Best 3D Printing Software 2024: Top 10 Picks & Reviews
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3D printing is one of the most exciting technological innovations in the last few decades. Now, printers are more affordable than ever, which has opened up 3D printing to the average consumer.
But if you’ve purchased a 3D printer and want to start designing your own objects to print, then you’re going to need 3D printing software to do it. We’ve created this guide to help you review your options. Keep reading to learn more.
10 Best 3D Printing Software 2024
- Autodesk Fusion 360: Best Overall
- Tinkercad: Most Affordable
- Cura: Easiest to Use
- Lychee Slicer: Best Free Software
- AstroPrint: Best Cloud-Based 3D Printing Software
- FreeCAD: Best Open-Source Slicer Software
- Solidworks: Best for Large Assemblies
- Meshmixer: Best for Spotting Design Problems
- Blender: Best Online Resources
- Rhinoceros 3D: Best Monitoring Analytics
What is 3D Printing Software?
3D printing software is design software that you use to create digital models, which can be printed by a 3D printer. This software can be a bit complicated if you’ve never used it before. So with that in mind, here are some key terms to get you started.
Slicer Software
Slicer software is what converts your code into code that can be used by your 3D printer.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
FDM is one of the most common types of 3D printing. It involves layering a series of thermoplastic filaments over a build plate to create three-dimensional objects.
3D Modeling Software
3D modeling software allows you to create mathematical representations of 3D shapes from a standard computer.
STL File
STL files are what you create when you save a CAD project for 3D printing. Your 3D printer will need STL files to print out the objects you create.
Top 10 Best 3D Printing Software March 2024
Autodesk Fusion 360
Autodesk Fusion 360 stands out as the best overall 3D printing software thanks to its in-depth features, user-friendly interface, and helpful slicing settings.
- User-friendly interface
- Powerful software tools
- Helpful prototyping feature
- Can be a bit expensive for a CAD software
If you’re looking for one design software that can do it all, Fusion 360 may be your best bet. You can use it to create models, store files, feed FDM and resin printers, and complete in-depth subdivision modeling for complex print jobs.
The handy features and print settings are perfect for mechanical engineers, personal use, and everything in between. If you’re willing to pay for your 3D modeling software, then it will be tough to find a better option than this.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is highly affordable with a free tier that stands out among other slicing engines.
- Extremely affordable CAD software
- High rates of user satisfaction
- Offers multi-material support
- Slicing software isn’t the best
Most free 3D modeling software is severely lacking in features. But not Tinkercad. This program includes everything you need to create high-quality projects for printers remotely, and it’s all completely free. Advanced users may not find everything they need with this product. But novice and intermediate users likely will.
Cura
Cura stands out with its customizable web interface that enables users to create their own models in unique ways.
- Easy to use with customizable support structures
- The computer-aided design software programs are customizable
- Imports and runs many STL files and file formats
- Customer support can be a bit lacking
Are you tired of having to learn how to use new closed and open-source software? If so, Cura could be for you. It allows you to set up your own dashboards based on your preferences instead of having to learn how to design the way that a program wants you to. This printing software doesn’t have the best support, but the shallow learning curve is really nice.
Lychee Slicer
Lychee makes the 3D printing process easier with automatic model orientation and other helpful G Code features.
- Offers automatic model orientation
- Features a large number of resin STL files
- There’s a free version available
- Users of this free CAD software won’t get access to every tool and function
With Lychee, you get 3D modeling software that’s designed to make every project easier. You’ll be able to design a three-dimensional object faster with an automatic model orientation that reduces how long it takes to navigate model history and land at your desired shape.
The best part? There’s a completely free version of this printing software. You won’t get access to every feature with this version of the program, but it allows you to try Lychee out before paying.
AstroPrint
Astroprint is a cloud-based slicer software that features lots of built-in compatibilities.
- Cloud-based modeling software
- Can prepare and send prints through a web user interface
- Built-in compatibility with other software like MyMiniFactory
- There’s no WiFi functionality on the free account
Astroprint is an excellent choice if you want cloud-based printing software that allows you to create your designs from anywhere. This product really shines by offering more compatibility than other 3D printing software. This allows you to innovate in ways that other products may not be able to match.
A basic Astroprint account won’t include the Wi-Fi module. But you can always find ways to get around this if you like the software.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD comes with some nice advanced features and is open-source software that’s constantly being improved and upgraded.
