3D Printing Design & Modeling Software

Tap into your inner designer, inspire the world.

Below are some of the most popular software tools that our community of designers and makers use to create their products on Shapeways. You can find the whole range of programmatic, parametric, sculpting and modeling software. We feature both applications that are better suited for beginner 3D modelers, and those in use by professional or commercial designers.

If you are mostly just looking to customize something, check out our Easy 3D Printing Creator Apps page.

Highlight: All    Windows Mac OS X Linux Online Service    For Beginners For Professionals

Free 3D Design Software

Tinkercad

Tinkercad
A fantastic beginner program, that leads you to learn complex things through simple quests. Runs right in your browser, and the skills you learn are easily transferable to more advanced programs. Integrated and prints directly to Shapeways!

Learn how Tinkercad and Shapeways work together

Online Service

Blender

3D Tin
Another browser based program using WebGL, this is free as long as you share your designs under Creative Commons.

Online Service

Sketchup

Sketchup
Drawing-based tool for architects, designers, builders, makers and engineers who design for the physical world. SketchUp Make is a free version and SketchUp Pro is a paid version with additional functionality.

Windows, Mac

Blender

Blender
A powerful application with full-fledged professional tools, Blender has a wide community and resources to help you learn.

Learn how Blender and Shapeways work together

Windows, Mac, Linux

FreeCAD

FreeCAD
An open source parametric 3D modeler, great for both the home user, hobbyist and experienced designer. Parametric modeling allows for easy editing of your design.

Windows, Mac, Linux

Open SCAD

Open SCAD
OpenSCAD is not an interactive 3D design tool. It is something like a programmatic 3D-compiler that reads a script file containing 3D geometry definitions, and in turn generates a solid 3D model as output.

Windows, Mac, Linux, BSD

Sculptris

Sculptris
A free, introductory digital sculpting tool, a great stepping stone for digital sculptors, created by the makers of Zbrush.

Windows, Mac

3D Model To Print

3D Model To Print
A cloud-based software service, focused on 3D architectural models. 3DMTP automatically and efficiently transforms 3D designs into scalable and 3D printable model files.

Online Service

eMachineShop

eMachineShop
Easy-to-use for designing mechanical parts - a machine shop at your fingertips! With its intuitive interface & helpful videos, anyone can leverage both the Shapeways and eMachineShop production facilities by using just one tool.

Windows, Mac, Online Service

Commercial 3D Design Software

3D Studio Max

3D Studio Max
An extensive suite of 3D design tools, with a unique and intuitive interface.

Windows

AutoCAD

AutoCAD
An advanced design and documentation tool. Ideal for architects and design engineers.

Windows, Mac

Cinema 4D

Cinema 4D
A well known design Suite in the VFX community, it has great tools for 3D modeling for printing as well.

Windows, Mac

Lightwave 3D

Lightwave 3D
A classic 3D graphic software, which includes powerful rendering, animation and modeling tools.

Windows, Mac

Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya
A massive, complete suite of tools for professional all aspects of 3D design including modeling, rigging, dynamics and animation.

Windows, Mac

Photoshop CC

Photoshop CC
The Industry standard software for 2D content editing and creation applied to 3D design. Offers integration directly with Shapeways.

Learn how Photoshop and Shapeways work together

Windows, Mac

Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros
Very popular curve based modelling software.

Windows, Mac

ZBrush

ZBrush
A popular, advanced 3D sculpting tool with a powerful voxel-based system.

Windows, Mac

Solidworks

Solidworks
An advanced modeling tool that is great for mechanical, precise product design.

Learn how Solidworks and Shapeways work together

Windows, Mac
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