List of 3D Software for Beginners (Free & Paid)

Whether you have just started your career in 3D designs and visualization, or you are looking to enrich your existing skill sets, it’s crucial to have the right tools by your side. Be it for 3D modeling, rendering, or animation, the right tools in your arsenal change the game. So, in today’s article, we are going to deliver a comprehensive list of 3D software, both free and paid, to all the beginners and intermediates out there. Some of them are Autodesk Maya, SketchUp, Modo, 3DS Max, Cinema 4D, Houdini, and so on.

From UI to robust features, these above tools are just what you need to unleash creativity and breathe life into your digital models. For those with a shoestring budget, the free and open source tools are ideal. While for those with a bigger budget, the paid and premium versions are perfect to elevate their projects to new heights.

So, without further delay, let’s dive into the ultimate list of the perfect 3D software solutions and kickstart your creative journey!

List of the best 3D modeling and rendering software (Free & Paid)

1. Autodesk Maya

   

   This is industry-standard software, with a large number of features and tools. You can use these for 3D rendering and modeling. This is not a free software, but Autodesk has come up with a free Student License for the students. You can get a free trial for 30 days, when you use the tool. This is one of the best 3d modeling software for beginners. You can download it on Linux, Mac and Windows.

   Pricing:

   • $215.00 per month.
   • $1,700 billed yearly.
   • $4,590 billed 3 years.

   Trial: Free 30 days trial available.

   OS compatibility: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

2. 3ds Max

   

   This is good 3D designing software for beginners. You can quickly develop the designs using the tool and explore your creativity. This software is extensively used by filmmakers, game developers and visual effect artists. It is also used in architectural visualization studios. It is compatible with Linux, Mac and Windows. However, it is not free software but you can get the tool for free, with the Student License. It comes with a free trial for 30 days.

   Pricing:

   • Monthly- $235.
   • 1 year - $1,875.
   • 3 years - $5,625.

   Trial: Free 30 days trial available.

   OS compatibility: Windows

3. Blender

   

   Blender is one of the best 3D software, and beginners can try this out. It is free and open source software, and the users can enjoy a free trial for 30 days. In case you are completely new to animation and 3D modeling, you can use this software. It can be downloaded on Linux, Mac and Windows.

   
   

Pricing: Free, open source.

Trial: No free trial available. Free for lifetime usage.

OS compatibility: Linux, macOS, and Windows.




4. SketchUp

   

   SketchUp is often used in 3D architectural rendering. Architectural landmarks are generally modeled using this tool, with Google Earth. This is widely used in the real estate sector, particularly in interior design, architectural designs, landscape architecture and so on. It is also used in mechanical engineering, video games and films. This software is known for its tidy interface. The beginners can easily grasp the basic principles of 3D modeling using this software.

   Pricing:

   • Go Subscription - $119.001 seats/year.
   • Pro Subscription - $349.001 seats/year.
   • Studio Subscription - $749.001 seats/year.

   Trial: Free 7 days trial available.

   OS compatibility: Windows, and macOS.

5. Modo

   

   Modo was designed for professionals in the design and VFX industries. This tool comes with a wide range of features, which are easy to learn. The most important features of this software are the particle engine, surface and polygon surface modeling and procedural animation. This is a powerful 3d modeling rendering software, and in recent years, it has attracted a large number of developers. The components in the tool may be pattern selected, loop selected, paint selected, lasso selected and so on.

   It offers a suitable selection mode for every situation, allowing the designers to integrate global changes in the design. They can record repetitive and macro operations and apply them on various objects, as per the requirement. This helps in speeding up the overall modeling process. Modo also comes with certain 3D sculpting tools, which enable the designers to create a wide range of artistic expressions. They can design natural shapes using these features. The designers can get a free trial for 30 days with the software

   Pricing: Paid version starts at $62.00/month.

   Trial: Free 30 days trial available.

   OS compatibility: Windows, Linux, and macOS.

   
   

6. AutoCAD

   

   This is a commercial CAD software application, used for 2D and 3D CAD (computer-aided design) and drafting. The desktop application has been available since 1982 and the mobile, cloud and web-based apps have been made available since 2010, as AutoCAD 360. This software comes with an extensive range of features and is used in various industries. Graphic designers, project managers, architects, engineers and other professionals prefer using this tool, due to the wide array of features that it offers. Beginners can use AutoCAD and become familiar with its features, but you will require extensive training to be well-versed with all the features that it comes with. The software comes with a free trial for 30 days.

   Pricing:

   • 3 years - $6,090.
   • 1 year - $2,030.
   • 1 month - $255.

   Trial: Free 15 days trial available.

