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Best 3D Modeling Software

Brianna Bajwa
BB
Researched and written by Brianna Bajwa

3D modeling software refers to programs that design basic three-dimensional models of objects or characters. To flesh out the models with realistic details, the tools include supplemental features, like 3D painting features to add textures, lighting, and color. Once the software has completed the models, they can come to “life" using 3D rendering and 3D animation tools.

More and more often, industries such as television and film, gaming, marketing, and virtual reality turn to these 3D tools to create their work. These programs are used by industries including television and motion picture, video game, marketing, and virtual reality. After they are created using 3D modeling software, Graphic designers can utilize crude 3D models without rendering for use on websites and media stills. Tools with 3D capabilities that are specifically for building design and architecture, civil engineering design, or other CAD-related functions, are not included in the 3D Modeling category.

To qualify for inclusion in the 3D Modeling category, a product must:

Provide tools for constructing and modifying 3D graphic models
Allow users to store and export completed models
Not be specifically created for building design and architecture, civil engineering design, or CAD

Best 3D Modeling Software At A Glance

Best for Small Businesses:
Best for Mid-Market:
Best for Enterprise:
Highest User Satisfaction:
Best Free Software:
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Best for Enterprise:
Highest User Satisfaction:
Best Free Software:

G2 takes pride in showing unbiased reviews on user satisfaction in our ratings and reports. We do not allow paid placements in any of our ratings, rankings, or reports. Learn about our scoring methodologies.

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184 Listings in 3D Modeling Available
(1,303)4.5 out of 5
2nd Easiest To Use in 3D Modeling software
View top Consulting Services for SketchUp
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:$119.00
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    SketchUp helps architects and designers turn their ideas into reality with simple, powerful 3D modeling software. Whether your design is massive or miniature, we'll be with you every step of the way.

    Users
    • Architect
    • Designer
    Industries
    • Architecture & Planning
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 75% Small-Business
    • 18% Mid-Market
    User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
    • SketchUp is a 3D design software that allows users to create and visualize models with a vast library of objects and supports rendering software such as Enscape and V-ray.
    • Reviewers frequently mention the software's ease of use, its ability to quickly create 3D models, and its vast library of pre-made components and textures that speed up the design process.
    • Reviewers mentioned that the software requires a lot of time to make things photorealistic, experiences occasional bugs, and lacks precision tools for tasks where exact measurements are critical.
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • SketchUp Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    318
    3D Modeling
    179
    Drawing
    119
    3D Visualization
    109
    Intuitive
    106
    Cons
    Missing Features
    74
    3D Modeling Issues
    63
    Limited Modeling Capabilities
    59
    Limited Features
    50
    Learning Curve
    44
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • SketchUp features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    7.5
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    8.1
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    6.6
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    6.8
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Trimble
    Year Founded
    1978
    HQ Location
    Sunnyvale, CA
    Twitter
    @TrimbleCorpNews
    11,574 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    9,167 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

SketchUp helps architects and designers turn their ideas into reality with simple, powerful 3D modeling software. Whether your design is massive or miniature, we'll be with you every step of the way.

Users
  • Architect
  • Designer
Industries
  • Architecture & Planning
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 75% Small-Business
  • 18% Mid-Market
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
  • SketchUp is a 3D design software that allows users to create and visualize models with a vast library of objects and supports rendering software such as Enscape and V-ray.
  • Reviewers frequently mention the software's ease of use, its ability to quickly create 3D models, and its vast library of pre-made components and textures that speed up the design process.
  • Reviewers mentioned that the software requires a lot of time to make things photorealistic, experiences occasional bugs, and lacks precision tools for tasks where exact measurements are critical.
SketchUp Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
318
3D Modeling
179
Drawing
119
3D Visualization
109
Intuitive
106
Cons
Missing Features
74
3D Modeling Issues
63
Limited Modeling Capabilities
59
Limited Features
50
Learning Curve
44
SketchUp features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
7.5
Controls
Average: 8.2
8.1
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
6.6
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
6.8
Topology
Average: 7.7
Seller Details
Seller
Trimble
Year Founded
1978
HQ Location
Sunnyvale, CA
Twitter
@TrimbleCorpNews
11,574 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
9,167 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ
(297)4.6 out of 5
View top Consulting Services for Blender
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Blender is an open source 3D creation suite that supports the 3D pipeline, modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion tracking, video editing, and game creation.

