List of the Top 19 3D Modeling Software for Linux in 2025

Blender is a highly adaptable 3D creation suite that is free and open-source, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It covers the entire 3D production process, which includes modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking, video editing, and even offers a workflow for 2D animation. The platform is equipped with Cycles, a sophisticated unbiased path-tracing engine that produces incredibly lifelike renderings. Users can effortlessly create, modify, and edit their 3D models thanks to its comprehensive set of modeling tools. VFX experts have lauded it as “arguably the best tracker available in the market.” Blender also provides strong camera and object tracking functionalities, allowing users to import raw footage, track it, mask certain areas, and visualize real-time camera movements within their 3D space, all without the need to switch between different applications. Additionally, its superior rigging and animation capabilities have made it a popular choice for a variety of projects, including short films, commercials, television shows, and full-length features, demonstrating its significant influence on the creative industry. As a result, Blender remains a preferred resource for artists and creators eager to explore new dimensions of 3D visualization, continually evolving to meet the demands of its users.

SelfCAD is a versatile and user-friendly 3D modeling software that caters to a wide range of users. With the ability to model, sculpt, render, and slice within a single platform, it streamlines the design process for beginners, hobbyists, professionals, students, and freelancers alike, allowing them to create 3D models efficiently without extensive training. Its intuitive interface features well-organized tools that enhance usability, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. Additionally, SelfCAD offers numerous interactive tutorials that transform learning into an enjoyable experience. For educators looking to introduce their students to the world of 3D modeling or for professionals aiming to create high-quality prototypes and designs, this software stands out as an ideal solution. Ultimately, SelfCAD's combination of functionality and ease-of-use makes it a valuable asset for anyone interested in 3D design.

BricsCAD stands out as the pioneering CAD design software utilizing the .dwg format, catering to all your design requirements with features that encompass 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and mechanical design capabilities. The BricsCAD® suite provides an economical, cross-platform CAD solution compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. Users can opt for a perpetual license suitable for either standalone or networked setups, and they have the option to include All In Maintenance for simplified software updates. Additionally, BricsCAD® offers a flexible rental plan, commonly referred to as "Subscription," for those who prefer not to purchase outright. For newcomers, existing knowledge of other CAD applications along with comprehensive LISP support can significantly ease the transition to BricsCAD®. The software employs advanced multi-threading to leverage modern high-performance processors and incorporates innovative machine-learning features that enhance drawing precision while conserving time. BricsCAD®'s compact architecture and impressive performance are a testament to its creators' unwavering emphasis on delivering top-quality software design, ensuring users have a seamless and efficient experience.

2D and 3D CAD software designed for crafting and modifying technical drawings in DWG format is available, allowing users to select from either Perpetual or Network licensing options. ARES Commander stands out as the top alternative to AutoCAD, providing a nimble experience at a fraction of the cost of its competitor, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious users. Graebert’s ARES CAD software comes with a versatile 3-in-1 licensing package, which encompasses ARES Commander for both Windows and macOS, ARES Kudo for cloud-based solutions, and Graebert Touch for mobile devices like iOS and Android, facilitating seamless collaboration across various platforms. Users can easily create and edit DWG files either locally on their computers or through cloud services such as Google Drive, Box, OneDrive, and Dropbox, as well as on a private Cloud server via WebDAV for enhanced security. Among the numerous advanced features included are dynamic blocks, the ability to convert PDF files to DWG format, drawing comparisons, and importing IFC and Revit files, with additional capabilities such as 3D solid modeling and access to satellite imagery and street maps, making it a comprehensive solution for all CAD needs. With this extensive range of tools and functionalities, professionals can optimize their workflow and productivity significantly.

