Best 3D printing software in 2022

Tinkercad

A free online 3D modeling tool from Autodesk, Tinkercad is the software of any newbie’s dreams. Anyone from an aspiring designer to a teacher, an enthusiastic student to a 3D geek starting their 3D printing journey, will find it useful for making models out of any possible shape.

Essentially a grassroots 3D modeling solution, Tinkercad is light on features, yet a fun and immersive tool you can use to learn the basics with its many tutorials, a great library of files to manipulate, and effortless file exports to have your project instantly on its way to print.

Download Tinkercad – https://www.tinkercad.com

Artec Studio

Artec Studio is a software for 3D scanning and 3D data processing, which makes creating, editing, and processing even massive datasets quite straightforward. A wide range of intuitive tools in Artec Studio makes it incredibly useful for additive manufacturing. Some outstanding features include automatic glare removal for creating a perfectly uniform texture for your 3D model, and the newest mesh-splitting tool for quickly and precisely breaking an item into manageable chunks for 3D printing.

This user-friendly software features both Autopilot and Manual modes, which lets you decide how much control you have over making your 3D model. In Autopilot, this advanced 3D imaging software automatically chooses algorithms to make a full-fledged 3D model. Alternatively, there is a diverse range of CAD tools to touch up your 3D model manually with, while you maintain complete control over your data.

Blender

An open-source, feature-rich software, Blender has you covered for any aspect of 3D creation including 3D modeling, compositing, rigging, simulation, animation, video editing, motion tracking, and game creation. More popular than ever, this 3D creation suite supports the process in its entirety for both seasoned users and amateurs who are ready to challenge themselves and create more advanced 3D models. Blender’s mission statement as the ‘World’s best 3D CG technology in the hands of artists’ will prove to be true for any user. More good news? Tutorials are available in abundance for this software.

Download Blender – https://www.blender.org/download

OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a script-only based modeling software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. Originally designed for programmers, OpenSCAD uses a unique descriptive language to generate 3D models. Unlike most interactive modeling programs, this software focuses on the CAD aspects, rather than the creative aspects, of 3D modeling. What happens exactly? A user writes a code describing the parameters of the 3D object in a script file, which the software reads and renders the 3D model from. This technique is called constructive solid geometry. In addition to this, OpenSCAD can perform extrusion of 2D outlines, which means you can use a DFX file to read design parameters from. Finally, you can always employ OpenSCAD to design 3D printed parts exported in STL format.

Download OpenSCAD – https://openscad.org/downloads.html

3D Slash

Minecraft-inspired, 3DSlash is about block cutting to create shapes – we’ve found this to be as fascinating and fun as playing a computer game, while remaining a highly productive tool. Using a cube as a basic unit, little blocks can be slashed away with the hammer tool, or used to build an object with the trowel. The software boasts a resolution of up to 0.1 mm, so your 3D models are certain to be highly accurate.

The model you create can be either exported to a service provider like Sculpteo, or uploaded to Sketchfab. You can also edit a ready-to-use .STL file downloaded from partner platforms by selecting and chopping off the details you don’t intend to print. Once you have your .STL file whittled down to what you want or need, simply send it to your 3D printer. Apart from being compatible with a great number of 3D design sites, the software is also integrated into Google Drive, which is great for teamwork.

Download 3DSlash – https://www.3dslash.net/features_downloads.php

SketchUp Free

SketchUp Free (formerly known as SketchUp Make) is a free and basic version of cloud-based solution SketchUp. The option to draw lines and shapes directly in the cloud makes it ideal for complete beginners. A library of free models called 3D Warehouse is intended for personal use, and is especially useful for those who might need some inspiration with their 3D printing project.

User-friendly yet functional, SketchUp was originally created as a software for architectural design. It has become far more functional and powerful over the years with a diverse list of tools like painting, measuring, and displacement. Not primarily dedicated to additive manufacturing, this software has won 3D printing fans over because of its ease-of-use and versatility.

Try SketchUp Free – https://www.sketchup.com/try-sketchup

Vectary

Vectary was originally intended precisely for 3D designers and aimed at ergonomic 3D modeling, but it has since become a popular tool for anyone who wishes to express themselves creatively in 3D. The platform offers a combination of subdivision modeling, standard mesh modeling, and parametric plug-ins. Customizing your 3D designs is made easier with a repository of scenes and fully textured materials to choose from. Vectary Photon feature is also something to pay attention to – with its help, you can see rendering output right in your browser, and your 3D model is realistic even without the tedious work and changes to settings you would otherwise need to do. With your 3D models saved in the cloud, there is no need to export anything – you can go ahead and share the design on your website, print it on a 3D printer, or use it in AR.

Download Vectary – https://www.vectary.com

Simplify 3D

Simplify 3D makes a great difference when it comes to print quality. With this powerful and meticulously detailed slicing tool, you can not only cut your model into layers, you can fix it and preview the desired result, too. In addition to that, you are able to boost the quality of your 3D print in every aspect with a set of built-in features such as simulating your prints, finding optimal support structures, dual extrusion, and different print settings like layer modification. The broadest compatibility and the most optimized instructions for your 3D printer make this software one of the most popular and nuanced slicers on the market, living up to its excellent reputation.

Slic3r

Slic3r is an open-source 3D printing toolbox, which can be used to cut your 3D model into slices, preview a print, and calculate how much material needs to be extruded. The conditional G-code is an exclusive feature, helping you to modify your model’s G-code. One more thing that makes Slic3r stand out is real time incremental slicing, which helps you change settings without having to start slicing all over again. The process is also quick, thanks to multithreading for parallel computation. Another advantage: being able to print at several machines simultaneously (or, if need, to send your design straight to OctoPrint, a snappy 3D printer host). Also, all the features of the software’s intuitive interface are available from the command line. Finally, Slic3r is community driven: this means that any improvements, features, or emerging challenges are discussed in the GitHub repository.