    Users
    • Software Engineer
    Industries
    • Animation
    • Computer Games
    Market Segment
    • 74% Small-Business
    • 12% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Blender Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    18
    3D Modeling
    16
    Animation
    14
    Features
    13
    Modeling
    13
    Cons
    Learning Curve
    15
    Difficult Learning
    13
    Complex Interface
    11
    Steep Learning Curve
    11
    Learning Difficulty
    9
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Blender features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.3
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    8.5
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    8.6
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    8.3
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • What G2 Users Think
    Expand/Collapse What G2 Users Think
  • User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Blender, left between February 2022 and May 2022.
    • Reviewers like the robust features and frequent updates offered by Blender such as UV mapping, texturing objects, animations and more to support complex modeling for 3D printing.
    • Reviewers value that Blender is an open-source free-to-use software, even though some have noted that the user-interface is a bit complicated, especially for beginners.
    • Reviewers appreciate the functional versatility that Blender offers, as users are able to use it for 3D modeling, 3D rendering, 2D animation, texturing, and more- but some mention that there is a steep learning curve.
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Blender
    Year Founded
    2002
    HQ Location
    Amsterdam
    Twitter
    @BlenderDev
    84,968 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    968 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Blender is an open source 3D creation suite that supports the 3D pipeline, modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion tracking, video editing, and game creation.

Users
  • Software Engineer
Industries
  • Animation
  • Computer Games
Market Segment
  • 74% Small-Business
  • 12% Mid-Market
Blender Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
18
3D Modeling
16
Animation
14
Features
13
Modeling
13
Cons
Learning Curve
15
Difficult Learning
13
Complex Interface
11
Steep Learning Curve
11
Learning Difficulty
9
Blender features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.3
Controls
Average: 8.2
8.5
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
8.6
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
8.3
Topology
Average: 7.7
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Blender, left between February 2022 and May 2022.
  • Reviewers like the robust features and frequent updates offered by Blender such as UV mapping, texturing objects, animations and more to support complex modeling for 3D printing.
  • Reviewers value that Blender is an open-source free-to-use software, even though some have noted that the user-interface is a bit complicated, especially for beginners.
  • Reviewers appreciate the functional versatility that Blender offers, as users are able to use it for 3D modeling, 3D rendering, 2D animation, texturing, and more- but some mention that there is a steep learning curve.
Seller Details
Seller
Blender
Year Founded
2002
HQ Location
Amsterdam
Twitter
@BlenderDev
84,968 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
968 employees on LinkedIn®

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(262)4.3 out of 5
3rd Easiest To Use in 3D Modeling software
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Bring your imagination to life with Maya® 3D animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering software. Maya helps artists tell their story with one fast, creative toolset.

    Users
    • 3D Artist
    • Director
    Industries
    • Animation
    • Computer Games
    Market Segment
    • 60% Small-Business
    • 24% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Maya Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    3D Modeling
    27
    Animation
    26
    Modeling
    24
    Ease of Use
    19
    Features
    16
    Cons
    Difficult Learning
    18
    Expensive
    16
    Learning Curve
    13
    Inaccessibility for Beginners
    12
    Complex Interface
    10
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Maya features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.5
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    7.7
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    8.8
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    8.7
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • What G2 Users Think
    Expand/Collapse What G2 Users Think
  • User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Maya, left between January 2022 and February 2022.
    • Reviewers like that Maya is a powerful tool that can edit large data sets in a short amount of time to create realistic 3D models- but some mention that it is very costly.
    • Reviewers appreciate the complete 3D package that Maya offers, especially for animation purposes, but some say that it is difficult to master.
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Autodesk
    Year Founded
    1982
    HQ Location
    San Francisco
    Twitter
    @autodesk
    283,861 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    15,711 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ:ADSK
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Bring your imagination to life with Maya® 3D animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering software. Maya helps artists tell their story with one fast, creative toolset.

Users
  • 3D Artist
  • Director
Industries
  • Animation
  • Computer Games
Market Segment
  • 60% Small-Business
  • 24% Mid-Market
Maya Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
3D Modeling
27
Animation
26
Modeling
24
Ease of Use
19
Features
16
Cons
Difficult Learning
18
Expensive
16
Learning Curve
13
Inaccessibility for Beginners
12
Complex Interface
10
Maya features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.5
Controls
Average: 8.2
7.7
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
8.8
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
8.7
Topology
Average: 7.7
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Maya, left between January 2022 and February 2022.
  • Reviewers like that Maya is a powerful tool that can edit large data sets in a short amount of time to create realistic 3D models- but some mention that it is very costly.
  • Reviewers appreciate the complete 3D package that Maya offers, especially for animation purposes, but some say that it is difficult to master.
Seller Details
Seller
Autodesk
Year Founded
1982
HQ Location
San Francisco
Twitter
@autodesk
283,861 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
15,711 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ:ADSK
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Creo helps you deliver your best designs in less time with numerous productivity and usability enhancements. Manufacturers rely on PTC to deliver innovative CAD tools for designing composites, conduct

