List of the Top 4 3D Painting 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.

Mudbox stands out as a robust application designed for 3D digital painting and sculpting, empowering artists to design breathtaking characters and engaging environments. Its hands-on toolset allows for the precise sculpting and painting of detailed elements on 3D models and textures. This software, known as Mudbox® 3D, features an accessible interface that emulates traditional sculpting methods, enabling the construction of intricate 3D figures and landscapes. Artists have the capability to paint directly onto their models across multiple channels, thereby refining the texturing stages. The camera-based workflow provides the flexibility to enhance resolution selectively in targeted areas of the mesh, catering to the needs of artists. Users can generate clean, production-ready meshes from diverse origins such as scanned, imported, or hand-sculpted data. Additionally, the software facilitates the baking of normal, displacement, and ambient occlusion maps, which simplifies the overall texturing workflow. Brush-based techniques are effectively implemented for both polygons and textures, fostering a blend of efficiency and artistic innovation. Artists can effortlessly transition assets from Maya to Mudbox, enriching their models with intricate details. Furthermore, characters can be smoothly sent from Maya LT to Mudbox for both sculpting and texturing, and then returned to Maya LT for any necessary tweaks. This seamless integration empowers creators to transform their 3D assets and environments from initial drafts into refined, high-quality visuals, fully realizing their creative aspirations. In conclusion, Mudbox is not only a vital resource for artists but also a gateway for bringing their imaginative worlds into vivid reality.

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.

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.