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The 3D modeling process is not easy but it’s crucial to every video game & animated film. There’s a huge industry of modelers who create digital models which appear as visual representations of a three dimensional object.
- Turn ideas into a 3D design with this easy-to-use online 3D modeling software. Start for free with a complete set of tools including real-time rendering and models library.
- Lastly, you will find 3D modeling software which is still easy to use, but will also provide you with more advanced options. They are great to start learning 3D modeling and then continue using the same programs for more complex tasks. To choose the best software for your needs, you need to understand what skills do you require.
These models range from humans to creatures, vehicles, props, houses, pretty much anything you see on the screen.
Learning 3D modeling on your own can be a real challenge but there are tons of books to help you along. And in this guide I’ve curated my top picks for the best 3D modeling books regardless of skill level.
It's a great modeling and animation Software and easy to learn. People are always trying to make it less better than Blender, especially Blender fanboys. Blender is really good. But so is C4D, 3DS Max, Maya, Lightwave, etc. The best thing about Blender is, that it's open source, and it's always being updated and has some really great 3rd party.
Digital Modeling
The ever-popular Digital Modeling book by William Vaughan is like no other 3D modeling book out there. It covers a lot of the fundamentals while touching upon production environments for 3D modelers.
You’ll learn what makes a great 3D model and what you’d need to learn to work on a professional team. This book does not assume any prior knowledge with specific software and it offers advice on all the best programs: Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, and many others.
Over 430 pages you’ll learn everything you need to know about digital modeling. Naturally this includes some technical ideas like polygon-count and handling hard/organic surfaces. But you’ll also learn how to plan each project and organize your ideas clearly before starting.
This book is a nice read for beginners and intermediate modelers since it delves into some real complex territory.
Plus as a bonus this book comes with a free DVD packed with 6 hours of extra footage on LightWave and 3ds Max modeling.
3D Modeling For Beginners
This is the newest book in my list but it’s also a very relevant guide for older software.
3D Modeling For Beginners spans 240 pages with a dozen chapters on all the foundations of 3D digital sculpting. The early chapters explain the basics of this process and why entertainment artists should learn modeling.
But as you progress into the exercises you’ll cover a lot of ground with different organic objects, characters, environments, and subjects like low/high poly count.
However it is recommended that you know your way around some basic 3D software before picking up this book. A lot of digital artists prefer Maya but it’s not a staple.
These lessons are software-agnostic so you can apply all these techniques in any program so long as you know your way around it.
Anatomy for 3D Artists
You may not think digital modelers need to know a lot of human anatomy but it is a huge topic for sculpting & modeling the figure accurately.
Anatomy for 3D Artists teaches the human figure from a sculptor’s point of view. The goal of a modeler is to create realistic renderings and you need to understand anatomy for this to work.
You’ll start with 2D reference guides to the human body and then move onto more detailed 3D renderings. Professional artists like Chris Legaspi and Mario Anger offer advice and techniques for anyone working through these lessons who want to learn anatomy fast.
This book is one part reference guide, one part instruction series, and one part masterclass with advanced projects you can do at home.
Definitely a brilliant resource for any aspiring 3D modelers who don’t know much(or any) anatomy.
3ds Max Modeling for Games
3ds Max Modeling for Games offers a complete guide into the world of modeling for video games.
Author Andrew Gahan has worked in the game industry for over two decades and he’s a true pro in the 3ds Max software.
This book is absolutely massive with 480 pages jam-packed full of tutorials and practical exercises for all skill levels. Even if you’ve never used 3ds Max in your life these lessons should help you find your foundation.
You’ll learn about different modeling techniques for subjects like characters, environments, and objects. Plus you’ll learn about the workflow of mapping and texturing your models from scratch.
The very last chapter focuses more on the video game industry and how beginners can break in by developing the proper skillset.
Amazing book for anyone serious about modeling and getting paid to work on video games.
Blender Master Class
Another insanely popular 3D modeling program is Blender. This program’s different than most because it’s released as a free open source program that anyone can download, no price tag.
This makes it a fantastic choice for newcomers who just want to learn the ropes of 3D modeling without spending any money.
