The best 3D printing software is not always expensive, sometimes you can access it without charge. Free 3D printing software helps you design and slice your objects without a cost. A free 3D printing software is a program that helps you design, slice or process your STL files to produce a 3D printed object without any cost. This page aims to. 3D Slash App: Try (no export) The 3D Slash App allows you to work offline and to synchronize when you get online. Better resolution, faster, the 3D Slash App really rocks! Free users can download, install and synchronize the App to run their models locally, but they can't save their work neither export STL files. We calculated the popularity of a 3D modeling software for Mac based on their ‘popularity score’ in the 3D printing community. The popularity score consists of mentions and fans on social media, page authority, forum mentions, video mentions, 3D printing database mentions, and Google results. MakerBot Print is free software that optimizes and streamlines the 3D printing process for any workflow. It allows you to discover, prepare, manage, and share 3D prints.
- Best 3d Software For Mac
- Best Software For 3d Printing
- Best 3d Printing Software Free
- Free 3d Printing Software For Kids
- 3d Printer Software For Mac
- Free 3d Printer Software For Mac
- 3d Printing Software Reviews
3D printing has taken the world by storm and one can marvel at this technological wonder that has come a long way to make the preparation of 3D models a reality.
With the invention of 3D printers, 3D printing has spread far and wide impacting lives of different people and making the production of 3D models affordable unlike in the past.
However, a printer alone is not just enough to make you achieve your goals. You will also need 3D printing software to make your work easier.
Whether you are a professional or just a beginner, the following 10 best 3D printing software will create a huge difference when it comes to three-dimension printing.
Top Free 3D Printing Software
1. Cura
If you are looking for 3D printing software that is a benchmark slicer for the Ultimaker 3D printers, Cura should be your ultimate choice.
This free software is compatible with a good number of 3D printers on the market today. The software is fully open source and you can extend it through a plugin system.
Cura is easy to use the software, allowing you to control the most significant 3D print settings on a clear interface. Just choose the right configured settings (recommended mode or custom mode) and the software will guide you accordingly.
Cura can also be used as a 3D printer host program to directly control your machine where the 3D printer will need to be connected to your PC for all that duration.
However, Cura can also be used in professional applications such as seamless CAD integration using Siemens NX and SolidWorks.
Otherwise, you will find this software to be quite effective and accessible slicer for most of your 3D printing projects.
Overview
- Software name: Cura
- Function: Slicer and 3D printer host
- Level: For beginner
- Price: Free
- System: Mac, Windows or Linux
2. MatterControl
MatterControl was recently upgraded to version 2.2 and is a 3D printing as well as CAD software for your PC. It comes with several features such as printer host functionality designed to allow you to directly control and monitor your printing project when connected through USB.
Additionally, this software allows you to slice STLs in a bid to export the content to the SD card when doing offline printing.
The user interface is remarkably structured where the left side directs you to the file browser and geometric primitives as a way of enhancing your printing.
Apart from that, there is a new feature with the ability to take and drag those geometric primitives into position right on the STL in readiness for printing.
MatterControl 2.0 has suitably advanced 3D print settings that are tailored towards configuring your print assignment.
As such, this software program comes out as a comprehensive 3D printing tool for most of the printing processes ranging from support preparation all the way to slicing and control.
Overview
- Software :MatterControl 2.0
- Function: 3D printer host, design and slicer
- Level: Beginner
- Price: Free
- System: Mac, Windows and Linux.
3. 3DPrinterOS
The 3DPrinterOS comes in handy as a beginner friendly and best free printing software program for both 3D printers and slicing. This software is a cloud-based 3D printing as well as 3D printer management tool for the newcomers in 3D printing.
Being a comprehensive suite that always encompasses the print job queuing, printer control, delegation and an application-based plugin system, 3DPrinterOS can assure you of quality printing on the beginner and professional levels basis.
