# Best 3D Modeling Software - Page 12 *By [Gauri Pawsey](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/gauri-pawsey)* 3D modeling software refers to programs that design basic three-dimensional models of objects or characters. To flesh out the models with realistic details, the tools include supplemental features, like 3D painting features to add textures, lighting, and color. Once the software has completed the models, they can come to “life" using 3D rendering and 3D animation tools. More and more often, industries such as television and film, gaming, marketing, and virtual reality turn to the [best 3D modeling software](https://learn.g2.com/best-3d-modeling-software) to create their work. These programs are used by industries including television and motion picture, video game, marketing, and virtual reality. After they are created using 3D modeling software, Graphic designers can utilize crude 3D models without rendering for use on websites and media stills. Tools with 3D capabilities that are specifically for [building design](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim) and [architecture](https://www.g2.com/categories/architecture), [civil engineering design](https://www.g2.com/categories/civil-engineering-design), or other [CAD](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad)-related functions, are not included in the 3D Modeling category. To qualify for inclusion in the 3D Modeling category, a product must: - Provide tools for constructing and modifying 3D graphic models - Allow users to store and export completed models - Not be specifically created for building design and architecture, civil engineering design, or CAD ## Category Overview **Total Products under this Category:** 211 ## Trust & Credibility Stats **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 7,500+ Authentic Reviews - 211+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Best 3D Modeling Software At A Glance - **Leader:** [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [Browzwear](https://www.g2.com/products/browzwear/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Meshy](https://www.g2.com/products/meshy/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Unity](https://www.g2.com/products/unity/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Meshy](https://www.g2.com/products/meshy/reviews) --- **Sponsored** ### Vyond Vyond is an all-in-one AI video platform designed to empower organizations in creating secure, compliant, and engaging business content at scale. With a history spanning over 15 years, Vyond has established itself as a trusted solution for more than 20,000 companies, including 65% of the Fortune 500. Vyond is particularly suited for enterprises looking to enhance their internal communications, training programs, sales enablement, and marketing efforts through high-quality video content. Vyond serves a diverse range of use cases. It is particularly beneficial for companies aiming to streamline onboarding processes, improve training completion rates, and enhance compliance training. By integrating seamlessly with existing tools such as Slack, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, Vyond allows employees to create brand-safe content without the need to switch between multiple applications. This integration not only fosters a more efficient workflow but also ensures that video content aligns with organizational branding and compliance standards. Key features of Vyond include AI avatars, AI-assisted scripting, instant translation, and text-to-speech capabilities, which collectively enhance the video creation process. Users can develop custom characters and utilize various animation styles, including animated, photorealistic, mixed-media, and live-action formats, all within a single platform. This versatility allows organizations to cater to different audience preferences and learning styles, making their content more engaging and effective. Additionally, Vyond’s SCORM-compliant LMS integration ensures that training materials can be easily tracked and measured, providing valuable insights into employee engagement and learning outcomes. Vyond stands out in the market by simplifying the technology stack for enterprises while expanding their creative capabilities. The platform’s focus on measurable outcomes—such as faster onboarding, higher training completion, and improved sales enablement—enables organizations to track return on investment (ROI) within their existing systems of record. This emphasis on data-driven results allows businesses to make informed decisions about their video content strategies and optimize their communication efforts. With a commitment to ongoing innovation and customer trust, Vyond is dedicated to evolving its platform to meet the needs of modern enterprises. By bringing next-generation AI capabilities into a compliant and governed environment, Vyond enables organizations to create content more efficiently, communicate more effectively, and reduce their reliance on fragmented solutions. This positions Vyond as a comprehensive tool for any organization looking to leverage video as a key component of their business strategy. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=576&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=582&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=neighbor_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=582&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=7533&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=576&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2F3d-modeling%3Fopen_modal_url%3D%252Fproducts%252Funity%252Fwishlists%253Fhost_path%253D%25252Fcategories%25252F3d-modeling%2526source%253Dcategory&secure%5Btoken%5D=6d7bc998468cabb54337764e144b890bd9ce20dd528cf0c49d817750b2ce4f1b&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fthink.vyond.com%2Fsignup%3Futm_source%3Dg2%26utm_medium%3Dppc%26utm_campaign%3Dfree_trial&secure%5Burl_type%5D=free_trial&secure%5Bvisitor_segment%5D=180) --- ## Parent Category [3D Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-design) ## Related Categories - [3D Rendering Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-rendering) - [Animation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/animation) - [3D Painting Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-painting) --- ## Buyer Guide ### What You Should Know About 3D Modeling Software ### What is 3D Modeling Software? 