Free 3D drawing software

[rocketlily]

I've been taking a look at some of the free 3D software that can be downloaded. I am not a professional user of this type of software, but when I spend the time doing some I like it to be right.

Sketchup: Looks easy to use, but I don't think it can be converted to PDF or used by any other programs. I don't know if you can share your work with anyone who doesn't have Sketchup.

Alibre: The drawback I see with this one is that color rendering is only available for those who have purchased the professional package.

Are there any programs that you have downloaded for free that you are happy with?

[a4twenty]

i use sketchup and love it :biggrin:

drawings can be exported in 3D model ( .kmz ) or 2D graphics ( .jpg / .tif / .bmp / .png ) which can then be incorporated in just about any other program.

[rocketlily]

Looks like I missed that little feature of exporting to 2D graphics. Thanks.

[a4twenty]

no problem, its under "file" on the top menu.


for example here's a sketch i did of my sump in sketchup, then exported to .jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa240/a4twenty/60Gsumpfuge.jpg

[Midknight]

i use sketchup and love it :biggrin:

drawings can be exported in 3D model ( .kmz ) or 2D graphics ( .jpg / .tif / .bmp / .png ) which can then be incorporated in just about any other program.

I love Sketchup also but I just cut and paste into paint for the 3D images.

[midgetwaiter]

You could also just install a PDF maker like the one at http://www.dopdf.com/ and "print" from sketchup.

[brizzo]

You could also just install a PDF maker like the one at http://www.dopdf.com/ and "print" from sketchup.

www.cutepdf.com

www.primopdf.com

Personally I use CutePDF and it works great :)