24+ Best 3D Printing Software recommends of 2022【Ranked and Tested】

Best 3D printing software: 25 most popular 3D printing software are introduced in detail, including their compatible computer operating systems, prices, features, and detailed introductions. Before using 3D printing software, you need a 3D printer, check out our 17 Best 3D Printers.

In this article, you will see:

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3D printing software

Best Comprehensive 3D Printing Software: FUSION 360

@Fusion 360

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, macOS
• Ease of use: suitable for advanced users and professionals
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

A 3D CAD program based on cloud technology that can work with Tuanpu and will record all work durations. Provide powerful model design functions, suitable for professional mechanical engineers and designers to integrate design, adjustment, and printing work. Provides a simulation function, which can test the built model to verify the correctness of its printing, and flexibly select the required material during printing to complete the highest quality model printing.

3D printing software prices

3D printing software features

• Support cloud storage, can record all work duration
• Support team members to work together
• Provides simulation capabilities to check model correctness

Best Online 3D Printing Software for Beginners: TINKERCAD

@Tinkercad

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible Platforms: Online Software
• Ease of use: suitable for beginners
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

TINKERCAD is a 3D printing software for online use. Through the simple and intuitive concept of building blocks, it can help beginners to quickly learn and build their own 3D models. At the same time, a lot of tutorials are also provided on the webpage to help novice users to further understand the software. Instructions. After the model is built, TINKERCAD can quickly export to a variety of file formats supported by 3D printers, and then start 3D model printing immediately.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• Available online, no software download required
• The interface is clear and clear, suitable for all ages
• Provide cloud storage
• Provides plenty of clear tutorials
• Great for teaching use

Best Mesh Modeling 3D Printing Software: MESHLAB

@Meshlab

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Ease of use:
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

MeshLab is a mesh-based free and open-source 3D model building software that can be quickly converted to a printer-approved format for printing 3D models. Excellent building ability and measurement tools, you can quickly create models with hollow effects and accurate grid spacing. The built-in detection function can quickly check and clean up errors in the model to quickly print 3D models.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• Efficient 3D reconstruction function can quickly complete model construction
• Suitable for printing 3D models with hollow effect
• Built-in measurement tool for precise grid spacing
• free open source software

Best Professional 3D Printing Software: AUTOCAD

@AUTOCAD

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, macOS
• Ease of use: suitable for professionals
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

AUTOCAD is a high-performance 3D printing software launched by AUTODESK, which provides a full range of 3D model design functions, including scanning drawings, importing data through PDF files, etc. to make more accurate 3D models. Modify the work, and then quickly convert it to a 3D printer-approved format to help print 3D models correctly. The paid version also comes with a variety of other high-performance software, such as AutoCAD Plant 3D, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Electrical, etc.

3D printing software prices

3D printing software features

• Provide technical support in the form of live chat
• High-performance 3D modeling capabilities
• Several useful software available in paid plans
• Suitable for professional use

Best Integrated 3D Printing Software: 3DS MAX

@3DSMAX

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platform: Windows
• Ease of use: suitable for advanced users and professionals
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

3DS Max is a software that focuses on 3D character production in the game, animation and film industries. It has professional special effects production capabilities. The software’s own detection function can help to check whether the produced model can be correctly used for printing, providing powerful The simulation mode can simulate some special effects, such as explosion, impact and other damage to the model, so this software is also very suitable for the product testing industry.

