3D MODELING
3D modeling software
3D modeling software
Learn about 3D modeling software available from Autodesk for beginners, professionals, and everyone in between.
What is 3D modeling?
What is 3D modeling?
3D modeling is a computer graphics process of creating a mathematical representation of a 3D object or shape using specialized software. The digital rendering of the physical object is called a 3D model and various industries use them.
Industries including architecture, construction, product development, science, medicine, film, television, and video games use 3D modeling apps and software to visualize, simulate, and render graphic designs.
3D modeling is a computer graphics process of creating a mathematical representation of a 3D object or shape using specialized software. The digital rendering of the physical object is called a 3D model and various industries use them.
Industries including architecture, construction, product development, science, medicine, film, television, and video games use 3D modeling apps and software to visualize, simulate, and render graphic designs.
How does 3D modeling work?
How does 3D modeling work?
3D modeling starts with an artist generating a 3D primitive using numerous polygons such as a cube, cylinder, plane, or sphere. Then, the artist uses 3D modeling programs & tools to develop and refine the design into its new desired form. The 3D modeling workflow involves adding points in the 3D modeled space called vertices and adjusting their placement to manipulate the object’s shape by subdividing the polygons to create a new 3D object.
3D modeling starts with an artist generating a 3D primitive using numerous polygons such as a cube, cylinder, plane, or sphere. Then, the artist uses 3D modeling programs & tools to develop and refine the design into its new desired form. The 3D modeling workflow involves adding points in the 3D modeled space called vertices and adjusting their placement to manipulate the object’s shape by subdividing the polygons to create a new 3D object.
What are the different types of 3D modeling?
What are the different types of 3D modeling?
There are four basic types of 3D modeling: wireframe, surface, solid, and 3D sculpting (or polygonal) modeling. Wireframe modeling shows only the skeletal framework of an object or character using edges and vertices. By contrast, surface modeling uses a polygonal mesh to show a 3D model’s surface texture, shading, and color. Solid modeling goes beyond the surface and ultimately represents both the exterior and interior of the 3D-modeled object. Finally, 3D sculpting, or polygonal modeling, finishes the polygonal mesh of a 3D model with complex details and textures.
There are four basic types of 3D modeling: wireframe, surface, solid, and 3D sculpting (or polygonal) modeling. Wireframe modeling shows only the skeletal framework of an object or character using edges and vertices. By contrast, surface modeling uses a polygonal mesh to show a 3D model’s surface texture, shading, and color. Solid modeling goes beyond the surface and ultimately represents both the exterior and interior of the 3D-modeled object. Finally, 3D sculpting, or polygonal modeling, finishes the polygonal mesh of a 3D model with complex details and textures.
Software for 3D modeling
3ds Max
Maya
Autodesk Fusion
Inventor
Revit
AutoCAD
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What is 3D modeling software used for?
3D models are used across a wide range of industries.
3D models are used across a wide range of industries.
3D modeling for film & TV
3D modeling for film & TV
VFX and animation studios use 3D modeling software to create CGI assets and characters for films and TV shows.
VFX and animation studios use 3D modeling software to create CGI assets and characters for films and TV shows.
3D modeling for game development
3D modeling for game development
Game developers create 3D environments and characters for games and cinematics using 3D modeling tools.
Game developers create 3D environments and characters for games and cinematics using 3D modeling tools.
3D modeling for product design
3D modeling for product design
The manufacturing industry uses 3D modeling software for product design, engineering, and concept rendering.
The manufacturing industry uses 3D modeling software for product design, engineering, and concept rendering.
3D modeling for architecture
3D modeling for architecture
The architecture industry uses 3D modeling apps and software to render the interiors and exteriors of proposed buildings and environments.
The architecture industry uses 3D modeling apps and software to render the interiors and exteriors of proposed buildings and environments.
Benefits of 3D modeling software
Discover some of the top benefits of 3D modeling software from Autodesk.
Discover some of the top benefits of 3D modeling software from Autodesk.
Design efficiency
With 3D modeling software, designers don’t need several rounds of evaluating physical prototypes. Instead, they can quickly adjust designs with user-friendly software.
With 3D modeling software, designers don’t need several rounds of evaluating physical prototypes. Instead, they can quickly adjust designs with user-friendly software.
Accurate visualization
Compared to 2D drawings, 3D modeling software designs can display the finest details from any angle, making evaluation faster and easier.
Compared to 2D drawings, 3D modeling software designs can display the finest details from any angle, making evaluation faster and easier.
Simulation and testing
A large battery of 3D modeling software simulations can test for product malfunctions and safety under harsh conditions or for the movements and responses of 3D characters and objects.
A large battery of 3D modeling software simulations can test for product malfunctions and safety under harsh conditions or for the movements and responses of 3D characters and objects.
3D modeling software features
Discover the top 3D modeling tools and features available with Autodesk software.
Discover the top 3D modeling tools and features available with Autodesk software.
Material and texture mapping
Material and texture mapping
These techniques add realistic detail like color, topography, reflectivity, patterns, and wear to 3D objects and 3D scenes.
