OpenSim - an open-source software system for biomechanical modeling.
• Physics Abstraction Layer - an open-source physics simulation package.
• Project Chrono - an open-source multi-physics simulation framework.
• SageMath - a system for algebra and geometry experimentation via Python.
• Scilab - free open-source software for numerical computation and simulation similar to MATLAB/Simulink.
• Simantics System Dynamics – used for modelling and simulating large hierarchical models with multidimensional variables created in a traditional way with stock and flow diagrams and causal loop diagrams.
• SimPy - an open-source discrete-event simulation package based on Python.
• Simulation of Urban MObility - an open-source traffic simluation package.
• SOFA - an open-source framework for multi-physics simulation with an emphasis on medical simulation.
• SU2 code - an open-source framework for computational fluid dynamics simulation and optimal shape design.
• Step - an open-source two-dimensional physics simulation engine (KDE).
• Tortuga - an open-source software framework for discrete-event simulation in Java.
• UrbanSim – an open-source software to simulate land use, transportation and environmental planning.

Proprietary[edit]

• Adaptive Simulations - cloud based and fully automated CFD simulations.
• AGX Dynamics - realtime oriented multibody and multiphysics simulation engine.
• 20-sim - bond graph-based multi-domain simulation software.
• Actran - finite element-based simulation software to analyze the acoustic behavior of mechanical systems and parts.
• ADINA - engineering simulation software for structural, fluid, heat transfer, and multiphysics problems.
• ACSL and acslX - an advanced continuous simulation language.
• Simcenter Amesim - a platform to analyze multi-domain, intelligent systems and predict and optimize multi-disciplinary performance. Developed by Siemens PLM Software.
• ANSYS - engineering simulation.
• AnyLogic - a multi-method simulation modeling tool for business and science. Developed by The AnyLogic Company.
• APMonitor - a tool for dynamic simulation, validation, and optimization of multi-domain systems with interfaces to Python and MATLAB.
• Arena - a flowchart-based discrete event simulation software developed by Rockwell Automation
• Automation Studio - a fluid power, electrical and control systems design and simulation software developed by Famic Technologies Inc.
• Chemical WorkBench - a chemical kinetics simulation software tool developed by Kintech Lab.
• CircuitLogix - an electronics simulation software developed by Logic Design Inc.
• COMSOL Multiphysics - a predominantly finite element analysis, solver and simulation software package for various physics and engineering applications, especially coupled phenomena, or multi-physics.
• CONSELF - browser based CFD and FEA simulation platform.
• DX Studio - a suite of tools for simulation and visualization.
• Dymola - modeling and simulation software based on the Modelica language.
• Ecolego - a simulation software tool for creating dynamic models and performing deterministic and probabilistic simulations.
• EcosimPro - continuous and discrete modelling and simulation software.
• Enterprise Architect - a tool for simulation of UML behavioral modeling, coupled with Win32 user interface interaction.
• Enterprise Dynamics - a simulation software platform developed by INCONTROL Simulation Solutions.
• ExtendSim - simulation software for discrete event, continuous, discrete rate and agent-based simulation.
• FEATool Multiphysics - finite element physics and PDE simulation toolbox for MATLAB.
• Flexsim - discrete event simulation software.
• Fluent, Inc. - simulation software for fluid flow, turbulence, heat transfer, and reactions for industrial applications.
• GoldSim - simulation software for system dynamics and discrete event simulation, embedded in a Monte Carlo framework.
• HyperWorks - multi-discipline simulation software
• IDA ICE - equation-based (DAE) software for building performance simulation
• IES Virtual Environment (IESVE) - holistic building performance analysis and simulation software
• Isaac dynamics - dynamic process simulation software for conventional and renewable power plants.
• iThink - system dynamics and discrete event modeling software for business strategy, public policy, and education. Developed by isee systems.
• JMAG - simulation software for electric device design and development.
• Khimera - a chemical kinetics simulation software tool developed by Kintech Lab.
• Lanner WITNESS - a discrete event simulation platform for modelling processes and experimentation.
• Lanner L-SIM Server - Java-based simulation engine for simulating BPMN2.0 based process models.
• MADYMO – automotive and transport safety software developed by Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research
• Maple - a general-purpose computer algebra system developed and sold commercially by Waterloo Maple Inc.
• MapleSim - a multi-domain modeling and simulation tool developed by Waterloo Maple Inc.
• MATLAB - a programming, modeling and simulation tool developed by MathWorks.
• Mathematica - a computational software program based on symbolic mathematics, developed by Wolfram Research.
• Micro Saint Sharp - a general purpose discrete event software tool using a graphical flowchart approach and on the C# language, developed by Alion Science and Technology.
• ModelCenter - a framework for integration of third-party modeling and simulation tools/scripts, workflow automation, and multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization from Phoenix Integration.
• NEi Nastran - software for engineering simulation of stress, dynamics, and heat transfer in structures.
• NI Multisim - an electronic schematic capture and simulation program.
• Plant Simulation - plant, line and process simulation and optimization software, developed by Siemens PLM Software.
• PLECS - a tool for system-level simulations of electrical circuits. Developed by Plexim.
• PRO/II - software for steady state chemical process simulation and extensively used by oil and gas refineries.
• Project Team Builder - a project management simulator used for training and education.
• ProLB - a computational fluid dynamics simulation software based on the Lattice Boltzmann method.
• PSF Lab - calculates the point spread function of an optical microscope under various imaging conditions based on a rigorous vectorial model.
• RoboLogix - robotics simulation software developed by Logic Design Inc.
• Ship Simulator - a vehicle simulation computer game by VSTEP which simulates maneuvering various ships in different environments.
• Simcad Pro - Process simulation software with On-The-Fly model changes while the simulation is running. Lean analysis, VR, and physics. Developed by CreateASoft, Inc. Chicago USA
• SimEvents - a part of MathWorks which adds discrete event simulation to the MATLAB/Simulink environment.
• SimScale - a web-based simulation platform, with CFD, FEA, and thermodynamics capabilities.
• SIMUL8 - software for discrete event or process based simulation.
• Simulations Plus - modeling and simulation software for pharmaceutical research
• SimulationX - modeling and simulation software based on the Modelica language.
• Simulink - a tool for block diagrams, electrical mechanical systems and machines from MathWorks.
• SRM Engine Suite - engineering tool used for simulating fuels, combustion and exhaust gas emissions in IC engine applications.
• STELLA - system dynamics and discrete event modeling software for business strategy, public policy, and education. Developed by isee systems.
• TRNSYS - software for dynamic simulation of renewable energy systems, HVAC systems, building energy use and both passive and active solar systems.
• Vensim - system dynamics and continuous simulation software for business and public policy applications.
• VisSim - system simulation and optional C-code generation of electrical, process, control, bio-medical, mechanical and UML State chart systems.
• Vortex (software) - a complete simulation platform featuring a realtime physics engine for rigid body dynamics, an image generator, desktop tools (Editor and Player) and more. Also available as Vortex Studio Essentials, a limited free version.
• Wolfram SystemModeler – modeling and simulation software based on the Modelica language.
• Working Model – a 2D dynamic simulator with connections to SolidWorks.(a demo, with SAVE disabled, is free)
• VisualSim Architect – an electronic system-level software for modeling and simulation of electronic systems, embedded software and semiconductors.
• zSpace – creates physical science applications

See also[edit]

References[edit]