3D printing software prices

3D printing software features

• Models for printing can be automatically checked for correctness
• Offers many professional-grade production features
• Windows only
• Provides realistic simulation mode

Best Performance 3D Printing to Slice 3D Models: CURA

@Ultimaker

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Ease of use: suitable for beginners
• Function: slice the 3D model

3D printing software introduction

Cura is a free and open source slicing software for 3D models that can be adapted to almost all 3D printers. The basic interface is very simple and clear, beginners can quickly master the usage, and advanced users can experience more advanced functions through more than 200 settings. Through Cura’s adjustment tool, you can quickly detect and adjust the model, and then select the appropriate material according to the needs of the model. At the same time, Cura supports printing multiple models at the same time, and is compatible with STL, X3D, OBJ and 3MF file formats.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• Works with almost any 3D printer
• clear interface
• Supports multiple file formats
• Model checking and tuning can be done easily

BEST FREE 3D PRINTING SOFTWARE: FREECAD

@Freecad

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Ease of Use: Hobbyists and Advanced Users
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

FreeCAD is a free 3D model design and printing software. Through its “parametric modeling” concept, the maker can retrieve the production history at any time and make adjustments and modifications in time. As a free software, FreeCAD provides excellent editing functions to meet the needs of most scenarios, and supports a variety of file formats including STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC and DAE, In order to facilitate the smooth printing of the produced 3D models on a variety of 3D printers.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• Supports multiple file formats including STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC and DAE
• Allows building 3D models from 2D shapes
• There are tons of modeling courses on YouTube

Best Printing Performance 3D Printing Software: CREO

@Creo

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platform: Windows
• Ease of use: advanced users
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

Launched by Parametric Technology Corporation, one of the leading brands in the 3D design field, Creo provides fast and accurate model design capabilities and can be quickly converted into a 3D printer-approved file format to help all users quickly design their desired models and print them . Creo has built a large amount of actual data into the software to help users run the model simulation function better to obtain a more realistic model design and printing effect.

3D printing software prices

• 30-day free trial
• $2,310 Lifetime Plan

3D printing software features

• Provide real data to help better model simulation capabilities
• Developed by leading brands in the 3D design field, with strong data background support

Best 3D Printing Software for Industrial Design: SOLIDWORKS

@Solidworks

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, macOS
• Ease of use: advanced users and professionals
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

Solidworks is a 3D printing software that is very suitable for industrial design. It uses the NURBS system to provide finer curvature for the edges of the model to obtain a more accurate model, and uses the dimension sketch mode to improve the convenience of model adjustment. The built-in verification tool can check the model before 3D printing, and modify the wrong parts in time, which makes the design and printing process of the whole 3D model more refined and simplified.

3D printing software prices

• One-year plan: $1,295/year
• Lifetime plan: $3,995

3D printing software features

• With model optimization to save printing material
• User guide provided in the software
• Use the NURBS system to make model edges finer
• Built-in validation tool to check the correctness of the model

Best Surface Model Making 3D Printing Software: CATIA

@Catia

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, Linux
• Ease of use: Professionals
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

CATIA is a 3D printing software for professionals or enterprises, providing a large amount of data to deal with the use of people in different fields or industries. The powerful data function can record all the process of 3D model making, so as to return to check and modify in time when needed, and support team members to work together to achieve higher work efficiency. At the same time, CATIA also provides professional technical support to help individuals or enterprises gain a better sense of software usage.

3D printing software prices

• Free trial available
• The specific subscription fee must be contacted with customer service (the price is expensive)

3D printing software features

• Preserves all processes of 3D model making and returns in time for modification
• Provide a large number of tools to meet the needs of people in different fields
• Support team members to work together
• Excellent surface modeling capabilities

Best Programmer for 3D Printing Software: OPENSCAD

@OpenSCAD

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Linux, Mac and Windows
• Ease of use: Programmers and advanced users
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

OpenSCAD is a free and open source software designed for programmers. It uses programming methods to make 3D models, enter the script code of the 3D objects, and then click the “Compile” button to create the model. Because the design is done through the coding process, so Models can be modified precisely by data changes in the code to better print solid models with 3D printers. At the same time, OpenSCAD also supports the rapid creation of 3D models by importing 2D drawings.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• Designed for programmers to design 3D models by writing script code
• Support importing 2D drawings to quickly create 3D models

Best 3D Printing Software for Professionals: RHINO3D

@Rhinoceros

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, macOS
• Ease of use: advanced users and professionals
• Function: design and conversion in one

3D printing software introduction

RHINO3D uses the NURB mathematical model, which can design the details of the model more accurately, including curves, points and surfaces, etc., and can adjust and modify more accurately. Provide a variety of powerful professional tools to help professionals in the professional field design qualified 3D models. RHINO3D also supports the use of historical records to update 3D models for more efficient model building. At the same time, RHINO3D supports a variety of file formats, including DXF, SolidWorks, IGES, AutoCAD, OBJ, SketchUp, MicroStation, STEP and STL, etc.