Besides, this software allows for an STL analysis not to mention the plus in-cloud slicing and repair. In other words, this is a one-stop-shop known for taking an STL to the printed objects with barely your fingers being lifted.
Overview
- Software: 3DPrinterOS
- Function: STL repair, STL editor, 3D printer host and slicer
- Level: Beginner
- System: Ubuntu, Windows, Mac and Raspberry Pi
4. KISSlicer
When you think of the best free 3D printing software program for your upcoming 3D printing project, then KISSlicer should cross your mind right now. This software is designed primarily for 3D printer control and slicing.
However, don’t get confused with the software’s acronym (which is commonly referred to as Keep It Simple Slicer) when it comes to making your 3D printing quite enjoyable and fulfilling.
This free 3D printing software is a pretty sophisticated printing tool that you cannot overlook when searching for the right program for your 3D printer.
In fact, many have always hailed the KISSlicer software as a worthy alternative to a number of 3D slicer software tools on the market while others have had complaints here and there about its confusing user interface.
All in all, this software will serve you better especially the free version when printing with just one extruder. Should you feel like using a multi-head, then the best option for you is the paid pro version.
Overview
- Software: KISSlicer
- Function: Slicer
- Level: Intermediate
- Price: Free
- System: Windows, Mac and Linux
5. Slic3r
Slic3r is one of the best free 3-dimensional printing software programs you can rely on. This software works as a perfect printing tool for 3D printer control and slicing with a reputation for adding the bleeding edge features not found anywhere else.
As an open source slicer, Slic3r 3D software stands out among the rest with its ability to make 3D honeycomb infill and creating structurally unique and useful shapes throughout the interior of a 3D print.
In addition to that, Slic3r 3D printing software is actually in direct integration with the OctoPrint. This means, when your files are sliced on your desktop, they are likely to be uploaded directly to the OctoPrint 3D printing at the click of a button.
Overview
- Software: Slic3r
- Function: Slicer
- Level: Intermediate
- Price: Free
- System: Windows, Linux and Mac
6. SliceCrafter
Just like a few other types of the best free 3D printing software, Slice Crafter software program is also designed for 3D printer control as well as slicing.
This great software is the brain behind the creation of IceSL and in most cases, many users take it as a browser-based slicer.
As 3D printing software, SliceCrafter allows you to quickly and conveniently make a G-code in preparation for your 3D printing. This feat is achieved through the use of a vast majority of options that are afforded to your printer by IceSL itself.
Overview
- Software: SliceCrafter
- Function: Slicer
- Level: Beginner and Intermediate
- System: Browser
- Price: Free
7. IceSL
IceSL 3D printing software is a remarkable program designed to take your 3D printing to the next level. In reality of things, this is not only mere 3D slicer software but it is also a 3D modelling tool.
This program allows you to edit your 3D model directly using scripting in what experts call a Lua-based language. This activity takes place on the left side of the window on a given 3D printer. At a glance, it may look like a frightening prospect while in essence, it makes it possible for the nifty parametric 3D modelling. However, the centre window is used as a live view during the entire printing process.
On the right window, you can come across a wide range of slicing settings which are preconfigured for you if you are a beginner. The configuration of those settings is meant to make your task easy and quick while expanding out all the advanced settings for IceSL software.
One of the most notable aspects of using this software is its progressively variable settings. These settings enable you to specify the number of values for various printing settings specifically the layer heights as IceSL graduates the changes on its own.
As a result, you will witness a smooth transition starting from dense moving towards the light infill and from fine all the way to course layer heights and so on.
Overview
- Software: IceSL
- Function: Slicer or design
- Level: Intermediate
- System: Windows or Linux
8. OctoPrint
OctoPrint comes in handy as purely web-based software for 3D printer host that lets you have full control over your 3D printing tasks and the printer itself. When you combine it with your Wi-Fi enable gadget such as Raspberry Pi (when it is hooked up to your 3D printer), you can just dial in to have full control of your printing apparatus remotely through OctoPrint website interface.