Designed to enhance creative processes, Plasticity offers unparalleled filleting features, sophisticated surface modeling, and state-of-the-art direct editing tools, making it the perfect choice for those striving for high-quality results. Moreover, with a straightforward one-time purchase and no ongoing subscription costs, you will enjoy complete ownership of your software. You can try it without risk for 30 days and experience the remarkable impact it can have on your projects. Plasticity emerges as the top option for creative experts in diverse industries such as video game development, product design, automotive engineering, and beyond. This software signifies a shift away from traditional CAD systems that often prioritize manufacturing requirements over creative exploration. By effectively combining the strengths of NURBS modeling with groundbreaking advancements from contemporary polygonal applications, Plasticity delivers the artistic flexibility and freedom essential for transforming your ideas into tangible designs. Its advanced geometry and fillet engine, powered by Parasolid's superior algorithms, ensure outstanding performance and reliability. With Plasticity, you can create premium fillets, boolean operations, and offsets, while retaining the ability to adjust these elements whenever needed, allowing your designs to grow alongside your creative aspirations. Consequently, Plasticity proves to be an essential asset for any design professional eager to enhance their craft and push the boundaries of their artistic expression. The blend of innovative features and user-friendly design makes it a vital tool in the evolving landscape of creative software solutions.

Wings 3D stands out as a robust yet intuitive subdivision modeling application that merges strength with ease of use. The software's creation draws inspiration from the innovative designs of Nendo and Mirai by Izware, and it has been undergoing continuous evolution since its inception in 2001 by Björn Gustavsson (bjorng) and Dan Gudmundsson (dgud). During the years from 2006 to 2012, Richard Jones (optigon) significantly contributed to the software's upkeep and enhancement by integrating a variety of new features. Presently, Dan leads the development of Wings 3D with vital support from a passionate user community. This tool offers a wide range of modeling capabilities, a customizable interface, and features such as lighting and material options, in addition to an integrated AutoUV mapping tool. Written in Erlang, a programming language developed by Ericsson, Wings 3D derives its name from the Winged Edge Data Structure (WEDS), which is essential for managing the relationships between edges, faces, and vertices within its models. Being an open-source initiative, Wings 3D is freely accessible, making it ideal for individuals and businesses alike, which promotes imaginative exploration and collaboration among its users. This strong focus on user accessibility and community engagement has resulted in a flourishing ecosystem surrounding the software, further enhancing its appeal and usability for creators.

SuperSplat stands out as the leading tool for editing and refining 3D Gaussian splats. Its intuitive interface comes with powerful selection tools that streamline the process of cleaning up your splats, making it user-friendly. Built on the sophisticated PlayCanvas engine runtime and leveraging the PCUI front-end framework, SuperSplat provides a lightweight and efficient visual editing space that operates entirely within a web browser. This accessibility eliminates the need for any downloads or installations, enhancing user convenience. It works flawlessly with the commonly used PLY file format, ensuring compatibility with any engine you prefer. The capabilities of the PlayCanvas engine allow it to handle even the most intricate 3D Gaussian splat scenes with ease. Users can effortlessly choose splats for deletion and can also move and rotate their scenes to suit their preferences. Moreover, you have the option to save your projects in PLY, compressed PLY, or SPLAT formats. 3D Gaussian splatting is an innovative approach for creating lifelike 3D scenes from photogrammetry; however, adjustments may be necessary for the best visual outcomes. Consequently, SuperSplat becomes an indispensable resource for artists and developers aiming to enhance their visual projects effectively. Its range of features not only improves workflow efficiency but also empowers users to achieve stunning results in their creative endeavors.

Universal Scene Description (USD), developed by Pixar Animation Studios, is an open-source framework aimed at streamlining the exchange of 3D graphics data across various digital content creation tools. It provides a robust and versatile suite of tools that enable efficient reading, writing, and manipulation of 3D scene data, while also supporting rapid previews for users. With a focus on high performance and fostering collaboration among numerous artists, USD is designed to tackle the complexities of modern production workflows. A key element within USD is Hydra, a high-performance rendering engine capable of interactively presenting large datasets with remarkable efficiency. Additionally, USD supports a variety of file formats, including usda, usdc, and usdz, which is a zero-compression zip file that is not encrypted, thus enhancing its utility for data representation and sharing purposes. Among its many features is usdedit, a tool that converts any USD-compatible file into its .usda text format, simplifying the editing process for users. The framework's ability to manage various file types and provide accessible editing utilities significantly improves its functionality and user experience, making it an indispensable resource in the field of 3D graphics. This combination of efficiency and versatility positions USD as a leading solution in the ever-evolving landscape of digital content creation.

