Top 10 3D Sculpting Programs – The Best Software for Creating Digital Sculptures for 3D Printing

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3D sculpting is a fascinating way to bring characters, monsters, and all kinds of organic shapes to life. While many 3D modeling programs focus on precision, 3D sculpting apps are all about turning a piece of visual clay into a stunning 3D print. This article will show you the 10 best 3D sculpting programs to get the job done!

In the first part of this blog post, we will focus on sculpting programs. Here, sculpting is the sole purpose of the software and not just a bonus feature. Later on, we will also mention traditional 3D modeling programs that offer basic sculpting modules.

Sculpting Programs

1. ZBrush

Without any doubt, ZBrush is the most popular and most powerful digital sculpting program out there. It offers the world’s most advanced tools for everyone from art enthusiasts to major film and games studios.

Launched in 1999 as 2.5D modeling software, it is now the go-to solution for 3D sculptors and painters. Jody Garrett, who printed the goat skull that you can see below with ZBrush, calls the software a “hands-down tour-de-force of digital tools.”

Heads up though: ZBrush comes with a rather steep learning curve and a price of 795 USD. To get a feel for the software without taking any risks you can start ZBrush’s 45-day-trial version here. You should also check out our tutorial about how to prepare your ZBrush models for 3D printing here.

• By: Pixologic
• Price: 795USD

Jody Garrett’s goat skull was designed with ZBrush

2. Mudbox

ZBrush’s biggest competitor is Mudbox, which was developed in 2007 and acquired by Autodesk. Mudbox digital painting and sculpting software provides 3D artists with an intuitive and tactile toolset for creating and modifying 3D geometry and textures.

• By: Autodesk
• Price: 10USD/month or 80USD/year

It’s hard to say which of these two programs (ZBrush or Mudbox) is really better, but here are some points to consider:

• Mudbox’s sculpting style differs somewhat to that of ZBrush and can be considered as more beginner-friendly.
• The main difference between both programs is that ZBrush is much better at generating a base geometry to start modeling with than Mudbox. With Mudbox, you need to use integrations with Maya or 3ds Max to generate a base geometry more easily.
• Overall, ZBrush and Mudbox feature similar sets of tools and brushes. However, ZBrush beats Mudbox in terms of functionality.
• ZBrush is often considered to be superior to Mudbox when it comes to painting the model.
• Mudbox costs 10 USD/month, whereas ZBrush costs 795 USD for a single user license.

Since both ZBrush and Mudbox come as free trial versions, you might want to check them both out first and then choose the program you like most.

3. Meshmixer

If you don’t want to jump into the cold water right away, you might want to get started with some free sculpting apps first. Meshmixer is one of the free 3D-sculpting-based CAD programs created by Autodesk – and it is also one of their simpler, more beginner-friendly programs. Meshmixer can be used to intuitively sculpt designs, hollow them out, cut them apart, and combine parts together without wrecking your mesh’s internal or external geometry. It’s a very cool tool to prepare your design for 3D printing as well.

You can mash, mix, sculpt, stamp or paint your own 3D designs from scratch, or start from over 10,000 models in the 123D Gallery. Our very own mascot (the Piguin; see below), was created in this great program. If you also want to give it a try, be sure to take a look at our extensive Meshmixer beginner’s guide.

• By: Autodesk
• Price: Free

These 3D printed Piguins by Bert de Niel were created in Meshmixer

4. 3D Coat

3D Coat is another interesting digital sculpting program. Its main advantages are its super powerful texturing, UV mapping, and painting tools.

The general 3D modeling part of working with this software is pretty unconventional and differs from the other programs listed here. However, if your number one concern is ‘coating’ your sculpt with a great texture, then 3D Coat is your best friend.

This software comes at a price that ranges between 99 and 379 USD depending on which license suits your needs. The 3D printing community of this software is rather small, and so finding good 3D printing tutorials for it is a little more difficult than for the other programs mentioned in this list. To try it, you can simply start with their free 30 days trial version.

• By: Pilgway
• Price: from 99USD (amateurs) to 379USD (professionals)

The Forrest Critter SC by Lazyad was created with 3D Coat.

5. Sculptris

Sculptris is a free digital sculpting tool, created by Pixologic, the company behind ZBrush. If you’re new to the world of digital sculpting, Sculptris is the ideal ground on which to get started. It shows you the very basics of what ZBrush is able to do.

