10 Best 3D Printer Software to Use in 2022

January 21, 2021
/ Blog
/ By Carole Lokey

You will agree with me when I say,

Finding a good printing software that has zero compatibility issues with your 3D printer is hard.

These 3D printing software that we have listed are specialized for different things, such as perfecting the designs. They also have other innovative features. Keeping the importance of 3D printing design software in mind, we have reviewed some of the best 3D printer software that you can use today.

Let’s take a look at this 3D printing design software.

Best 3D Printer Software 2022:

Here is the list of top 3D Printer Software

Product	Rating
MeshLab	10 [Editor's Choice]
AutoDesk Fusion 360	8
Ultimaker Cura	9
FreeCAD	8.5
TinkerCAD	8
OpenSCAD	7
Rhinoceros 3D	7.5
Catia	8
SketchUp Make	7
3D Slash	7

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1. MeshLab

Why we like it:

MeshLab is an open platform, which means that you can use it free of charge.
It can be used for editing and processing three-dimensional meshes.
For editing the mesh, providing texture to it, and prepare it for 3D printing.

Pros	Cons
✅Is free	❌Since some buttons are for multiple functions, it can be a bit confusing.
✅Has many functions for editing
✅Allows 3D texturing and color mapping

The topmost reason for MeshLab being a prominent choice is that it does not cost anything. Additionally, it has the capability to reconstruct three-dimensional images and create designs of your choice.

Moreover, you can map the images and add texture as you would like. The tool is also great for closing, offsetting, and hallowing. Since it’s efficient software, your designs will be prepared in no time.

It also has a measurement tool that you can use for taking a linear reading to calculate what’s the distance between two points in the 3D mesh.

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2. AutoDesk Fusion 360

Why we like it:

AutoDesk Fusion 360 is a great software for people who use 3D printers because it’s quite powerful.

Moreover, it has been used by machinists and engineers too.
Thus, if you’re a designer, it would be great for your work-related needs.

Pros	Cons
✅Efficient streamline	❌None
✅Best for producing mechanical parts
✅Works with different shapes

If you’re looking for a 3D modeling software for 3D printing, this one should be on your list. It gives you full control over designing all kinds of shapes. You can print the shapes as per your liking.

Moreover, it has many robust features that allow you to make clean models while imparting plenty of detail to the final product. One of the best features of this software is the History Tree tool. It lets you edit objects accurately and quickly.

Since it’s used by different designers, you can also collaborate with your fellows in real-time. Additionally, the software lets you produce high-quality designs.

However, keep in mind that this is not a free 3D printing software. If you pay the annual fee, you will be charged $42 per month. But if you pay monthly, you will have to pay $60 every 30 days.

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You can also check the Best 3D Printer for Miniatures in 2021

3.Ultimaker Cura

Why we like it:

Ultimaker Cura is used by millions of people around the world due to its user-friendly interface and high-quality performance.

Moreover, it integrates with CAD software to streamline your workflow.
If you want an in-depth control, you can use custom settings.

Pros	Cons
✅Has a free version too	❌Takes time for printing 3D models
✅Suitable for beginners
✅Compatible with multiple film formats

Ultimaker Cura is a free 3D printing software that you can use for honing your printing skills. If you’re a beginner and don’t want to spend a lot of money on software, this is the right one. It can print on different film formats and networks. Thus, you won’t have any issues.

Also, there’s an adjustment tool that lets you scale the model efficiently.

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4. FreeCAD

Why we like it:

The software is free of cost and has wonderful capabilities.

It lets you design life-like shapes and sizes with ultimate ease.
It’s suitable for beginners since there’s a training tool that helps people who’re just learning about 3D printing.

Pros	Cons
✅Tool for beginners	❌Basic interface
✅Has parametric tools	❌Few functionalities only
✅Easy designing and printing

As the name indicates, it’s the great 3D modeling software for 3D printing that has parametric components to help you make life-like designs without any difficulty. Since the software keeps a history of every change you have done, it’s easy to edit the design at any point.

Moreover, the designers can also use 2D objects as a basis to create 3D models. Along with that, the software also has support for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. Therefore, you can use it on any of your computers.

Read about the 12 Best 3D Printers under $500

5. TinkerCAD

Why we like it:

TinkerCAD is the amazing 3D modeling software for 3D printing if you do a wide range of tasks on your 3D printer.
Along with working well for complex models, it works great for simpler versions too.
Thus, beginners and professionals alike can use this 3D printer software with ultimate ease.

Pros	Cons
✅Easy to use	❌Allowance values don’t exceed a limit for surface triangles
✅User-friendly interface
✅Comes with groupings of shapes and sizes.

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Being a free 3D modeling software, TinkerCAD is a straightforward software that you can use even if you are a beginner. Along with having the basic features, the software also has complex features for professionals.

You can make simple to complex 3D models. The software supports STIL files that let you print the 3D designs immediately. Additionally, you can use important 2D models too.

The software executes laser cutting efficiently. All you have to do is click once to start printing. One of the best things about this 3D printer software is that it comes with cloud storage where you can save all your designs.