    Users
    • Design Engineer
    • Mechanical Design Engineer
    Industries
    • Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
    • Automotive
    Market Segment
    • 38% Enterprise
    • 35% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Creo Parametric Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    16
    Features
    7
    User Interface
    7
    Easy Learning
    6
    Efficiency
    6
    Cons
    3D Modeling Issues
    7
    Crashes
    7
    Performance Issues
    5
    3D Modeling
    4
    Missing Features
    4
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Creo Parametric features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.6
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    7.7
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    8.4
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    8.4
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    PTC
    Year Founded
    1985
    HQ Location
    Boston, Massachusetts
    Twitter
    @PTC
    38,536 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    8,137 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ: PTC
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Creo helps you deliver your best designs in less time with numerous productivity and usability enhancements. Manufacturers rely on PTC to deliver innovative CAD tools for designing composites, conduct

Users
  • Design Engineer
  • Mechanical Design Engineer
Industries
  • Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
  • Automotive
Market Segment
  • 38% Enterprise
  • 35% Mid-Market
Creo Parametric Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
16
Features
7
User Interface
7
Easy Learning
6
Efficiency
6
Cons
3D Modeling Issues
7
Crashes
7
Performance Issues
5
3D Modeling
4
Missing Features
4
Creo Parametric features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.6
Controls
Average: 8.2
7.7
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
8.4
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
8.4
Topology
Average: 7.7
Seller Details
Seller
PTC
Year Founded
1985
HQ Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Twitter
@PTC
38,536 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
8,137 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ: PTC
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    NVIDIA Omniverse™ is an easily extensible, open platform built for virtual collaboration and real-time physically accurate simulation. Creators, designers, researchers, and engineers can connect major

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    No information available
    Market Segment
    • 47% Small-Business
    • 33% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • NVIDIA Omniverse Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    3D Visualization
    5
    Ease of Use
    5
    Realistic Rendering
    5
    Visualization
    3
    Workflow Efficiency
    3
    Cons
    High Hardware Requirements
    3
    Performance Issues
    3
    Crashes
    2
    Slow Loading
    2
    Update Issues
    2
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • NVIDIA Omniverse features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.6
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    8.0
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    8.6
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    9.0
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    NVIDIA
    Year Founded
    1993
    HQ Location
    Santa Clara, CA
    Twitter
    @nvidia
    2,318,432 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    36,197 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NVDA
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

NVIDIA Omniverse™ is an easily extensible, open platform built for virtual collaboration and real-time physically accurate simulation. Creators, designers, researchers, and engineers can connect major

Users
No information available
Industries
No information available
Market Segment
  • 47% Small-Business
  • 33% Mid-Market
NVIDIA Omniverse Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
3D Visualization
5
Ease of Use
5
Realistic Rendering
5
Visualization
3
Workflow Efficiency
3
Cons
High Hardware Requirements
3
Performance Issues
3
Crashes
2
Slow Loading
2
Update Issues
2
NVIDIA Omniverse features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.6
Controls
Average: 8.2
8.0
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
8.6
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
9.0
Topology
Average: 7.7
Seller Details
Seller
NVIDIA
Year Founded
1993
HQ Location
Santa Clara, CA
Twitter
@nvidia
2,318,432 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
36,197 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NVDA
(87)4.6 out of 5
1st Easiest To Use in 3D Modeling software
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:$25.00
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Coohom, a leading global cloud-based, all-in-one 3D design platform, that provides software and services to empowers designers and businesses to effortlesssly bring ideas to life, streamline processes

    Users
    • Architect
    Industries
    • Architecture & Planning
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 90% Small-Business
    • 9% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Coohom Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    42
    Rendering Capabilities
    33
    Realistic Rendering
    30
    Rendering
    23
    Speed
    21
    Cons
    Lack of Features
    10
    Expensive
    9
    3D Modeling Issues
    8
    Limited Modeling Capabilities
    7
    Limited Features
    6
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Coohom features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.6
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    8.1
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    8.2
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    8.1
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Coohom
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    2018
    HQ Location
    New York
    Twitter
    @coohom
    812 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    132 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Coohom, a leading global cloud-based, all-in-one 3D design platform, that provides software and services to empowers designers and businesses to effortlesssly bring ideas to life, streamline processes

Users
  • Architect
Industries
  • Architecture & Planning
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 90% Small-Business
  • 9% Mid-Market
Coohom Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
42
Rendering Capabilities
33
Realistic Rendering
30
Rendering
23
Speed
21
Cons
Lack of Features
10
Expensive
9
3D Modeling Issues
8
Limited Modeling Capabilities
7
Limited Features
6
Coohom features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.6
Controls
Average: 8.2
8.1
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
8.2
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
8.1
Topology
Average: 7.7
Seller Details
Seller
Coohom
Company Website
Year Founded
2018
HQ Location
New York
Twitter
@coohom
812 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
132 employees on LinkedIn®
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Adobe Dimension CC makes it easy for graphic designers to create high-quality, photorealistic 3D images.It composites 2D and 3D assets to build product shots, scene visualizations, and abstract art.