Most significantly, OctoPrint accepts G-Code from an array of 3D printer slicer software programs to incorporate the g Code Visualizer.
This feature enables you to visualize G-code files prior to and during printing. On the other hand, you can as well slice STL files directly into OctoPrint itself as an all-in-one 3D print preparation package.
Given that OctoPrint as open source software complete with a thriving community around it, you can easily activate plugins to expand this software’s functionality in a bid to make it a robust solution for the printing purposes.
Furthermore, this software comes out clearly as the best option for banishing your 3D printer from the PC in order to control it remotely.
Overview
- Software: OctoPrint
- Function: 3D printer host or slicer
- Level: Intermediate
- Price: Free
- System: Mac, Linux, and Windows
9. Repetier-Host
Repetier-Host has been in business for quite a long time and it is always referred to as “the great-grandfather” of 3D printing software and the most preferred choice in the RepRap maker community.
This free 3D printing software is open source that is capable of controlling 3D printing and slicing.
Repetier-Host is a 3D printing software that targets intermediate and advanced user spectrum because it is an all-in-one solution that provides multi-extruder support ( as high as 16 extruders), a large number of slicer support through plugins and great support for any FDM 3D printer you can come across.
Additionally, Repetier-Host offers remote access features using the Repetier Server to give you easy access and control over your 3D printer from any location via a browser on your desktop, smartphone or tablet.
Overview
- Software: Repetier-Host
- Function: 3D printer host or slice
- Level: Intermediate, advanced
- Price: Free
- System: Windows, Linux or Mac.
10. AstroPrint
Apart from 3DPrinterOs software, AstroPrint is also a cloud-based 3D printing solution that lets you monitor and manage all your 3D printers with ease.
Also, this software can manage your slicer settings, material profiles and printer profiles as well. With your free AstroPrint Cloud account, you can manage to store all crucial information that will help you in achieving a very successful print.
Needless to say, these vital settings are accessible via your browser and AstroPrint mobile application.
One thing that makes AstroPrint unique is its built-in compatibility with MyMiniFactory and Thingiverse along with free 3D computer-aided-design (CAD) software such as 3D slash and Leopoly.
Apart from that, there is a cloud slicing engine that enables you to slice 3D models right from your smartphone and eventually send them directly to your 3D printer wirelessly.
However, this software requires you to pay for more advanced features although creating a free account can expose you to instant access to a couple of useful tools that will help you optimize and manage a 3D printing process.
Best 3d Software For Mac
Overview
- Software: AstroPrint
- Function: 3D printer host, slicer
- Level: Beginner
- Price: Free for the basic version
- System: Browser
How to Pick the Right 3D Printing Software?
Before you settle for the right 3D printing software, you need to consider the following factors:
- Purpose: Quite a number of free 3D printing software are tailored towards different applications such as engineering designs or artistic/sculpting. Therefore, go for 3D printing software that suits your needs.
- Cost: Your budget is a very important determinant when it comes to choosing the right 3D printing software for yourself. Luckily, there is free software for both beginners and professionals alike. But if you want to make some advancement, you would definitely consider your budget before purchasing your intended software.
- Ease of use: Most of the free 3D printing software programs are easy to use and they come with their tutorials to help you get started without any technical issues.
- File conversation: When looking for the right 3D printing software, it is highly recommended that you settle for the one whose files are robust especially when saved. Most of the 3D printing software use STL file type to make your work worthwhile.
- Parametric versus explicit modelling: You should also consider these two approaches when choosing your 3D printing software. The parametric approach deals with engineering and architectural designs simply because the files contain more specific dimensions as well as relations and have a design history. On the other hand, the explicit approach is used by industrial designers and artists due to their flexibility. When choosing your perfect 3D printing software, it’s important to look critically into these two considerations before you make up your mind
Conclusion
3D printing software offers a better platform for learners to get started and for professionals to advance their skills.
