Best Beginner 3d Print Software Mac

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Autodesk Fusion 360 is one of the most powerful 3D printing software tools on the market. It is one of the preferred choices of products for mechanical engineers, designers, and machinists. The best part is that it seamlessly combines the power of design, engineering, and manufacturing into one platform. Jan 16, 2019  Okay, this software isn’t technically free, but it’s free for educational use. This means that if you’re using it to learn about photogrammetry, that’s fine, but you can’t use it for commercial applications. This is an exceptionally simple photogrammetry program. Oct 09, 2017  If you want to draw up a new floor plan for your home, office or just about any kind of space, we’ve taken a look at the very best Mac compatible floor plan and home design software in 2020. Floor planners are an easy to map out new layouts making it easier to identify problems, save time on costly errors and visualize your ideas more clearly. Mar 05, 2019 I believe that 3d printing should be as easy as using an inkjet printer. After trying MatterControl Version 2, from Matter Hackers, I was surprised to learn that this free opensource solution.

Best 3D Modeling Software for Mac: 3D Printing with Mac OS

Not all 3D modeling software is available for every operating system. That’s why we compiled a list of the most popular 3D design programs for Mac users. Read on to discover the top 20!

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The list of the most used 3D design software for Mac (see below) is based upon our list of the 25 most popular 3D modeling programs. However, we excluded software that is not available or not suitable for the Mac OS. This leaves us with the ultimate 3D modeling list for Macintosh users.

The Ranking: 3D Modeling Software for Mac Users


The two most used 3D modeling software programs for Macintosh devices are freeware program Blender (score: 80) and freemium software SketchUp (75). Blender is known for its enormous design freedom and its endless number of tools and functions – however, it’s also known for its steep learning curve. SketchUp, on the other hand, is said to be rather beginner-friendly and great for architectural and geometric objects. However, it’s not suited for creating organic structures.

Next come three programs from the Autodesk family: its professional high-end programs AutoCAD (59) and Maya (59) as well as its beginner-friendly free-to-use online app Tinkercad (51) all score well with Mac users. ZBrush (49), a professional 3D sculpting software, comes in 6th. Its free light version, named Sculptris (19), made it to rank 15.

After ZBrush, Cinema 4D (43), 123D Design (42), OpenSCAD (38), and Rhinoceros (36) complete the list of the top 10.

Screenshot of SketchUp, a popular 3D modeling software with Mac users.

The Popularity Score for 3D Modeling Programs

We calculated the popularity of a 3D modeling software for Mac based on their ‘popularity score’ in the 3D printing community. The popularity score consists of mentions and fans on social media, page authority, forum mentions, video mentions, 3D printing database mentions, and Google results. This score is especially helpful if you’re looking for a modeling software for Mac that is widely used for 3D printing, so you can be assured of an online community to brainstorm with and help you out if you get stuck.

3D Design Programs that Won’t Run on Apple’s Mac

Most 3D design programs are available for Windows and Mac users alike. However, some 3D design software that is not available for Mac OS includes Solidworks (62), 3DS Max (55), and Inventor (55). While these are not many, they still represent quite popular 3D modeling software packages. In our original list which includes all platforms, these programs ranked 3rd, 6th, and 7th among the most popular.

Some good news to end with: there are more and more options for Mac users. For example, Rhino 5 is available for Mac. Since many 3D design apps run online now (browser-based), programs like Tinkercad and 3DTin are also accessible from any device. With Cheetah3D there’s also a 3D design software which is exclusively available for Mac OS.

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Now that you have your handy 3D printer, you must be excited to get started! However, to begin your printing projects, you will need to invest in 3D printing software. This will enable you to print various objects. There is a wide selection of 3D printing software available; however, to get the most out of your 3D printer and to print the most flawless 3D designs, you need the best 3D printing software, which this review will help you with.

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The following 3D printing software options have been approved by both professionals and beginners alike as the best 3D printing software in the market.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file.

The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. This means that an object is created by laying down many layers of material until the final object is created. Each layer can be seen as a very thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the final object.

3D printing is the opposite format of subtractive manufacturing, which involves cutting out or hollowing a piece of plastic or metal using machinery such as a milling machine.

3D printing allows people to produce very complex shapes using much less material than the traditional manufacturing methods.

How Does 3D Printing Work?

You start off with a 3D model. This is something that you create yourself on your computer. When you create your own 3D model, you will need to use a 3D scanner, an app, a code, a haptic device, or some 3D modeling software. Our list below shows you some of the best 3D modeling softwares that are available on the market today.