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Graphic Design
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 65% Small-Business
    • 19% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Adobe Dimension Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    8
    3D Modeling
    5
    3D Visualization
    4
    Realistic Rendering
    4
    Integrations
    3
    Cons
    Difficult Learning
    5
    Poor Material Quality
    3
    3D Modeling Issues
    2
    Complex Interface
    2
    Difficulty for Beginners
    2
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Adobe Dimension features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.2
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    8.7
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    8.0
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    7.7
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Adobe
    Year Founded
    1982
    HQ Location
    San Jose, CA
    Twitter
    @Adobe
    973,290 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    42,285 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ:ADBE
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Adobe Dimension CC makes it easy for graphic designers to create high-quality, photorealistic 3D images.It composites 2D and 3D assets to build product shots, scene visualizations, and abstract art.

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Graphic Design
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 65% Small-Business
  • 19% Mid-Market
Adobe Dimension Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
8
3D Modeling
5
3D Visualization
4
Realistic Rendering
4
Integrations
3
Cons
Difficult Learning
5
Poor Material Quality
3
3D Modeling Issues
2
Complex Interface
2
Difficulty for Beginners
2
Adobe Dimension features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.2
Controls
Average: 8.2
8.7
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
8.0
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
7.7
Topology
Average: 7.7
Seller Details
Seller
Adobe
Year Founded
1982
HQ Location
San Jose, CA
Twitter
@Adobe
973,290 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
42,285 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ:ADBE
(280)4.3 out of 5
5th Easiest To Use in 3D Modeling software
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:$460 per quarter
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    3ds Max Design software is a comprehensive 3D design, modeling, animation, and rendering solution for architects, designers, civil engineers, and visualization specialists.

    Users
    • Interior Designer
    • Architect
    Industries
    • Architecture & Planning
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 62% Small-Business
    • 24% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • 3ds Max Design Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    3D Modeling
    1
    3D Visualization
    1
    Animation
    1
    Creativity
    1
    Design Innovation
    1
    Cons
    Difficult Learning
    2
    Crashes
    1
    Difficult Modelling
    1
    High Hardware Requirements
    1
    High System Requirements
    1
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • 3ds Max Design features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.2
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    7.6
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    7.9
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    7.9
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • What G2 Users Think
    Expand/Collapse What G2 Users Think
  • User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for 3ds Max Design, left between February 2022 and March 2022.
    • Reviewers appreciate that 3ds Max Design enables them to design 3D models and create a high resolution rendering of the model, which allow animations to be lifelike.
    • Reviewers like that this product can be used widely in the architecture industry because of the photorealistic renderings it can create.
    • Reviewers enjoy 3ds Max Design’s intuitive user interface- but some think the interface could be more harmonious with other Autodesk products.
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Autodesk
    Year Founded
    1982
    HQ Location
    San Francisco
    Twitter
    @autodesk
    283,861 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    15,711 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ:ADSK
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

3ds Max Design software is a comprehensive 3D design, modeling, animation, and rendering solution for architects, designers, civil engineers, and visualization specialists.

Users
  • Interior Designer
  • Architect
Industries
  • Architecture & Planning
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 62% Small-Business
  • 24% Mid-Market
3ds Max Design Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
3D Modeling
1
3D Visualization
1
Animation
1
Creativity
1
Design Innovation
1
Cons
Difficult Learning
2
Crashes
1
Difficult Modelling
1
High Hardware Requirements
1
High System Requirements
1
3ds Max Design features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.2
Controls
Average: 8.2
7.6
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
7.9
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
7.9
Topology
Average: 7.7
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for 3ds Max Design, left between February 2022 and March 2022.
  • Reviewers appreciate that 3ds Max Design enables them to design 3D models and create a high resolution rendering of the model, which allow animations to be lifelike.
  • Reviewers like that this product can be used widely in the architecture industry because of the photorealistic renderings it can create.
  • Reviewers enjoy 3ds Max Design’s intuitive user interface- but some think the interface could be more harmonious with other Autodesk products.
Seller Details
Seller
Autodesk
Year Founded
1982
HQ Location
San Francisco
Twitter
@autodesk
283,861 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
15,711 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ:ADSK
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Use ReCap reality capture software to convert reality into a 3D model or 2D drawing that's ready for further design.

