3D Modelling tools

3D modelling combined with 3D scanning allows you to create any object you can imagine or see. This is very useful if you are required to prototype a model for an assignment, or just want to make your own phone case.

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Types of assignments — information on designing 3D models and how to get 3D models

3D modelling tools

Tool	Useful features	In-person training	Online tutorial
SketchUp	SketchUp is completely free and relatively easy to get started designing and building 3D models. There is no installation required, it loads in your browser.	No	Learning resources from Sketchup SketchUp 2018 Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning, 3h58m)
FreeCAD	FreeCAD is an open-source 3D modeller. You can create a 2D layout and turn it into a 3D design or 3D into a 2D layout.	No	Get started with FreeCad
Autodesk	Autodesk offers a family of products for every type of 3D design you can think of. Their offerings include products like AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Inventor, Recap Pro and Revit. We recommend Meshmixer, an intuitive tool for 3D model sculpting, cleaning and designing.	Yes	3D Scanning with a camera (LinkedIn Learning, 57m25s) - goes through the process of creating a 3D scan and repairing your scan with Meshmixer AutoDesk Meshmixer manual
TinkerCad	A browser based 3D modelling tool from Autodesk.	Yes	Learning Tinkercad course (LinkedIn Learning, 1h33m)
Blender	A free, fairly complex 3D modelling program with great functionality.	No	Blender essential training course (LinkedIn Learning, 9h9m)
Meshlab	Open source 3D model processing, editing and converting software.	No	Meshlab tutorials

3D Photogrammetry & Reality Capture tools

Tool	Useful features	In-person training	Online tutorial
3DF Zephyr	3DF Zephyr allows you to easily construct 3D models from photographs.	Yes	Getting started with 3DF Zephyr
VisualSFM	VisualSFM is a 3D reconstruction application, that allows you to use photographs to create 3D models.	No	VisualSFM documentation
ReCap Photo	ReCap Photo is a part of ReCap Pro which has specialised algortihims to allow you to construct 3D models using photographs	Yes	How to take the right photos to be used for ReCap
Meshroom	Meshroom is a completely free and open source photogrammetry program which has specialised algortihims to allow you to construct 3D models using photographs	No	Tutorial Meshroom for beginners
Agisoft Metashape	Metashape (formerly known as Photoscan) is a very powerful photogrammetry program, with many extended features such as GIS integration	No	Agisoft tutorials

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Free tools are completely free to use with all features.

Freeware tools include basic functionality for free. Additional features may need to be paid for.

Open source tools are developed in a collaborative manner and can be used, modified or shared openly. This software can be used for free and often includes a lot of support documentation.

Paid tools can only be used after purchasing, and agreeing to, a product licence.