1. Tinkercad

Tinkercad is considered one of the best 3D printing software programs for beginners due to its easy learning curve, and it only contains three easy tools that enable you to print a wide range of 3D designs, including prototypes, home decor, toys, Minecraft models, and more. It even enables you to make 2D geometrical shapes and change them into 3D models, and it utilizes STL file format, which is the most common file used in 3D printing, so it can be used by a wide range of users.

Tinkercad is an online 3D design and 3D printing app that is available for free, so all you need is a web browser.

Download: Tinkercad.com.

2. SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software is used by over 2 million engineers and product designers across the globe. It has 3 different packages available for the beginner, the intermediate, and the pro and is rated one of the best 3D printing software programs due to its strong design operations with intuitive user interface, which allows for a speedy design process. It also includes CAD animation, PhotoView 360, revision control, and more.

SOLIDWORKS packages vary in price; however, free trials are available. For more details concerning the cost of SOLIDWORKS, you will need to contact a sales representative.

Download: SOLIDWORKS.

3. SketchUp

SketchUp is rated one of the best 3D printing software programs for pros and intermediates due to its wide range of tools for geometric objects. In fact, users report that it is the perfect combination of simplicity and operation. This makes it easy to use and why it is rated as one of the best 3D printing software programs available. And since it utilizes STL files, it can be used by used by a number of users.

Best 3d Software For Beginners

SketchUp is available for free and is compatible with Linux, PC, and Mac systems.

Download: SketchUp.com.

4. Blender

Blender is one of the most powerful computer aided design (CAD) software programs you can use, which is why it is often recommended for professionals or those with advanced skills. However, it also has one of the largest communities of followers who are big on sharing resources, via various popular online sites, to help make it easier to navigate.

Blender is available for free and can be used with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

Download: Blender.org.

5. Cura

Cura 3D printing software makes it easy to mange much needed 3D settings in a simple interface. This slicer software was originally designed for use with Ultimaker 3D printers; however, it can also be used with other 3D printers, including Witbox, RepRap, Printrbot, and more.

Users love this software for its ease of use, which includes a “Basic” mode that enables swift configuration of print qualities, while the “Expert” mode allows for more control over the print quality settings. It can also be used as 3D printer host software for direct control over your equipment.

Cura is available for free and is compatible with Mac, PC, and Linux systems.

Download: Ultimaker.com.

6. Repetier

Repetier takes your 3D printing to the next level with multi-slicer support via plug ins, multi-extruder support, and support for just about any FDM 3D printer available, which is just perfect for the intermediate to advanced user. And with the Repeteir Host, you can use your tablet, PC, smartphone to control your 3D printer from anywhere.

Repeteir is a free download and is for use with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

Download: Repetier.com.

7. Slic3r

Slic3r is open source slicer software that includes an awesome honeycomb infill that is generated in three dimensions, which can significantly increase the strength of the interior infill of your final design. It is also well known for its bleeding edge features that are unmatched. Another benefit of this software is that it can be directly integrated with OctoPrint.

Slic3r software is available for free and can be used with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

Best Beginner 3d Printer Software

Download: Slic3r.org.

8. MeshLab

MeshLab allows you to change or make repairs to your 3D print model. With MeshLab’s advanced STL editing tool, you can fix holes, delete portions of your 3D model, or even merge two models into one for the perfect design. It also helps with raw data processing produced by 3D digitization tools or devices.

MeshLab is available for free and is compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

Download: MeshLab.

9. MatterControl

MatterControl is considered the granddaddy of all 3D printing software programs because it features three of the major slicing engines, including Slic3r, Cura, and Matterslice. This allows users to experiment with each feature and compare the results.

This 3D printing host for your desktop computer is very well structured for ease of use. It also enables you to preview the complete process layer by layer, so you can fix any issues in your print. It also includes an advanced mode, which includes features like mesh repair, and a basic mode where you can adjust the fill thickness, layer height, and more. You can also save the settings for future prints.

MatterControl is a free download for use with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

Best 3d Software For Mac

Download: Matterconrol.com.

Best Beginner 3d Printers

Summing Up

Best Beginner 3d Print Software Mac 10

In the end, the 3D printing program you choose will ultimately help shape your 3D printing experience. Don’t be afraid to try various software until you find the best 3D printing software for you. A good 3D printing program will also provide different levels of use, which will allow you to get a lot of use out of it before moving onto more advanced software.