5 Best 3D Modeling Software in 2024

What is 3D Modeling Software

• Game development. Simulation capabilities make modern video games as realistic and rich in detail as possible. 3D models are used to create game characters, objects, scenery, and full-scale virtual worlds.
• 3D printing. The invention of 3D printing would not have been possible without the participation of this technology. It turns virtual objects into real objects of all shapes and sizes. 3D printing is in demand in a variety of industries, from medical to aerospace.
  
• Architecture. 3D modeling is an important tool for modern architecture. It helps engineers and architects design buildings with sky-high heights and fantastic shapes that go beyond classical formats. Specialized programs visualize building structures with high clarity and detail.
  
• Animation. Animators use programs to create animated 3D models. 3D modeling technologies are widespread in the development of computer games, films, cartoons, television shows, and other visual content with animation.
  
• Product design. Digital 3D models are actively used to visualize products before they are put into production. Specialized software allows you to create a product design with the smallest details and demonstrate it with a 360-degree view. Thanks to this, you can identify its defects in advance and understand how to improve the product.
  

Blender

• 64-bit quad-core CPU with SSE4.2 support.
• 8 GB RAM.
  
• Video card with 2 GB RAM and support for OpenGL 4.3.
  
• OS Windows 8.1/10/11 or MacOS 10.13 Intel/Apple Silicon 11 or Linux.
  

• The built-in Cycles engine provides realistic CPU & GPU rendering, real-time previews, PBR shaders, support for HDR lighting, and VR rendering.
• The program has an impressive set of modeling tools with support for Full N-Gon, multi-resolution and dynamic subdivision, 3D painting with textured brushes, Python scripts for custom modes, and more.
  
• Thanks to the availability of professional animation and rigging functions with synchronized sound, Blender is successfully used for the development of short films, TV series, commercials, and other content.
  
• The program allows you to combine 2D and 3D objects in the viewport, supports layers and colors for strokes and fills, creating brush strokes and parent elements for 3D objects, onion animation, and so on.
  
• The managed Python interface allows you to customize layouts, colors, sizes, and fonts. In addition, there are hundreds of add-ons available and development of your own add-ons through Blender's Python API.
  

ZBrush

• Intel 64-bit CPU or AMD 64-bit CPU.
• 4 GB RAM.
  
• Video card supporting OpenGL 3.3/Vulkan 1.1.
  
• 20 GB HDD.
  
• Windows 10/11 64-bit or Mac OS X 11.5.
  

• The updated Anchors Brush system provides an intuitive way to deform meshes using anchors. The Knife Brush makes designing easier with the ability to cut and save parts.
• Repeat to Similar makes it easy to design surface details and add secondary objects to models.
  
• The new DragStamp stroke feature performs surface detailing, while the Crease UnMasked and Uncrease UnMasked buttons provide the basis for dynamic edge control.
  
• The program sets new standards for 3D modeling and drawing. Users can shape, texture, and sculpt objects using virtual clay with instant feedback.
  
• ZBrush is considered one of the best 3D modeling software because it processes tens of millions of polygons in real time. You can paint directly on the surface of the model without first assigning a texture map or UV. This gives you visual freedom, streamlining the 3D texture development process.
  
• Integration with Redshift and BPR systems provides the ability to render realistic, high-resolution images. Baker 360 lets you apply results to models without re-rendering scenes.
  

Maya

• CPU: Intel/AMD 64-bit with SSE4.2 instruction set (PC) or Apple Silicon ARM64/Intel x86 (Mac).
• 8 GB RAM.
  
• 7 GB HDD.
  
• Video card from the Maya Certified Hardware list.
  
• Windows 10 (version 1809 onwards) or Windows 11, or macOS 14.x, 13.x, 12.x.
  

• A set of 3D modeling tools aids in the design of 3D objects, environments, and characters.
• Polygonal modeling enables the creation of 3D models with precisely calibrated geometry based on vertices, edges, and faces.
  
• NURBS modeling allows the construction of three-dimensional models using geometric primitives and drawn curves.
  
• Maya users can view and edit UV texture coordinates for polygons, NURBS, and subdivision surfaces in 2D format.
  
• The program includes a range of rigging and animation functions for professional development of animated content. This encompasses non-linear animation, motion capture animation, keyframe animation, and more.
  
• The built-in Arnold engine for CPU/GPU rendering enables real-time scene changes, control over materials, lighting, camera, and colors.
  

SketchUp

• 1 GHz CPU.
• 4 GB RAM.
  
• 1.5 GB HDD.
  
• Video card supporting OpenGL 3.1.
  
• Windows 10/11 or macOS 14+/13+/12+/11+.
  

• The universal functionality allows you to use the software in many areas, including architectural and landscape design, urban planning, interior design, product design, and more.
• A set of powerful 3D graphics tools, from parametric modeling to intelligent inference systems, help you create complex designs with high precision.
  
• SketchUp is an easy 3D modeling software because it contains a solid library of pre-installed 3D models and components that beginners can use. Among them are a wide variety of objects: from vehicles and trees to furniture and equipment.
  
• Numerous integrations with third-party applications expand the capabilities of the platform. For example, with V-Ray, users can create photorealistic visual effects in real time. Importing files from Revit takes just a couple of clicks.
  
• The SketchUp cloud service simplifies and speeds up collaboration on projects by providing all the tools the team needs in a single dashboard. Administrative options allow you to manage permissions and access levels, view and change accounts.
  

• Go (starter) – $119 per year.
• Pro (balanced) – $349 per year.
  
• Studio (with maximum capabilities) – $749 per year.
  

3ds Max

• CPU Intel/AMD 64-bit with SSE4.2 instruction set (PC).
• 4 GB RAM.
  
• 9 GB HDD.
  
• Video card from the Maya Certified Hardware list.
  
• Windows 10 (from versions 1809)/Windows 11.
  

• Retopology tools automatically reconstruct polygon mesh data into a clean quad topology. This allows you to improve projects with perfect precision.
• The built-in Arnold renderer provides powerful rendering capabilities, from color grading to light blending. With it, specialists can quickly and efficiently process complex scenes, effects, and characters.
  
• The program supports several file formats, allowing you to share resources in glTF, USD, FBX, CAD, and more.
• Support for high-quality materials allows you to create realistic objects using Open Shade Language and physical rendering, then bake them into texture.
  
• Color management tools ensure accurate color reproduction and are compatible with a range of applications.
  
• Interactive viewports reduce design cycles by previewing PBR materials and camera effects in high-quality renders.
  

Conclusion