These techniques add realistic detail like color, topography, reflectivity, patterns, and wear to 3D objects and 3D scenes.
Animation and rigging
Animation and rigging
Rigging artists give 3D models a skeletal framework, which animators use to create the realistic movement of 3D animation.
Rigging artists give 3D models a skeletal framework, which animators use to create the realistic movement of 3D animation.
Lighting tools
Lighting tools
Autodesk’s Arnold software achieves photorealistic lighting through its proprietary lighting setups and works with standard Maya lights.
Autodesk’s Arnold software achieves photorealistic lighting through its proprietary lighting setups and works with standard Maya lights.
Rendering
Rendering
In this final step of animation, 3D rendering software generates finished images of the 3D models with effects like shading, reflections, and motion blurs.
In this final step of animation, 3D rendering software generates finished images of the 3D models with effects like shading, reflections, and motion blurs.
Examples of 3D modeling software in use
3D modeling in engineering
3D modeling in engineering
With Autodesk Civil 3D and Revit for 3D modeling, this firm delivered a water treatment plant ahead of schedule and under budget.
With Autodesk Civil 3D and Revit for 3D modeling, this firm delivered a water treatment plant ahead of schedule and under budget.
3D modeling for games
3D modeling for games
The video game development studio Cygames used distinctive modeling tools and techniques within a broader suite of animation solutions to perfect a highly stylized and immersive visual experience.
The video game development studio Cygames used distinctive modeling tools and techniques within a broader suite of animation solutions to perfect a highly stylized and immersive visual experience.
3D modeling for product design
3D modeling for product design
This custom millwork and woodworking shop turned to the cost efficiency of Fusion 360 for 2D CAD, 3D modeling, CAM tools, and CNC programming.
This custom millwork and woodworking shop turned to the cost efficiency of Fusion 360 for 2D CAD, 3D modeling, CAM tools, and CNC programming.
3D modeling for film & TV
3D modeling for film & TV
See how global 3D houses working in film, TV, gaming, and VFX achieve captivating results using Autodesk 3D modeling tools.
See how global 3D houses working in film, TV, gaming, and VFX achieve captivating results using Autodesk 3D modeling tools.
Free 3D modeling software resources
Introduction to 3D modeling for manufacturing
Jumpstart your CAD skills and work toward certification by learning the fundamental workflows of Fusion 360 3D modeling software for design and manufacturing.
Jumpstart your CAD skills and work toward certification by learning the fundamental workflows of Fusion 360 3D modeling software for design and manufacturing.
Introduction to 3D modeling for architectural design
Get started with Revit 3D modeling software for architecture and learn to create and edit walls, doors, windows, roofs, stairs, and other elements and core modeling concepts.
Get started with Revit 3D modeling software for architecture and learn to create and edit walls, doors, windows, roofs, stairs, and other elements and core modeling concepts.
3D modeling for mechanical design using Inventor
Work toward certification for Inventor 3D modeling software with this professional course, which teaches skills in assembly modeling, mechanical motion, technical production drawings, and Inventor animations.
Work toward certification for Inventor 3D modeling software with this professional course, which teaches skills in assembly modeling, mechanical motion, technical production drawings, and Inventor animations.
3D modeling assets for Maya
Access thousands of 3D assets for Maya and other 3D modeling software, including textures, models, landscapes, and more from Creative Market.
Access thousands of 3D assets for Maya and other 3D modeling software, including textures, models, landscapes, and more from Creative Market.
Free 3D modeling software for beginners
Learn 3D design, electronics, and coding with Tinkercad, the free web app with an enormous user community and hands-on projects available for any skill level.
Learn 3D design, electronics, and coding with Tinkercad, the free web app with an enormous user community and hands-on projects available for any skill level.
AREA3D modeling for media & entertainment
Join Autodesk’s AREA 3D community to read user stories, share your work, and learn new skills with breakdowns and tutorials on 3D modeling software.
Join Autodesk’s AREA 3D community to read user stories, share your work, and learn new skills with breakdowns and tutorials on 3D modeling software.
3D modeling software FAQs
The best 3D modeling software for beginners should be free, easy to use, and highly accessible so as many people as possible can try their hand at a skill that is in demand, fun, and empowering.
For 3D design and learning associated electronics circuits and code, Tinkercad checks all the boxes for beginner-friendliness. It is available as a free web app (or iPad app). With its intuitive interface and quick tutorials, beginners can get up and running with 3D modeling in minutes.
Yes, 3D modeling software is essential for making 3D animation, and creators of any skill level can use it to create characters and CG assets for content ranging from short-form videos to games and feature films.
A full 3D animation software collection includes applications for every stage of the animation pipeline, including 3D modeling, motion capture, VFX, and 3D rendering.
3D sculpting is one of the final stages of 3D modeling in the media and entertainment industry, where 3D artists use digital sculpting and painting tools to add an impressive level of detail and texture to the polygons of 3D models. This technique is also referred to as polygonal modeling.
Using specialized software like Mudbox, 3D-sculpting artists bring characters and environments to life by adding complexity to their shapes and structures using a layer-based workflow.
Legal terms and conditions
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