Free 3D Design Software
Written by Tara: Freelance Designer on Monday, 10 of December , 2007 at 12:46 pm
When I was first looking for a 3D design program several years ago, most of them were very expensive and complicated (far too complicated when I just wanted to use them for print work and packaging visuals).There are now several free 3D options available a couple of which I downloaded to try out.
Google Sketch Up
I had heard of google sketch up but to be honest didn’t really know what it was - the name makes it sound more of a drawing /design program rather than 3D software. What I like about Google Sketch up is that it is fairly intuitive. You click on a tool and a box with al the information about what that tool does and how to use it appears, which is pretty useful when you are trying to learn. You can easily make 3 dimensional squared objects by drawing lines in 3 dimensional space and extruding. You can also create lathe objects - although this is a bit less obvious using a a feature called follow me. Drawing curved lines is not as simple as straight, there is an arc feature but it is not easy to control, a bezier drawing tool would make a great addition. Available for Mac and PC.
Below is a very simple tutorial from Youtube showing how you can build simple objects in Google Sketch up very easily. There are several more video you can find with more complex examples on Youtube too
Art of Illusion
Art of Illusion is an opensource 3D modelling and rendering program. I only quickly took a look at this program but I liked how simple the interface is unlike a lot of commercial applications. It looks like this program would be much better for organic forms than Google SketchUp with the use of Triangular meshes. There is also a online/download manual and tutorials available. This is definitely one worth taking a look at if you want a free 3D program. Available for Mac, PC and Linux
Other Free 3D Design Software
Pov-Ray Mac, PC, Linux
Amabilis PC only
Anim8or PC only
Blender All major operation systems
Wings 3D Mac, PC, Linux
Category: General Graphic Design, Design Programmes, Package Design
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Comment by Riccardo Giuntoli
Made Tuesday, 11 of December , 2007 at 2:15 pm
For vector graphics there’s also some good applications in the opensource world:
inkscape
sk1.
Best Regards, Riccardo Giuntoli.
Comment by Paul
Made Wednesday, 12 of December , 2007 at 12:14 am
Adobe are integrating 3D tools into the next version of Photoshop, so we will be able to add in Google Sketchup models, then wrap jpegs around them to generate 3d output. Should be cool.
Comment by Teppo
Made Wednesday, 12 of December , 2007 at 12:39 am
One word: Blender. Of course it’s kind of complicated and takes some time to learn (especially if you have no experience with similar programs) so it might not be the best choice for someone just wanting to play around a bit but it’s pretty much the best you can get (for free, that is - though it does compare quite well with certain very high-priced commercial software also) 
Comment by LaurenMarie - Creative Curio
Made Wednesday, 12 of December , 2007 at 12:55 am
Hi Tara! Glad you’re back! Missed you for a few weeks. Things get so busy around the holidays, don’t they? Goodness!
Ah, I think everyone knows by now that very much dislike 3D. I learned Maya and I couldn’t get the hang of the tools! It’s difficult for me to think in terms of spacial relationships, too. Oh well, I didn’t want to go into 3D anyway!
Do you use these programs to render booth designs for tradeshows? I remember you’ve talked about those in the past. Do you find it necessary to learn these other tools (like 3D and web) in order to stay competitive?
Comment by Tara: Freelance Designer
Made Wednesday, 12 of December , 2007 at 10:30 am
Hi Paul
I have read that Photoshop can import 3D models into CS3, but haven’t tried it out yet. Should be good though. Illustrator also has basic 3D modelling but its quite basic.
Hi Teppo,
Thanks for your recommendation.
Hi Lauren,
Glad to be back, I am afraid my head is full of Weather Pops (hopefully the first story will be in a kids mag next year), and other ideas I am trying to develop. I used Strata 3D for the trade show visuals. I have been using Strata for about 6 years now, it’s very mac like and not too hard to use though not as good for organic modelling as some high end programs. When I first started using strata there used to be a free lite version but they don’t seem to do that now. I have tried Lightwave but like you with Maya found it too complicated.
For me knowing a basic 3D program makes it a lot easier for me to visualise my ideas (personal projects and live work), I do a lot of package design so can give a client a realistic visual they can sell their product from. It’s something that a lot of print designers can’t do.
Comment by LaurenMarie - Creative Curio
Made Thursday, 13 of December , 2007 at 12:04 am
The Weather Pops! I’ve been wondering how that’s going. Hurrah for the magazine story! That must feel so good 
You must write a post about it and let us know all you’ve learned about the world of character development and marketing. It might even turn into a whole series if you have enough to share! I’m happy for you!! What an exciting new path to take in your career!
Comment by Tara: Freelance Designer
Made Thursday, 13 of December , 2007 at 10:26 am
Thanks - I daren’t write anything yet in case something goes wrong (fingers crossed)
Pingback by 3D software « CGInspiration
Made Thursday, 13 of December , 2007 at 4:21 pm
[…] & inspiration for CGIM « About the Louvre 3D software December 13, 2007 Graphic Design Blog included a post this week discussing free 3D design software, including Google Sketchup and Art of […]