Best 3d Design Software For Monoprice

While the general public may view 3D printing as a way to create fun knickknacks, the reality is that 3D printing has evolved in a way that is advancing modern health care, manufacturing and architecture.

Today the healthcare industry leverages 3D printing technology to create artificial organs for transplant patients, as well as prosthetics that reduce the cost to only $100. In the aviation industry, Boeing plans on using 3D printing to develop an entire aircraft, which is projected to save the company $3 million. And the commercial impact shows that 93% of companies that use 3D printing reduce their time to market.

The research is there, and the numbers are staggering. 3D printing is truly revolutionizing the way we manufacture objects. However, it's important to keep in mind that you can find pretty good3D printers under $300, a fraction of the cost of a solid desktop 3D printer from just a few years ago.

So what tools do all these businesses use to get their ideas all the way to a fully realized object? The answer is 3D printing software.

Find the best 3D Printing software on the market →

What is 3D printing software?

3D printing software connects with 3D printers to facilitate the creation of actual physical objects. 3D printers take the instructions from 3D printing software and then join or solidify material to create the 3D object in real life. 3D printers create objects by printing them out, layer by layer, until they are complete.

Since 3D modeling software can only create a model of an object, it is the 3D printing software that translates the 3D object into a readable format for the 3D printer. This process of breaking down the 3D object into a readable format is called slicing . When the process of slicing a 3D object is completed, it generates a readable language for the 3D printer. This language is called the G-code . Once slicing is complete, accurate G-code commands will be produced which is necessary to complete the print.

Top free 3D printing tools for 2019

The good news about 3D printing software is that there are many platforms that are completely free to use. Some are open-source cross platform tools, while others are cloud-based solutions.

Best free 3D printing software for 2019

Ultimaker Cura
TinkerCAD
Meshlab
Meshmixer
Repetier Host
3DPrinterOS
Netfabb
OctoPrint

These products have more than 50 validated user reviews on G2 as of May 2, 2019. They represent a portion of the 25-plus 3D printing software offerings listed on our platform. Whenever possible, the products are ranked by user Satisfaction score from an in-depth analysis of the best 3D printing software.

The list we've outlined below includes our top 3D printing software with free offerings. They may only support one user or one project, but they're truly free offerings. Scaling, however, will often require full investment.

1. Ultimaker Cura

Product Name : Ultimaker Cura
G2 Star Rating : 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Total Number of Reviews: 12

Overview

Ultimaker Cura is a free software that provides users with seamless integration between its platform and a 3D printer. It provides a recommended mode to users who are new to 3D printing software, which makes it a great tool for beginners. On the flip side, if you're a user who wants complete customization over the final product, Ultimaker Cura also offers a custom mode.

Free option

Ultimaker Cura is a completely free, open-source software.

Features

Works with STL, OBJ, X3D and 3MF file formats
Adjustment tools to scale your model
Print on multiple networks and monitor all jobs from one interface

What users like

"Cura has a super quick learning curve and it is very easy to get started with this program, even if you have not used a 3D slicer before. The ability to add custom materials and printers so easily to the already extensive library is fantastic. It may seem so simple, but being able to load files directly to an automatically detected SD card and then being prompted to eject within the app is just wonderful."
— Ultimaker Cura review by Jamie M.

What users dislike

"The 3D viewer is very limited as to which angles you can view the project from. The estimated time of the prints is way off."
— Ultimaker Cura review by Alex S.

Recommendations for others considering the product

"Start out with the recommended profile for your specific printer. Then you can look up the 'magic numbers' that people have been tweaking around with and see if that gets you to a better print."
— Ultimaker Cura review by Mark M.

2. TinkerCAD

Tinkercad-Free-CAD

Product Name: TinkerCAD
G2 Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Total Number of Reviews: 31

Overview

TinkerCAD is a free browser-based 3D design and modeling tool. With its simple and intuitive interface, TinkerCAD is a great software for beginners. Users can design simple or complex models using shapes and shape grouping. TinkerCAD supports STL files, which allows users to 3D print their design once it is finished.

Free option:

TinkerCAD is a free online collection of 3D design tools.

Features:

Import 2D and 3D models
Laser cutting
Click to 3D print
Cloud storage

What users like

"The interface is really easy to use, allowing the user to do a huge range of possibilities without any effort. The program is quite simple. You just need a few days to get used to TinkerCAD. It provides STL files, which can work with a 3D printing slicer program. The tutorial is really good to get started in TinkerCAD."
— TinkerCAD review by Cipriano P.

