9 Best 3D Software for Product Design

The top Best 3D Software for Product Design: Having the ability to design products and know how to use the best 3D software for product design is a great advantage for any designer and an attractive point for the curriculum. This type of software allows generating a broader perception of what is being created and adds realism when presenting options to customers.

The Best 3D Software for Product Design

3D modeling allows you to generate photorealistic illustrations and models that are convincing for customers, as well as expand the skillset for craft plans for products and environmental designs, as well as allow you to present 360-degree designs of packaging, proposals for furniture and for architect’s even entire buildings.

Best 3D Software for Product Design

But, to know how to choose among the best 3D modeling software, of the many that are on the market today, here is a selection of six excellent software options to learn:

1. AutoCAD

AutoCAD by Autodesk is one of the most versatile and widely used best 3d modeling software for product design by designers and architects. It is also used by engineers, as well as environmental, industrial, and graphic designers.

Autodesk

As an additional bonus, there is a wide range of online videos that guide you through the basics of the program to start using it.

3D Product Modeling Tutorial With AutoCAD

Here’s a simple and short guide to creating a 3D product model using AutoCAD:

  1. Open AutoCAD: Launch AutoCAD on your computer.
  2. Design 3D Headset 1
  3. Switch to 3D Workspace: In AutoCAD, switch to the 3D modeling workspace. You can do this by selecting the “3D Modeling” workspace from the workspace switcher at the bottom right of the window.
  4. Create a Basic Shape: Start by creating a basic 3D shape representing your product’s main part. Use commands like “Box,” “Cylinder,” or “Sphere,” depending on the shape of your product.
  5. Modify and Extrude: Use commands like “Extrude” to give thickness and depth to your 3D shape. Modify the dimensions and orientation as needed.
  6. Add Details: Use additional commands like “Extrude,” “Union,” or “Subtract” to add details and features to your model. You can also use commands like “Chamfer” or “Fillet” to round off edges.
  7. Design 3D Headset Modeling Tutorial With AutoCAD 13 27 screenshot
  8. Apply Materials: Assign materials to different parts of your model using the “Materials” editor. This step gives your product a realistic appearance.
  9. Use Layers: Organize your model using layers. Assign different components to different layers for better management and control.
  10. Check and Adjust: Regularly check your model in 3D view. Make adjustments to ensure the proportions and details are accurate.
  11. Rendering: When you’re satisfied with your 3D model, use the rendering tools in AutoCAD to create a realistic image. Adjust lighting and other settings for better visualization.
  12. Design 3D Headset 3
  13. Save and Export: Save your AutoCAD file and consider exporting your 3D model in a commonly used format like .STL if you plan to 3D print the product or .OBJ for use in other 3D software.

2. Autodesk Maya

Also created by Autodesk, it is a 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and simulation software. Maya 3D is very similar to 3ds Max but less easy to use for beginners. It is used in the development of video games, animated films, and visual effects; Offers high-end tools for characters and effects.

Maya

It is the choice of most 3D artists. Autodesk Maya is a rendering, simulation, modeling, and animation software with an integrated set of tools used to create animations, environments, motion graphics, virtual reality, and character creation.

It is the most complex and complete; this means that it is the most difficult to learn and master, but it is worth spending time and budget on it thanks to its professional results.

Here’s a simple guide for creating a 3D dropper bottle in Maya based on the provided information:

1. Create Bottle:

Bottle

  • Use a cylinder to form the main body of the bottle.
  • Adjust the radius and height according to your design.
  • Utilize the Edge mode to bevel and add segments for shaping.
  • Delete unnecessary faces and extrude to create the segmented part.
  • Add thickness to the bottom.

2. Refine Shape:

Refine Shape

  • Fine-tune the shape by adding supporting edges using the Multi-cut tool.
  • Use the Bevel tool to smooth and round specific edges.
  • Adjust thickness and reverse normals if needed.

Create Dropper:

Dropper

  • Use another cylinder for the dropper head.
  • Customize the radius and height, and extrude to create the dropper shape.
  • Bevel edges and add supporting edges for a smoother look.
  • Create a hole where needed.

Create Label:

Label
Label
  • Duplicate and extract faces to form a label part.
  • Organize and group different parts (bottle, dropper, label).

Materials:

materials

  • Assign materials to different parts (e.g., glass for bottle, rubber for dropper).
  • Adjust material properties like color, roughness, etc.

Lighting:

  • Refer to previous lighting setup tutorial (link provided) for consistent lighting.
  • Import the model into the existing scene.

Rendering:

Rendering

  • Fine-tune render settings for optimal results.
  • Render the scene and make necessary adjustments for a better outcome.

Final Touch: Continue tweaking and refining until satisfied with the result.

3. Sketchup

It is an easy-to-use best 3d modeling software for product design that is downloaded for free and is excellent best 3d modeling software for beginners in 3D modeling.

Sketchup

The more advanced versions cost, but you can still create great renderings and animations with the free version.

4. Revit

Revit specializes in architectural and structural engineering design, specifically Building Information Modeling (BIM). It worked from free conceptual sketches, sustainable energy analysis, collaborative functions, and shared works.

Revit

5. 3ds Max

3ds Max by Autodesk is a 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering software program used in industrial design, cinema, games, and motion graphics. It allows users to bring their creations to life with more credible textures, movements similar to humans, flowing hair and skin, particle simulations, and more.

It is the best option for Windows users. Like its sister software, Maya, it has a robust range of tools that make the learning curve equally complex, but it is ideal for mainstream or intermediate animators since it makes better renders than Maya.

6. Houdini

Unlike other animation software, assets in Houdini FX are generally created by connecting a series of nodes. The advantage of this workflow is that it allows artists to create specific objects in a relatively short number of steps compared to other software.

Houdini

SideFX also offers Houdini Apprentice, a free version of Houdini FX. The free version allows you to access virtually all the features of the paid version and work on your projects.

7. Blender

Blender is another free best 3d modeling software for product design. The features included in sculpture, animation, photorealistic rendering, and video editing. For those who have a higher level, the software also allows you to create complete 3D games, edit videos, and realistic simulations. If you are looking for a free 3d modeling software for product design, capable of producing images and animations that are on par with almost any other 3D modeling software on the market, you will find nothing better than Blender.

It is a free and open-source 3D creation set. It is compatible with the entire 3D animation flow: modeling, animation, simulation, rendering, composition, and motion tracking, including video editing and game creation.

Blender is not very similar software to other professional 3D modeling software, so if you want to go to the next level with more professional software, your learning curve will probably be more complicated.

8. Modo

It is powerful modeling, texturing, and rendering tools software; however, it does not have all the high-end tools that you can find in other software.

The mode supports a wide range of file formats, so you can import, correct, and combine data from many CAD and 3D applications. You can build a specialized toolkit to meet your exact needs with the flexible Mode tool assembly system.

Advanced texturing tools, physical materials, and simple label placement allow you to repeat appearances and preview them in the interactive view quickly.

9. Zbrush

This best 3d modeling software for product design is particularly good for 3D printing. Zbrush is a 3D modeling, sculpture and digital painting program; this tool is similar to a mass, but digital, which allows you to get your ideas out of your head and materialize them.

Its use is more intuitive and experimental than other 3D software, and it is necessary to use a Wacom-style tablet since Zbrush also detects stylus pressure.


What is 3D modeling and what is its essence?

A 3D model is a digital three-dimensional image that is created using special software. It can be an exact copy of a real existing object – a car, a mechanism, and even an architectural structure.


Conclusion

To make the most of the benefits of this Best 3D Modeling Software for Product Design, you must have a monitor for professional 3D animation with CAD/CAM modes, Animation, Darkroom, Double view, and KVM function that help you distinguish lines and lines more easily. Dark areas, allowing you to optimize your creation time.