Blender Master Class by Ben Simonds takes you on a wild journey through this program from start to finish. Note this is not specifically a modeling book, but rather a detailed introductory guide to the Blender software.
It does have a few sections on modeling along with other sections on texturing, rendering, rigging, and even animating your creations.
If you’re an open source advocate then you’ll want to learn the Blender software and this is the only book you need to get started.
Learning Blender
Another book I recommend for open source modeling is Learning Blender written by Oliver Villar.
This also focuses on the Blender software and the book is currently in its 2nd edition with new updates on the latest release of Blender v2.7x. This is, once again, not strictly a 3D modeling book.
However it does walk you through everything you’ll need to know about the program which naturally includes modeling. Through hands-on exercises you’ll pick up techniques for shading, rigging, rendering, compositing, and modeling all from Blender.
Inside you’ll even find links for tutorial files you can download and compare with your work.
I would only recommend this for the Blender novice who wants to learn the software before diving into deep 3D modeling. It’s an excellent instructional guide but a tad light on the modeling topics.
ZBrush Character Sculpting
You can do a lot with ZBrush because it goes beyond just simple 3D renders. A lot of concept artists use ZBrush since it’s such a powerful program for both 2D and 3D work(although mostly 3D).
ZBrush Character Sculpting packs loads of tutorials and walkthroughs into 240 pages. This is not a beginner’s guide and it expects that you already know the basics of ZBrush before starting. Check out my ZBrush book list if you’re brand new to the program.
But once you do have some skills you’ll want to put those skills into real-world exercises. And that’s exactly what you’ll learn in this book with lessons from a few pro artists explaining sculpting techniques for character design.
Each lesson teaches you how to do something new, then shows you how to put this into action. After working through this book you should have a much stronger idea of how to use ZBrush for modeling.
Sculpting from the Imagination
A good majority of 3D modelers work from 2D concept art. This means you’ll rarely be the person designing a character and creating the model in a 3D program.
But if you have both skillsets this leads to something called job security. Definitely something valuable in this industry!
Sculpting from the Imagination reads more like a compilation of advice from artists and modelers around the world. 50 different artists showcase their work and offer solutions to common problems you’ll face while modeling in ZBrush.
Yes, this is primarily a ZBrush book. However the concepts apply to pretty much any program.
You’ll find tips on designing characters, creatures, weapons, props, vehicles, you name it. And while this isn’t a strict how-to book it does offer a lot for the practicing modeler hoping to bring their skills up to a professional level.
Digital Sculpting with Mudbox
Autodesk owns a bunch of 3D modeling software and one of their more specific programs is Mudbox. This can work closely with Maya since the majority of Maya users are technical designers, but Mudbox users are mostly artists and sculptors.
That’s why Digital Sculpting with Mudbox is such a valuable book. It not only teaches 3D modeling and sculpting from the very beginning, but it also teaches this in Autodesk’s proprietary modeling software.
You’ll learn all sorts of techniques to work with 3D painting and how to manipulate your digital objects like clay. The goal is to create lifelike models that feel incredibly realistic. But this doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
If you have zero experience with modeling and have a copy of Mudbox then you can learn all the fundamentals with this book.
It’s the definitive go-to guide for all things modeling and it can take any newbie up to a competent digital sculptor quickly.
How to Cheat in 3ds Max 2014
I’ve tacked this book onto the list only because it has so much great information for modelers. But it only applies if you’re using 3ds Max.
3d printer software download. How to Cheat in 3ds Max 2014 totals 300 pages of advanced tips and workflows you can apply to your 3ds Max modeling projects. The author Michael McCarthy is an experienced artist & modeler with years of working with 3D.
While this isn’t strictly a modeling book, it does cover a lot of topics that modelers should know about. Especially if 3ds Max is your go-to software for character/creature design.
Many tips do relate to modeling and can help speed up your workflow. But you’ll also find cool tricks for adding special effects, working with particles, realistic physics, Mass FX, and other similar features.
Really cool book for 3ds Max users but not super helpful for anyone else.
AutoCAD 2017: 3D Modeling
Another program you might want to learn is AutoCAD, also owned by the folks at Autodesk. There’s a lot of great stuff on this program but this book is the most recent and most detailed.
