Best 3D modeling and CAD software
3D modeling, sculpting and animation suites plus CAD tools for product design, engineering and architecture, from Blender and Maya to SolidWorks and FreeCAD.
37 apps, ordered by visits from AppBreakup and how often our research lists each one as an alternative. Open any app to see its alternatives.
All 3D modeling and CAD software
- Alternatives to Blender
The free and open-source 3D suite for modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering and more.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Autodesk Maya
Autodesk's 3D animation, modeling and VFX software used across film, TV and games.
PaidWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Cinema 4D
Maxon's 3D software for motion graphics, modeling, animation and rendering.
PaidWindows, macOS - AuAlternatives to Autodesk 3ds Max
Autodesk's Windows 3D modeling, animation and rendering software, popular in arch-viz and games.
PaidWindows - Alternatives to Houdini
SideFX's node-based procedural 3D software for VFX, simulation and game content.
Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Spline
A collaborative, browser-based 3D design tool for interactive web scenes.
Free plan + paidWeb, macOS, Windows - Alternatives to Autodesk Fusion
Cloud-connected CAD, CAM and electronics design for product development, with a free personal tier.
Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Web - Alternatives to FreeCAD
A free and open-source parametric 3D modeler for engineering, product design and architecture.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Onshape
Browser-based professional CAD with built-in PDM, version control and real-time collaboration.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS
Dassault Systèmes' widely used parametric 3D CAD for mechanical and product design.
PaidWindows, Web - Alternatives to Shapr3D
Approachable precision CAD for iPad, Mac and Windows, built on the Parasolid kernel.
Free plan + paidiOS, macOS, Windows - RhAlternatives to Rhino
Robert McNeel & Associates' NURBS 3D modeler, sold as a perpetual licence for Windows and Mac.
PaidWindows, macOS - SoAlternatives to Solid Edge
Siemens' mechanical CAD with synchronous modeling and free editions for makers and startups.
Free plan + paidWindows - Alternatives to SketchUp
Trimble's easy-to-learn 3D modeling tool for architecture, interiors and woodworking.
PaidWindows, macOS, Web, iOS - Alternatives to Plasticity
An artist-friendly NURBS modeler for hard-surface and industrial design, sold without a subscription.
PaidWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Nomad Sculpt
An inexpensive sculpting and painting app for iPad, Android and desktop.
PaidiOS, Android, Windows, macOS - Alternatives to ZBrush
Maxon's digital sculpting app for highly detailed characters, creatures and props.
PaidWindows, macOS, iOS - Alternatives to BricsCAD
DWG-native CAD from Bricsys that offers an AutoCAD-like workflow plus 3D, BIM and mechanical tools.
PaidWindows, macOS, Linux - AuAlternatives to Autodesk Revit
- Alternatives to OpenSCAD
Free, script-based solid CAD where you describe models in code.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to AutoCAD
Autodesk's long-running 2D drafting and 3D CAD software built around the DWG format.
PaidWindows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android - AuAlternatives to Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk's desktop parametric 3D CAD for mechanical design and engineering.
PaidWindows - Alternatives to Tinkercad
Autodesk's free, browser-based 3D design app for beginners, classrooms and 3D printing.
FreeWeb, iOS - Alternatives to Archicad
Graphisoft's BIM software for architects, available on both Mac and Windows.
PaidWindows, macOS - MoAlternatives to Moment of Inspiration (MoI)
A simple, affordable NURBS modeler for designers and artists, from Rhino's original developer.
PaidWindows, macOS - Alternatives to Womp
A free, browser-based 3D modeling app with soft, blendable shapes and built-in 3D printing.
Free plan + paidWeb - Alternatives to LibreCAD
A free, open-source 2D CAD application for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to 3DCoat
A 3D app for voxel sculpting, retopology, UV mapping and PBR texture painting.
PaidWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Zoo Design Studio
AI-native CAD that combines point-and-click modeling, code and a conversational design agent.
Free plan + paidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, Web - Alternatives to Wings 3D
A free, open-source subdivision polygon modeler that is simple to learn.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to SolveSpace
A small, free parametric 2D/3D CAD tool with a constraint solver.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Vectary
A browser-based platform for 3D presentations, product configurators and web AR.
Free plan + paidWeb - Alternatives to Blockbench
A free, open-source low-poly 3D model editor with texturing and animation, popular for Minecraft.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, Web - Alternatives to LightWave 3D
A veteran 3D modeling, animation and rendering package for Windows and Mac.
PaidWindows, macOS - Alternatives to CATIA
Dassault Systèmes' high-end CAD platform for aerospace, automotive and complex engineering.
PaidWindows, Web - Alternatives to Gravity Sketch
A VR-first 3D design and sketching tool for industrial and product designers.
Free plan + paidWindows - Alternatives to Marvelous Designer
3D garment design and cloth simulation software for games, film and fashion.
PaidWindows, macOS
Our picks by need
Popular comparisons
Common questions
What is the best 3D modeling and CAD software?
Based on how often our research lists them as alternatives and visits from AppBreakup, the leading 3D modeling and CAD software options right now are Blender, Autodesk Maya, Cinema 4D, Autodesk 3ds Max and Houdini.
Is there free 3D modeling and CAD software?
Yes. Blender (open source), Houdini (free plan + paid), Spline (free plan + paid), Autodesk Fusion (free plan + paid) and FreeCAD (open source) have a free option, out of 18 free or freemium apps we track.
Which 3D modeling and CAD software is open source?
Blender, FreeCAD, OpenSCAD, LibreCAD, Zoo Design Studio and Wings 3D, and 2 more.