The two most used 3D modeling software programs for Macintosh devices are freeware program Blender (score: 80) and freemium software SketchUp (75). Blender is known for its enormous design freedom and its endless number of tools and functions – however, it’s. The powerful 3D modeling, rendering and animation software for Mac. Built for Mac Cheetah3D is a powerful and easy to learn 3D modeling, rendering and animation software which was developed from the ground up for Mac. Ashlar-Vellum offers precision software for 2D/3D wireframe computer-aided drafting and 3D solid and surface modeling. Supporting both Mac and Windows, Ashlar-Vellum software is set apart by its intuitive user interface without compromise to power and precision.Designers, engineers and inventors around the world turn to our wireframe drafting and 3D modeling programs to get their jobs done. AUTOCAD – Leading 3D Modeling Software. The AUTOCAD for Mac is the best 3d modeling software that money can buy for you. The industry leading software is the first choice for every user who want the best user experience.
Active5 years, 7 months ago
The Best Free 3D Modeling Software app downloads for Mac: MadMapper ArchiCAD 22 Update V-Ray for SketchUp Blender CINEMA 4D Update Modul8 Strata Desig.
Background: I recently upgraded my Mac, and it happens to have a pretty nice graphics card (not that my old one wasn't nice .. in 2006). While I didn't upgrade my Mac for this purpose, it has occurred to me that my life might be a tiny bit more efficient if I used some of this amazing graphics power that I now possess (and perhaps my old Wacom tablet) for sketching 3D designs, rather than my current method*.
So I hopped on over to the Mac App Store, typed in '3d modeling' (and every synonym I could think of), and was disappointed to see a pretty slim selection of apps.
Is there a good basic app for creating 3D objects? Free is good, cheap is also good -- I don't mind paying but '3D modeling' frequently seems to mean 'here's a $10,000 program that lets you make Lord of the Rings', and I'm sure it's amazing for that, but I don't need that.
I need: ability to create simple objects, mostly square or circular, including CSG, and to move them around and look at them from different angles.
I don't need: any particular file formats, or textures, or animation, or smooth organic surfaces like human faces.
If you think 'designing a chest of drawers', that's about the level of sophistication that I'm looking for. What TextEdit.app is for words, I want for 3D objects.
SketchUp is almost what I'm looking for, except it's kind of awkward and not entirely Mac-like, and to do any CSG you need the $500 'Pro' version (which I might get eventually, but it seems like there could well be something better and cheaper).
I'd almost be happy with something like POVRAY: the CSG is nice, the price can't be beat, but unfortunately it lacks any interactivity.
* (It involves whiteboards, paperboard and glue, and listening to old Yes albums while trying to visualize how things will fit together in space.)
CajunLuke
15.7k66 gold badges4747 silver badges7070 bronze badges
KenKen
1,95288 gold badges2222 silver badges3838 bronze badges
10 Answers
NixNix
My personal favourite is Maxon Cinema 4D. It has a nice learning curve, is fairly respected in the industry and does what you require very well (simple objects). It has a slightly Adobe-like feel to it. I found that for complex organic modelling you'd need to start looking at Maya or 3DS Max (PC on Bootcamp).
However, these options cost quite a lot - though C4D is less than many applications and is modular.
A cheaper ($99) option is Cheetah, available through the app store. Basic but nice.
As Nix said, Blender is a fantastic, free option. I just found the learning curve is a little more tricky than C4D.
CajunLuke
15.7k66 gold badges4747 silver badges7070 bronze badges
matt_wmatt_w
AutoDesk makes a Mac version of Maya. I'm partial to Maya as I learned 3D on it. If you're a student, you can get an educational discount, which is how I got it about 4 years ago.http://www.autodesk.com/products/autodesk-maya/free-trial
As others mentioned, there is also Blender which is free. I tried it but it there is a bit of a learning curve as matt_w mentioned.
Some landscaping tools are available as a web-based application, in which case you don’t need to install anything in order to start using the software. But, be aware that most landscape design software will require a high system requirement, so you should make sure that your hardware meets the system requirement of the software before you install it. Best landscape design program for mac.
ckpepper02ckpepper02
Here's a pretty big list, with, presumably, all the info you might need. A description, the price, the requirements, and links to the Downloads page.
