What is 3D modelling?
3D modelling, or sometimes referred to as CAD (Computer Aided-Design) modelling, is the process of making and turning ideas from just simple thoughts or sketches to 3-dimensional shapes through computer software. 3D modelling is creating 3-dimensional objects, spaces, characters, scenes or anything at all using digital tools!
Imagine 3D modelling as digital LEGO blocks but instead of blocks there is more freedom of shapes and you can make soft and organic designs. It is a form of building (or cutting away) that allows you to design and create new things. It's like sketching in 3 dimensions through building the model step by step! The 3D models can be simple such as a box to even as complex as a dragon!
What could I use 3D modelling for?
The possibilities are endless. You can use 3D modelling for many things including but not limited to:
Planning and making Stuff
- Design products digitally
- Create prototypes to test ideas
- Design without the need for materials
- Plan buildings and rooms
- Make a gift for someone
Entertainment
- Make characters for games
- Create animations and movies
- Build virtual worlds with 3D models
Learning
- Visualise science concepts
- Teach complex ideas and visualise these
Art
- Make digital sculptures
- Create cool visual effects
- Design 3D logos and graphics
Designing things for 3D printing
- Create custom tools or toys
- Replace broken parts
Using CAD modelling in industry
- Architecture and construction
- Engineering designs
- Marketing materials
How do I start 3D modelling?
As a first step, TinkerCAD is a free and easy 3D modelling tool for beginners. TinkerCAD is like 3D modelling with building blocks. You can drag and drop simple shapes to build things. No downloads needed, just open your web browser.
You get basic shapes like boxes, cylinders, and spheres. You drag them onto a workspace, resize them, and stick them together. You can also make "holes" to cut pieces out of other shapes.
What different 3D modelling software's are there?
There are many different 3D modelling software options, ranging from beginner friendly to industry level. For getting started with 3D modelling, we recommend Tinkercad.
For those ready to learn more complex softwares, we recommend Blender and Fusion 360 - both are excellent next steps that can handle professional work while still being learnable for beginners.
uCreate has technicians specialising in Fusion360 and Blender, as well as a Blender training and online resources.
Beginner-friendly options
TinkerCAD
Browser-based beginner-friendly 3D design tool perfect for learning basics and simple projects.
- Good for: Education, beginners, simple designs, 3D printing
- Access: Free at tinkercad.com
SketchUp
Simple, intuitive 3D modeling software that's great for beginners and architectural work.
- Good for: Architecture, interior design, woodworking, simple models, beginners
- Access: Free web version, Pro version purchasable
Professional creative software
Blender
A powerful, open-source 3D creation suite that handles everything from modeling to animation and rendering.
- Good for: Animation, visual effects, game assets, films, art projects, architectural visualization
- Access: Free download from blender.org
Autodesk Maya
Industry-standard software for professional 3D animation and modelling, widely used in film and game studios.
- Good for: Character animation, complex rigging, film/TV production, game development
- Access: Subscription through Autodesk, free educational license for students
Autodesk 3ds Max
Professional 3D modelling software popular in architecture, game development, and design visualisation.
- Good for: Architectural visualisation, game assets, product design, motion graphics
- Access: Subscription through Autodesk, free educational license for students
Cinema 4D
User-friendly 3D software known for its excellent motion graphics capabilities and intuitive interface.
- Good for: Motion graphics, advertising, broadcast design, product visualisation
- Access: Subscription through Maxon
ZBrush
Digital sculpting software that specialises in creating highly detailed organic models and characters.
- Good for: Character sculpting, creatures, organic modelling, concept art, film/game characters
- Access: Subscription or one-time purchase
Beginner to professional options
Fusion 360
Cloud-based CAD/CAM software that's beginner-friendly but grows with you as your skills develop. It is a software often used for product design and design engineering including creating more mechanical designs. Great for practical projects and 3D printing with built-in tutorials to help you learn.
- Good for: Product design, engineering, 3D printing, manufacturing, prototyping, beginners who want to learn proper CAD techniques, model rendering and animation.
- Access: Subscription through Autodesk, free educational license for students
Advanced engineering and CAD software
Rhino 3D
Professional 3D software that creates perfectly smooth, mathematically precise curves and surfaces instead of chunky shapes.
- Good for: Jewelry design, car bodies, product design, architecture, anything that needs perfect curves for manufacturing
- Think of it as the difference between building with LEGO blocks versus molding smooth plastic - Rhino does the smooth plastic approach
- Access: One-time purchase from rhino3d.com
SolidWorks
Professional CAD software for mechanical design and engineering applications.
- Good for: Mechanical engineering, product design, manufacturing, technical drawings
- Access: Annual subscription
Specialised tools
KeyShot
Specialised rendering software that creates photorealistic images and animations from 3D models which applies materials and textures onto models to make them look more realistic.
- Good for: Product visualisation, marketing materials, photorealistic rendering
- Access: Annual subscription
Top Tips for 3D Modelling
Getting Started Right
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Practice with simple projects and build your skills gradually - Make a coffee mug before attempting a spaceship.
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Start simple - Begin with basic shapes and add detail gradually. Don't try to model everything at once.
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Have a clear idea - Try and have an idea of what you are making to ensure you know your direction.
Planning Your Design
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Sketch first - Sketching your design might help you visualise your design. Try and sketch it in 2D which will help you then sketch it digitally which can then be turned 3D!
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Pay attention to measurements - Ensure you pay attention to the measurements so your model is the size you were hoping for! It can be very easy to create something too small or too big and realise later.
Working Smart
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Save often - 3D software can crash and you may lose your hard work. Save every 10-15 minutes or auto-save onto a cloud system.
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Try different approaches - If something doesn't work or you get an error, try it differently or use a different tool in the software! There is always a solution!
Mindset & Learning
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Be patient - 3D modelling takes time to learn including familiarising yourself with all the tools of a 3D modelling software.
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Your first models may not look as good as you would have hoped - that's normal.
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Ask for help - ask for help from people who may know more than you!
Where can I find more information on 3D modelling?
Our staff members are available to provide guidance, recommendations and support with 3D modelling questions or even how to get started or with troubleshooting. It is important to note that individual expertise with software within our team varies; all of us have different levels of knowledge of software, which means some of us might be more familiar with one over the other. However, we are here to provide as much support as possible during our staff opening hours.
We also offer dedicated Blender training sessions to help you get started with this powerful, free 3D modelling suite.
LinkedIn Learning tutorials (accessible through the University) and YouTube tutorials are another accessible way to learn 3D modelling software at your own pace and help build certain models whilst some software provide their own tutorials too like Fusion 360.