3D modeling completely transforms the way creative teams approach product design projects. While 2D still serves a purpose for floor plans and schematics, 3D modeling gives people a more realistic view of a final design. With 3D rendering capabilities, creators can even place their designs in real-life environments to demonstrate how their products might interact in the real world. For animators and game designers, these tools are invaluable to their artistic vision, while product designers and marketers are able to rely on 3D software to design a product that meets consumer needs. 3D modeling software has many computer-aided design (CAD) software capabilities, but it serves a different set of industries. CAD software is used to create industrial or mechanical designs, but 3D modeling is more common in animation, game design, and 3D printable models. 3D modeling software gives users direct input into each vertex and manipulates shapes that look more organic. It allows users to play with geometry in a way that creates hyper-accurate models. ### Features of 3D modeling software A base product for 3D modeling software often has limited features, but plugins can offer additional functionality. - UV mapping is the 3D modeling process of projecting a 2D image onto a 3D model’s surface for the purpose of texture mapping. Most 3D modeling software comes with UV editing features that let users move, scale, and generally modify the UV topology for a surface. - Sculpting features allow users to form virtual 3D surfaces as if they were made of clay. This feature allows more free-form editing and creates complex models with tools such as pushing, pulling, smoothing, and pinching the digital object. Sculpting is beneficial across various industries, such as game design, character animation, and product design. - Rendering puts the final touches on  3D models. It involves adding texture, color, and light to make them appear authentic. Most 3D modeling software offers features to help render, but other platforms are specifically dedicated to this process and might be a better fit if rendering is your focus. - Animation is probably an obvious feature of 3D modeling software. Some tools provide users with options that bring characters and objects to life. This can include adding expressions and realistic motion to characters. It’s mostly used by animators and video game designers. - Simulations help give a deeper, realistic representation of objects. Simulation features allow users to produce effects such as rain, fire, or wind. - Component libraries are provided by most 3D modeling software platforms. This includes pre-made geometric shapes so users don’t have to model from scratch. - Collaboration features allow multiple users to work on a model simultaneously. Users can leave notes, annotations, and edits. Having multiple team members on a design can speed up the process and eliminate the need for more reworks. ### Benefits of 3D modeling software - Prototyping: 3D modeling is one of the easiest ways to show stakeholders what a final product will look like. 3D modeling can make virtual prototypes, allowing for testing and validation before building physical prototypes. - Simulation: 3D modeling software is a powerful tool for engineers that helps simulate the behavior of structures, mechanisms, or fluid dynamics, enabling creators to optimize designs for performance and efficiency. - Productivity and cost: There’s no longer a need to manufacture prototypes if you use 3D modeling software because all of the creation happens on the computer and the printer.  Unnecessary labor and associated costs with manufacturing are eliminated and design issues with the model can also be identified, which prevents nonessential reworks down the line. - Collaboration: The software often supports collaborative features so multiple users can work on the same project. This is especially valuable for remote teams working on complex projects. ### Types of 3D modeling  The choice of 3D modeling software depends on a project's specific requirements, the industry, and the desired level of detail and precision. Many 3D artists and designers use a combination of these techniques according to the task at hand.  - Wireframe modeling represents 3D objects using lines and curves to define the shape. [Wireframing](https://www.g2.com/categories/wireframing) focuses on the underlying structure of the object without considering surface details. - Surface modeling defines the outer shape of an object and its surfaces. It is often used in industrial and automotive designs to create smooth and aesthetically pleasing surfaces. - Solid modeling creates realistic 3D objects with volume. It's widely used in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing to represent physical objects precisely. - Polygonal modeling is common in video games, virtual reality, and computer-generated imagery (CGI) for movies. Objects are represented by a mesh of polygons (typically triangles or quadrangles).  - Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) modeling represents 3D geometry using mathematical curves. It's commonly applied in automotive design and animation industries to make smooth and precise surfaces. - Parametric modeling involves defining 3D objects using parameters or mathematical equations. Changes to one part of the model can then automatically update related components. It's often used in engineering and product design. - Procedural modeling involves creating 3D models through algorithms and rules rather than manual manipulation. It's useful for generating complex and detailed environments, such as landscapes and cityscapes. - CAD modeling is widely used in engineering and architecture to make technical drawings and models. It involves parametric and solid modeling techniques. ### Who uses 3D modeling software? The animation, gaming, and industrial design industries have embraced 3D modeling software. However, it is also used by marketers, architects, and hobbyists. For example, marketers can use 3D modeling software to demo their products for advertising, and architects turn to 3D modeling software to visually develop their projects. Hobbyists who want to play around with 3D creation also find much use for the tool.  - Product designers in a variety of different fields utilize 3D modeling software to bring models from conceptualization to completion. It helps them identify any issues before the model is put into production, saving companies time and money on reworks. - Animators are some of the most prevalent users nowadays. Many of the top animation studios use 3D modeling software to create characters, objects, digital sculpting, and a variety of other models that they use in their shows and films. - Game designers can find all their desired features with 3D modeling software, including character creation tools, body simulation, texturing, and motion graphics. - Architectural planners use 3D modeling for architectural drawing, as it allows viewers to experience an entire structure and its surroundings. ### What does 3D modeling software cost? The pricing of 3D modeling software ranges from free to more than $500, with paid versions having more functionality and support than free versions. This encompasses one-off fees, annual fees, or monthly fees. #### Return on investment (ROI) Below is the breakdown of the estimated time to ROI according to the 3D modeling product review data on G2 as of July 2021: - 50% of buyers see an ROI in 6 months or fewer - 26% of buyers see an ROI in 7-12 months - 15% of buyers see an ROI in 13-24 months - 1% of buyers see an ROI from 24-36 months - 1% of buyers see an ROI from 36-48 months - 3% of buyers see an ROI in 48+ months  - 3% of buyers haven’t realized a full payback yet ### What are the alternatives to 3D modeling software? [Alternatives to 3D modeling software](https://www.g2.com/articles/3d-modeling-vs-cad-vs-bim) that can replace this type of software, either partially or completely: - [Building design and building information modeling (BIM) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim) is specifically meant to aid in building design and construction. Architects, contractors, and engineers use it to visualize, design, and coordinate construction from beginning to end. While there is some overlap with 3D modeling programs, BIM 3D modeling tools are less robust and flexible. BIM tools may have a library of doors, windows, stairways, and other objects to make the process of designing and improving workflow.  - [CAD software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad) is primarily used by various engineering fields to design parts, tools, or entire projects, such as bridges or auditoriums. CAD software is also used to create designs for 3D printing, make objects in 3D, create 2D schematics, and edit the design. ### 3D modeling software trends - VR modeling: More and more tools let users [model in a VR environment](https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/71263). They can now walk around and view their 3D designs in a fully realized world. Some VR 3D modeling features even provide collaboration features so multiple users can collaborate at the same time. - More vertical industries: An increasing number of industries will begin to explore 3D modeling software as they notice the benefits. Businesses such as clothing stores or jewelry departments can turn to 3D modeling software to avoid post-production model costs associated with making a physical model. These companies can provide software features that let customers try on designs to understand better how they’ll look. The same concept can be applied to other industries, including furniture, landscape design, and automobile makers. ### Software related to 3D modeling software User-friendly solutions that integrate well with 3D modeling software include: - [3D printing software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-printing): Many 3D modeling software tools have features that prepare designs for 3D printing, like slicing and piping the g-code directly to the printer. This essentially translates 3D models into instructions for 3D printers.  - 3D rendering software: Sometimes, 3D models can be enhanced with [tools designed for 3D rendering](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-rendering). These features could be lighting, texturing, and wind effects that all place the 3D model in a fully realized environment. Users can insert 3D models, objects, and characters into the 3D rendering software to access these tools. - [Animation software:](https://www.g2.com/categories/animation) Animation is a popular integration for 3D modeling software. Users can upload their 3D designs into the animation software, where the model can be further manipulated. Designers can make the model interact with other objects, landscapes, and characters using high-quality animation software features.  _Written and Researched by_ [_Shalaka Joshi_](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/shalaka-joshi) _Reviewed and edited by_ [_Aisha West_](https://www.linkedin.com/in/westeawest/)