Hi everyone! I need advice on choosing 3D modeling software as a complete beginner. I work as a UX designer and use Figma and Illustrator every day for about 10 years now. Just bought a Bambu Lab A1 printer and want to get into 3D modeling to edit existing designs and make my own stuff.
I want something that’s not too hard to start with but also powerful enough that I won’t outgrow it quickly. Don’t want to learn one program just to switch later because it can’t do what I need.
Here’s what I’ve looked into so far:
Tinkercad - Already tested this one. Really simple to use but way too basic. Good for quick tweaks but not much else.
FreeCAD - Currently trying to learn it. People say it’s missing some stuff and it’s pretty challenging for me but I think I can figure it out eventually.
Onshape - Looks promising. Don’t care about files being public but worried the free version might go away someday. Paid version costs too much for hobby use.
Plasticity - Thinking about purchasing this. Even without updates after a year I’d still own it forever which seems good for small projects. But is it worth the money and learning time?
Fusion 360 - Super popular from what I see. But I heard they keep taking away free features and might get worse over time. Is this actually true?
Might be wrong about some of this since I’m just starting my research. Would really love to hear what you think is worth spending time on. Thanks!
what kind of stuff are you planning to print? like functional items or more art pieces? This might help in chosing the right software. Also, do you prefer working offline or are you okay with cloud-based? It makes a big difference!
I made the same jump from 2D design to 3D printing and honestly? Go with Fusion 360. Yeah, there’s feature limitations, but the personal license covers everything you’ll need for hobby stuff. I’ve used it for three years and never hit a paywall that actually mattered. Your Figma experience is actually perfect here. Fusion’s sketch workflow uses similar constraint principles, so you’ll pick it up faster than you think. Plus the parametric modeling means you can tweak designs later without rebuilding from scratch - super handy when you’re dialing in print settings. FreeCAD can do the job, but it’s honestly a pain to learn. You’ll spend more time wrestling with the interface than actually designing. Fusion lets you focus on the creative stuff first. Once you’ve got the 3D mindset down, then you can explore other tools if you want.
The Problem: The user is a UX designer experienced with Figma and Illustrator, new to 3D modeling and 3D printing (Bambu Lab A1), seeking beginner-friendly yet powerful 3D modeling software. They’ve explored several options (Tinkercad, FreeCAD, Onshape, Plasticity, Fusion 360) but are unsure which to choose due to concerns about ease of use, long-term viability, and cost.
Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause): The user’s background in 2D design using Figma and Illustrator suggests a preference for intuitive, visually driven interfaces. The need for powerful software indicates a desire to create complex models, not just simple modifications. Concerns about free versions disappearing or paid options becoming too expensive reflect a practical approach to software investment for a hobbyist.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Choose Fusion 360: Based on your experience with Figma and the need for a powerful yet accessible tool, Fusion 360 is the recommended starting point. Its sketching workflow shares similarities with Figma’s constraint-based system, making the transition smoother. The parametric modeling feature allows for easy modification of existing designs. While some free features have been removed, the personal license is still sufficient for hobbyist use.
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Explore Free Tutorials: Numerous online tutorials cater specifically to Fusion 360 beginners. Leverage these resources to learn the interface and basic modeling techniques. Focus on mastering fundamental concepts like sketching, extrusion, and boolean operations before moving to advanced features.
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Start with Simple Projects: Begin with relatively simple 3D models to build confidence and understanding. Gradually increase the complexity of your projects as your skills develop. This iterative approach avoids frustration and reinforces learning.
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Experiment with Workflows: Fusion 360 offers various modeling techniques (direct modeling, parametric modeling). Experiment to find which workflow suits your design style and project requirements best.
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Manage Expectations: Be prepared for a learning curve. Mastering 3D modeling takes time and practice, but the results are well worth the effort. Don’t get discouraged by initial challenges. Consistent practice is key.
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Consider Alternatives Later: After gaining proficiency in Fusion 360, you can explore alternative software like FreeCAD or Blender if needed. The knowledge gained in Fusion 360 will give you a strong foundation for using other 3D modeling programs.
Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:
- Overcomplicating Designs: Avoid creating overly complex models, especially when starting. Focus on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing designs within your skill level.
- Ignoring Constraints: Fusion 360’s sketching relies heavily on constraints. Understanding and properly utilizing these constraints is crucial for creating accurate and modifiable models.
- Insufficient Resolution: Ensure your models have sufficient resolution for 3D printing. Low-resolution models may print with poor surface quality.
- Improper Slicing: Once you’ve designed your model, the next step involves slicing (preparing the model for printing using slicer software). Ensure your slicer settings are properly configured to avoid printing errors.
Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) Fusion 360 files, the exact commands you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help! Let us know if you’re trying to use Fusion 360 for this!