LibGuides: 3D Printing: 3D Modeling Software

Tinkercad

Tinkercad
A free browser-based CAD software. We recommend this for beginners who want to learn the basics of geometric modeling.
3D Design Lessons
Beginner lessons to walk you though learning the basics of Tinkercad. Must create/have a Tinkercad account to view.

LeoPoly

LeoPoly
A free browser-based 3D sculpting software. We recommend this for beginners who want to learn the basics of organic modeling.

3D Slash

3D Slash
A free browser-based CAD software that is very easy to learn and surprisingly complex. We recommend using this if you want to quickly make a design (and have fun making it), but those interested in learning advanced CAD software should start with Tinkercad, SketchUp or FreeCAD instead.
3D Slash Video Tutorials
Short videos demonstration how to use 3D Slash. Topics include: basic tools, importing files, manipulating objects and more.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD
A free to download parametric modeling software. While not as easy to learn as Tinkercad, FreeCAD allows you to do more and is an excellent choice in learning the fundamentals of 3D modeling.
FreeCAD Tutorials
A selection of written tutorials covering topics such as architecture and modeling parts.
FreeCAD 3D Modeling Tutorial
Short video introduction of the features available in FreeCAD.

SketchUp Free

SketchUp Free
A free browser-based CAD software. A simple, easy to learn interface makes getting started less intimidating than FreeCAD. A good beginner to intermediate software.
SketchUp Free for Beginners
Learn the basics of SketchUp Free. You do not have to create a login for this tutorial you can use the navigation tabs on the left to view the lessons.
Getting Started with SketchUp Free
An introduction to using SketchUp's free online modeling tool.

Fusion 360

Fusion 360
Professional 3D CAD software that offers a free 3 year educational license. Learning this complex software will take time but may be worth it if you plan on making professional quality designs.
Introduction to Fusion 360
Sixteen video lessons to for beginners to learn about Fusion 360. Topics include, using the toolbox, creating a project and more.
Fusion 360 User Guide
A written guide explaining the different features and tools in Fusion 360.
Fusion 360 Tutorial
Beginner video tutorial introducing Fusion 360.

Blender

Blender
A free to download 3D modeling software. An incredibly complex and versatile software that can also be used to make animations and video games. Not for beginners, but worth learning if you want to learn professional 3D modeling, animation or game design.
Blender Training
Beginner and intermediate courses covering a variety of topics in Blender.
Blender Beginner Tutorial Series
The full playlist for the above donut demo series.
How to Model in Blender
A video tutorial introducing 3D modeling concepts.

Online Classes

Lynda.com offers a variety of free online 3D modeling classes. Lynda.com classes are available with a Free Library of Philadelphia card. Use the following step by step guide in order to access this resource for free.

How to get a library card from the Free Library of Philadelphia
The Free Library of Philadelphia has additional resources beyond what the Erie library offers.

Lynda.com Free Library of Philadelphia educational resource.

Learning Tinkercad (2hr 18min)

This beginner level course to get you started with 3D designing with Tinkercad.

Learning SketchUp Free (2hr)

Learn the basics of SketchUp free to create 3D models. Topics include: drawing in SketchUp, working with components, manipulating objects and more.

Blender Essential Training (9hrs)

Learn how to model, animate, and render 3D graphics in Blender. Topics include: creating bump maps, add motion blur, subdivide mesh and more.