As we have already discussed, this software is also useful for beginners. The software has a detailed tutorial which will tell you all you need to know about this program’s functionalities.

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6. OpenSCAD

Why we like it:

OpenSCAD is a free 3D printer software that you can use for creating efficient and high-quality 3D models.

Moreover, the tool is useful for professionals who need to work on elaborate projects.
Most importantly, you can use this software as a programmer too.

Pros	Cons
✅Suitable for professionals	❌Not suitable for beginners
✅Has Constructive Solid Geometry	❌Can’t be used to make complex shapes
✅2D outlines

OpenSCAD is a handy software that professionals can use to make shapes and models. Keep in mind that the software is fully based on descriptive language. Due to that, it won’t be suitable for beginners.

Other than that, this software has many features for professionals, including Constructive Solid Geometry and parametric shapes. Additionally, you can extrude 2D outlines with this software and make 3D models. Another amazing thing about this software is that there are 3D designers in the online community from where you can consult others to get suggestions and solutions.

You can use this software on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Therefore, it doesn’t matter which operating system you are using, this 3D printer software will work great for you.

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7. Rhinoceros 3D

Why we like it:

Software that lets you analyze, present, model, and design, is the right option for you.
The software uses a mathematical model called NURB, due to this model, the software allows you to manipulate meshes, surfaces, curves, and points.
Moreover, this tool has other design features, such as those for graphic designers.

Pros	Cons
✅Useful for curve manipulation	❌Complicated to learn
✅Many design features
✅Versatile 3D modeling

The Rhinoceros 3D printer software is the most capable software that you can use for making 3D models. One of the most notable features of this software is that it has a history tool. Owing to this tool, the software records all the edits you have made previously and lets you make tweaks accordingly.

Moreover, you can display the control points on the model to manipulate designs according to your requirement. Thus, you can manipulate anything from surfaces and curves to meshes.

Plus, you can import the files from different sources, such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

Another awesome thing about this formula is that you can add dimensions to the model in any viewpoint. Therefore, even if you are a professional, you will find this software helpful for your needs.

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8. Catia

Why we like it:

Catia is a 3D printer modeling software that has gained a lot of popularity for being a platform with multiple suites.
It is one of the best options for people who need multiple platforms.
Help you in all your design and printing needs.

Pros	Cons
✅Suitable for engineers	❌Expensive
✅Changes can be tracked
✅Used by some of the best companies in the world

If you’re looking for 3D modeling software free, you should not opt for this one as it’s one of the most expensive options out there. You get the software in a free trial initially and then you have to pay for the subscription cost later on.

Even though the software costs a lot, it has all the features you need so many organizations are happy to bear the price. Keep in mind that this software is used by some of the largest organizations in the world.

It’s suitable software for engineers, allowing them to make models and print them according to their needs. Moreover, users can track the changes they have made. In this way, they’re able to make revisions to their shapes and models without any difficulty.

Since it has been made for high-end work, the software has many tools that let you meet the specific work-related requirements you are following. You can also use online collaborations with other designers and engineers to design models.

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9. SketchUp Make

Why we like it:

If you run an architectural firm or need to make architecture-related designs, this is the durable 3D printer software for you.

It comes with 3D printing and modeling solutions that professionals from other fields can also use.
You can quickly and easily transform all your ideas into reality.

Pros	Cons
✅Suitable for builders, engineers, and architects	❌Expensive paid versions
✅Easy to use	❌Might not be suitable for complex designs
✅For 2D and 3D design

SketchUp Make is software that engineers and architects can use to make designs in 3D and 2D. Plus, there’s a collaborative online space where designers can interact with each other or share relevant information.

The software also has a VR experience that lets designers stimulate the models and designs they have made before they print them. Most importantly, the software has different templates that you can use as a base for making your 3D designs.

If you’re a beginner, you will find this software to be very helpful for all your design needs. It’s an intuitive experience with a user interface that will surely make things a breeze for you.

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10. 3D Slash

Why we like it:

3D Slash is a 3D printer software with advanced features and a user interface that you will absolutely love.
Even if you are a beginner and don’t know how to use 3D printer software properly, this software will be easy for you to learn.
It allows you to insert rounded shapes.

Pros	Cons
✅Can edit STL files	❌Not suitable for industrial use
✅Has a Syringe tool for inserting colors
✅Has a High Definition Mode

Lastly, we have 3D Slash on our list that comes with rounded shapes that you can add in 3D models. Moreover, the newer version allows you to edit the models precisely and that too in High Definition Mode.

Plus, you can apply color in the blocks using a tool called the Syringe tool. Another cool thing about this software is that it connects to VR models, letting you visualize the model.

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Conclusion

With that, we conclude our top 3D printer software reviews. In this guide, we discussed all the 3D printer software that you can use, whether you are a professional or a beginner. Hopefully, this guide would have helped you find the 3D printer software that you need for 3D design.

References:

Low-cost lab-on-a-chip prototyping with a consumer-grade 3D printer†

Carole Lokey

Hello there, my name is Carole Lokey from Texas. I am a die cutting and scrapbooking enthusiast and I have been sharing my passion with my friends and likeminded folks for close to 15 years now. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me via the contact page