AutoCAD 2017 3D Modeling takes you through step-by-step exercises on creating 3D models from scratch. You’ll learn about lighting, materials, rendering, texturing, and even 3D printing which is pretty cool.
Just note that people use AutoCAD mostly for things outside of entertainment art. In fact, this is one program that doesn’t get used much compared to Maya or 3ds Max.
But if you’re just trying to learn modeling with whatever you have then AutoCAD is certainly doable. Most of the fundamentals carry over into other programs so any modeling techniques you pick up from this book will help you out down the road.
Just recognize that AutoCAD is mostly used by architects and product designers, so this isn’t technically the best program for getting started. If you’re brand new with no experience then pick up Maya, Blender, or a broader alternative like ZBrush.
Either way I hope you enjoyed this list! I know 3D modeling is slightly different in every program so there is no absolute best book here.
Instead you have to know what you want to learn and what type of program(s) you feel comfortable using. Then you can whittle down this collection to the best titles that’ll help you master the 3D modeling process.
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Posted By Kat Plewa on May 22, 2019 |
Are you starting your adventure with 3D modeling software or maybe you tried and feel like you haven’t found the perfect choice for your needs yet? Don’t get discouraged! There are actually plenty of choices and we prepared for you the ultimate list of the easiest 3D modeling software. Either you’re just a hobbyist or you have professional plans for your 3D modeling future, our list will surely help you to take a closer look at the easiest 3D modeling software!
Which software should you choose?
Overall, we will provide you with the easiest 3D modeling software divided into 3 categories. Firstly we will introduce to you software for absolute beginners. They can be used for simple models or mechanical parts and are great to begin learning 3D modeling.
Then we will talk about software to edit 3D models. It can happen that you just need to adjust a 3D model you got off the internet and there is no need for you to get complicated 3D programs and start learning 3D modeling. We will show you that there are easier solutions.
Lastly, you will find 3D modeling software which is still easy to use, but will also provide you with more advanced options. They are great to start learning 3D modeling and then continue using the same programs for more complex tasks.
To choose the best software for your needs, you need to understand what skills do you require. There are also various types of software, 3D modeling, and CAD. What is the difference? Find out here.
Top 6 easy software for beginners
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a product of Autodesk, leader of the most popular 3D modeling and CAD software. It’s free software available online. It’s very intuitive and shows you the basics of 3D by using primitive shapes. It is fast and easy, you will build your first 3D model in no time.
Vectary
Vectary has a nice set of tools as it was inspired by graphics, product, and video games design, but also 3D printing. Therefore, this online software is great for all sorts of 3D modeling projects. Vectary works by dragging and dropping the elements, which means you don’t have to create them from scratch. This software also allows for creating renders. A free version is available after signing up on the website.
Morphi
https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/morphi-ipad-app-makes-3d-design-on-a-tablet-even-easier-20-01-2015/
Maybe you prefer to use a tablet over a computer; which is more mobile and easier to take anywhere with you. This need has been answered by a New York-based startup and their mobile app Morphi.
It is easy to learn and it’s popular in American schools to teach kids 3D modeling. You can make a simple project or choose one from decorative and functional models available in the library. The application is free, however additional charges apply for specific models and tools. For schools, the software costs $9.99.
3D Slash
You probably have heard or even played Minecraft. This iconic game is based on blocks. This was an inspiration for 3D Slash, where you delete blocks to achieve the shape of your model. One option is to trace an image, or you can create a basic shape and then sculpt it by deleting and adding blocks. The accuracy in this software is 0.1 mm which is enough for simple, but functional 3D models. This software fast and easy to learn additionally can be quite fun when deleting the blocks.
SelfCAD
https://www.3printr.com/tinkercad-vs-selfcad-two-great-3d-softwares-5346915/
This is one of the latest arrivals in the 3D software family. It was only released this year, but it’s already very popular in American schools. Why? Because it’s very user-friendly and one of the easiest 3D modeling software for beginners out there.
Several options allow for sculpting, modeling and slicing the objects. SelfCAD is based on SaaS learning, therefore an experienced user should not have problems getting started. There is a free trial offered, and if you decide to buy it, it’s only $9.99/ month.