From the ten best 3D printing software programs highlighted above, you can easily choose the one which meets your needs.
Don’t let your 3D printing dreams to become invalid when you can use these free programs to take your 3D printing to the next level.
- Top 16 Free 3D Printer Software for Beginners in 2018
3D printing can help you create a three-dimensional object by computer and 3D printer. However, it may sound a little difficult for beginners to use 3D printers. This article will introduce 16 free 3D printer software to help beginners use their 3D printer much easily. Learn about: How to slice 3d STL file and 3d print Iron Man?
1. Ultimaker Cura - versatile 3D Printer Software
Best Software For 3d Printing
Ultimaker Cura 3D is a slicing software for 3D printers, it can create a 3D model and slice it into layers, as G-Code, which a 3D printer can understand. Cura 3D is easy to use and you just need 3 steps before printing. Create a model first and then export your 3D files as STL or OBJ formats, these files will be imported, sliced and outputted as G-Code so that the 3D printer can read and follow. You can also set quality, material, speed,cooling and infill in Cura by yourself. Cura 3D is a fully open source software and can be used with most 3D printers. It supports for Windows, Mac and Linux.
2. TinkerCAD - useful 3D Printer Software
Unlike Cura, TinkerCAD is an online computer-aided design software for 3D printing. You can directly access the browser-based app after creating an account on its website. TinkerCAD offers pre-defined shapes and geometric structures, so you can create your models just by dragging and dropping the box to the WorkPlane and adjusting the length, height and width. TinkerCAD is an easy tool for beginners to start up 3D printing.
3. 123D Catch - easy-to-use Free 3D Printer Software
The 123D Catch APP can be used in your smartphones (both iOS and Android operating system), which means that you take photos within your phone and the 123D Catch can turn your photography into a 3D model. This is much convenient and funny for beginners to learn 3D printing. What’s more, you can transfer your photos from digital camera to 123D Catch on your computer and print them out a high-quality product.
4. 3D Slash - 3D printer software for free
3D Slash is much different from other 3D printing softwares, it is also a logo and a 3D text maker. It means that you can turn your logo into a 3D model or import your text to export 3D text. 3D Slash is easy to use and suitable for people of all ages, you can design a 3D model by using a simple building-block concept, which just like a modern stone-cutter. As its user-friendly experience, 3D Slash is a wonderful software to get you started with 3D printing.
5. 3D Tin - Good-to-use 3d printer
3D Tin is an online 3D printing software like TinkerCAD, which is intuitive and easy-to -use. All you need is a Firefox or Chrome web browser enabled with WebGL. It’s a perfect 3D printing software for beginners. What you should do is choosing 3D templates on the Internet and adding them to your sketch, which will be stored in the cloud and freely accessible, and can be out-printed in STL and OBJ file formats.
6. SketchUp - 3d modeler
SketchUp is an ideal 3D printing software to design complex 3D print models for beginners with a user-friendly interface and relatively flat learning curve. 3D Warehouse of SketchUp is a huge library of 3D templates which is uploaded by users. You can choose one and add it on your SketchUp, which is the easiest way to print a 3D object. What&rsquo's more, SketchUp provides free tutorials which can help you develop into an intermediate or advanced engineer form a beginner.
7. FreeCAD - 3d slicer software
FreeCAD is a free and open-source general-purpose parametric 3D CAD modeler and a building information modeling software which is supported by FEM (finite-element-method). This program can be used interactively and its functionality can be accessed and extended using the Python programming language. FreeCAD is a great starting point for mechanical engineers who are new to the 3D modeling world.
Best 3d Printing Software Free
8. CraftWare - 3d printing cad software
CraftWare is a 3D printer slicer software which is developed by CraftUnique to support its CraftBot 3D printer. And it can be used for many other 3D printers that accept G-Code. CraftWare is fast and easy-to-use, it allows users to see printing process layer by layer from any angle and modify or delete any places before printing. A clean and simple user interface, as well as big and colorful buttons on the left side, make CraftWare one of the most user-friendly 3D printing software.
