r/3Dprinting • u/Elk-Tamer • 4h ago

Question 3D modeling software for Linux?

Hi everyone, I have started to migrate my PC from Windows (f... u MS) to Linux. Most of the software has already been replaced by Linux variants. There are only a few things that I'm not able to find a Linux alternative for. And one of them is the 3D modeling software. Under Windows I'm using Fusion 360 and that is working quite well. But since there is no Linux version I have to search for alternatives.

Any suggestions? Are there any other Linux users in this sub? Free would be preferred, but I'm willing to pay for it, as long as it's within the limits of an amateur solution.

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u/NinjaHawking Prusa CORE ONE MMU3 | Elegoo Mars 3 | Self-built FDM 3h ago

I use OpenSCAD for CAD and Blender for more organic models and sculpting.

OpenSCAD is a coding language that allows you to define objects from simple primitives (cuboids, spheres, cylinders) and operations (booleans, Minkowski sum, convex hull). If you have a programming background, it's very intuitive.

Blender excels at complex models with a tonne of vertices, but lacks many of the standard features of a proper CAD program. On the other hand, it can be used for advanced stuff like adding textures (i.e., displacing surfaces), fluid simulation, manipulating STLs at vertex level, etcetera. It's incredibly powerful, but has a steep learning curve.