If you want to take your 3D modeling skills to another level later
SketchUp Free
Free sound editing software for mac. https://magazine.renderosity.com/article/3701/say-hello-to-sketchup-free-
SketchUp is very well known, especially in the architecture, design and filmmaking industry. SketchUp Free is a more simple version of SketchUp. It is a web-based software with easy tools. Getting started is simple as the user face of SketchUp Free is user-friendly and clear.
When you polish up your basic 3D modeling skills, you can then invest in the pro version of SketchUp, which is very powerful, capable of designing huge and complex models. You can discover it with our tutorial.
OnShape
https://www.onshape.com/press-release/featurescript
For non-commercial and educational use, OnShape is available for free. This software is quite special, aimed especially to produce technical and spare parts. Since it’s a CAD software, you will learn how to sketch basic geometrical shapes and then turn them into 3D models by options such as extrusion. This is definitely more technical CAD software.
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is one of our favorite CAD software. Developed by Autodesk, it is widely used by industrial designers. While it is powerful and capable of very complex 3D models, it is also a great option if you know a little bit of the basics. You can get to know the primary tools with our tutorials, where we explain step by step how to design a 3D printed turbine, functional threads, and a pipe fitting.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a great alternative to sometimes pricey software. It is a professional CAD software with a great set of tools to design mechanical parts. FreeCAD is not only free but also open source with a large community that contributes to improving the program. You can discover it a bit more with our tutorial to create interlocking parts, where we made 3D models using FreeCAD.
Sculptris
Easiest 3d Modeling Software To Learn
This software definitely counts as one of the easiest 3D modeling software. Without any previous experience, we created a Sculptris tutorial for you, and the experience was surprisingly simple and straight-forward.
Digital sculpting allows for application of different brushes, editing mesh and texturing your models. This is certainly much less technical or mechanical software, we would advise you to use it for more abstract models such as figurines.
ZBrush
This 3D modeling software can be used for both 2D drawings and 3D models. A lot of its options overlap, which was designed on purpose. This means that turning a 2D image into a 3D design is quite simple. ZBrush is also great because it doesn’t require a powerful graphics card, which is an important aspect you should consider when deciding which of the easiest 3D modeling software is the best for you.
Cinema 4D
Cinema 4D aims to be fast and easy at the same time. It is widely used by professionals, but simple enough to learn for beginners. Customizable User Interfaces make it more personalized and you can have all the tools you need in one place. A lot of experienced users claim this software deals with various tasks much faster and 3D models are easier to edit than in some other 3D modeling software.
Modo
Thanks to a wide range of powerful 3D tools Modo is great for modeling, rendering, and 3D animation. The editing options are intuitive and simple making Modo one of the easiest 3D modeling software. You can start learning it with our free tutorial.
Blender
Best Free 3d Modeling Software
Last, but not least in this category of the easiest 3D software, Blender. Blender is very popular across different industries. It is free and open source. Blender is a great start if you want to stay in the 3D modeling world. From 3D models for 3D printing to rendering 3D animation, Blender has a top quality set of tools for different needs. Check out our tutorial and start 3D modeling right now!
Editing 3D models
MatterControl
https://github.com/MatterHackers/MatterControl
This open source and free software allows for editing models and also creating them. If you’re totally green when it comes to 3d printing, MatterControl will be a great start to get familiar with basic commands and terms.
Meshmixer
Another product from Autodesk, you can very easily repair, optimize and edit your 3D models. It is so simple you can learn most of the tools by just playing around. However, if you need guidance, you can learn it with our tutorial. Meshmixer is free and will quickly help you to adjust 3D models.
Online tools
Easiest 3d Software To Learn
A fast and simple way to fix some issues in your 3D model is also Sculpteo website. You don’t need to download or learn any software. All you have to do is upload STL files and the website will mark for you the problems and propose several solutions.
Have you decided yet?
Deciding which program is the easiest 3D modeling software might be hard, but we hope this blog post gave you a lot of options to choose from. Are you going to try more basic programs such as Thinkercad or will you invest in your 3D modeling future with Blender? Share with us your experience in the comments!
3D printing your 3D models is even easier than learning how to 3D model! With online 3D printing services like Sculpteo, you just need to upload your file. You will get an instant quote and fast delivery.
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