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Construction
    • Architecture & Planning
    Market Segment
    • 61% Mid-Market
    • 29% Small-Business
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Recap Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    1
    Editing Ease
    1
    Integration Support
    1
    Visualization
    1
    Cons
    This product has not yet received any negative sentiments.
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Recap features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    7.1
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    8.1
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    7.8
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    7.2
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Autodesk
    Year Founded
    1982
    HQ Location
    San Francisco
    Twitter
    @autodesk
    283,861 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    15,711 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ:ADSK
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Use ReCap reality capture software to convert reality into a 3D model or 2D drawing that's ready for further design.

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Construction
  • Architecture & Planning
Market Segment
  • 61% Mid-Market
  • 29% Small-Business
Recap Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
1
Editing Ease
1
Integration Support
1
Visualization
1
Cons
This product has not yet received any negative sentiments.
Recap features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
7.1
Controls
Average: 8.2
8.1
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
7.8
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
7.2
Topology
Average: 7.7
Seller Details
Seller
Autodesk
Year Founded
1982
HQ Location
San Francisco
Twitter
@autodesk
283,861 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
15,711 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ:ADSK
(134)4.6 out of 5
View top Consulting Services for Cinema 4D
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Cinema 4D Studio is the very best that MAXON has to offer for professional 3D artists. If you want to create advanced 3D graphics but need a helping hand to ensure you create jaw-dropping graphics qui

    Users
    • Creative Director
    Industries
    • Design
    • Animation
    Market Segment
    • 72% Small-Business
    • 15% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Cinema 4D Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    3
    Tutorials
    3
    User Interface
    3
    3D Modeling
    2
    Animation
    2
    Cons
    Difficult Learning
    3
    3D Modeling Issues
    2
    Complex Interface
    2
    Inaccessibility for Beginners
    2
    Learning Curve
    2
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Cinema 4D features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.2
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    8.4
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    8.4
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    7.7
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • What G2 Users Think
    Expand/Collapse What G2 Users Think
  • User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Cinema 4D, left between March 2022 and June 2022.
    • Reviewers like that Cinema 4D can be used for a wide range of 3D applications to create high quality visualizations, however some mention that it lacks adequate training documentation.
    • Reviewers appreciate the impressive animation tools that Cinema 4D offers, especially because of the clean and visually appealing work environment, but some modeling tools, such as retopology, can be improved.
    • Reviewers enjoy how easy this product is to use, however some say it is very expensive.
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    MAXON
    Year Founded
    1986
    HQ Location
    Friedrichsdorf, Germany
    Twitter
    @maxon3d
    60 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    346 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Cinema 4D Studio is the very best that MAXON has to offer for professional 3D artists. If you want to create advanced 3D graphics but need a helping hand to ensure you create jaw-dropping graphics qui

Users
  • Creative Director
Industries
  • Design
  • Animation
Market Segment
  • 72% Small-Business
  • 15% Mid-Market
Cinema 4D Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
3
Tutorials
3
User Interface
3
3D Modeling
2
Animation
2
Cons
Difficult Learning
3
3D Modeling Issues
2
Complex Interface
2
Inaccessibility for Beginners
2
Learning Curve
2
Cinema 4D features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.2
Controls
Average: 8.2
8.4
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
8.4
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
7.7
Topology
Average: 7.7
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Cinema 4D, left between March 2022 and June 2022.
  • Reviewers like that Cinema 4D can be used for a wide range of 3D applications to create high quality visualizations, however some mention that it lacks adequate training documentation.
  • Reviewers appreciate the impressive animation tools that Cinema 4D offers, especially because of the clean and visually appealing work environment, but some modeling tools, such as retopology, can be improved.
  • Reviewers enjoy how easy this product is to use, however some say it is very expensive.
Seller Details
Seller
MAXON
Year Founded
1986
HQ Location
Friedrichsdorf, Germany
Twitter
@maxon3d
60 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
346 employees on LinkedIn®
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    PV Elite® is a complete solution for vessel and heat exchanger design, analysis and evaluation. The program is easy to learn and use so it is perfect for users requiring fast start-up and confidence i

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Oil & Energy
    Market Segment
    • 38% Mid-Market
    • 33% Enterprise
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • PV Elite Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    3
    Usability
    3
    Customer Support
    2
    Speed
    2
    User Interface
    2
    Cons
    CAD Integration
    1
    Slow Loading
    1
    Update Issues
    1
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • PV Elite features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    7.8
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    8.6
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    8.0
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    8.1
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    HQ Location
    Stockholm
    Twitter
    @HexagonAB
    12,322 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    841 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

