Tinkercad (Link to Review) is a browser-based CAD that is 100% free and that is ideal for absolute beginners since it relies on a drag-and-drop interface where you can select different objects, such as squares, circles, etc., and use those to create the final design. However, it’s not the easiest CAD to learn. In fact, Fusion 360, which is the go-to design software used by most 3D printing enthusiasts, offers a free license for personal use with only a couple limitations.

I just want to note that Free software isn’t necessarily worse than their premium counterparts.

Now, let’s check out some free CAD software! Free CAD Software Of course, if you want to learn how to create your own models via a course, then check out this post I wrote about some of the best online 3D design & 3D Printing courses available (Free and also Paid). There are some free CAD alternatives out there that are really simple to learn and use as well as some others that offer way more functionality at the cost of having a steeper learning curve. However, the ultimate challenge is to create them yourself using a CAD software, but this is definitely a lot harder to do than it may seem since 3D design can be quite complex. Once you’re done printing the free test prints that come with your printer, you generally download designs that other people made (you can use our own search engine to find amazing designs here). Of course, these types of software are not only good for designing your prints but are also used for creating any kind of 3D element, be it for video games, animation, and more.

Check out our recommended products sectionĭesign your Model using a CAD software Fusion 360 CAD.ĬAD software, or Computer Aided Design software, lets you build 3D models on a computer which can then be 3D printed.

Pay attention to size for dimensional accuracy.

Consider Layer Line direction (Stronger prints).

Cool 3d print stl files