Flame® is a comprehensive software package tailored for 3D visual effects (VFX), finishing, and color grading, providing an extensive range of powerful tools for both 3D compositing and editorial processes. This cohesive creative platform not only speeds up the compositing workflow but also enhances visual graphics and allows for smooth color correction. Leveraging advanced AI capabilities, users can easily extract mattes for various body parts, which aids in processes like color modification, relighting, and digital beauty enhancements. Furthermore, the software enables swift isolation of skies and key objects, thereby simplifying the grading and VFX workflow. Users have the convenience of editing, compositing, and color correcting within a single user interface, which eliminates the hassle of toggling between multiple applications. This streamlined approach significantly boosts productivity during client sessions, allowing for quick iterations and creative refinements. Additionally, it incorporates tools specifically designed for rapid and interactive visual effects finishing, complemented by a timeline-centric assistant station that works seamlessly with Flame. This creative assistant station is especially advantageous for collaborative VFX projects, while the integration of real-time color grading tools helps in establishing unique creative styles. With these capabilities, Flame stands out as an indispensable resource for professionals in the visual effects sector, making it easier to achieve high-quality results efficiently. Its user-friendly design and powerful features collectively empower creators to realize their visions with unparalleled ease.

3DCoat is an all-in-one software application that provides users with the essential tools to convert a basic digital clay model into a polished, fully textured creation, suitable for both organic and hard-surface designs. It is currently utilized in over 300 educational institutions worldwide, demonstrating its widespread acceptance in the academic community. As one of the leading solutions for developing detailed 3D models, 3DCoat distinguishes itself in a competitive landscape where many alternatives specialize in only one aspect, like digital sculpting or texture painting. In contrast, 3DCoat offers remarkable proficiency in various stages of the asset creation process, including sculpting, retopology, UV editing, PBR texture painting, and rendering. This extensive functionality allows it to function as a comprehensive suite, encompassing 3D texturing software, 3D texture painting tools, a 3D sculpting application, retopology utilities, UV mapping capabilities, and rendering features all in one platform. As a result, users enjoy a cohesive experience that reduces the need to learn and invest in numerous specialized software solutions. Ultimately, 3DCoat enhances the efficiency of artists and creators working within the realm of 3D modeling, empowering them to focus more on their creative processes rather than juggling different applications. This integrated approach not only streamlines workflows but also fosters greater creativity and innovation in the 3D design space.

Realsoft 3D's prowess can be attributed to its open architecture and comprehensive array of features, which allows it to hold its ground against other top-tier software while offering an impressive price/performance ratio. It particularly excels in specialized areas such as SDS modeling and ray tracing, ranking among the best options on the market. Furthermore, the application incorporates an intelligent, context-aware user interface that is designed to accommodate both novices and experienced users, thus enabling the software to adapt as users become more skilled. This adaptability broadens its appeal to a wide range of professionals, including artists in advertising, architects, product designers, educators, game developers, and even hobbyists. Priced at a competitive $700, Realsoft 3D draws in a varied clientele, making it a superb option for those seeking to create stunning photorealistic visuals. Given the significant demand for such high-quality imagery, the software's importance in the current digital environment is further reinforced, ensuring that it remains a relevant choice for creative endeavors. The combination of its robust features and user-friendly interface positions Realsoft 3D as a leading solution in its field.

This software is open-source and works seamlessly across Linux/UNIX, Windows, and Mac OS X platforms. In contrast to numerous free 3D modeling applications like Blender that prioritize artistic expression, this software is geared towards computer-aided design (CAD) capabilities. As a result, it is particularly suitable for individuals looking to create 3D models of mechanical parts, though it may not meet the needs of those interested in developing animated movies. OpenSCAD distinguishes itself from conventional interactive modeling tools by operating more like a 3D compiler that processes a script file describing the object to generate the 3D model. This methodology provides designers with comprehensive control over their modeling process, facilitating easy adjustments at any phase and supporting designs defined by variable parameters, thus making it an invaluable resource for precision engineering tasks. Additionally, the scripting capability allows for streamlined productivity and consistency in design efforts, ultimately benefiting users who prioritize efficiency and accuracy in their projects. Such features underscore its value as a specialized tool for engineers and designers alike.

