Before they can be printed as real-world objects, three-dimensional models must first be digitally molded, modified and prepared. 3D printing software not only allows creators to design objects inside-out, but also provides a preview of how models will look and perform through simulations, testing things like their structural integrity and functionality before generating the necessary instructions — or G-code — for print.
Below are some of the industry’s top software programs. They cater to every level, from hobbyist to professional, through every iteration of the 3D print process.
Top 3D Printing Software
- Blender
- TinkerCAD
- Fusion 360
- Rhinoceros 3D
- OpenSCAD
- Onshape
- Creo Parametric
- FreeCAD
- Solidworks
- Shapr3D
20 Top 3D Printing Software
Blender
Blender is an open-source 3D modeling software that supports sculpting, parametric modeling and Boolean operations for 3D printing. It’s compatible with common file formats, such as STL and OBJ, making it suitable for creating organic shapes and detailed, print-ready models. The software also includes mesh analysis and cleanup features, which helps users prepare designs for more accurate and efficient prints, and is widely recognized for its role in making Academy-award winning animated film Flow in 2024.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free, web-based 3D design software that uses a block-based approach to simplify modeling, making it accessible for beginners and educators. Developed by Autodesk, the platform supports STL and OBJ file exports, and includes shape grouping, alignment tools, basic hole-cutting operations and error detection to ensure models are watertight and printable. Tinkercad is often used in schools to introduce students to 3D design and coding thanks to its built-in Codeblocks feature and pre-made shape library.
Fusion 360
Autodesk’s Fusion 360 is a cloud-based platform that combines 3D design, manufacturing, engineering and PCB software in one. It integrates parametric, direct, and mesh modeling features, and offers real-time collaboration, where multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously from different locations. The software also includes tools for generative design, simulation and slicer compatibility, helping users refine prints before exporting in formats like STL or 3MF.
Plasticity
Plasticity is a 3D modeling software that’s specifically made for industrial design and engineering. Ideal for prototyping and production, it includes tools for organic modeling, hard-surface design and parametric control with features such as procedural modeling, non-destructive workflows and support for STL exports. Plasticity is known for its unique “subdivision” modeling system, which lets users easily manipulate the surface of models without affecting the underlying geometry.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD, one of Autodesk’s flagship products, offers professional-grade 2D and 3D modeling tools used across a wide variety of industries, including architecture, interior design, engineering and urban planning. Launched in 1982, the platform was one of the first computer-aided design programs to run on personal computers, helping shape the design industry at large. AutoCAD is available in 14 different languages and features precise measurement tools, 3D rendering and manufacture-ready model validation.
Rhinoceros 3D
Rhinoceros 3D, or simply Rhino, is a 3D modeling software known for its precision and flexibility, making it a go-to tool for everything from architecture to jewelry design. The platform uses a non-uniform rational B-spline — or NURBS — mathematical model, which allows for smooth and precise curves in computer graphics, unlike polygon mesh models that build shapes using flat, angled surfaces. This aspect makes Rhino a top choice for companies like Boeing for aerospace components and Tiffany & Co. for jewelry.
OpenSCAD
Free, open-source design software OpenSCAD lets users create solid computer-aided design objects using a script-based approach, meaning that it defines shapes like spheres, boxes and cylinders through code. Instead of interacting with the model directly, users write scripts that specify how these shapes combine and modify each other, making it ideal for detailed, parametric designs and prototypes. This scripting style is a favorite among engineers, programmers and those who love having full control over their designs and the ability to easily adjust them with just a few tweaks to the code.
Cura
Cura is a free, open-source slicing software by Ultimaker that turns 3D models into instructions for 3D printers. With more than 400 setting options, users can adjust layer height, print speed and infill patterns to fine-tune print quality and make the most out of material usage. The software also converts 2D images — from JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF formats — into 3D models by automatically adding depth. With more than one million users, Cura is one of the most widely adopted platforms, handling about 1.4 million print jobs per week.
Houdini
Houdini is a 3D animation and visual effects software that’s often used for procedural modeling, simulations and rendering for 3D printing. Using a node-based workflow, it creates highly detailed, parametric designs containing complex structures, organic shapes and generative prints that would be difficult to model manually. This platform is popular in industries like film, gaming and virtual reality, crafting stunning visual effects — most notably the blackhole sequence in Interstellar and the swirling snow and ice effects in Frozen.
Creo Parametric
Creo Parametric, formerly known as Pro E and Wildfire, is a 3D CAD software that’s commonly used for product design and engineering across various industries. Launched in 1987, this platform had a hand in setting industry standards, offering features like parametric and direct modeling, extensive simulation tools and additive manufacturing capabilities for 3D printing. Its suite of tools also includes assembly modeling, 2D drafting, finite element analysis, NURBS surface modeling and numerical control tooling for mechanical design.