What users dislike

"You could design relatively low poly objects in TinkerCAD. The designed object's total surface triangles can't exceed allowance value. The same thing applies when importing files to the system."
— TinkerCAD review by Oral T.

Recommendations to others considering the product

"If you have a 3D printer, this is the program to start designing with!"
— TinkerCAD review by Ahuva M.

3. Meshlab

Meshlab Product Name: MeshLab
G2 Star Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Total Number of Reviews: 1

Overview

Meshlab is an open-source system for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes. This software provides tools for editing, rendering, texturing and converting meshes. Its editing functionalities let users remesh 3D models and make it easier to slice and prepare the design for 3D printing.

Free option:

Meshlab is a completely free, open-source system.

Features:

3D reconstruction
3D color mapping and texturing
3D printing, offsetting, hollowing and closing

What users like

"I'm using MeshLab mostly to make minor adjustments to my 3D models, including repairing them, for 3D printing. MeshLab has allowed me to increase the speed of my workflow to get a 3D model printable faster."
— Meshlab review by Justin E.

What users dislike

"I dislike the interface and lack of many options other 3D modelling software possess. Something similar to Blender is definitely overkill, but an extra pane for more buttons wouldn't hurt, in my opinion."
— Meshlab review by Justin E.

Recommendations for others considering the product

"While I'm not too familiar with using MeshLab strictly for 3D modelling purposes, it is definitely great for repairing models and making adjustments to them. Meshlab offers several built-in filters to make quick changes to a model. I highly recommend it."
— Meshlab review by Justin E.

4. Meshmixer

Meshmixer logo

Product Name: Meshmixer
G2 Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Total Number of Reviews: 3

Overview

Meshmixer includes a variety of tools to optimize 3D CAD designs for 3D printing. While there are simple tools for novice users, some features are meant for experienced designers. An example is the platform's multi-material design feature, which lets users create objects with multiple materials. Take a look at how people are using the multi-material design functionality below:

Free option

Meshmixer is a free software downloadable for Windows and Mac.

Features

Drag-and-drop mesh mixing
Robust convert-to-solid for 3D printing
Automatic print bed orientation optimization, layout, and packing

What users like

"Meshmixer is so easy to use. It comes with magic tools like hollowing and repairing 3D designed objects for 3D printing. You could also use it as a slicer for 3D printing. Meshmixer could get files from Fusion 360, which is one of the best 3D creation software on the market. It can handle high surface triangle amounts easily. Thus you could process 3D scan data without problem with Meshmixer."
— Meshmixer review by Oral T.

What users dislike

"The shaders are pretty limited in their variety. Most 3D printing nowadays involve printing with multiple materials. The tool is limited in how it can view models. Further, support for voxel-based models are needed for the industry going forward."
— Meshmixer review by a validated user Recommendations to others considering the product

Recommendations to others considering the product

"If you are interested in 3D printing, then you should definitely try Meshmixer."
— Meshmixer review by Oral T.

5. Repetier-Host

repetier host logo Product Name : Repetier-Host
G2 Star Rating : 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Total Number of Reviews: 2

Overview

Repetier-Host is an all-in-one 3D printing solution. It supports four slicers, including Slic3r, Slic3r Prusa Edition, CuraEngine, and Skeinforge. Once your object is sliced, you can view necessary changes with preview printing in the interface. Users can also duplicate as many models as can fit onto the interface at once, which allows for easy multi-part printing.

Free option

Completely free download for Windows, Linux and Mac.

Features

Multi-part printing
Multi-slicer support
Pre-print price estimator

What users like

"Repetier-Host has added many needed tools and abilities to our 3D printing workflow, with a seemingly limitless ability to grow as more tools and features are added. The quick ability to setup a remote monitoring and control system has made catching and restarting failed prints a much faster process."
— Repetier-Host review by Jamie M.

What users dislike

"The default settings for a machine/system to be controlled by Repetier-Host is different and sometimes hard to figure out. For example, the baud rate. It took me a while to figure out the same for a deltabot printer that we have at our lab facility. This might not be something that's the mistake of the software. However, an automatic system to detect settings like these and prompt the use would make the software better."
— Repetier-Host review by Sooraj Kumar A.