PV Elite® is a complete solution for vessel and heat exchanger design, analysis and evaluation. The program is easy to learn and use so it is perfect for users requiring fast start-up and confidence i

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Oil & Energy
Market Segment
  • 38% Mid-Market
  • 33% Enterprise
PV Elite Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
3
Usability
3
Customer Support
2
Speed
2
User Interface
2
Cons
CAD Integration
1
Slow Loading
1
Update Issues
1
PV Elite features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
7.8
Controls
Average: 8.2
8.6
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
8.0
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
8.1
Topology
Average: 7.7
Seller Details
HQ Location
Stockholm
Twitter
@HexagonAB
12,322 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
841 employees on LinkedIn®
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Craft a specific catalog of materials from real-world references, or simply experiment to until you find results you love – in all cases, Alchemist brings phenomenal speed and ease of use to your work

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Animation
    Market Segment
    • 68% Small-Business
    • 24% Mid-Market
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Adobe Substance 3D Sampler features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.3
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    8.8
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    8.8
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    7.9
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Adobe
    Year Founded
    1982
    HQ Location
    San Jose, CA
    Twitter
    @Adobe
    973,290 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    42,285 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ:ADBE
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Craft a specific catalog of materials from real-world references, or simply experiment to until you find results you love – in all cases, Alchemist brings phenomenal speed and ease of use to your work

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Animation
Market Segment
  • 68% Small-Business
  • 24% Mid-Market
Adobe Substance 3D Sampler features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.3
Controls
Average: 8.2
8.8
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
8.8
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
7.9
Topology
Average: 7.7
Seller Details
Seller
Adobe
Year Founded
1982
HQ Location
San Jose, CA
Twitter
@Adobe
973,290 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
42,285 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ:ADBE
(358)4.5 out of 5
4th Easiest To Use in 3D Modeling software
View top Consulting Services for Unity
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Unity is the world’s leading platform for creating and operating interactive, RT3D content. Creators, ranging from game developers to artists, architects,and automotive designers to filmmakers and mor

    Users
    • Unity Developer
    • Game Developer
    Industries
    • Computer Games
    • Computer Software
    Market Segment
    • 74% Small-Business
    • 18% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Unity Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    16
    Ease of Learning
    8
    Integrations
    8
    Community Support
    7
    Affordable
    6
    Cons
    Expensive
    6
    Complex Interface
    4
    Crashes
    4
    High Subscription Cost
    4
    Software Instability
    4
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Unity features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.5
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    8.3
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    8.5
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    7.5
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • What G2 Users Think
    Expand/Collapse What G2 Users Think
  • User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Unity, left between January 2022 and April 2022.
    • Reviewers appreciate Unity’s asset shot, which allows users to purchase and download scripts directly from their platform, reducing the amount of time searching for or developing scripts.
    • Reviewers find it useful that the Unity community is so large, because other users are readily available to help them resolve issues.
    • Reviewers like that Unity is a cross-platform application, because it can run on multiple platform types, such as Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux- but some find it difficult to learn how to use at first.
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Unity
    Year Founded
    2010
    HQ Location
    San Fransisco
    Twitter
    @unity
    104,812 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    1 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Unity is the world’s leading platform for creating and operating interactive, RT3D content. Creators, ranging from game developers to artists, architects,and automotive designers to filmmakers and mor

Users
  • Unity Developer
  • Game Developer
Industries
  • Computer Games
  • Computer Software
Market Segment
  • 74% Small-Business
  • 18% Mid-Market
Unity Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
16
Ease of Learning
8
Integrations
8
Community Support
7
Affordable
6
Cons
Expensive
6
Complex Interface
4
Crashes
4
High Subscription Cost
4
Software Instability
4
Unity features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.5
Controls
Average: 8.2
8.3
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
8.5
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
7.5
Topology
Average: 7.7
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights are written by G2's Market Research team, using actual user reviews for Unity, left between January 2022 and April 2022.
  • Reviewers appreciate Unity’s asset shot, which allows users to purchase and download scripts directly from their platform, reducing the amount of time searching for or developing scripts.
  • Reviewers find it useful that the Unity community is so large, because other users are readily available to help them resolve issues.
  • Reviewers like that Unity is a cross-platform application, because it can run on multiple platform types, such as Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux- but some find it difficult to learn how to use at first.
Seller Details
Seller
Unity
Year Founded
2010
HQ Location
San Fransisco
Twitter
@unity
104,812 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
1 employees on LinkedIn®
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Born in the fashion industry and trusted by over 1000 apparel brands and manufacturers worldwide, Browzwear has transformed tedious physical processes into efficient, collaborative digital workflows.