- Open-source CAD software
- Advanced features to help users with creating models through parametric modeling
- Offers the ability to sketch basic shapes in 2D
- There is a steep learning curve
As far as open-sourced printing software goes; it’s tough to beat FreeCAD. This product is constantly being improved upon thanks to its open-source nature, so you’ll always have new features and upgrades to play around with. There can be a steep learning curve for some users, but it’s a really powerful tool that’s definitely worth taking a look at.
Solidworks
Solidworks is a great option for designers working with large assemblies and those looking for more precise control over their projects.
- Good for managing large assemblies
- Quick renderings of your digital model
- A powerful tool for G Code that offers more precise control than other options
- Is a relatively slow 3D modeling software
With Solidworks; you get powerful 3D printing software that gives you the ability to utilize three different slicing engines based on your needs. This makes it much easier to bring your specific ideas to life regardless of how complicated they get.
That being said, all of that power makes this software a bit slower when used with single-head machines. But the upgraded functionality may make up for that.
Meshmixer
Meshmixer offers some unique features and send-push notifications that make it easier to find design problems before printing.
- Makes it easy to spot and repair potential problems before the printing process
- Drag-and-drop mesh modeling and mesh-editing tool
- Offers repair tools and design features for many different use cases
- This computer-aided manufacturing software is no longer being updated
Meshmixer has a convenient drag-and-drop editing interface that makes it much easier to spot and repair potential problems during the design process. This can help you make the right designs faster and catch problems before they turn into something costly and serious to repair.
Blender
Blender is the most popular 3D printing software on the market. There are tons of tutorials and resources available for it as a result.
- Many tutorials available due to the popularity of this slicing software
- Extremely powerful software with advanced settings
- Many extensions are available for additive manufacturing, video game developers, and other advanced users
- Challenging to learn 3D modeling software
Blender is a powerful 3D printing software that’s become of the industry’s most-used products. Of all the software on our list, this one has the most tutorials and extensions available online. Blender is a free program to start using, but the interface can be a bit complex to get used to if you’re a beginner.
Rhinoceros 3D
Rhinoceros 3D features include helpful monitoring analytics to reduce complications throughout the design process.
- One-time fee instead of a subscription
- Makes it easy to export files and G code
- Helpful monitor analytics
- Extensive parametric model preparation slows this 3D printing software significantly
Rhinoceros 3D makes 3D printing a breeze with helpful analytical features that ensure you never miss a thing. Plus, the product has a one-time pricing fee instead of a subscription fee, like some of the competition. So you can pay once and continue using the software forever.
Who are The Users of 3D Printing Software?
3D printing software has become affordable enough for the average everyday consumer to use it. But these machines are also used in a wide variety of manufacturing and engineering industries to create products and machine parts affordably.
How to Choose the Best 3D Printing Software?
Finding the best 3D printing software for your needs will take a bit of research. As you do that research, here are the main factors you should be thinking about.
Price
Price always matters. The good news is there are lots of 3D printing software options available for free. However, these often lack some of the features that paid software includes.
Included Features
You also want to look at the different capabilities that a piece of software offers. Some of these will give you more control over your designs and better tools for catching potential mistakes than others.
Printing and Modeling
It’s also important to verify that the type of printing and modeling you want to do is supported by the software you’re going to use. There are some differences between different 3D printing software, so performing a compatibility check for both your printer type and modeling preference is always a must.
Customer Support
3D printing software can be super complicated and difficult to use – especially if you’re a new user. If the software that you use has solid customer support, then it’ll be much easier for you to get around any issues that you experience so that you can get back to your designs faster.
Customer Reviews
Finally, customer reviews are definitely worth looking at, as they provide a good estimation of what your experience with a given piece of software will be like. Just make sure to take these with a grain of salt, as they’re highly subjective.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, all of the different software on our list can be a good fit for different types of users. It really comes down to the type of 3D printing that you’d like to do and what your skill level is.
Fusion 360 is our top pick overall because it offers a nice blend of performance and ease of use. But you may also benefit from trying Tinkercad for an affordable option and Cura for software that’s super easy to get started with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
3D printing software helps people create models to be fed into 3D printers. It’s how you design the things that you 3D print.
There are many free 3D design programs that can be used for printing. Paid programs vary. Some charge a subscription fee, whereas others are available for a one-time fee.
There are many 3D printer codes available online that you can use without needing any software. But if you want to print your own designs, then you will need some type of 3D printing software to create them.
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