9. Sculptris - 3d printer software
Sculptris is a virtual sculpting 3D printing software with a core emphasis on the concept of modeling clay. It comes to be free and easy-to-use, which provides excellent rudiments for people who want to start up the world of 3D sculpting. If you want to print statuettes such as comic characters, Sculptris is a fantastic choice for you. It&rsquo's often described as the most powerful, flexible 3D modeling software in the industrial or professional sector.
Free 3d Printing Software For Kids
10. Blender - 3d modeler
Blender is an open source and free 3D printing computer-aided design (CAD) software. It&rsquo's an ideal software for skilled users who want to create more sophisticated 3D modeling such as contour modeling and polygon modeling. Blender is very popular among media workers and artists for creating animated films, visual effects, art, interactive 3D applications and video games. Blender gives its users enormous design freedom with nearly innumerable tools. But it isn’t a good choice for 3D printing beginners.
11. Meshmixer - free 3d printing software
3d Printer Software For Mac
Meshmixer is a free 3D editing, fixing, and sculpting tool. Its great points are viewing, checking, editing AND repairing STL files as well as spotting potential problems and automatically repairing them. Meshmixer allows users who want to create organic designs like people, animals and creatures to sculpt digitally and mash different 3D models together.
12. OpenSCAD - 3d printing cad software
OpenSCAD is a free software for creating solid 3D CAD models. Unlike Blender, it focuses on CAD aspects rather than artistic aspects in 3D modeling. It might be a good choice for you if you want to code your CAD models for it uses a programming language to create 3D objects. Therefore, it gives designer full control over the modeling process and enables designers to easily change any step in the modeling process. OpenCAD is available for Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OSX.
13. AutoCAD - 3d slicer software
AutoCAD, a software for 2D and 3D CAD, was developed by AutoDesk and first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers. Up to now, it has been used across a wide range of industries, by architects, project managers, engineers, graphic designers, and many other professionals. AutoCAD supports a large number of APIs for customization and automation such as AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA and ObjectARX.
14. ViewSTL - 3d slicer software
The view is an online and open source way to view Stereo Lithography Files as shaded on-screen images. It is the easiest way to preview STL files. What users need is just open the web page and drag their STL files onto the dotted field. The online STL viewer allows you to display a model in one of three views: flat shading (for quick viewing), smooth shading (to get a high-quality display), or wireframe. It is a perfect 3D printing software for beginners who want to view STL files.
15. Netfabb Basic - 3d printing software for free
Free 3d Printer Software For Mac
Netfabb Basic is a 3D printer slicer software with some nice features, for example, you can analyze, repair and edit STL files before you get to the slicing stage. It is a good choice if you need something more than just slicer software and you want to repair STL files quickly without having to learn to use additional tools like Meshmixer or MeshLab. Netfabb Basic provides a 30-day trial version. When the trial expires, the software will continue to run with the same functionality.
3d Printing Software Reviews
16. SelfCAD - Online 3D Modeling and Slicing Software
SelfCAD offers an easy to use platform that allows one to sculpt, slice and print 3D models all in one program, hence you don't need to launch multiple programs in order to work on your models. It's easier to learn hence ideal for users who are inexperienced like students. In addition, this software has a built-in slicer, so you can prepare your model for 3D printing without needing any additional software which can be hard to handle if you are in a classroom or workshop. SelfCAD is free of for the educators and students and for the general users, they have a one month trial period and later pay $4.99/m.
Conclusion
All of the 16 3D printing software are free and friendly to beginners. But the big problem is that quite a lot of 3D printers are not compatible with them. It may take you a long time to select a 3D printing software to correspond with your 3D printer. Dobot Magician is an excellent 3D printer which supports all of the above software and saves you a lot of trouble.