Download Slic3r – https://slic3r.org/download

MatterControl

Creating, managing, and printing your 3D models are all entirely possible with this web-interface: it’s essentially a slicer that has integrated modeling software. MatterControl gives you more control over your 3D model’s G-code than many slicers ever could, thanks to its G-code terminal with a possibility for both input and output. The slicing process is quick and efficient, with important aspects like support generation and bed leveling fully covered. The developer’s website, MatterHackers, is integrated into the software, offering a great number of tutorials, a forum for 3D printing experts, and the possibility to save designs in the cloud. From an Android smartphone, you can even access your 3D printer through a special app.

Download MatterControl – https://www.matterhackers.com/downloads

KISSlicer

The name of this software comes from an adapted acronym (Keep It Simple, Slicer) but don’t let it fool you into thinking this slicing software doesn’t offer any complex functions. Depending on the version you use, the program can be used by both new and advanced users. KISSlicer is a cross-platform app, so you can quickly and easily generate G-code files from your 3D models. The Pro version of the software boasts many unusual features, such as combining several STL files into one print. Interestingly, this is one of the most localized apps, so, along with the traditional English version, you can use the app in Chinese, German, and Italian, to name a few. The 3D printer-specific settings and material optimization simplify slicing, and ensure greater coherence for your entire process.

PrusaSlicer

Many users prefer PrusaSlicer to other well-known open-source software due to its simpler interface, basic-to-advanced variety of modes, and tunable settings. Some handy features include resin and multi-material support, variable layer height options, modifier meshes, and conditional G-code.

Similar to Prusa’s printer line-up, the slicer lacks industrial ambition and is more makers-oriented, providing a good opportunity for 3D printing enthusiasts to save customized profiles, and share files and projects. All settings can be changed according to your skill level, and you can do all that without affecting your printer’s settings.

Download PrusaSlicer: https://help.prusa3d.com/en/article/download-prusaslicer_2220

IdeaMaker

IdeaMaker is a powerful software, originally designed specifically for Raise3D printers. Intuitive and efficient slicing is made possible by manual and automatic support generation, and automatically dividing complex parts in assemblies. Preparing your file for print can notably be done in just four clicks, mostly thanks to a wide array of settings and a 64-bit slicing engine. IdeaMaker features different categories of settings, which can help you deal with various 3D printing challenges, including stringing. To add to the impressive list of useful products associated with the software, the IdeaMaker Library is a great way to keep and access pre-prepared slicing profiles for a variety of 3D printers – and not only those manufactured by Raise3D.

Download IdeaMaker – https://www.ideamaker.io/download.html

Ultimaker CURA

The Cura platform is arguably the most popular 3D printing solution, which enables users to find many more educational resources available. This is especially useful for those who are just getting started with 3D printing. Available in 15 languages, Cura offers a vast marketplace of downloadable features, and supports many file formats including .X3D, which can encode color information. Another amazing thing about this software is that its custom scripts allow you to pause your prints at any stage of the process, thus inspiring experimentation. Novice users will find Cura amazingly easy to use, while 3D printing pros will certainly enjoy the sleek design combined with a great deal of control and customization.

Download Ultimaker Cura – https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura

Repetier Host

Repetier Host is an all-in-one solution, and one that has been called the great-granddaddy of 3D printing software. Aimed at a more advanced 3D printing audience, this free software is perfect for professional 3D printing projects. The program supports leading slicing engines such as Slic3r and CuraEngine, and provides remote access to your printer, so printing can be done both directly and wirelessly. Repetier Host brings undeniable benefits such as Virtual Print Bed which allows you to manipulate multiple 3D models and then print them simultaneously. Yet another striking feature of the software is Velocity Painting, which can change the thickness of the extrusion to create images. Professional 3D printing jobs become much less of a hassle with Repetier Host, with one downside being that users are expected to be quite advanced in order to use it effectively.

Download Repetier Host – https://www.repetier.com/download-now

OctoPrint

A smart web interface, OctoPrint will help you monitor, control, and manage your 3D printer – or several printers, for that matter. It is an open-source, powerful software that greatly streamlines the printing process by letting you control extrusion, adjust temperature, send G-codes, start or pause your project remotely, and track print progress and stats. With a plethora of plug-ins available for download, you can easily deal with any specialized 3D printing challenge, and enhance your print quality. To illustrate, you can view the codes sent to your printer in real time, calibrate your 3D printer when viewing system presets, or create a time-lapse video of the process. Finally, one killer feature no other software can boast is Spaghetti detective: a pro level plugin that uses AI to detect failed prints. If printing takes more or less time than necessary, you get a notification and have a chance to step in and stop printing in time!

Download OctoPrint – https://octoprint.org/download

AstroPrint

AstroPrint can only be used with a particular group of printers, namely AstroBox-enabled 3D printers. Despite this limitation, the software is popular thanks to its analytical capabilities. AstroPrint keeps track of everything from settings and print files to project success assessment. You can easily control, manage, and monitor your 3D printer while making necessary adjustments for projects to come. AstroPrint is cloud-based, so you can access and monitor any 3D printing job through your preferred browser. The software is also compatible with 3D modeling, 3D CAD, and slicing software, with Thingiverse and 3D Slash among them – this means you won’t have to switch between platforms or apps.

Download AstroPrint – https://www.astroprint.com/download-3d-printer-software