   OS compatibility: Windows

7. ArchiCAD

   

   This architecture 3D software can be used both for 3D rendering and modeling. It has been designed, focussing on the needs of architects. They use this tool to develop small details in the interiors. This is a BIM software and has been updated regularly, with new features. You can use this tool to create realistic architectural rendering. The designers take a short time to learn the program and it is easy to use. It has gained immense popularity due to its ability to generate photorealistic 3D rendering. Real estate companies often use this software to create the detailed planning of the buildings.

   Pricing:

   • Archicad Collaborate - Starting at $138.33 + tax/month with annual billing.
   • Archicad Solo - Starting at $33.33 + tax/month with annual billing.
   • BIMcloud - Starting at $45 + tax/month with annual billing.

   Trial: Free 30 days trial.

   OS compatibility: Windows, and macOS.

8. SolidWorks

   

   SolidWorks is a CAE (computer-aided engineering) and CAD (computer-aided design) 3D modeling software. You can run it on Microsoft Windows. The publisher has revealed that the tool was being used by more than 2 million designers and engineers in over 1,65,000 companies in 2013. The software is widely used in mechanical engineering and industrial designs, particularly in the automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, shipbuilding and architecture industries. Presently, the developers are collaborating with the 3D design companies for expert support in designing the models. SolidWorks comes with a free trial for 30 days and is among the most popular 3D software used by 3D artists.

   Pricing:

   • Term license - Starts off at $2,820/year (includes subscription services and full technical support).
   • Perpetual license - Starts off at $4,195/license (plus the cost of two years of subscription services).

   Trial: Free 60 days trial.

   OS compatibility: Windows

9. V-Ray

   

   V-Ray has gained extensive popularity in the last five years and this is a good tool for the beginners. This software was developed by the Chaos Group and is known for its wide array of textures. The designers can develop realistic renderings using this tool. In case you are looking for a suitable tool to recreate life-like conditions, light, shadows and colours, you can use this software. The software offers a good amount of flexibility and features. However, beginners may find it a bit complicated. However, you can go through the online tutorials and get familiar with the features. The tool can be used as a plug in with Google Sketch-up, Cinema 4D, 3DSMax, Autodesk Revit and others. It is versatile software, and you can try it out. It also offers a free trial for 30 days to the users.

   Pricing:

   V-Ray Solo (V-Ray on one computer) -

   • Monthly: $84.90/month (billed monthly).
   • Annual: $42.90/month (billed yearly at $514.80).

   V-Ray Premium (The complete visualization suite) -

   • Monthly: $119.90/month (billed monthly).
   • Annual: $59.90/month (billed yearly at $718.80).

   V-Ray Enterprise (Best value for bigger businesses) -

   • $49.90/month (billed yearly at $598.80 per license).

   Trial: Free 30 days trial.

   OS compatibility: Windows

10. D5 Render

    

    A powerful, versatile, and user-friendly real-time ray-tracing renderer, best suited for developing interior 3D design, architectural visualization, landscape 3D models, and so on. D5 Render has a lot to offer 3D designers and architects, and is highly compatible with other 3D modeling software. Such as 3ds Max, SketchUp, Archicad, Revit, etc. The software offers extremely smooth real-time user experience with seamless rendering, combining ray-tracing and rasterization techniques. D5 Render efficiently renders videos, images, panoramas, and so on with rapid speed that gives the user the time to fine-tune and iterate.

    Pricing: Free, open source.

    Trial: No free trial available. Free for lifetime usage.

    OS compatibility: Windows

11. Tinkercad

    

    A web-based 3D CAD software with user-friendly UI, designed primarily for the education industry, helps students and teaching professionals create shapes, texts, numbers, and characters in 3D. It also helps to create simple and complex 3D models and electronic simulations using built-in design tools or coding. Tinkercad is the ultimate 3D CAD solution that enables educational institutes to provide constructive, informative, and accurate solid geometry courses across K-12 grades.

    Pricing: Free, open source.

    Trial: No free trial available. Free for lifetime usage.

    OS compatibility: Windows, and macOS.

List of 3D animation software

1. Cinema 4D

   

   In case you are looking for a 3D animation software that is easy to use, you can go for Cinema 4D. The software is powered by OpenGL. It can be used to create renderings with a good depth of field. The screen space reflections are also accurate and the designers can easily control the effects. The tool also allows the users to export the preview renders, enabling them to submit them to get approved. The Bodypaint tool also comes with real-time viewpoint feature, indicating that the users can see the results after changing the textures, as required. Cinema 4D uses an LOD tool to increase the overall speed of rendering. It simplifies the objects, based on the distance between them and the camera, besides other factors.

   Pricing:

   • $149.00/month.
   • $999/year.

   Trial: Free 14 days trial available.

   OS compatibility: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

2. Lightwave

   

   This is advanced 3D animation software and is used in creating special effects and movies. You will get a number of features in the software; however, it may take you a long time to get familiar with these. It produces high-quality animations and is known for its speed. However, the price of this software is a bit high and this makes it suitable for the movie makers and professional animators.