3D printing software prices

• Paid plans start from $195, different regions will have different prices, you need to contact customer service for final confirmation

3D printing software features

• Use NURB math models to design and tune models more accurately
• Support for updating or modifying models through history
• Supports multiple file formats
• Provides advanced functions to meet the use of professionals in the field

Best 3D Printing Software for Education: BLOCKSCAD3D

@BlocksCAD

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible Platforms: Online Software
• Ease of use: suitable for beginners

3D printing software introduction

BlocksCAD is a 3D printing software designed for education. It simplifies the building process of 3D models with colorful, modular commands like building blocks. It also provides a YouTube channel with a variety of learning videos to help students quickly and easily learn how to use the software. , After the model is built, it can be quickly converted into common STL, X3D and other 3D printing formats for printing with 3D printers. The use of BlocksCAD is based on the web version software, and there is no need to download any physical software, and it can be used flexibly in a variety of environments.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• User interface for beginners
• Provide a YouTube channel to help learn the use of the software
• It is a web version software, no need to download physical software

Best 3D Printing Software for Architects: SKETCHUP

@SketchUp

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: web version, Windows version
• Ease of Use: Beginners to Professional Users
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

SketchUp is a 3D model printing software that is very suitable for architects. It provides web version software and Windows version, and provides a variety of paid versions to help users of different levels use the most suitable software version for themselves. The user interface in the free version is simple and easy to understand, and beginners can quickly master the basic usage methods, while the studio version provides a number of professional tools to meet the needs of professionals. After the model is built, SketchUp can quickly convert it into a variety of file formats recognized by 3D printing software to quickly print the model.

3D printing software prices

3D printing software features

• Provide a variety of versions to meet the needs of different levels of people
• Support VR technology to assist in design and simulation
• Provides a preset value module to quickly build a model

Best 3D Printing Software for Collaborative Work: ONSHAPE

@onshape

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible Platforms: Compatible with all systems and devices
• Ease of use: Beginners to advanced users
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

OnShape is a cloud-based 3D printing software that can save a lot of local storage space, also supports team members to work together, and is compatible with all systems and devices. Provides powerful design tools to create beautiful and accurate 3D models, which can be quickly converted to 3D printer-approved file formats for printing. OnShape offers a free version and a paid upgrade version that provides more advanced 3D model making features.

3D printing software prices

• Free version
• Paid upgrade version $125/month

3D printing software features

• Compatible with all systems and devices
• Based on cloud storage, saving local storage space
• Support team work together

Best Inspection Performance 3D Printing Software: MESHMIXER

@Meshmixer

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, macOS
• Ease of use: amateurs and advanced users
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

Meshmixer is a free software that is very suitable for verifying 3D models. Through Meshmixer, you can design and build ideal 3D models, especially 3D models with various meshes and hollows. At the same time, Meshmixer provides comprehensive functions for checking, modifying and repairing .stl files to help modify 3D models to most correct state. Meshmixer also supports the rapid production of existing .obj files into .stl files for 3D printing.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• 3D model can be fully checked and trimmed to print the most correct 3D model
• completely free
• Simple and straightforward user interface

Best Use of Fun 3D Printing Software: 3DSLASH

@3DSLASH

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: web version, Windows, macOS X, Linux
• Ease of Use: Beginners to Hobbyists
• Function: design and conversion in one

3D printing software introduction

3DSLASH provides web version software and physical software, and the physical software supports the operation of various system platforms. In terms of cost, 3DSLASH provides free version, advanced version and commercial version. The free version can meet most of the needs of individual users, provide a large number of 3D modeling materials and models, help beginners to quickly master the software, build their own 3D model works, support models Detection and fast format conversion for smooth printing of 3D models through the printer.

