3D printing has come to a long pathway since the 80s. Software for modeling, slicing, mesh editing, and 3D printer control have recently developed substantially. However, the revolution in the software side of 3D printing has gone less noticed all these years.
Anyone with a 3D printer must use slicer software to print their designs. 3D printing software often overlaps or works alongside other 3D design or general-purpose CAD software.
To qualify for inclusion in the 3D Printing category, a product must:
- Translate 3D models into printable instructions for 3D printers
- Repair and edit STL, 3MF, or OBJ files
Utilizing a mix of good programs can boost your 3D printing creation substantially. These programs compose the basis of any good 3D printing workflow. But, with so many choices and alternatives available, it becomes even more essential to select the right one for your requirements.
This article has compiled a checklist of some of the finest 3D printing software in various classifications. We have made sure only to include software available to anyone—no proprietary software in this list.
1. Shapr3D
Shapr3D is a cloud-based 3D CAD software which allows engineering and architectural firms to create geometric models on self-intersecting surfaces through complex calculations. Compatible with iPad and Apple Pencil, it helps designers to snap, guide, and auto-complete shapes on a customizable grid.
The software permits architects to create symmetrical lines, circles, and arcs and connect separate entities using subtract, union, and intersect Boolean formulas. Creators can use the transformation tools to move, rotate, and scale models by choosing a pivot point or axis.
Users can assemble workflows and create 2D and 3D prototypes using reference blueprints, images, and sketches. It also lets designers add colours to geometries and utilize the loft tool to create objects based on closed drawings. Moreover, using the project tool, one can translate sketches or edges to another face.
Shapr3D proposes integrating diverse desktop CAD and 3D printing software such as PTC, SolidWorks, Fusion, Catia, OnShape, and more.
Some of its basic features are as follows:
- 3D printing tool
- 2D drawing tool
- Modeling and Simulation
- Data integration
Pricing Details: Shapr3D does not have a free version. It offers a 14-day trial period for potential customers. Its premium subscription starts at USD 239 per user annually.
Shapr3D is an app available on Insiderapps.com
2. Printify
Printify is a comprehensive print-on-demand service that lets business owners make custom designs. These designs can be placed on t-shirts, cargo, and other by-products. If one wants to run an innovative eCommerce site with the comfort of drop shipping, Printify can help.
Companies like Printify can offer you essential items like hoodies and t-shirts. Still, they also provide a range of non-clothing products. Unlike traditional garment and printing shops, Printify doesn’t print in bulk – they only build products when they’ve sold and handle the fulfillment on their end – so you don’t have to.
Options range from clothing and t-shirts to shoes, accessories, jewelry, stationary, and even home décor options. A mockup generator lets you see what products might look like in various colors and sizes before you begin selling them.
Some of the most prominent features are as follows:
- Product Mockup Generator
- A varied list of print product catalog
- Various integrations
- In application shipping
Pricing Details: Printify has a free version with limited versions. Its premium version is $29 per month for ten stores per account, with up to a 20% discount on all products, unlimited product designs, and all the free service features.
Printify is an app available on Insiderapps.com
3. AstroPrint
AstroPrint is a robust software to handle numerous 3D Printers simultaneously. Individuals can store their 3D models stored in the cloud so that you can access them anywhere. Moreover, creators can add and edit their designs with our online STL viewer and print wirelessly through an intuitive interface. View the real-time progress of your prints. Add a camera to stream live video, and take snapshots and time-lapses. The software offers Multi-user management and permissions with Multiple/shared print queues to optimize production with advanced analytics.
With Astroprint, it is possible to start and monitor printing processes from any device. On the computer, this can be done directly in the browser. For mobile devices, there is a separate app. The software offers many control options if you are also in your own network. For example, you can align the bed, preheat it or move the extruder manually to the starting point.
With an IP camera, remote video monitoring is also possible. Administrators can grant users permissions for single or multiple printers in multi-user environments, allowing them to control remote access.
Some of its features are as follows:
- 3D printing and model setup
- Slicing and integration with CAD
- Pre-plating simulation and plating
Pricing Details: Astroprint offers a free version. They also offer customizable plans for individuals and companies.
Astroprint is an app available on Insiderapps.com
4. PrintBox
Printbox is a photobook software package for photo product businesses. It enables users to sell personalized photo books, wall art, calendars, prints, gifts and more, using a platform tailored to specific needs. Key features comprise three distinct built-in CRM, HTML5 editors and eCommerce solutions with ready-to-go templates.
Printbox is an enterprise-level resolution prepared for photo products business. It reinforces every aspect of store performance: from multiple custom journey paths, through user-friendly editors for different photo products, to built-in e-commerce and file generator. What's unique about Printbox is that it not only offers ready-to-use and beautiful products but has powerful technology and customization possibilities. It provides the flexibility of bespoke software.
It is best for enterprise-level Web2Print and e-commerce solutions for photo products stores.
Some of its prominent features are as follows:
- Content and Discount Management
- 3D printing management
- Printing Services Integration
- Multi-Store Printing
- Product Configuration
- SEO integration
Pricing Details: Printbox does not have a free version. It provides a free trial to corporates on a discussion basis.
