3D Printing Tools

The ability to model objects and physically bringing them to scale in a three dimensional space has become accessible to the masses with the advent of 3D printing. To make it even more accessible, software like SketchUp allows users to model, detail, and print via compatible 3D printers all in one application.

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  1. SketchUp icon
     552 likes

    Versatile 3D modeling software for architecture, engineering, film, and gaming. Offers tools for both professionals and hobbyists available in free and paid versions.

    • 3D Modeler
    • FreemiumProprietary
    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    Best alternatives are Blender iconBlenderandSweet Home 3D iconSweet Home 3D165 alternatives
  2. Autodesk AutoCAD icon
     214 likes

    Versatile CAD software offering 2D and 3D modeling, visualization, and cloud access for architectural and engineering design professionals.

    • CAD Software
    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Autodesk AutoCAD screenshot 1
    Best alternatives are FreeCAD iconFreeCADandLibreCAD iconLibreCAD126 alternatives
  3. Orca Slicer icon
     12 likes

    G-code generator for 3D printers (Bambu, Prusa, Voron, VzBot, RatRig, Creality, etc.).

    Best alternatives are PrusaSlicer iconPrusaSlicerandCura iconCura14 alternatives
  4. PrusaSlicer icon
     19 likes

    An open-source, feature-rich, frequently updated tool that contains everything you need to export the perfect print files for your 3D printer.

    PrusaSlicer screenshot 1
    Best alternatives are Orca Slicer iconOrca SlicerandCura iconCura18 alternatives
  5. Cura icon
     35 likes

    Cura aims to be a end solution for personal 3D printing with RepRap based machines. It is tuned toward the Ultimaker, but can be used on any RepRap based design.

    Best alternatives are Orca Slicer iconOrca SlicerandPrusaSlicer iconPrusaSlicer26 alternatives
  6. Tinkercad is a super easy-to-use, browser based 3D design tool. With Tinkercad you can create 3D printable items: toys to play with, decoration to light up your home or jewelry to express yourself. You dream it, you can make it!

    Best alternatives are Blender iconBlenderandFreeCAD iconFreeCAD72 alternatives
  7. MatterControl icon
     23 likes

    MatterControl is a free, open source app that lets you organize and manage your 3D prints. It's designed to help you get the most out of your 3D printer - making it easy to track, preview, and print your 3D parts.

    Best alternatives are Orca Slicer iconOrca SlicerandCura iconCura27 alternatives
  8. OctoPrint icon
     15 likes

    Connect your printer to a small embedded and WiFi enabled device such as the popular Raspberry Pi, install OctoPrint on it and you have an instant wireless printer.

    Best alternatives are MatterControl iconMatterControlandPrintrun iconPrintrun11 alternatives
  9. Thingiverse icon
     20 likes

    Thingiverse.com is the place to share digital designs for fabricating real, physical objects.

    Best alternatives are Printables.com iconPrintables.com19 alternatives
  10. Bambu Studio icon
     3 likes

    Bambu Studio is an open-source, cutting-edge, feature-rich slicing software. It contains project-based workflows, systematically optimized slicing algorithms, and an easy-to-use graphical interface, bringing users an incredibly smooth printing experience.

    Best alternatives are Orca Slicer iconOrca SlicerandPrusaSlicer iconPrusaSlicer17 alternatives
  11. Shapr3D icon
     28 likes

    From design to manufacturing. Teams collaborate with more impact. Instinctive design meets multidevice capability and full interoperability for the ultimate 3D design workflow.

    Sketch to model. Mastered in hours.
    Best alternatives are Blender iconBlenderandFreeCAD iconFreeCAD49 alternatives
  12. Womp icon
     9 likes

    Womp is a free and beginner friendly browser based 3D design software, allowing anyone to easily create professional and 3D printing ready creations live from virtually any device and without any technical knowledge.

    Best alternatives are SketchUp iconSketchUpandSpline iconSpline10 alternatives
  13. View, capture, personalize, and print 3D models. Download many kinds of 3D files and edit them using the 3D modeling space. Take a picture with your webcam and make it 3D.

    Best alternatives are Blender iconBlenderandSketchUp iconSketchUp120 alternatives
  14. Lychee Slicer icon
     5 likes

    Lychee Slicer is an elegant and powerful Slicer software for SLA/Resin 3D printer, answering the needs of figurine artists, jewel designers, and product designers.

    Best alternatives are Orca Slicer iconOrca SlicerandPrusaSlicer iconPrusaSlicer13 alternatives
  15. Creality Print is a self-developed Fused deposition modeling slicing software produced by Creality. It’s a practical and easy-to-use tool that can help you remote control and monitor your 3D printer and help print directly from your computer.

    Creality Print screenshot 1
    Best alternatives are Orca Slicer iconOrca SlicerandPrusaSlicer iconPrusaSlicer26 alternatives