3D printing software prices

3D printing software features

• Provide a large number of 3D model design elements and templates
• Provide free version and paid version to choose according to your needs
• Support use in VR mode

Best overall fit 3D printing slices 3D models: PRUSASLICER

@PrusaSlicer

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Ease of use: Beginners to advanced users
• Function: Slicer

3D printing software introduction

PRUSASLICER is a free and open source slicer with a clean and simple user interface, and beginner users can also quickly import the built 3D model, and then make adjustments before printing, and can use a large number of built-in tools to make final touches on the model, such as Add support materials, surfaces of different colors, etc. You can also use the custom mode to quickly import profiles that have been used in the past to quickly adjust the model, and then quickly print the model through a 3D printer.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• Free Open Source Software
• Provide a large number of 3D model decoration materials
• Import and export work can be completed quickly

Best base 3D printing to slice 3D models: CHITUBOX

@Chitubox

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Ease of use: Beginners to advanced users
• Function: Slicer

3D printing software introduction

CHITUBOX was launched by CTB Systems, which also launched the motherboard and other firmware of the same brand of 3D printers, so CHITUBOX can be perfectly adapted to all 3D printers of the brand, and set up various functions of the model and printer before printing starts , for better printing results. Not only for the same brand of printers, CHITUBOX also supports almost all LCD-based resin 3D printers.

3D printing software prices

Need to contact customer service for accurate quotation

3D printing software features

• Supports multiple printers
• Various settings for printing

Best Web 3D Printing for Slicing 3D Models: KIRI

@Kiri

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible Platform: Web Version
• Ease of use: Beginners to advanced users
• Function: slice the 3D model

3D printing software introduction

KIRI: MOTO is a web version that slices 3D models. It has a very intuitive operation interface. Open the link and start working without any extra steps. The interface is clear, with graphical guidance to quickly import files, make simple final adjustments, then export to a printer-approved file format to start printing. KIRI: MOTO supports most types of printers and is a very practical software for slicing 3D models.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• Web version software, enter the link to use
• completely free
• Compatible with most 3D printers

Best Interface 3D Printer: ICESL

@IceSL

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, Linux
• Ease of use: Beginners to advanced users
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

IceSL is a unique 3D printing software. In the operation interface of IceSL, the left side is the 3D model building window based on the LUA language, and the right side is the sliced 3D model, so the user can build the model on the left side. Directly put it into the right window to check the correctness of the model, IceSL will automatically complete the trimming, and then start printing directly, making the entire 3D model approval process smoother and faster.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• Unique operation interface
• Different versions are available to use devices with different capabilities
• Trim will be done automatically

Best All-in-One 3D Printing Software: MATTERCONTROL

@MatterHackers

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Ease of use: Beginners to advanced users
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

MatterControl provides 3D model building software, slicing 3D models and an integrated 3D model printing experience with the printer host. Users can build a complete 3D model printing system through a USB data cable to quickly complete all workflows, and even can Print 3D models offline. MatterControl provides an intuitive interface, and the final adjustment of the model can be completed by direct drag-and-drop operation.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• Provide all-in-one 3D model printing function
• Support offline printing
• Simple and intuitive operation interface

Best 3D Printing Software for Windows: 3D BUILDER

@3D Builder

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platform: Windows
• Ease of Use: Beginner to Advanced User
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

3D-BUILDER used to be the 3D printing software that comes with Windows 10 system. Currently, it needs to be downloaded in the app store, but it can still be used for free. 3D-BUILDER provides convenient file import and export functions, supports a variety of file formats, can quickly drag in files, or scan Kinect V2 sensors to obtain 3D models, and modify and adjust them. Helps reduce the number of redundant model faces, reduce the workload of modification, and save printing materials.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• Provide a large number of 3D model materials
• Supports multiple file formats
• Smart Simplified Mesh Support

Best Online 3D Printing Software: VECTARY

@Vectary

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platform: web version software
• Ease of Use: Beginners to Advanced Users
• Features:

3D printing software introduction

Vectary provides professional 3D model design functions in the form of web version software, and provides a large number of model building tools and a large number of free materials in the free version. Even commercial users can use the free version to make most satisfactory 3D model. Vectary supports more than 60 formats for easy import and export of files, including quick export to 3D printer-approved files to quickly print built 3D models.