Sculptris provides an excellent gateway into the world of 3D sculpting. Its features are easy to learn, even for people with little or no experience in digital art, yet robust enough for creating detailed base models. Sculptris also lets you import 3D meshes (.obj) for further detailing and modifying.

The only downside of Sculptris is its limited functionality. When you’re ready to take your Sculptris creations to the next level for detailing, having a look at ZBrush definitely makes sense.

• By: Pixologic
• Price: Free

The 3D printed Serpents Buckle by Michael Mueller was created in Sculptris

Further 3D Modeling Programs with Sculpting Capabilities

The programs that we looked at so far are nearly exclusively about sculpting an object. However, several traditional 3D modeling programs also offer sculpting features. So if you already have experience with one of the following programs, you might want to check out their sculpting modules first. Keep in mind that the sculpting functionality of these programs are inferior to those of Mudbox and ZBrush, but it’s enough to get a basic job done.

6. Blender

Blender is a very powerful 3D modeling program and a popular choice within the 3D printing community. It has been equipped with a sculpting tool set since 2007, and its workflow is pretty similar to that of ZBrush and Mudbox. Additional bonuses are the sheer number of tutorials and plugins out there as well as the fact that Blender is completely free! However, users continuously complain about the interface and the very steep learning curve!

• By: Blender Foundation
• Price: Free and Open Source

This monster was sculpted in Blender by BlenderMania

7. Cinema 4D

Cinema 4D received a sculpting module back in 2012. It features multi-resolution sculpting, advanced symmetry options and a big range of brushes, stencils and stamps. However, if you are not already an owner of this software, it comes with a price of roughly 3,500 USD (42 days free trial here).

• By: Maxon
• Price: 3,500USD

8. MODO

MODO has an integrated sculpting mode since 2007. The so called “Painting and Sculpting” function is designed to be simple to use while providing users with a powerful and intuitive toolset that empowers artists to realize their vision with the least amount of strain. MODO comes at around 1,799 USD (30 days free trial here)

• By: Foundry
• Price: from 599USD/year to 1,799USD perpetual license

9. Maya

Maya also extended its 3D sculpting capabilities and added a new set of brushes in 2016. While it does a decent job, many users complain that the workflow is still too buggy and sluggish. Also, Maya comes at 185 USD/month – so unless you already own a Maya license you might want to consider other programs first or try their 30 days free trial.

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• By: Autodesk
• Price: 242USD/month or 1,936USD/year

Online 3D Sculpting App

10. SculptGL

Last but not least we have an honorable mention that certainly deserves a spot on this list: SculptGL. This app is free, doesn’t need a download/installation and doesn’t require you to sign up. It runs directly in your browser and allows you to start sculpting your first model in seconds. It’s a great app to start messing around and find out if this way of modeling is right for you. Of course it won’t lead to the most stunning designs, but it is a nice sandbox! You might want to check out our tutorial to get a better understanding of this free app.

• By: Stephane Ginier
• Price: Free

Japanese artist Motogashi designed this using Sculpt GL

Are you ready to get going? 3D sculptors love printing their designs in multicolor! Take a look at 10 stunning (sculpted) multicolor 3D prints here to see what other 3D artist have created. If your design is ready to be printed, upload it here and see the price of your HD 3D print instantly.

Now that you have your handy 3D printer, you must be excited to get started! However, to begin your printing projects, you will need to invest in 3D printing software. This will enable you to print various objects. There is a wide selection of 3D printing software available; however, to get the most out of your 3D printer and to print the most flawless 3D designs, you need the best 3D printing software, which this review will help you with.

The following 3D printing software options have been approved by both professionals and beginners alike as the best 3D printing software in the market.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file.

The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. This means that an object is created by laying down many layers of material until the final object is created. Each layer can be seen as a very thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the final object.

3D printing is the opposite format of subtractive manufacturing, which involves cutting out or hollowing a piece of plastic or metal using machinery such as a milling machine.

3D printing allows people to produce very complex shapes using much less material than the traditional manufacturing methods.

How Does 3D Printing Work?

You start off with a 3D model. This is something that you create yourself on your computer. When you create your own 3D model, you will need to use a 3D scanner, an app, a code, a haptic device, or some 3D modeling software. Our list below shows you some of the best 3D modeling softwares that are available on the market today.

