Want to know what the most popular 3D modeling software of the year is? You’ll find the answer here.
In this guide, we’ll go over a wide range of modeling programs, from inexpensive (or even free!) beginner-friendly options, to gold-standard pro software.
Sound good? Let’s go!
Autodesk Maya
Maya is considered to be one of the top 3D modeling software programs on the market.
Maya is one of the primary tools used by 3D artists to create a wide range of 3D models, from simple geometric shapes to environments and characters. The different features in Maya include modeling tools for shaping 3D objects with polygonal modeling and NURBS modeling.
Shapes can then be manipulated by moving, rotating, and scaling models. What’s more, you can use sculpting tools to push, pull, and smoothing surfaces.
Finally, Maya also comes with advanced features like UV maps and rigging.
If you’re interested in learning how to use Maya, check out this Intro To Maya Workshop by the Academy of Animated Art. It’s online, so you can learn from anywhere, and you’ll even get a free student license of Maya after you enroll!
Learning from experts online is the quickest and most painless way to learn complex software like Maya. You can also read this informative guide on Maya.
Features:
- Sculpting tools
- Dynamic simulations
- Rigging systems
- Industry-standard render engines
- Fluid simulations
- Polygonal modeling
- Visual effects
- Solid-body physics
Pricing: Autodesk Maya costs $235/month or $1,875/year, depending on the plan you choose.
SketchUp
SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling software with different strengths compared to Maya.
SketchUp is known for precise non-organic modeling, and it’s much more intuitive than most other modeling tools.
For this reason, SketchUp is great for people who are just getting started.
People use SketchUp for modeling, but also for other things like architecture design, animation, and crafting precise shapes before 3D printing.
It’s a very versatile software with a huge range of applications, from fine woodworking to interior design and engineering.
Features:
- Ease of use
- 3D modeling capabilities
- Short learning curve
- Library of free extensions
- Supportive community
- Rendering tools
- 3D printable designs
Pricing: The basic SketchUp plan costs $119/year.
Houdini
Developed by SideFX, Houdini is another popular 3D animation software that’s used extensively by professionals.
Its strength lies in creating 3D models, animations, and effects. These could include smoke, explosions, water, crowd simulations, and fire.
It’s a powerhouse for creating dynamic 3D models with complex patterns, and its node-based workflow makes it faster and more efficient than most other programs.
Houdini is great to learn for people who want to become professionals in the industry. It’s used by top studios and was an important tool in the making of the 2013 film Frozen, among many others.
Another good thing about Houdini?
It offers free plans for students with the version called Apprentice. The downside is that the free version can only be used for non-commercial projects. It’s still great to practice with, though!
Features:
- Nodes and algorithms
- Simulations
- Powerful rigging tools
- A passionate community of artists to help you with tutorials and inspiration
- Character effects
Pricing: Houdini Indie costs $269/year. Other plans cost up to $4,495.
Blender
If you’re just getting started with 3D modeling and you’re looking for a beginner-friendly software to try, look no further than Blender.
This is a versatile software that allows you to create 3D objects, smooth out shapes and curves, and add detail to your models with digital brush tools.
It’s used by a wide range of artists, from hobbyists to freelancers.
Another perk? It’s completely free!
Even though it isn’t generally used by large studios because it’s not as reliable as premium alternatives, it’s still a good option for indie projects and individual artists.
What makes Blender so popular?
It’s accessible, good for beginners, and has many uses, including 3D modeling, VFX, video editing, and scripting.
Ultimately, it’s the perfect place to practice 3D modeling if you’d like to do it as a hobby rather than a career.
Features:
- Sculpting tools
- Compositing
- Animation
- Motion tracking
- Visual effects
- Rendering
- Simulations
Pricing: Free
Shapr3D
If you have a Windows tablet or an iPad that you’d like to use for 3D modeling, then Shapr3D is the program for you.
It’s a cloud-based software that’s made to work perfectly on mobile devices to design and edit 3D models.
Engineers, architects, designers, and other creative professionals use Shapr3D because of its versatility.
Here, the user-friendly design of Shapr3D makes it perfect for students and hobbyists who are just getting started in 3D modeling.
Features:
- Cloud-based, which allows for use on the go
- Compatible with Apple Pencil on iPad
- LiDAR scanning
- Real-time collaboration with colleagues
- Frequent updates and new features
- Affordable
Pricing: The basic plan is free, but has a maximum of two projects. The Pro plan is $25/month.
3ds Max
If you’d like to do 3D modeling on a Windows computer, this software is for you.
3ds Max is a 3D modeling, rendering, and animation software that was developed by Autodesk, the same company behind Maya.
Like Maya, 3ds Max has become an industry-standard program and is widely used by professionals.
3ds Max is used by architects and designers to create 3D models of buildings, layouts, and interiors. It’s also popular with manufacturing companies that use it to create 3D prototypes of products.
Another similarity with Maya? 3ds Max can be difficult to learn, but the rewards of mastering the software are massive.
A possible downside of 3ds Max, though, is that it’s not compatible with Mac computers, which is something to keep in mind if you’re considering it.
Features:
- Polygonal modeling
- Particle simulation
- Character rigging
- Sculpting
- Motion capture support
- Arnold and V-Ray rendering engines
- Light simulation
Pricing: $235/month or $1,875/year, depending on the plan you choose.
Cinema 4D
Developed by Maxon, Cinema 4D is used for 3D modeling, motion graphics, simulation, and animation.
