The best 3D modelling software in 2023

Owning the best 3D modelling software will give you the ability to elevate your CG skills and create amazing 3D art. Having experience with the most popular tools and software could also help get you a career in the ever-evolving media industry. Luckily, 3D modelling software is more accessible than ever. With free programmes like Blender being a major player within the industry, you can even gain experience without spending a fortune. 

To help you decide which programme is best for you, we’ve compiled this useful guide which details the best 3D modelling software out there right now. We look at a range of needs and specifics – whether you’re an experienced 3D modeller looking to try a new programme or if you’re entirely new to the 3D world, we’ve got you covered. We’ll take a look at a range for different budgets, software needs and ease of use so you can find the best fit of programme for you.

The best 3D modelling software: paid-for options

1. Maya
   Autodesk Maya will bag the top spot in most artists’ ranking of the best 3D modelling software. The industry standard for an array of CG disciplines, Maya offers artists an unrivalled set of features and tools. This powerful app isn’t for beginners, however, its toolset is complex and takes time to master. And now, with Maya 2023, there’s even more to be excited about.
   
   Maya is ideal for modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering – its vast features include tools for particles, hair, solid body physics, cloth, fluid simulations and character animation. It’s worth deciding if Maya’s extensive functionality is too much for your needs though, as this power comes with a price tag to match. For those who have the time, skill and patience to master it, Maya has some of the best 3D tools available right now and is a sound investment. 

2. ZBrush
   ZBrush is a standalone sculpting and modelling app that is most useful for the creation of organic forms – It works in a non-standard fashion, with a workflow and user interface that can be pretty difficult for newcomers to get the hang of, so it’s worth practising every day if you want to become proficient.
   
   ZBrush isn’t just for sculpting and modelling though, it can also be used to create UV maps and paint textures, enabling seasoned artists to craft entire figures, with clothing and props, ready for rendering. This software is a popular choice for artists wanting to 3D print toys and action figures with tools specifically designed for 3D printing.

3. Houdini
   SideFX’s Houdini is responsible for creating a range of 3D imagery across the CG industry. Its node-based procedural approach offers artists unprecedented power, flexibility and control. This nodal workflow isn’t for everyone, but Houdini also has some more traditional tools which allow you to directly interact with the polygons on screen. When testing, we found that its problem-solving capabilities were leagues ahead of other 3D software, with the ability to rewire feeling incredibly natural, a big plus point for the software.
   
   Like Maya, Houdini’s power and non-standard workflow can be tricky to get the hang of. Thankfully, SideFX offers Houdini Apprentice, a free version of Houdini FX, which can be used by students, artists and hobbyists on personal non-commercial projects. The free version gives you access to virtually all of the features from the award-winning Houdini FX, meaning you can really develop your skills. There’s the full-featured Houdini Indie too, which provides an affordable commercial option for smaller studios.

4. Cinema 4D

Maxon’s Cinema 4D has been around for a long time and is highly regarded in the worlds of motion graphics, visualisation and illustration. It boasts a vivid community of creatives with a huge online library of tutorials – not to mention the training site Cineversity, to which you get free membership when you buy the app or pay for the annual Maxon service agreement (MSA). Cinema 4D’s parametric modelling toolset is generally very good, and you can increase its functionality with a range of reasonably priced plugins. There’s also volumetric modelling, which is perfect if you don’t have the time or skillset to create smooth solid forms.

Perpetual licenses aren’t cheap, but you can always start with Prime and upgrade over time. Alternatively, there’s a trial version that gives you 14 days to try Cinema 4D out for free and a free education version for students and teachers.

5. 3ds Max

Autodesk’s 3ds Max is a 3D computer graphics program for PC only. It’s used primarily in the production of TV and feature films or for architectural and product visualisation. Like its sister software Maya, 3ds Max boasts a robust toolset for 3D modelling, as well as fluid simulations, hair and fur, plus character rigging and animation.

3ds Max uses both direct manipulation and procedural modelling techniques, with a huge library of different modifiers that makes the modelling process easier for new or intermediate artists. This software offers a vast professional toolset and, unsurprisingly, comes with a professional price tag. However, students can get the software for free and a trial version is also available for 30 days if you want to try it out before you buy.

6. Modo

Over the years Modo(opens in new tab) has grown from a basic subdivision surface modeller into a fully-featured digital content creation app. The toolset is well thought out and implemented, making it very user-friendly, add to that an impressive rendering system, and it’s easy to see why Modo has continued to grow in popularity. Since then, Foundry has had a series of updates and is taking advantage of modern graphics cards to make it way more powerful. 

With modelling at its core, Modo is one of the best apps available for the creation of polygonal forms, using both direct tools and procedural techniques. The addition of the best-in-breed MeshFusion Boolean system simply extends its modelling repertoire. Modo may lack the high-end dynamics and simulation tools you find in a program like Maya, but it holds its own when it comes to creating stunning artwork, producing as good a 3D render as any other package currently available.

7. Lightwave 3D

LightWave(opens in new tab) was once the go-to app for sci-fi TV shows, but after a failed attempt to produce a modernised version, NewTek’s app lay fallow for several years. However it’s recently enjoyed something of a renaissance, and an updated version was introduced at the start of 2020.

Lightwave operates as two apps, Modeler – for building assets – and Layout for texturing, lighting, animation and rendering. A lot of the underlying toolset is quite old (although it’s had a lot of new features added in the last few years) but that doesn’t stop it from being a solid digital content creation suite, with lots of features and a fast interactive PBR renderer.

So ignore LightWave’s reputation: it’s a great 3D modelling app for learning the basics. You can try it for yourself with the 30-day free trial, while students can pick up a copy for just $195.

The best free 3D modelling software

A licence to use the best 3D modelling software doesn’t always come cheap. Luckily, there’s a whole host of powerful software available for free these days, as well as some companies that generously offer free versions of their paid-for tools.

To help you find the right one for you, we’ve selected the very best free 3D modelling software around for you to download today. So if you’re a 3D artist, we recommend bookmarking this page now.

1. Blender

If you’re looking for free 3D modelling software, it doesn’t get any better than Blender, the free modelling, texturing, animation and rendering app. This open-source program has been around for a while now, and in that time it’s acquired an army of artists, teachers and enthusiasts that are behind its continued development.

Blender boasts a highly impressive 3D modelling and sculpting toolset and is considered a completely viable alternative to paid modelling programs. In recent years it’s become increasingly prevalent in the pipelines of major studios. Blender was once notorious for its non-standard way of working, but a lot of these issues have been solved, so it will feel more familiar if you’re moving from another app.

2. Daz Studio

Previously retailing at $249, 3D software Daz 3D is currently available to download completely free of charge. It’s a 3D figure customisation, posing and animation tool that enables artists of all skill levels to create digital art using virtual people, animals, props, vehicles, accessories and environments.

3. SketchUp

SketchUp Free advertises itself as “the simplest free 3D modelling software on the web — no strings attached”, and it’s certainly very easy to use. Its core 3D modeller runs right in your web browser and offers 10GB of storage, plus there are user-generated and manufacturer-produced 3D models available for free to import into your projects. All this plus a free app to view your 3D models on mobile adds up to a great package at zero cost

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Source: https://blog.superrendersfarm.com/news/the-best-3d-modelling-software-in-2023/