There are over 100 different CAD software programs available today. Most are specialized for industries like automotive design, architectural modeling, or visual effects - not practical for everyday 3D printing. Below we cover the 10 most popular CAD software options and their specific features as used by 3D printing enthusiasts and makers.

How to Read This Table (Beginner's Guide)

Software: The name of the CAD program, linked to its official website for easy access.
Free Access: Whether you can use the software without paying (may have limitations).
Paid Version: Price and what's different or better if you buy it.
Making Simple Parts: How good the tool is for making basic printable items (like boxes, holders).
Making Functional Parts: How easily you can design things that need to fit, move, or work with other parts (replacement handles, brackets, etc.).
Artistic/Custom Shapes: How good the program is for making creative, decorative, or organic models (figurines, toys, art).
Export to 3D Printer (STL/OBJ/STEP): Formats you can save your designs in for 3D printing or sharing with others.
Turn Images into 3D: Whether you can turn a drawing or photo into a 3D object.
How Easy to Learn: An honest look at the software's learning curve for a new user.
Access Method: Where or how you use the program (in a web browser, by downloading, or both).

3D CAD Software for 3D Printing: Feature Comparison

Software	Free Access	Paid Version	Making Simple Parts	Making Functional Parts	Artistic/Custom Shapes	Export to 3D Printer (STL/OBJ/STEP)	Turn Images into 3D	How Easy to Learn	Access Method
TinkerCAD	Yes	N/A	Excellent	Basic (limited detail)	Very limited (blocky)	STL, OBJ	Basic (SVG import)	Extremely easy	Browser (Web-based)
FreeCAD	Yes	N/A	Good	Good (parametric open)	Limited (basic surface)	STL, OBJ, STEP	Add-ons/scripts	Moderate	Download
Blender	Yes	N/A	Good	Good (practice needed)	Excellent (art/figurines)	STL, OBJ	Yes (built-in)	Steep for CAD, easier for art	Download
Fusion 360	Yes (personal/edu)	$382 annually	Excellent	Excellent	Some (basic sculpting)	STL, OBJ, STEP	Add-ons/plugins	Easy → Intermediate	Download, Cloud
SketchUp	Yes (web)	$349 annually	Excellent	Basic	Okay (furniture/shapes)	STL, OBJ (STEP via Pro plugin)	Extensions	Very easy (web)	Browser & Download
SelfCAD	Yes (limited)	$140 annually / $599 lifetime	Excellent	Good	Good (basic creative)	STL, OBJ	Yes (image-to-3D tool)	Very easy (guided)	Browser (Web-based)
AutoCAD	Free (student)	$215 monthly	Good (mainly 2D)	Some (simple 3D)	Not for art	STL (3D), DWG, DXF	No	Moderate	Download, Web
Rhino 3D	Trial only	$995 one-time	Excellent	Excellent (complex shapes)	Some (needs plug-ins)	STL, OBJ, STEP	Extensions/plugins	Moderate	Download
Onshape	Yes (public)	$1,500+ annually	Excellent	Excellent	Limited (functional focus)	STL, STEP	Add-ons/scripts	Moderate	Browser (Web-based)
SolidWorks	Student/demo	$2,820+ annually	Excellent (Pro)	Excellent (pro)	Basic (needs add-ons)	STL, STEP	Manual extrusion	Steep (pro-level)	Download

Brief Pros & Cons of Each Platform

TinkerCAD

TinkerCAD Interface

Pros: Free, perfect for absolute beginners, easy drag-and-drop, web-based, great for simple prints and teaching kids.

Cons: Limited tools, blocky/artless output, not ideal for complex or precision parts.

Fusion 360

Fusion 360 Interface

Pros: Free for personal use, professional-grade features, powerful for both simple and functional parts, exports STL/OBJ/STEP, supports collaboration, offers cloud and desktop.

Cons: Some pro tools require a paid license, moderately steep learning curve for advanced features.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD Interface

Pros: Free/open-source, flexible parametric modeling, supports STL/OBJ/STEP, community-driven, no license lock-in.

Cons: Less polished interface, moderate learning curve, slower for artistic work.

SketchUp

SketchUp Interface

Pros: Very easy for beginners, fast for basic parts, browser option, vast model library, exports STL/OBJ (STEP via Pro + plugin).

Cons: Pro version is paid, functional/mechanical parts not as strong, fewer advanced 3D features without add-ons.

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Interface

Pros: Gold standard for engineering, excels at precise/functional components, excellent STEP export, widely used in industry.

Cons: Expensive, pro-level learning curve, needs Windows, artistic capability is basic/needs add-ons.

Onshape

Onshape Interface

Pros: Web-based (no install), strong for both simple and complicated mechanical prints, excellent collaboration, exports STL/STEP.

Cons: Private projects require paid plan, internet required, artistic features limited.

AutoCAD

AutoCAD Interface

Pros: Well-known in drafting/architecture, some 3D capability, exports STL.

Cons: Focuses on 2D, clunky for practical 3D, not suited to organic or highly functional prints, expensive for full use.

SelfCAD

SelfCAD Interface

Pros: Browser-based, easy onboarding, fun for beginners and kids, supports image-to-3D, exports STL/OBJ, guided tools.

Cons: Limited for highly functional or toleranced parts, paid version unlocks best features, less suited to advanced users.

Rhino 3D

Rhino 3D Interface

Pros: Extremely flexible, ideal for complex/organic forms, accurate curve/surface tools, supports STL/OBJ/STEP, robust plugin ecosystem.

Cons: Paid only, moderate learning curve, CAD precision may require advanced plugins.

Blender

Blender Interface

Pros: Free/open-source, premier for artistic modeling and figurines, excellent sculpting tools, exports STL/OBJ, image-to-3D via built-in and plugins.

Cons: Steep learning for pure CAD, less ideal for dimensioned mechanical/functional parts, not parametric in traditional CAD sense.

Practical Recommendations

Best for Absolute Beginners & Simple Prints

TinkerCAD or SelfCAD – Start here for easy projects, quick results, and basic household items.

Best for Functional/Precise Parts

Fusion 360 or FreeCAD – For prints that require accurate fit and complex assembly.

Best for Artistic or Organic Models (Figurines, Toys)

Blender – For creative projects and custom, characterful prints.

Final Tip

If you're new to 3D printing, start with TinkerCAD or SelfCAD for simple objects. If you plan to design parts that must fit or move, try Fusion 360 (free for personal use). For art projects or miniatures, Blender is a powerful free choice—just expect a deeper learning curve. Switch or upgrade to advanced options as your needs and confidence grow.

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