It’s user-friendly and intuitive, making it the perfect choice for both seasoned pros and beginners. Plus, Cinema 4D has an extensive community of artists that share resources and tutorials.
Even though it’s easier to learn than a lot of other 3D modeling software, Cinema 4D is considered an industry standard and was used in movies like Avengers: Endgame and The Lion King.
So, bottom line: Mastering Cinema 4D could be a key part of starting your career in 3D modeling.
Features:
- Intuitive sculpting tools
- Volumetric modeling
- Motion capture support
- Create textures and materials
- Add plugins and scripts
- Cyclical movements
Pricing: Cinema 4D costs $81.91/month.
ZBrush
ZBrush is a 3D modeling software used mostly for character creation and design.
It’s known for providing a very tactile experience, allowing you to work almost as if you were sculpting a physical object.
ZBrush offers brush sculpting tools that are extremely precise and allow for detailed, high-resolution work.
The flip side?
Learning how to use ZBrush can be challenging and requires lots of practice. But, once you master it, you’ll have learned one of the industry-leading modeling software programs.
Features:
- Wide array of brush tools
- High-resolution sculpting
- Non-destructive workflow
- Vibrant colors to add to your models
Pricing: ZBrush costs $39/month.
Modo
Modo is a 3D modeling software program used for character creation, building and architectural design, product design, VFX, and illustration.
It provides a customizable interface, allowing you to work in whatever way suits you best. Since Modo is so adaptable, it’s used by a wide range of artists.
Hobbyists, game developers, and character artists all use Modo for their 3D modeling needs.
Features:
- High degree of customization
- Procedural modeling
- Non-destructive workflow
- 3D painting
- Rendering
- Shading
Pricing: Modo costs $65/month or $659 for the yearly plan.
3D Slash
If you’re interested in video games and want to try your hand at 3D modeling, then 3D Slash is the tool for you.
It’s a one-of-a-kind 3D modeling software that’s designed to appeal to a broad audience by making 3D modeling feel like a game.
The software replaces complex menus and options with simple commands like “trowel” and “paintbrush” to switch between tools. This makes it accessible and fun for beginners to use.
Plus, 3D Slash has a mobile app version, allowing users to make 3D models from anywhere using their phones.
It’s uncomplicated and approachable, and a great choice for anyone looking for a simple software to start modeling with.
Features:
- Mobile app version available
- Rapid prototyping with pre-assembled cubes
- Non-destructive workflow
- Simple interface
Pricing: 3D Slash offers four plans ranging from free to $20/month for the Professional Plan.
Autodesk AutoCAD
AutoCAD is used for 2D and 3D modeling. It was developed by Autodesk, the same company that made 3ds Max, Maya, and several other industry-leading modeling software programs.
With AutoCAD, Autodesk created the gold standard for 2D and 3D drafting and modeling.
AutoCAD is fast and precise, allowing artists to focus on their work. The program can calculate things like the mass, area, and volume of a shape to make designs easy to visualize.
Because the software is so advanced, though, it’s not ideal for total beginners and takes quite a bit of time to learn.
Features:
- Third-party support
- Industry standard
- Ability to automate repetitive tasks
- Photorealistic rendering tools
- Customize menus, commands, and toolbars
Pricing: Autodesk AutoCAD costs $245/month or $1,975/year.
Unreal Engine
Created by Epic Games, Unreal Engine is a 3D modeling software that’s primarily used to create visuals for video games.
But that’s not all it can do.
Outside the gaming world, Unreal (as it’s often called) is used for animation, architectural planning, and VFX.
To get started with Unreal Engine, you should consider taking an online course, which is a great way to learn no matter where you are.
If you’re interested, take a look at this Introduction to the Unreal Engine Workshop.
Features:
- Cutting edge rendering
- Wide array of tools
- Highly customizable
- Large community
Pricing: Free
Rhinoceros 3D
Often called Rhino for short, Rhinoceros 3D is a modeling software that focuses on NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) modeling.
The primary benefit of this type of modeling is that it allows designers to create a completely smooth line, no matter how closely it’s examined.
This is especially useful when designing manufacturing prototypes that require enormous detail.
But other designers find it useful as well. Ultimately, Rhino can be a valuable tool to any 3D designer looking for smooth lines and precise details.
Features:
- Non-destructive workflow
- Powerful rendering engine
- Animation tools
- Customizable with plugins
- Extremely precise
Pricing: Rhinoceros 3D costs $995 to buy.
Adobe Substance 3D Modeler
Adobe Substance 3D Modeler is a 3D modeling software that’s popular with game artists for character design, as well as concept artists and hobbyists.
It has a wide array of intuitive sculpting tools that allow you to bring your creative visions to life.
Adobe Substance 3D Modeler features procedural tools that generate textures, surfaces, and other details.
If you’d like to learn how to use Adobe Substance 3D Modeler, check out this course: Complete Substance 3D Training.
Features:
- Brush tools
- Customizable workflow
- Built-in material system for painting
- Non-destructive workflow
Pricing: Adobe Substance 3D Modeler costs $49.99/month.
Next steps
There you have it! Now you know all about the most popular 3D modeling software this year.
Explore your options to find which programs are right for you, and learn how to use them. With the right skills, you can have a fun, fulfilling, well-paid creative career.
And with high-quality online courses, getting started has never been easier. So, now it’s your turn. What software are you going to learn?
Learn more:
2D vs. 3D Animation: What’s the Difference?