Printbox is an app available on Insiderapps.com
5. Printful
Print is a web-to-print software designed to help eCommerce businesses print custom products and streamline order fulfilment and shipping processes. It enables retailers to create personalized designs, print them on clothing items, accessories, appliances, and other products, and track sales.
Printful allows employees to sort products into catalogues, track inventories, and manage orders on a centralized platform. Administrators can utilize the built-in mockup generator to create print-ready files, mock images, and customizable digital storefronts to improve marketing operations. The platform offers white-label capabilities, which enable organizations to personalize the merchandise item using custom logos and packing slips. Print also lets managers view and manage customer reviews and ratings on products.
The software is designed to help eCommerce businesses. It is a web-to-print solution that enables retailers to create designs, print custom products, and streamline order fulfilment & shipping processes.
Some of its prominent features are as follows:
- Approval Workflow
- Content Management
- Import/Export Management
- Multi-Store Printing
- Order Management
- Parcel Shipping
- Printing Services Integration
- Product Configurator
- Quotes/Estimates
- Shipment Price Calculation and Tracking
- Shipping Services Integration
- Warehouse Management and SEO Management
Pricing Details: Printful does not have a free plan or offer any trial period. It offers customized model-based plans for companies.
Printful is an app available on Insiderapps.com
6. Printavo
Printavo is a devoted online store management platform for apparel and shirt printing companies. It is loaded with functionalities that allow businesses to become more practical with their workflows, offer convenient products and services, generate more sales, and attract potential clients.
With Printavo, it is easy for company proprietors and administrators to set their schedules, see assignments that are closed due, and send accurate invoices. The system produces stunning, assertive, professional-looking invoices that are easy to share with team associates, customers and print. All it brings is just one click to copy living invoices. Delivering clients with accurate quotes is also a walk in the park with the software.
When clients ask for a quote, Printavo reduces the procedure by pulling up by-products and their prices from suppliers. Moreover, they provide a proposed retail price based on quantity and imprint locations, among other criteria.
Some of its significant features are as follows:
- Multiple Version Calculations
- Pre-Press Estimating
- Pre/Post Service Calculations
- Press & Run Style Analysis
- Process Ink Calculation
- Production Options Evaluation
Pricing Details: Printavo provides a customized plan to corporations after collecting the business requirements.
Printavo is an app available on Insiderapps.com
7. Flipsnack
Flipsnack is an online, browser-based publishing tool used worldwide to create and publish digital catalogues, brochures, magazines, portfolios, reports, photo albums, newspapers and many other types of publications.
It has a straightforward procedure. You must upload a PDF, which will automatically shift into a stunning online magazine with page flip results. Alternatively, you can use their online Design Studio to make your online publication from scratch.
With over 190 ready-made templates, Flipsnack helps users create their flipbooks quickly and easily. Flipsnack supports a powerful editor which enables users to add links, videos, and more to their flipbook. Users can create forms to collect reader subscriptions to their flip books or magazines. Flipsnack allows users to create a virtual shelf to present all their magazines, brochures, and catalogs in one place. Users can also sell their publications via the Flipsnack platform.
The software's scheduling tools enable users to publish their flipbooks automatically on a selected date. Flipsnack supports white and gray label solutions, allowing users to make the platform their own.
Some of its features are as follows:
- Agent Management
- Audio File Management
- Billing & Invoicing
- Catalogue Creation
- Circulation Management
- Client Management
- Collaboration Tools
- Content Library
- Content Management
- Cross Selling Functionality
- Customizable Templates
Pricing Details: Flipsnack has a free version with limited features. Its premium subscription starts from USD 39 per month.
Flipsnack is an app available on Insiderapps.com
8. Adobe in Design
Adobe InDesign is a structural design and desktop publishing software developed to help companies and innovative individuals make graphic designs. The platform lets teams create and publish interactive PDFs, e-books, digital magazines, books, posters, and more—formats with typography from different foundries and imagery from the Adobe Stock content library.
Adobe InDesign allows users to control design components and deliver immersive ventures in multiple forms. The software merges with Adobe Creative Cloud and Experience Manager, allowing organizations to share fonts, content, and graphics across projects. Users can broadcast content to the web and use the built-in content analysis tool to gain insights into the performance of their content.
Adobe InDesign delivers a combination of Adobe Stock-free templates such as landing pages, brochures, infographics, and much more. Teams can also directly import shapes and color themes from Adobe Capture and receive Adobe Fonts recommendations based on the raster illustration of a font.
Some of its prominent features are as follows:
- 3D Digital Asset Management
- Collaboration Tools
- Content Import/Export
- Content Library
- Content Management
- Custom Brushes
- Custom Fonts
- Design Management
- Drag & Drop Editor
- Layout & Design
- Pattern, Color & Art Storage
Pricing Details: Adobe in Design provides a free trial for 7 days. Its premium plan starts from USD 20.99 per month.
Adobe in Design is an app available on Insiderapps.com
