This list of 3D software programs provides an overview of encyclopedically relevant programs that can design (for art or for games or technical design) in 3D.

Some programs are used in industrial designs, they are usually referred to as CAD or computer-aided design programs. Some programs are specifically designed for architecture, to design buildings and interiors. Other programs are designed to design figures for computer games. And some programs are only intended to make art. Many programs overlap in functionality.

CAD drawing

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3

  • 3D Studio Max, a professional application mainly used for games

A

  • Amapi (Amapi 3D, Amapi PRO).
  • Anim8or
  • ArchiCAD – Architecture CAD
  • Art of Illusion – Art
  • AutoCAD (AutoDesk) – General 2D CAD

B

  • Blender – 3D modeling and animation (open source)
  • Bryce – For creating art with landscapes
  • BricsCAD – BricsCAD, Mechanical and architectural 3D modeling with BIM capability

C

  • CATIA – Mechanical engineering 3D CAD
  • Cinema 4D
  • CityGen – Streets and apartment buildings for POV-Ray
  • Creo – General 3D CAD software from PTC

D

  • Dynamite VSP – Visualization of civil projects
  • Data Design System – DDS-CAD software for installation technology

G

  • Gmax – Design 3D Computer Game Objects (Source Available)

I

  • IntelliCAD – General 3D CAD
  • Inventor – 3D modeling from Autodesk CAD
  • imos iX – CAD / CAM system for Interior construction, Kitchen construction, Furniture construction, Stand construction, Bathroom furniture construction
  • IronCAD – CAD software for professionals and in combination with WoodLAB CAM the link to CNC machines in interior construction is created.

J

  • JPatch

L

  • LightWave

M

  • Maya – Professional application, mainly used for feature films. There is also a free ‘Maya PLE (Personal Learning Edition)’ version
  • Metasequoia (software) – Designing figures for games.
  • MLCad – Build with LEGO
  • MicroStation – General 3D CAD
  • Moray – Graphic design shell for POV-Ray

N

  • NX (former Unigraphics, nowadays from Siemens PLM Software) – General 3D CAD with complete CAD / CAM / CAE integration

P

  • PaletteCAD – CAD / CAM software for Interior design, Interior construction, Kitchen construction, Bathroom design and Fireplace construction
  • Persistence of Vision Raytracer (POV-Ray) – Free and commonly used raytracer
  • PDMS
  • Pythagoras – CAD environment for surveying applications and GIS management

R

  • Real 3D
  • Rhinoceros – Professional modeling program
  • Rwx modeller
  • Revit – 3D, architecture, installation technology, construction

S

  • SEE Electrical 3D Panel + (professional 3D program Electrical Engineering and Cabinet Construction)
  • SketchUp
  • Solid Edge – General 3D CAD
  • Strata 3D CX
  • Solibri Model Checker (3D-IFC control program)
  • SolidWorks (professional 3D program)

T

  • Terragen – Art, photo-realistic landscapes
  • trueSpace
  • Tekla

V

  • Vectorworks (formerly MiniCAD) – General 3D CAD
  • Voxel (Volume Element)
  • Vue (Vue d’Esprit) – Art
  • Vlecad – CAD / CAM software for Interior construction and cabinet makers

W

  • white_dune – for VRML
  • Wings 3D