Recommendations to others considering the product

"If you need a robust free email tool with a great email layout builder and automation, this is for you. SendinBlue makes it incredibly easy to get started with email marketing, especially if you're an indie artist or writer trying to get started with your personal brand."
— Repetier-Host review by Sooraj Kumar A.

6. 3DPrinterOS

3DPrinterOS logo Product Name : 3DPrinterOS
G2 Star Rating :4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Total Number of Reviews: 2

Overview

3DPrinterOS is an operating system built for 3D print management. Its chief benefit is its integration with almost all 3D printers, as the company's business model is focused on bringing everyone access to 3D printing. Additionally, within the software, users can prepare their product for 3D printing with STL editing and repairing features.

Free option

Basic features that are listed below.

Features

STL editor
Upload and print G-codes
Remote monitoring
G-code and toolpath viewing

What users like

"3DPrinterOS supports nearly all 3D printers on the market."
— 3DPrinterOS review by Oral T.

What users dislike

"While you can change pretty much any setting, the user interface for changing 'expert' settings leaves a lot to be desired. Platform adhesion options are limited to raft and brim. There is no skirt option."
— 3DPrinterOS review by Alex S.

Recommendations to others considering the product

"3DPrinterOS brings more opportunities to designers selling their products securely on the internet. If you're a 3D designer and want to sell your designs securely on the net, you should definitely check it out."
— 3DPrinterOS review by Oral T.

7. OctoPrint

Octoprint logo Product Name : Octoprint
G2 Star Rating : 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Total Number of Reviews: 1

Overview

Octoprint is a free, open-source software that was built to give users complete control over every aspect of their 3D printing. With Wi-Fi-enabled connectivity, users can control the print job straight from their web interface and visualize the G-code. This is a great tool for intermediate users who want more control over their 3D printing.

Octoprint 3D printing Image courtesy of Octoprint

Free 14-day trial option

Free and open-source software.

Features

Full remote control and monitoring
STL file editing
G-code visualizer

What users like

"Octoprint is a great system to remotely view and manage your 3D printer. It has many awesome add-ons for saving and slicing files sent to the printer as well as time lapse capabilities."
— Octoprint review by Camron S.

What users dislike

"The only thing I dislike is that is not accessible outside of your network initially, but it isn't hard to get done."
— Octoprint review by Camron S.

Recommendations to others considering the product

"Get it and use it."
— Octoprint review by Camron S.

8. Netfabb

netfabb logo Product Name : Netfabb
G2 Star Rating : 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Total number of reviews: 1

Overview

Netfabb provides users with advanced STL analysis and all the tools to model, import and repair a 3D design. With its additive manufacturing simulation, users can predict how metal additive manufactured parts will deform to help reduce build failures.

Free option

Free for 30 days for standard users. Free three years for students.

Features

Model import, repair and editing
Design optimization
Additive manufacturing simulation

What users like

"We use Netfabb for prototype builds. SW is easy to use."
— Netfabb review by a validated user

What users dislike

"Uses up most of the RAM and sometimes leads to lag in operation."
— Netfabb review by validated user

Extra free tools

There are a variety of other free 3D printing tools on G2's website that do not have reviews or ratings. If the above products don't meet all of your business needs, then make sure to check out the list below. Or better yet, if you have used these products, feel free to leave their first user reviews!

Mattercontrol
KISSlicer
3D-Tool Free Viewer
IceSL
Makeprintable
Slic3r
SliceCrafter

Dive head first into 3D printing software.

If you are a beginner who is just getting introduced to the world of 3D printing, don't be afraid of diving in head first. Mastering the art of 3D printing is all about experimenting with different designs until you create something that you are satisfied with.

On the flip side, if you are an experienced user who is looking to switch software, the free 3D printing software that we laid out is a great way to evaluate your needs.

Ready to learn more about 3D modeling? Check out our article on the best 3D modeling programs for beginners.

* Please note: Reviews may have been edited for spelling and grammar.

Michael Gigante photo

Mike is a former market research analyst focusing on CAD, PLM, and supply chain software. Since joining G2 in October 2018, Mike has grounded his work in the industrial and architectural design space by gaining market knowledge in building information modeling, computer-aided engineering and manufacturing, and product and machine design. Mike leverages his knowledge of the CAD market to accurately represent the space for buyers, build out new software categories on G2, and provide consumers with data-driven content and research. Mike is a Chicago native. In his spare time he enjoys going to improv shows, watching sports, and reading Wikipedia pages on virtually any subject.