Intro
One of the hippest and most common design trends is 3D. It adds depth and dimension to any project, and can help bring your designs to life in a way that flat 2D images cannot. While working with 3D can be challenging, there are a number of online tools available to assist web designers in creating 3D images and symbols. These tools range from easy-to-use browser-based platforms to more advanced options for experienced users, and can help you design your concept entirely in 3D or start with pre-made images and icons from a library and tweak them as needed. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best 3D tools available for web designers, including Spline, Vectary, Womp 3D, Blender, and Cinema 4D.
Spline
Spline is a 3D design tool that allows you to quickly build and distribute 3D online experiences. It's a powerful yet easy-to-use tool that can be used to input text, create geometric shapes, edit materials, and import 3D models. Spline has a collection of 3D models that can be exported with a single click, as well as a number of lessons on their YouTube channel to help you get started. The tool is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, and is free to download, with premium plans available for access to additional features.
One of the great things about Spline is that it's browser-based, so you don't have to install any software or worry about compatibility with your operating system.
One of the great things about Spline is that it's browser-based, so you don't have to install any software or worry about compatibility with your operating system. It's also highly collaborative, allowing you and your team to work on 3D projects in real-time. Whether you're looking to create 3D graphics for social media, simple models for 3D printing, or more complex designs, Spline is a great tool to have in your toolbox.
Vectary
Vectary is another collaborative 3D design platform that allows you to design 3D items from scratch or draw from a wide collection of free scenarios, models, and materials. The platform is intuitive and easy to use, with a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to quickly create 3D scenarios, mockups, and typography. You can also create lifelike renderings on your browser in just minutes. In addition to being used as a standalone tool, Vectary also has a plugin that allows it to be used within Figma and Sketch, making it even more convenient for web designers.
The platform is intuitive and easy to use, with a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to quickly create 3D scenarios, mockups, and typography.
One of the standout features of Vectary is its extensive library of 3D models, materials, and scenarios that you can use to jumpstart your projects. Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore and see what catches your eye, Vectary has something for everyone. The platform also allows you to export your creations as PNGs or other formats, making it easy to use them in your web projects. Overall, Vectary is a great tool for web designers looking to add some 3D elements to their work.
Womp 3D
Womp 3D is a browser-based 3D modeling platform that allows users to create simple 3D models and concept designs in a web browser. The platform, which is currently in alpha and free to use, offers real-time Boolean modeling and allows users to blend materials and create a "liquid 3D" effect. It is intended for non-specialists looking to create graphics for social media or simple models for 3D printing, but could also be used for concept design.
One of the unique features of Womp is its "liquid 3D" effect, which allows users to blend materials and create a sense of movement and flow. This can be a great way to add some dynamism to your 3D models and make them stand out.
Womp allows users to work with 3D primitives and curves, join them together with Boolean unions or subtractions, and smooth corners. It also includes a set of PBR materials that can be applied to objects and offers up to 16 rectangular, dome, or spherical lights and a HDRI environment for lighting. Completed models can be rendered at up to 4K resolution and exported in OBJ, 3DS, PLY, or STL format for use in other 3D software.
One of the unique features of Womp is its "liquid 3D" effect, which allows users to blend materials and create a sense of movement and flow. This can be a great way to add some dynamism to your 3D models and make them stand out. In addition to its modeling capabilities, Womp also allows you to record the viewport and create timelapses or flythroughs of your models, which can be downloaded as MP4 files or animated PNGs. Overall, Womp is a fun and easy-to-use tool for web designers looking to add some 3D elements to their projects.
Blender
Blender is a widely popular 3D program that is open-source and free. It has a large community that helps with software upgrades and is well-suited for enthusiasts and freelancers. While it may be more difficult to use at first compared to some other 3D tools, it does offer a wide range of features for a variety of uses, including animation and 3D printing. It's a great option for web designers who are looking for a powerful 3D tool that won't break the bank.
While it may take some time and effort to master Blender, the rewards are well worth it.
One of the benefits of Blender is its extensive documentation and support resources. The community is very active and there are a number of tutorials, guides, and forums available to help you get started and troubleshoot any issues you might encounter. While it may take some time and effort to master Blender, the rewards are well worth it. In addition to its 3D modeling capabilities, Blender also offers a number of other features, including texturing, shading, rendering, and compositing, that can help you take your web design projects to the next level.
Cinema 4D
Maxon's Cinema 4D is a 4D and 3D software package that is popular among those looking to create 3D computer animations. It's a powerful tool that offers a wide range of features and is well-suited for those who want to add some "wow" factor to their web designs. While it may be more expensive than some other 3D tools, it is relatively easy to learn and offers a number of resources to help you get started.
While it may be more expensive than some other 3D tools, it is relatively easy to learn and offers a number of resources to help you get started.
Cinema 4D is a great tool for creating 3D graphics and animations that can be used on websites. You can use it to create scroll-based animations by fusing Cinema 4D animations with a tool like Webflow. Webflow provides a comprehensive guide on how to use Cinema 4D on your website with After Effects and Lottie. With its wide range of features and professional-grade capabilities, Cinema 4D is a great choice for web designers who are looking for a more advanced 3D tool.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great 3D online tools available for web designers to choose from. Spline and Vectary are both easy-to-use, browser-based platforms that allow for quick creation of 3D models and concepts. Womp 3D offers real-time Boolean modeling and a unique "liquid 3D" effect. For more advanced users, Cinema 4D and Blender provide powerful capabilities for 3D animation and design, but may require a steeper learning curve.
Regardless of your level of expertise, there is a 3D tool out there that can help bring your web design projects to the next level. Spline, Vectary and Womp 3D are ideal for web designers looking for a quick and easy way to add some 3D elements to their projects, while Cinema 4D and Blender are better suited for those who want more advanced capabilities. No matter which tool you choose, you'll be able to create some truly impressive 3D graphics and animations that will make your web projects stand out.