Leverage the capabilities of MotionBuilder®, a sophisticated program for 3D character animation, to capture, modify, and showcase complex animations. This application features an interactive environment aimed at boosting your productivity and ensuring your artistic vision remains intact. By utilizing its extensive library of pre-built movements, you can create stunning 3D character animations. Notably, it is recognized as one of the fastest animation tools in the industry, enabling you to achieve realistic character motions with ease. Enhance your animations through a suite of robust, production-ready tools designed to effectively manipulate motion capture data. The built-in software development kit and FBX data exchange ensure smooth compatibility with other 3D software, making it easier to integrate into your workflow. MotionBuilder is now provided solely through a subscription model, as traditional perpetual licenses are no longer available. By subscribing, you gain access to the latest three versions of the software and the ability to install it on up to three devices, offering flexibility for your animation endeavors. Embrace the comprehensive features of MotionBuilder to take your animation skills to new heights and optimize your creative workflow, ensuring you can bring your visions to life like never before. This powerful tool is designed to adapt to the evolving needs of animators, making it an essential asset in the world of digital animation.

Arnold stands out as a global illumination rendering tool that streamlines the production of stunning 3D imagery, empowering artists to focus on their creative aspirations. As an advanced Monte Carlo ray tracing renderer, it boosts workflow efficiency by delivering real-time interactive feedback, which allows for greater flexibility in artistic iterations. With its intuitive controls and interface, users can effortlessly shift between CPU and GPU rendering depending on their project needs. Arnold is particularly adept at handling large datasets and complex scene files, furnished with production-ready tools that address intricate challenges related to lighting, characters, and environments. The software is designed for high-performance computing, excelling in the rendering of detailed elements such as hair, fur, and skin textures. Additionally, its seamless integration with top 3D content creation software provides a flexible and scalable architectural framework. The GPU feature enhances user experience by enabling a quick transition between different rendering modes, while its advanced ray traced subsurface scattering technology ensures high visual fidelity without the hassle of adjusting point clouds. This impressive array of capabilities renders Arnold an exceptional choice for industry professionals aiming to enhance their 3D rendering skills, ultimately fostering innovation and artistic expression in their projects.

Art of Illusion is an accessible and free open-source studio for 3D modeling and rendering, offering a range of features that rival those found in commercial applications. Among its most notable aspects are modeling tools that utilize subdivision surfaces, animation features that incorporate skeletons, and a visual programming language tailored for developing procedural materials and textures. The recent update, version 3.2.0, was released on January 13, 2021, and is built to deliver reliable and high-quality results suitable for professional animation endeavors. Users can also benefit from a thorough documentation section that includes a user manual and many tutorials that cover the software's diverse functionalities. The interface has been thoughtfully crafted to ensure ease of use, making it user-friendly for individuals at any skill level. Additionally, Art of Illusion provides subdivision surface modeling tools that enable the creation of smooth surfaces from various control meshes, regardless of their complexity. The platform also features an extensive array of deformation tools, which allow users to sculpt objects in a manner that is both intuitive and natural, thereby significantly enhancing the creative workflow. Overall, Art of Illusion stands out as a powerful tool for artists and designers seeking to explore the intricacies of 3D creation.