1. Tinkercad

Tinkercad is considered one of the best 3D printing software programs for beginners due to its easy learning curve, and it only contains three easy tools that enable you to print a wide range of 3D designs, including prototypes, home decor, toys, Minecraft models, and more. It even enables you to make 2D geometrical shapes and change them into 3D models, and it utilizes STL file format, which is the most common file used in 3D printing, so it can be used by a wide range of users.

Tinkercad is an online 3D design and 3D printing app that is available for free, so all you need is a web browser.

Download: Tinkercad.com.

2. SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software is used by over 2 million engineers and product designers across the globe. It has 3 different packages available for the beginner, the intermediate, and the pro and is rated one of the best 3D printing software programs due to its strong design operations with intuitive user interface, which allows for a speedy design process. It also includes CAD animation, PhotoView 360, revision control, and more.

SOLIDWORKS packages vary in price; however, free trials are available. For more details concerning the cost of SOLIDWORKS, you will need to contact a sales representative.

Download: SOLIDWORKS.

3. SketchUp

SketchUp is rated one of the best 3D printing software programs for pros and intermediates due to its wide range of tools for geometric objects. In fact, users report that it is the perfect combination of simplicity and operation. This makes it easy to use and why it is rated as one of the best 3D printing software programs available. And since it utilizes STL files, it can be used by used by a number of users.

SketchUp is available for free and is compatible with Linux, PC, and Mac systems.

Download: SketchUp.com.

4. Blender

Blender is one of the most powerful computer aided design (CAD) software programs you can use, which is why it is often recommended for professionals or those with advanced skills. However, it also has one of the largest communities of followers who are big on sharing resources, via various popular online sites, to help make it easier to navigate.

Blender is available for free and can be used with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

Download: Blender.org.

5. Cura

Cura 3D printing software makes it easy to mange much needed 3D settings in a simple interface. This slicer software was originally designed for use with Ultimaker 3D printers; however, it can also be used with other 3D printers, including Witbox, RepRap, Printrbot, and more.

Users love this software for its ease of use, which includes a “Basic” mode that enables swift configuration of print qualities, while the “Expert” mode allows for more control over the print quality settings. It can also be used as 3D printer host software for direct control over your equipment.

Cura is available for free and is compatible with Mac, PC, and Linux systems.

Download: Ultimaker.com.

6. Repetier

Repetier takes your 3D printing to the next level with multi-slicer support via plug ins, multi-extruder support, and support for just about any FDM 3D printer available, which is just perfect for the intermediate to advanced user. And with the Repeteir Host, you can use your tablet, PC, smartphone to control your 3D printer from anywhere.

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Repeteir is a free download and is for use with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

Download: Repetier.com.

7. Slic3r

Slic3r is open source slicer software that includes an awesome honeycomb infill that is generated in three dimensions, which can significantly increase the strength of the interior infill of your final design. It is also well known for its bleeding edge features that are unmatched. Another benefit of this software is that it can be directly integrated with OctoPrint.

Slic3r software is available for free and can be used with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

Download: Slic3r.org.

8. MeshLab

MeshLab allows you to change or make repairs to your 3D print model. With MeshLab’s advanced STL editing tool, you can fix holes, delete portions of your 3D model, or even merge two models into one for the perfect design. It also helps with raw data processing produced by 3D digitization tools or devices.

MeshLab is available for free and is compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

Download: MeshLab.

9. MatterControl

MatterControl is considered the granddaddy of all 3D printing software programs because it features three of the major slicing engines, including Slic3r, Cura, and Matterslice. This allows users to experiment with each feature and compare the results.

This 3D printing host for your desktop computer is very well structured for ease of use. It also enables you to preview the complete process layer by layer, so you can fix any issues in your print. It also includes an advanced mode, which includes features like mesh repair, and a basic mode where you can adjust the fill thickness, layer height, and more. You can also save the settings for future prints.

MatterControl is a free download for use with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

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Download: Matterconrol.com.

Best 3d Printing Software

Summing Up

In the end, the 3D printing program you choose will ultimately help shape your 3D printing experience. Don’t be afraid to try various software until you find the best 3D printing software for you. A good 3D printing program will also provide different levels of use, which will allow you to get a lot of use out of it before moving onto more advanced software.