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TinkerCAD alternatives and competitors in 2023

Introduction

TinkerCAD is a popular 3D software developed by Autodesk. Anyone can access this software online through its browser. TinkerCAD is known to be particularly adapted to beginners, as it makes a good entry point into the 3D modeling universe. It is still a solution to achieve some great 3D designs and help you with all your different CAD applications. But for some reason, you might want to use another similar software. For example, if you’re on the go and don’t have an internet connection or you don’t have a specific tool in TinkerCAD.

There are actually many different reasons why you might be looking for TinkerCAD alternatives, and today, we are going to help you with this. Follow the guide!

TinkerCAD, how to get similar options?

What are the advantages of TinkerCAD?

TinkerCAD is a convenient software: it is free, suited for beginners, simple to use, and easy to learn. Basic editing tools, text editing, drawing, solid modeling, and rendering tools. This 3D modeling software offers parametric and free-form editing tools. TinkerCAD works by adding primitive shapes in order to create solids, all of this, through an easy user interface. To create 3D prints, TinkerCAD is actually a really good option. However, there are some other great options available on the market, and you should certainly take a look at them. 

Start looking for alternatives!

If you are looking for a TinkerCAD alternative, it means that you want to use software with similar CAD tools and features. If you have to find other options, you will have to find a 3D program fitting your needs. First, you have to check the price of your 3D modeling software. TinkerCAD is free, it is one of its main benefits. You certainly know it but 3D modeling software can be really expensive, but we will look for some great alternatives through all free 3D modeling software. 

As an alternative to TinkerCAD, the alternative you find should be addressed to the same audience. Meaning that if you are using TinkerCAD, you might not be really experienced with 3D printing. TinkerCAD alternatives have to be easy to use, and easy to understand for beginners with no real experience in 3D modeling software. A 3D modeling software has to be adapted to the user experience If you wanted to use TInkerCAD, it means that you need software with a fast learning curve. 

To be clear, someone looking for a TinkerCAD alternative will be looking for a free program, with a fast learning curve and mainly targetting beginners.

What are the best TinkerCAD alternatives available on the market?

3D Slash

3D Slash is among the easiest 3D modeling software available on the market. This CAD program is perfect to get started with 3D modeling, if you have no previous experience. This software is also used for education. Indeed, it’s part of our selection of the best 3D software for kids, to teach them how to create models in three dimensions.

3D Slash is an intuitive software, working with blocks. The toolset includes a hammer and a trowel to add and remove cuboids. The free version of this software already enables to achieve some great results. But don’t worry, if you want to go further with the use of this software, you can pay for a premium, school or professional version to access more advanced modeling tools in order to work on more complex geometrical shapes and high-resolution modeling, for example.

3D Crafter

3D Crafter might also be a good alternative to TinkerCAD. This is a free design software developed by Amabilis Software, which is also a great animation software. This software can really help you make your first steps in 3D modeling. A pro version of 3D Crafter is also available, offering better rendering options, better 3D design tools and features for video game development for example. 

Vectary

Vectary is 3D modeling software accessible online, through your browser, just like TinkerCAD. One of the biggest advantages of this software is that you can access great features for your photorealistic rendering. Keep in mind that using this software, 3D modeling is free but you will have to pay to download your STL file after that.   

LibreCAD

If you are looking for CAD software to develop your 2D projects for free, then you will have to check LibreCAD.  This software is an open-source program available with Mac Windows and Linux. no subscriptions, license costs or annual fees are needed, meaning It is really easy to get started with LibreCAD. 

This 2D software can be used to create elaborate drawings, 2D drafting, or 2D projects for laser cutting purposes.

MagicaVoxel

MagicaVoxel is a free program, quite similar to 3D Slash, allowing to create a great artistic rendering. This program works with voxels, which are 3D pixels or “volume pixels”. The selection of colors offered by this free software is a big advantage. MagicaVoxel is offering interesting design tools to make your design process as easy as possible.

Leopoly

Leopoly is easy and free software. It can be quite limited, but it really depends on what you are trying to achieve. But this web-based program is advertised as “the easiest 3D creation platform”, and it is true, Leopoly is easy to use because of its predetermined functions. But these predetermined functions can also represent a limit if you already know how to use 3D modeling. However, it can still be a good software for beginners, even easier than TinkerCAD.

Going a bit further: Software for intermediate users

To continue with free CAD software, here is a small selection of software that might be interesting for you. These are still free but might require a little bit more experience in terms of 3D modeling skills. 

Blender

Blender is a well-known CAD software. It is a free but really powerful mesh-based direct modeling software. It is used by professionals to develop animations or even video games. Rendering, sculpting and modeling are quite easy with this 3D tool! Moreover, it is perfectly adapted to the creation of 3D printed parts. 

Sketchup

Sketchup is also used as a professional 3D modeling software, particularly useful for architectural models. This software is a little bit complicated to use and has a large toolset. A lot of training and tutorials are available online to learn how to use this program. Free versions of this 3D software are available, but you obviously have more options by becoming a paying user of Sketchup.

Have you found the perfect 3D modeling software for your project? TinkerCAD alternatives are numerous, you will necessarily find a CAD program fitting your needs. You can even find the best 3D modeling classes to improve your 3D modeling skills. For the latest news about additive manufacturing and 3D modeling software, feel free to subscribe to our newsletter. 

And if you are about to 3D print your project, try out our online 3D printing service by uploading your STL file. We will print your part in our factory, using our professional 3D printers, and your parts will then be delivered to your door!

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