ThecafremoThecafremo
12.4k22 gold badges3434 silver badges4646 bronze badges
A few years ago (2009) I compared the input and output formats available on a few 3D model apps. Here is my list:
Javaview
opens: byu, jvx, obj exports: byu, fe, {jvd, jvx}, mgs, mpl, obj, off, stl, wrl
Geo3D
opens: wrl {including ver 1}, 3ds, obj, 3dmf exports: 3dmf
FbxConverter:
opens: fbx exports: dxf, obj, 3ds
FreeWRL
opens: x3d, wrl
Instant Player
opens: x3d, wrl, [Instant Player Engine], [OpenSG Scene]
Maple GEdgarGEdgar
opens: mpl exports: x3d, dae, pov, dxf
2,28811 gold badge1010 silver badges1616 bronze badges
I think you should have another look at SketchUp.
It's 'Mac-like' quality (on the Mac platform) has improved a bit and, I'm not sure I understand your CSG needs, but I would guess the increasing number of plug-ins now available makes it one of the best tools around. I can't think of anything better and cheaper.
I teach architecture and many of my students use the free SketchUp version in combination with Render[in], Artlantis or the new Maxwell Render for SketchUp plugin.
villaresvillares
Take a look at Shade 3D. You can get Shade 3D for Unity for free, and Shade 3D Basic is only $99. It has modeling, rendering and a lot of features you may not need now, but may decide you want later. Plus, its easy to get started with.
LynnLynn
I would recommend 'Hexagon' from Daz3D, which they offer for free and it meets all your requirements.
J.C.J.C.
My personal recomendation is SCULPTRIS
Free, simple, easy but powerfull.
ONLY use it for modeling ORGANIC models, i doesn's work with geometric or square models, remember, only organic.Later its perfect complement is ZBRUSH for amazing modeling from sculptris andgreat painting tools.
AlekoinkAlekoink
I would recommend Verto Studio 3D. It is on the Mac App Store
mikemike
You must log in to answer this question.protected by nohillside♦Feb 3 '14 at 8:10
Thank you for your interest in this question. Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead? ![]() Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged applicationssoftware-recommendationgraphics .Open source 3D Modeling for MAC OS XArt of Illusion
Art of Illusion is a free, open source 3D modelling and rendering studio. (GPL)
Cross-platform
Blender
Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation. (GPL)
Download free program for mac to unload zip files. Linux - FreeBSD - Windows - MAC OS X
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a general purpose feature-based, parametric 3D modeler for CAD, MCAD, CAx, CAE and PLM, aimed directly at mechanical engineering and product design but also fits a wider range of uses in engineering, such as architecture. (GPL)
Windows - Linux - MAC OS X
LeoCAD
LeoCAD is a CAD program for creating virtual LEGO models. It has an easy to use interface and currently includes over 6000 different pieces created by the LDraw community. (GPL)
Linux - Windows - MAC OS X
LibreCAD
LibreCAD is a free Open Source personal CAD application for Windows, Macintosh and Linux. Support and documentation is free from a large, dedicated worldwide community of users, contributors and developers. It's available in more than 20 languages. (GPL)
Linux - Windows - MAC OS X
MeshLab
MeshLab is an open source, portable, and extensible system for the processing and editing of unstructured 3D triangular meshes. (GPL)
Linux - FreeBSD - Windows - MAC OS X
Pixie
Pixie is an open source RenderMan renderer for generating photorealistic images. (LGPL)
Linux - FreeBSD - Windows - MAC OS X
QCAD
QCAD is a free, open source application for computer aided drafting (CAD) in two dimensions (2D). With QCAD you can create technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts or schematics and diagrams. (GPL)
Windows - MAC OS X - Linux
Sweet Home 3D
Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design application that helps you place your furniture on a house 2D plan, with a 3D preview. The program is aimed at people who want to redesign their interior quickly. (GPL)
Free 3d Modeling Programs For Mac![]()
Cross-platform
Wings 3DTop 3d Modeling Software
Wings 3D is a subdivision modeler inspired by Nendo and Mirai from Izware. (BSD)
Cross-platform
3d Modeling Programs
10 applications
Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |