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I like to make home projects, for example building a bed or a loft or a soundproof room. I also want to design my own house to build. Currently I do the old paper and pen method, but this is limited. I'm finally considering learning some basic 3D modeling.

What is a good easy 3D modeling software with a low learning curve to use for this type of thing? I am an expert in photoshop so I am very competent with computers, I just don't have the time to spend many hours learning 3D modeling software - it's actually faster to use paper and pen the old way than spend all that time learning the software. So, I'm hoping to use a 3D software that will give me greater benefit and flexibility on home projects and home design while not spending too much time learning the software itself.

In addition in the longer term I want to learn building personal projects like designing inventions for a 3D printer etc.

Free or paid software are open. Whichever is best for my utility. Which software should I start with?

diy
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3 Answers3

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TinkerCAD is one of the easiest 3D drawing programs to learn.

OnShape is also popular with hobbyists, and is browser based so there's no install and it's cross platform. Any drawings made with the free version are public - anyone can view and copy them. Often you can find someone else's drawing that's close to what you need, take a copy and modify it.

Whatever package you choose, I advise spending half an hour working through the first couple of tutorials - otherwise it can be extremely frustrating trying to guess how you're supposed to do things. For some reason CAD seems harder to learn than most applications.

Robin Bennett
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I've used sketchup for making plans and blender for 3D modeling.

anm767
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Consider Autodesk Fusion 360 which has a free hobbyist license that has full modelling functionality. It is a CAD program designed for working in 3D as its primary tool set. It can produce scale drawing PDFs, renders, and even produce G Code for CNC machines. It was easier to learn for me than SketchUp, but that might just be a function of how my brain operates.

Yet Another User
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