I recently started getting into 3D modeling and I’m looking for some good software to use. I’m hoping to find something that’s free and beginner-friendly. Can anyone recommend the best free 3D modeling software out there?
So you’re diving into the world of 3D modeling, huh? Cool! There’s actually a pretty robust lineup of free software that you can get your hands on. If you’re just starting out and you want something that’s user-friendly, you might wanna check out Blender.
Yeah, I know it kinda gets thrown around a lot, but there’s a reason for that—Blender is packed with features and a big community. Tbh, it could be a lil overwhelming at first because it’s super powerful and does a lot more than just basic modeling. Fortunately, there are tons of tutorials on YouTube, and the Blender community is really supportive; people love helping out newbies.
Besides Blender, you might want to have a look at Tinkercad. This one’s a web-based app, and it’s really intuitive, especially for beginners. It’s more limited in scope compared to Blender, but if you’re just starting, it could be a great way to learn the fundamentals without getting lost in the complexity.
If you’re into game design or want something flexible and customizable, you could also try Godot. Not exactly 3D modeling software per se, but it’s got some incredible tools for building and testing 3D models, particularly for games.
Another neat option is SketchUp Free. It’s pretty straightforward and operates right in your web browser, no downloads needed. Though not as feature-rich as Blender, it’s definitely approachable for beginners.
Lastly, don’t sleep on Sculptris if you’re interested in digital sculpting. It’s free and quite simple to use, sort of like a stripped-down version of ZBrush. Perfect for diving into the more artistic side of 3D modeling.
In the end, what works best might depend on what kind of projects you’re looking to take on. But starting with Blender or Tinkercad would be my strong recommendation. Happy modeling! 
Another option you might consider is FreeCAD. It’s especially good if you’re planning on doing more detailed and precise modeling like you might need for engineering projects or 3D printing parts. FreeCAD is parametric, meaning you can adjust your model parameters after you’ve created them, making it more flexible for iterative designs.
Although some folks recommend Blender, don’t sleep on FreeCAD. It’s a bit more niche but excels in areas that Blender doesn’t cover as comprehensively, particularly in the area of technical and tool-based modeling. And hey, if you’re serious about learning the intricacies of 3D modeling, having a tool focused on detailed, technical work can be advantageous.
Voyageurdubois mentioned Tinkercad, which is great, especially for beginners and kids, but if you feel like you might outgrow it quickly, FreeCAD offers a nice bridge before diving into the complexity of Blender.
Oh, and if you’re into sculpting specifically, but Sculptris doesn’t quite cut it for you, consider trying Mudbox. It’s not entirely free but has a decent free trial that might sometimes be all you need to figure out if it’s worth investing in. Sculpting intricacies and workflow can feel more intuitive to some users with Mudbox compared to Blender.
In conclusion, it really depends on what you’re modeling and what you will be using the models for. FreeCAD and Blender are both fantastic, but they serve quite different purposes. Tbh, you might even find that switching between different programs becomes your norm, especially as you start exploring more complex projects.
Have fun with it and don’t get too bogged down in which tool is ‘the best’ right from the start. Enjoy the process of discovery! 