3D printing software prices

• Free version
• Professional $12/month

3D printing software features

• Provide a large number of free 3D modeling materials
• Supports import and export of more than 60 file formats
• Simple and easy to understand operation interface

Best Open Source 3D Model Creation Software: BLENDER

@Blender

3D printing software parameters

• Compatible platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Ease of use: amateurs and advanced users
• Function: Design + 3D printing format conversion

3D printing software introduction

Blender is an open source free 3D production software that covers all aspects of 3D creation, including 3D modeling, animation, and more. It provides a simple and easy-to-understand interface, and also supports a variety of advanced functions, which is very suitable for users who already have a certain foundation. Through the Blender 3D printing tutorial provided on the website, you can quickly master the use of the software, build the model, and then use the detection tool to check the errors of the model. After the correction is complete, it can be quickly converted into a file format approved by the 3D printer for 3D printing.

3D printing software prices

• free

3D printing software features

• Provides a variety of 3D design functions
• Simple and easy to understand user interface
• Provide detection tools to check the correctness of the model

What is 3D printing software?

3D printing software is a software that converts 3D model data to a 3D printer and runs a printing program to obtain a physical printed product.

According to the functions that the software can provide, the 3D printing software package contains one or two functions of 3D modeling and slicing the 3D model.

2. The price of 3D software

Common 3D printing software has a completely free version, a free version and a paid upgrade version, and a version that provides a short-term free trial followed by a paid trial.

3. Ease of use

The interface of some 3D printing software is designed to be very simple to help beginners to quickly master the use of the software, such as TINKERCAD, BLOCKSCAD3D, 3DSLASH, etc.

Some 3D printing software is suitable for hobbyists or advanced users with a certain software foundation, such as FUSION-360, FREECAD, etc.

There are also some 3D printing software whose interface is very professional, providing more advanced function options, etc., suitable for professionals in the 3D printing industry, such as 3DS-MAX, etc.

4. Function

Most 3D printers have both 3D model design and format conversion and direct printing functions. Users can complete all processes from model design to model printing in the software.

Some printing software can provide very professional functions such as parameter use and module retrieval. For example, SOLIDWORKS is very suitable for people in the industrial design industry, while SKETCHUP is more suitable for people in the construction industry.

Some software focuses more on the function of slicing the 3D model, checking the imported model, finding the wrong points of the data in the model in time, and then printing after minor adjustment, so as to avoid printing the wrong model and damaging the 3D model. Printers, common ones are MESHMIXER.

5. Customer Support

3D printing software requires a learning process, and may encounter different problems at any time during the use process, such as the software does not run, the software crashes or cannot be effectively connected to the printer, etc.

Some free 3D printing software usually provides customer support in the form of knowledge bases and community forums, where users need to find solutions by themselves, or provide software usage tutorials on public platforms such as YouTube, such as FREECAD.

Some software that provides paid upgrades will provide manual services in different ways to help solve problems encountered by customers in a more timely manner, such as AUTOCAD.

How to use 3D printing software?

• Design or adjust the model: design a model you need, or import an existing model, check and adjust the details of the model, or perform pre-printing inspection through software such as MESHMIXER to avoid some erroneous data being sent to 3D printer, causing damage to the printer.
• Conversion Format: Save or convert the model to a printer’s recognized file type, commonly . STL format file.
• Send to 3D printer: Send the detected and saved approved format file to the 3D printer for printing

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