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Apparel & Fashion
    • Design
    Market Segment
    • 58% Small-Business
    • 29% Enterprise
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Browzwear Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    8
    3D Visualization
    5
    Product Quality
    5
    Easy Learning
    4
    Product Design
    4
    Cons
    3D Modeling Issues
    4
    Limited Rendering Capabilities
    4
    Crashes
    3
    Not User-Friendly
    3
    Poor Rendering Quality
    3
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Browzwear features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.3
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    9.1
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    8.7
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    8.0
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Year Founded
    1999
    HQ Location
    Singapore, Singapore
    Twitter
    @browzwear
    898 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    185 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Born in the fashion industry and trusted by over 1000 apparel brands and manufacturers worldwide, Browzwear has transformed tedious physical processes into efficient, collaborative digital workflows.

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Apparel & Fashion
  • Design
Market Segment
  • 58% Small-Business
  • 29% Enterprise
Browzwear Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
8
3D Visualization
5
Product Quality
5
Easy Learning
4
Product Design
4
Cons
3D Modeling Issues
4
Limited Rendering Capabilities
4
Crashes
3
Not User-Friendly
3
Poor Rendering Quality
3
Browzwear features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.3
Controls
Average: 8.2
9.1
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
8.7
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
8.0
Topology
Average: 7.7
Seller Details
Year Founded
1999
HQ Location
Singapore, Singapore
Twitter
@browzwear
898 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
185 employees on LinkedIn®
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Tilt Brush lets you paint in 3D space with virtual reality. Your room is your canvas. Your palette is your imagination. The possibilities are endless.

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    No information available
    Market Segment
    • 62% Small-Business
    • 23% Mid-Market
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Tilt Brush features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.0
    Controls
    Average: 8.2
    7.9
    Quality of Support
    Average: 8.1
    6.0
    Pipeline
    Average: 8.0
    7.3
    Topology
    Average: 7.7
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Google
    Year Founded
    1998
    HQ Location
    Mountain View, CA
    Twitter
    @google
    32,520,271 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    301,875 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ:GOOG
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Tilt Brush lets you paint in 3D space with virtual reality. Your room is your canvas. Your palette is your imagination. The possibilities are endless.

Users
No information available
Industries
No information available
Market Segment
  • 62% Small-Business
  • 23% Mid-Market
Tilt Brush features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.0
Controls
Average: 8.2
7.9
Quality of Support
Average: 8.1
6.0
Pipeline
Average: 8.0
7.3
Topology
Average: 7.7
Seller Details
Seller
Google
Year Founded
1998
HQ Location
Mountain View, CA
Twitter
@google
32,520,271 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
301,875 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ:GOOG

Learn More About 3D Modeling Software

What is 3D Modeling Software?

3D modeling completely transforms the way creative teams approach product design projects. While 2D still serves a purpose for floor plans and schematics, 3D modeling gives people a more realistic view of a final design. With 3D rendering capabilities, creators can even place their designs in real-life environments to demonstrate how their products might interact in the real world. For animators and game designers, these tools are invaluable to their artistic vision, while product designers and marketers are able to rely on 3D software to design a product that meets consumer needs.

3D modeling software has many computer-aided design (CAD) software capabilities, but it serves a different set of industries. CAD software is used to create industrial or mechanical designs, but 3D modeling is more common in animation, game design, and 3D printable models. 3D modeling software gives users direct input into each vertex and manipulates shapes that look more organic. It allows users to play with geometry in a way that creates hyper-accurate models.

Features of 3D modeling software

A base product for 3D modeling software often has limited features, but plugins can offer additional functionality.

  • UV mapping is the 3D modeling process of projecting a 2D image onto a 3D model’s surface for the purpose of texture mapping. Most 3D modeling software comes with UV editing features that let users move, scale, and generally modify the UV topology for a surface.
  • Sculpting features allow users to form virtual 3D surfaces as if they were made of clay. This feature allows more free-form editing and creates complex models with tools such as pushing, pulling, smoothing, and pinching the digital object. Sculpting is beneficial across various industries, such as game design, character animation, and product design.
  • Rendering puts the final touches on  3D models. It involves adding texture, color, and light to make them appear authentic. Most 3D modeling software offers features to help render, but other platforms are specifically dedicated to this process and might be a better fit if rendering is your focus.
  • Animation is probably an obvious feature of 3D modeling software. Some tools provide users with options that bring characters and objects to life. This can include adding expressions and realistic motion to characters. It’s mostly used by animators and video game designers.
  • Simulations help give a deeper, realistic representation of objects. Simulation features allow users to produce effects such as rain, fire, or wind.
  • Component libraries are provided by most 3D modeling software platforms. This includes pre-made geometric shapes so users don’t have to model from scratch.
  • Collaboration features allow multiple users to work on a model simultaneously. Users can leave notes, annotations, and edits. Having multiple team members on a design can speed up the process and eliminate the need for more reworks.

