Below is an incomplete list of 3D modeling software. Some are free, some are paid. Some will have steeper learning curves than others.
TinkerCAD
TinkerCAD, by AutoDesk, is a simple pick and place modeling software that is completely browser based. Its simple interface, requiring the user to choose a shape to place on a plane, then add more to add or subtract to create the final model, makes it the ideal starting point for most people getting into creating their own 3D models.
Fusion360
Another software by AutoDesk. Fusion360 is a fully featured 3D modeling software, with many additional features that may not be used by most 3D printing enthusiasts. This program is subscription based, though it has a free tier for hobbyists as well as education. Fusion360 is what many people graduate to when they are ready for more complex work that TinkerCAD struggles with.
OnShape
OnShape is another program that runs in the browser, but unlike TinkerCAD, it is fully featured CAD software. This program is paid, though they have a free tier. The caveat with the free option for OnShape is that everything modeled in it is published for anyone to view.
SolidWorks
Industry standard program for CAD work. SolidWorks commands a large portion of the market, though many hobbyists do not use it at home as it has a hefty price tag. The cloud-based option, 3DExperience, is not well received, and would be the only cost effective way to use the software at home.
Though the software has a high price, it is fully featured, powerful, and worth it to businesses, even some single person 3D printing businesses.
Inventor
Back to AutoDesk, Inventor is a strange option in my opinion. It has a heftier price tag than Fusion360, with many features stripped away, and only a couple of, presumably lesser used, features added over Fusion360.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open source CAD software that is rich in features, but somewhat difficult to navigate for newcomers. I myself have attempted to use the program a few times, having used everything mentioned thus far, and I struggle to make even basic parts.
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is a code based 3D modeling program. I cannot say much about it other than the fact that it is quite powerful, and like FreeCAD, it is open source. I have used it to tweak parameters on models developed in the program, though I do not know how to write code to model in it.
Alibre Atom
Alibre Atom seems to be a godsend when you see the features and the price. Personally using it, I thought it was great until I tried to finish a sketch. There are some bugs that most people will not run into, but the way I learned CAD made it rather challenging for me to use (Everything must be closed and some line types cannot be connected to themselves in certain ways). I recommend trying it out with their trial period to see if it is for you.
Rhino
Rhino is a relatively affordable option for CAD. It costs a few hundred dollars to purchase and it is yours forever. Updates are a fraction of the cost and something you can choose to get or stick with what you have. There are student discounts available as well. The 90 free trial is generous, giving plenty of time to evaluate the software to see if it suits your needs.
Sketchup
Back when this was owned by Google, I had used it. Since then, it had been purchased by Trimble Inc, who added pricing plans to subscribe to the software. There is still a free version, and many 3D printing enthusiasts use it every day.
Did we miss one that should be included in the list? Contact us to let us know!