Which 3D Software is Best for MY Needs?

Figure out the goal first! Pick a budget.

One big question you should ask is, “what am I trying to accomplish?” The cost of 3D software ranges from free to several thousands of dollars depending on the software. Go into choosing software Different programs have different intentions. If you’re 3D with a budget. Otherwise you can easily go overboard. and modeling to produce something for fabrication or production, the basic version of SketchUp are free, but the trade-off is that a program like Solidworks or Rhino might be best. However, if they are limited in function. Solidworks, on the other hand, the goal is visualization or rendering, you might look to is $4000, but is also very robust. something like or ZBrush.

Blender ZBrush

SketchUp Rhino 0 Lightwave 3D Studio x Form-Z 1k Cinema 4D Softimage Solidworks 2k y Maya AutoCAD 3k Alias z 4k Revit Catia Parametric or Conceptual? 5k

6k Do you want to edit your model’s dimensions on the fly? Parametric modeling will allow you to do this. Programs like ZBrush are much less flexible in this way, but then again, they aren’t meant for engineering. Conceptual software allows for more sketch-like input without worrying about engineering constraints.

*Because there are TON of options available, this will cover the ones that we find most valuable for industrial design. Other industries would amend this list depending on use. You can render in Rhino and you can 3D print models from C4D. This list is meant for general reference only. Prices shown as of 2016. Copyright 2016 PolyPlane