Benefits of 3D modeling software

  • Prototyping: 3D modeling is one of the easiest ways to show stakeholders what a final product will look like. 3D modeling can make virtual prototypes, allowing for testing and validation before building physical prototypes.
  • Simulation: 3D modeling software is a powerful tool for engineers that helps simulate the behavior of structures, mechanisms, or fluid dynamics, enabling creators to optimize designs for performance and efficiency.
  • Productivity and cost: There’s no longer a need to manufacture prototypes if you use 3D modeling software because all of the creation happens on the computer and the printer.  Unnecessary labor and associated costs with manufacturing are eliminated and design issues with the model can also be identified, which prevents nonessential reworks down the line.
  • Collaboration: The software often supports collaborative features so multiple users can work on the same project. This is especially valuable for remote teams working on complex projects.

Types of 3D modeling 

The choice of 3D modeling software depends on a project's specific requirements, the industry, and the desired level of detail and precision. Many 3D artists and designers use a combination of these techniques according to the task at hand. 

  • Wireframe modeling represents 3D objects using lines and curves to define the shape. Wireframing focuses on the underlying structure of the object without considering surface details.
  • Surface modeling defines the outer shape of an object and its surfaces. It is often used in industrial and automotive designs to create smooth and aesthetically pleasing surfaces.
  • Solid modeling creates realistic 3D objects with volume. It's widely used in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing to represent physical objects precisely.
  • Polygonal modeling is common in video games, virtual reality, and computer-generated imagery (CGI) for movies. Objects are represented by a mesh of polygons (typically triangles or quadrangles). 
  • Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) modeling represents 3D geometry using mathematical curves. It's commonly applied in automotive design and animation industries to make smooth and precise surfaces.
  • Parametric modeling involves defining 3D objects using parameters or mathematical equations. Changes to one part of the model can then automatically update related components. It's often used in engineering and product design.
  • Procedural modeling involves creating 3D models through algorithms and rules rather than manual manipulation. It's useful for generating complex and detailed environments, such as landscapes and cityscapes.
  • CAD modeling is widely used in engineering and architecture to make technical drawings and models. It involves parametric and solid modeling techniques.

Who uses 3D modeling software?

The animation, gaming, and industrial design industries have embraced 3D modeling software. However, it is also used by marketers, architects, and hobbyists. For example, marketers can use 3D modeling software to demo their products for advertising, and architects turn to 3D modeling software to visually develop their projects. Hobbyists who want to play around with 3D creation also find much use for the tool. 

  • Product designers in a variety of different fields utilize 3D modeling software to bring models from conceptualization to completion. It helps them identify any issues before the model is put into production, saving companies time and money on reworks.
  • Animators are some of the most prevalent users nowadays. Many of the top animation studios use 3D modeling software to create characters, objects, digital sculpting, and a variety of other models that they use in their shows and films.
  • Game designers can find all their desired features with 3D modeling software, including character creation tools, body simulation, texturing, and motion graphics.
  • Architectural planners use 3D modeling for architectural drawing, as it allows viewers to experience an entire structure and its surroundings.

What does 3D modeling software cost?

The pricing of 3D modeling software ranges from free to more than $500, with paid versions having more functionality and support than free versions. This encompasses one-off fees, annual fees, or monthly fees.

Return on investment (ROI)

Below is the breakdown of the estimated time to ROI according to the 3D modeling product review data on G2 as of July 2021:

  • 50% of buyers see an ROI in 6 months or fewer
  • 26% of buyers see an ROI in 7-12 months
  • 15% of buyers see an ROI in 13-24 months
  • 1% of buyers see an ROI from 24-36 months
  • 1% of buyers see an ROI from 36-48 months
  • 3% of buyers see an ROI in 48+ months 
  • 3% of buyers haven’t realized a full payback yet

What are the alternatives to 3D modeling software?

Alternatives to 3D modeling software that can replace this type of software, either partially or completely:

  • Building design and building information modeling (BIM) software is specifically meant to aid in building design and construction. Architects, contractors, and engineers use it to visualize, design, and coordinate construction from beginning to end. While there is some overlap with 3D modeling programs, BIM 3D modeling tools are less robust and flexible. BIM tools may have a library of doors, windows, stairways, and other objects to make the process of designing and improving workflow. 
  • CAD software is primarily used by various engineering fields to design parts, tools, or entire projects, such as bridges or auditoriums. CAD software is also used to create designs for 3D printing, make objects in 3D, create 2D schematics, and edit the design.