   Pricing: $995 lifetime licence.

   Trial: Free 30 days trial available.

   OS compatibility: macOS and Windows.

3. Houdini

   It is a procedural software that is used for a wide range of 3D projects. Apart from 3D modeling, it can also help with animation, rendering, compositing, volumetrics, etc.

   Houdini uses a different working methodology as compared to Autodesk Maya. Here, the production is that of a node-based procedural style offering maximum control to the 3D artists.

   But there is another similarity of this software with Maya. The learning curve is steep. It means it will take time and patience to succeed with this 3D modeling software.

   Pricing:

   • Houdini Apprentice – Free.
   • Houdini Education for Students – Global Floating Licence $75 (Annual rental).
   • Houdini Education for Schools (higher education/training centers) – Global Floating Licence $75 (Annual rental).
   • Houdini Indie - $269 (1 year rental, includes a limit of 3 licences per studio).
   • Houdini Core - $1,995 (Perpetual licence, includes limit of 5 licenses per studio).
   • Houdini FX - $4,495 (includes limit of 5 licenses per studio).
   • Houdini Studios Core - $2,995 perpetual licence.
   • Houdini Studios FX - $6,995.

   Trial: Free 30 days trial.

   OS compatibility: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

4. Autodesk Mudbox

   The software is basically used for digital sculpting and 3D structure painting. However, it is also considered one of the top 3D modeling software that is easiest to use.

   Its tactile and intuitive toolset contains many features that can help with handling complex 3D activities. With this program, you can adjust 3D models, set up different layers, and increase the polygon counts.

   Apart from this, it also offers different built-in functions, such as correcting meshes, creating textures, producing Normal maps, and painting colors. The software can help in creating models from scratch. But, it won’t offer much help with animation, texturing, and rigging.

   Pricing:

   • Annual Mudbox subscription - $100.
   • Monthly Mudbox subscription - $15.

   Trial: Free 30 days trial.

   OS compatibility: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

5. Wings 3D

   An user-friendly, unconventional sector modeler, and robust 3D animation software. Wings 3D has a custom interface with built-in support for materials and light, as well as a pre-built AutoUV mapping feature. This 3D animation software is best for commercial and non-commercial 3D animations alike.

   Pricing: Free, open source.

   Trial: No free trial available. Free for lifetime usage.

   OS compatibility: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

6. Unity

   Best for 3D game development with immersive and interactive functionalities. Given the powerful features Unity brings, it has quickly become one of the most popular gaming engines. Many popular mobile and console game animations have been made using this software. Namely, Among Us, Apex Legends, Call of Duty, Subway Surfers, etc. It has a collaborative interface, allowing 3D animations and designers to collaborate from anywhere in the world on the same project. It also has a real-time rendering feature that renders in 4K resolutions in milliseconds.

   Pricing:

   • Unity Personal - Free.
   • Unity Plus - $40 monthly/$399 yearly.
   • Unity pro - $185 monthly/$2040 yearly.

   Trial: Free 30 days trial available.

   OS compatibility: Windows, macOS.

7. Clara.io

   A browser-based 3D animation application, Clara.io is mainly used for pre-visualizing feature films. It comes with a comprehensive set of animation functions without any on-site software installation hassle. It is a versatile and affordable tool that can be used for a diverse range of 3D modeling and animation purposes. Clara.io also offers lots of free-to-use 3D models. This web-based application is best for beginners with a limited budget.

   Pricing: Free

   Trial: Free 30 days trial.

   OS compatibility: Web-based.

8. K-3D

   K-3D comes with a highly intuitive user interface and a powerful visualization pipeline architecture combined with flexible plug-ins. This makes the tool extremely versatile for developing high-fidelity 3D models. Making design iterations is hassle-free and animators can always undo their operations. The software also supports polygonal modeling, with many new features that aid million-polygon meshes.

   Pricing: Free, open source.

   Trial: No free trial available. Free for lifetime usage.

   OS compatibility: macOS, Linux, and Windows.

9. Source Filmmaker

   As per popular opinion, Source Filmmaker is a decent 3D animation-making tool that helps animators shape their creativity. Although it lacks the high-end technological advancements of other 3D tools and game engines, it is still a good animation development software with easy-to-use functions. It has simple editing tools, the rendering power of a modern PC, and a huge evergrowing library of free-to-use SFM models.

   Pricing: Free, open source.

   Trial No free trial available. Free for lifetime usage.

   OS compatibility: Windows.

Conclusion

You can use any of the software’s presented in the list. Although a number of features in these tools overlap, the complexity of use varies to a remarkable extent. Besides, you need to focus on the quality, based on your purpose. Accordingly, you need to choose the right 3D modeling software or the 3D rendering software focusing on the desired end-use. Beginners can start with one of these tools and gradually master the skills. Most of these come with a free trial, making it easy for the designers to examine the features and choose the one that suits them.