EQUINOX-3D stands as the leading 3D modeling software, boasting the fastest fully integrated ray-tracer on the market, a testament to the notion that "rasterization is so 20th century™." This highly adaptable platform encompasses a wide array of functionalities, from 3D modeling and animation to photorealistic rendering, virtual reality content creation, and CAD/CAM operations, also extending its capabilities to support 3D printing and laser-cutting. What distinguishes EQUINOX-3D from its competitors? As one of our artists cleverly remarked, "all engineers should be forced to use the software they write," yet I find myself captivated by EQX for hours without any external motivation! Its revolutionary photorealistic renderer is the first of its kind to be an interactive ray-tracer that is fully integrated into a modeling software, permitting comprehensive editing and modeling within ray-traced windows. Furthermore, it features advanced subdivision surface modeling, extensive CAD/CAM tools, and strong support for both 3D printing and laser-cutting applications. The software comes with a universal rendering API, allowing for complete modeling on any renderer, as well as a fully integrated Cg renderer that offers quality on par with the ray-tracer. In addition, it supports HDR textures and provides HDR rendering output, coupled with exceptionally fast importance-sampled HDR environment lighting capabilities, ensuring that users can achieve remarkable visual fidelity in their projects. This impressive combination of features makes EQUINOX-3D an essential resource for professionals across various creative industries, paving the way for innovation and enhanced productivity in their workflows.

Begin your journey into the metaverse today with free 3D virtual reality authoring and publishing tools meticulously designed by artists for artists. Jahshaka stands out as a comprehensive platform that enables you to create, share, and monetize virtual assets, environments, and experiences. It provides vital resources, including powerful project management features, immersive 3D content creation, and options for both online and offline playback, enabling you to publish your work directly or manage your own projects. This cutting-edge platform not only helps in crafting intricate virtual scenes and worlds but also ensures smooth distribution across various channels, featuring an interactive multi-user engine that enhances collaboration. Jahshaka guarantees that you possess all the tools necessary to effectively share and promote your virtual creations. Furthermore, the standalone player allows users to explore your masterpieces across multiple devices, ranging from laptops and desktops to smartphones, while the world server creates opportunities for hosting an engaging collaborative VR environment where users can interact in real-time. With each of these innovative features, Jahshaka is dedicated to nurturing creativity and cultivating a vibrant community within the expansive metaverse, making it easier than ever for artists to connect and collaborate.

CityEngine is an advanced 3D modeling tool that allows for the swift generation of large and interactive urban environments more effectively than traditional modeling approaches. With CityEngine, the cities you create can either draw from actual geographical information system (GIS) data or be entirely imaginative, reflecting any historical or fictional timeframe. Rather than building each structure individually, users can produce an extensive city model all at once. The software makes it easy to modify architectural styles and other city elements, enabling you to explore a wide range of design possibilities with minimal effort. Additionally, it allows for the creation of 3D models that can effectively communicate proposed changes and alternative layouts. Your designs can adhere to 3D representations of land use regulations and other relevant parameters, ensuring compliance and feasibility. Presenting different design iterations to your team or stakeholders is straightforward, fostering an environment for constructive feedback. CityEngine integrates smoothly into your current workflow, allowing the addition of key structures or assets to form a well-rounded 3D environment. Furthermore, you can export your creations back into high-end visualization programs or game engines for enhanced refinement and presentation. This robust software not only fuels creativity but also promotes collaboration among all project contributors, resulting in a more cohesive design process. By using CityEngine, you can significantly reduce development time while enhancing the quality and impact of your urban planning projects.

Bforartists is a comprehensive and freely accessible open-source software suite tailored for the creation of 3D content. It supports an extensive workflow for 3D artistry, ideal for generating graphics for games, pre-rendered films, and various images. This includes a wide array of functions such as modeling, sculpting, texturing, rigging, animation, rendering, and post-processing. The philosophy behind Bforartists, as suggested by its name, is to prioritize the needs of artists over those of programmers. Built upon the well-established open-source platform Blender, this project was initiated by a collective of 3D enthusiasts who aimed to improve the original software. The primary goal of Bforartists is to provide a more user-friendly graphical interface and better usability, moving away from a reliance on hotkeys to foster a more intuitive experience. It ensures complete compatibility with Blender files and add-ons, meaning that any feature available in Blender is also accessible in Bforartists. Furthermore, it consistently aligns with the latest updates from Blender, allowing users to leverage the same robust toolset. Overall, Bforartists signifies a substantial advancement in making powerful 3D tools more accessible to a broader audience, ultimately fostering creativity and innovation in 3D art.