Would you like to know how to model in 3d but don't know where to start? Check our guides here!

Web apps

We can use web apps to model in 3D. All we need is a browser and an internet connection.

   

Tinkercad: simple and intuitive, was conceived to initiate children and youth in 3D modeling. Despite its simplicity, it is a powerful modeler that allows you to create complex shapes by combining simple shapes with joining and cutting operations. Want to learn how to use Tinkercad? Our Tutorial Tinkercad helps!

 

 

OnShape: the power of CAD modeling on the web. Allows you to create CAD templates in any web browser. 

 

My.Sketchup: still in beta, brings the power and simplicity of SketchUp 3D modeling to a web interface. Projects can be downloaded and edited later in Sketchup Make or Pro. Now, you can also use Sketchup Free.

 

FormIt 360 Web: a modeler designed for architecture and conceptual design, simple to use on the web, tablet and computer. By integrating an Autodesk account, you can develop the same project across multi-platforms. Work started on a tablet can be completed with the most advanced tools available in the web and desktop versions.

Tablets Android

The increasing ubiquity of mobile devices makes them a tool for working in 3D. Here are some applications available for Android.Sculpt+: Aplicação de escultura digital. Criando um esqueleto interior e deformando o seu contorno exterior, permite a aplicação de ferramentas de escultura digital para

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3D Creationist: Simple modeler for tablet and mobile primitives. It allows to create complex objects from the union and cut of geometric forms.

Tablets iOS

The iOS interface incorporates proprietary technologies that enable fluidity and intuitiveness in 3D modeling on mobile devices. The field of 3D modeling apps for Apple devices is very developed, with a huge range of applications.

  Morphi: This app allows you to create 3D objects from primitive shapes, revolutions or drawing profiles for extrusion. Very focused for use in STEM educational contexts  (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

 

     Gravity Sketch: Drawing in 3D is a simple and intuitive process in this application that turns sketches into 3D models.

 

 

Desktop Apps

OpenSCAD: a 3D modeler where shapes are not drawn, code is written and algorithms are applied to generate three-dimensional pieces. Free and open source.

 

Sketchup Make: simple and very intuitive, Sketchup Make simplifies the 3D modeling process. Its modeling capabilities enable users to create advanced models with a fast learning curve. Powerful, it is a professional level application in two versions: commercial, with access to all tools, and free, with limitations of export formats and modeling on curved surfaces. Its capabilities can be extended with a vast library of plugins. We recommend the tutorials by Alexandre Ribeiro da IberCad: Iniciação ao Sketchup, Ferramentas do Sketchup, Modelar em 3D a partir de Fotografias, Truques e Dicas.

Blender: The most advanced open source 3D modeler. From modeling to animation, lets do everything. Complex, has a sharp learning curve.

Cleaning and repairing 3D models for printing

3D printing requires watertight, normal oriented models with no intersecting surfaces or edges or holes in the surface of the polygonal mesh. Using cleaning and repair applications before printing a 3D model allows you to check and correct errors, ensuring that the printing process is successful.

 

Meshlab: created by the Visual Computing Group from Istituto di Scienza e Tecnologie dell’Informazione in Pisa, to support the work of archaeologists working in conservation, digitization of artifacts or archaeological research with non-invasive digital methods (laser digitization, LIDAR, ground penetration radar, satellite imagery, computerized axial tomography). This program compiles a huge amount of algorithms for 3D processing, working with all kinds of models, from point cloud to polygonal meshes. It allows to perform operations of remeshing, simplification, automated cleaning of edges and vertices, closing of holes and conversion among formed of 3D file, among others. Tutorials.: Usar o Meshlab para Dizimar Polígonos; So You Want To Clean a Mesh.

 

 

Netfabb: An essential tool for 3D printing. This program performs validation of polygonal meshes, detecting and correcting errors. The free version runs a sequence of mesh repair algorithms that solves the vast majority of modeling errors that cause printing problems. Repair can also be done manually. The free version can be obtained by downloading the full version of the program, indicating in the installation process that you want to use the free version. 

 

MeshMixer: A program designed to merge 3D models, it has a powerful set of tools for correcting 3D models and preparing prints. The make hollow option lets you eliminate the entire interior of a 3D model, leaving only the outer shell for printing.

 

3D Builder: Component of Windows 10, allows simple 3D modeling. When importing an STL file into 3D Builder, Microsoft's polygonal mesh repair service (using Netfabb technology) validates and automatically corrects detected errors.

 

  MakePrintable: Web service for validation, detection and correction of errors in STL files. Want to explore more? Visit this page that collects repair programs for 3D models: Mesh Repairing Software.