Onshape
Onshape is a free, cloud-based 3D CAD software designed for parametric modeling and collaboration, offering tools for design, version control and real-time teamwork on shared projects. Its web-based platform enables users to access and edit design files from any device, while also supporting integration with 3D printers for additive manufacturing across many industries, including consumer electronics, medical devices and industrial equipment. It was created by former SolidWorks executives and engineers in 2012, who were looking to provide a cloud-native solution with built-in product data management for CAD design.
FreeCAD
Suitable for both professionals and hobbyists, FreeCAD is described as a general-purpose parametric modeler that’s made to design real-world objects. It supports a wide range of file formats, including STL and STEP, and provides tools to produce and edit solid, full-precision models, then export them for 3D printing or CNC machining, creatying 2D drawings from different perspectives of a model. Used in various applications, from mechanical engineering and architecture to computing and product design, FreeCAD — a free and open source product — has a large and active community, with no typical user, all contributing to its continuous development and improvement.
Solidworks
SolidWorks, developed by Dassault Systèmes, is a 3D CAD software used for solid modeling, engineering and product design. In addition to parametric and assembly modeling, it offers simulation tools, motion analysis and product data management for collaborative design, as well as tools for sheet metal design, welding, surfacing and mold design. Launched in 1995, SolidWorks was one of the first applications of its kind designed to run on desktops, making 3D design more accessible to smaller businesses. Today, it’s used by more than 7.5 million users and 420,000 companies and startups.
Shapr3D
3D modeling software Shapr3D was built specifically for iPad and Mac users, offering tools for sketching, extruding and shaping complex objects. Originally developed as an iPad app, Shapr3D is one of the first fully functional 3D modeling platforms optimized for mobile devices and multi-touch interaction. The platform uses a direct modeling-approach, allowing users to generate parametric models that can be integrated with CAD systems for smooth, design-to-manufacture workflows.
NX
Developed by Siemens, NX is a CAD software suite that specializes in parametric and direct modeling, as well as simulation and manufacturing processes, including additive, subtractive and hybrid techniques. The software offers tools for product design, engineering analysis and digital manufacturing, with features for sheet metal, mold and die design as well as finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics. Siemens NX is known for its high-tech applications, where it has supported the design of everything from Boeing aircraft to Ferrari sportscars.
Solid Edge
Another Siemens product, Solid Edge is a 3D CAD software known for its synchronous technology that integrates both parametric and direct modeling. A top choice when working with complex geometry, it provides tools for product design, sheet metal design, assembly modeling and simulation, along with features for motion simulation, stress analysis and mold design.
Slic3r
Slic3r is a free, open-source slicing engine for 3D printing projects. By generating G-code from 3D CAD files, it creates physical objects. This platform offers features like multi-material support, customizable support structures and in-depth control over print speed, temperature and layer height for optimal print quality and material usage. Slic3r was one of the first programs to introduce variable layer height, which improved surface quality and faster print times.
Meshmixer
Another AutoDesk product, Meshmixer is a 3D modeling software that’s often described as a “Swiss army knife” for 3D meshes. It offers tools like auto repair and mesh cleanup, drag-and-drop mesh mixing, 3D sculpting, surface stamping and hollowing, as well as convert-to-solid, branching support structures and print bed orientation optimization — making it ideal for preparing objects for 3D printing.
SketchUp
With more than 33 million users, SketchUp is a 3D modeling software commonly used in architecture and interior design for creating and manipulating 3D models. Available across desktop, iPad and web applications, the platform offers an intuitive interface, drawing, modeling and visualization tools, including immersive 3D walkthroughs with extended reality viewing. It also provides creators with access to a large library of pre-made models, making it ideal for design and prototyping.
OctoPrint
OctoPrint is a free, open-source 3D printer controller application that provides full remote control and monitoring access through a web interface. It allows users to control every aspect of their 3D printers and printing jobs directly from their browser, while its flexible plugin system lets users enhance functionality with features like bed leveling visualization, timelapse creation and firmware updates. As is, OctoPrint is compatible with most consumer 3D printers, and its official plugin repository makes it easy to install new features with just one click.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to buy software for 3D printers?
While 3D printers require software to run, you don’t always have to buy it — there are many free and open-source programs that offer powerful tools for designing, slicing and managing prints.
How much does 3D printing software cost?
The price of 3D printing software varies. Some cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, while others are completely free.
Is it expensive to 3D print at home?
The cost of 3D printing at home varies widely depending on the printer, materials and usage. Entry-level models start at a few hundred dollars, while high-end machines can cost thousands. Standard filament typically runs about $20 to $50 per kilogram, but specialty materials are pricier. Electricity use in 3D printing is generally pretty low, but maintenance, part replacements and any additional software can add to the expenses of running a machine. So, while hobbyists can keep costs manageable, frequent printing and more advanced materials can turn this into an expensive recreational activity.
