Everything’s moving online.
In the past, the stars practically had to align for fruitful collaboration to happen. Now, we’re lucky we have so many tools available at our fingertips online.There’s a whole host of resources out there for creatives with laptops. What are the best tools for 3D design?
What have we got?
Here’s an overview of what the 3D world has to offer in the way of collaboration:
- Modelo
- p3d.in
- SketchFab
- Turbosquid
- SketchUp 3D Warehouse
- Autodesk Fusion 360
- Autodesk Fusion Ream
- Autodesk TinkerCAD
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- GrabCAD
- Vectory
- Online 3D Viewer
- iMeshup
Let’s break it down
All of these websites have different functionalities, features, and limitations. Each has its own niche in the 3D ecosystem and respond to industry needs in different ways.
A 3D file hosting cloud and presenter for architects utilizing 3D models.
PRICE: Free plan ($0), Light plan ($70/month), and Design Asset Management plan (Custom)
PROS: Specific support for architectural models, online editor/viewer, versioning capability
CONS: Only for architectural and building design, limited editing and viewing features
An online portfolio tool for 3D artists.
PRICE: Free plan ($0), Plus plan (sliding scale; minimum $6/month)
PROS: Smooth interface, community and sharing options, dynamic viewing options
CONS: Supports only .obj uploads; doesn’t include post-production effects
Online 3D content viewer and marketplace.
PRICE: Free plan ($0), Pro plan ($15/month), Premium plan ($79/month)
PROS: Helpful upload guides, wide file format support, engaging community, VR/AR support
CONS: Limited support for team design; doesn’t support versions
3D model marketplace.
PRICE: Commission-based; starts at 15% royalties
PROS: Stores all file types, straightforward marketplace functionality
CONS: Clunky interface for sellers/artists; no viewer (artists provide renderings)
A 3D file repository and marketplace.
PRICE: Free plan ($0), Shop plan ($119/year), Pro plan ($695/year)
PROS: Large database of high-quality models, straightforward interface, extensive video tutorials
CONS: Requires use of sketchup software, no commenting collaboration tools
Full-fledged 3D modeling software with live-update capability via the cloud.
PRICE: 30-day free trial, add-on subscription ($40/month), Fusion 360 Ultimate ($190/month)
PROS: Industry-standard software, massive support network, well-developed editing features
CONS: Requires a desktop application download, steep learning curve, complex “cloud credit” system
A 3D model storage cloud, viewer, and review tool.
PRICE: Free viewer (also known as A360), 30-day free trial, add-on subscription ($10/month)
PROS: Industry-standard software, massive support network, well-developed editing features
CONS: Focused on 3D printing, steep interface learning curve
Another Autodesk product for creating and sharing simple 3D files.
PRICE: Free
PROS: Editing functionality, straightforward interface, commenting functionality
CONS: Not optimized for professional usage, limited upload options
An all-purpose cloud storage tool with a desktop app.
PRICE: Free plan($0), Standard Business plan ($12.5/month), Advanced Business plan ($20/month), Enterprise Business plan (custom)
PROS: Supports versionality, widespread usage, commenting functionality
CONS: No editor/viewer, not optimized for 3D files
Google’s all-purpose cloud collaboration and storage feature for Google accounts.
PRICE: Free plan($0), Basic G Suite plan ($5/month), Business G Suite plan ($10/month), Enterprise G Suite plan ($25/month)
PROS: Supports versionality, ubiquitous usage, commenting functionality
CONS: No editor/viewer, not optimized for 3D files
Online 3D printing modeling community and portfolio space.
PRICE: Free plan($0), Standard Business plan ($12.5/month), Advanced Business plan ($20/month), Enterprise Business plan (custom)
PROS: Commenting functionality, supportive community, well-developed viewer
CONS: Manufacturing-focused, main support for Workbench software
A user-friendly online CAD software with sharing and commenting capability.
PRICE: Free plan($0), Premium plan ($19/month), Premium plus plan ($49/month)
PROS: Developed editing features, compatibility with other online 3D software, commenting functionality
CONS: Less uploading features, focused on online preset-based 3D modeling
A bare-bones, basic free tool to view and inspect 3D models.
PRICE: Free
PROS: Straightforward viewing of all file types, mesh/materials/information panel, pre-set view orientations
CONS: No storage capability, editing functionality, or commenting/sharing
What would this list be without a plug for iMeshup’s own 3D game repository and online viewer?
PRICE: 14-day free trial, Optimal plan ($19/month), Premium plan ($39/month), Enterprise plan (custom)
PROS: Interactive commenting system, powerful compression algorithm, game development-friendly functionality including versioning & acceptance tools
CONS: No marketplace functionality, limited VR/AR support
Why we created iMeshup—а (short!) plug
iMeshup aims to fulfill a need independent of architectural, CAD, and marketplace functions: the need for fast collaboration in 3D game development teams. iMeshup was created to allow teamwork with 3D content that centers on accurate visuals, easy storage and versioning, and intuitive file acceptance. Check us out today at iMeshup.com, and subscribe here on Medium for more game dev and 3D tips, tricks, and insight!
