Ever wanted to design and print your own cool stuff? With the right app, you can! There are tons of 3D design apps out there, but some are way better than others. This article is all about the top 9 apps for designing on your phone, so you can make anything from toys to tools.
The best part is, these apps are super easy to use. You don't need to be a pro to get started, and they're all packed with features like 3D modeling, printing, and even sharing your creations with the world. We've got you covered with the best options including 3D Modeling App, Onshape 3D CAD, and Thangs. So, download one and start making your wildest dreams a reality!
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. 3D Modeling App |  | Android, iOS | 0/5 | 8M+ | Create 3D models, Edit 3D objects, Share 3D creations |
| 2. Onshape 3D CAD |  | Android, iOS | 3.6/5 | 1M+ | Real-time collaboration, Cloud-based, Parametric modeling |
| 3. Thangs |  | Android, iOS | 4.4/5 | 482K+ | Unlimited 3D backup, Community collaboration, Fast 3D search engine |
| 4. Makers Empire 3D |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 418K+ | Advanced 3D design editor, Free-form 3D modeling, Voxel editor |
| 5. 3D Collection | Thingiverse |  | Android, iOS | 4.2/5 | 316K+ | Find 3D designs, Download STL files, Share designs |
| 6. xOne |  | Android | 3.5/5 | 305K+ | Photo to 3D Model, High and Low Poly, AR Development |
| 7. Tinkercad |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 299K+ | Easy 3D design, Learn by doing, Safe for all ages |
1. 3D Modeling App
Easy 3D model creation, Intuitive design interface, Direct 3D printing support
Cost:
Free (Free), Pro ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Art & Design |
| Downloads | Over 8 million downloads |
| Features | 3D Modeling App empowers users to easily create and edit 3D models, sculpt, paint, and design characters with intuitive gesture controls, making it ideal for 3D printing, gaming, and various professional fields. |
| Who It’s For | 3D Modeling App caters to a wide audience, including hobbyists, professionals, and anyone interested in 3D design, modeling, and 3D printing. |
- Tags:
- 3D Model Creation
- Gesture-Based Controls
- Professional-Grade Tools
"3D Modeling App" is a powerhouse of a 3d print design app that shines on mobile devices. While users acknowledge the limitations of phone RAM, they rave about the app's sculpting capabilities, calling it "pretty damn amazing" for a phone app. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features, including textures, skins, and claddings, empower even beginners to create "anything imaginable," turning dreams into reality. This app boasts a great tutorial for learning the basics and offers a wide array of features that make it a must-have for any 3d print enthusiast. While it may not have its own rendering engine, users can easily export their creations as .obj files for further manipulation in programs like Maya or Blender.
Pros & Cons
- Sculpting tools are great
- User-friendly and intuitive
- Powerful modeling features
- Good for 3D printing
- Coloring is subpar
- RAM intensive on phones
- No built-in rendering
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love 3D Modeling App for 3D printing! It's incredibly user-friendly, even for beginners, thanks to its intuitive interface and helpful tutorials. The app lets me easily design and create 3D models with a wide range of tools and features, from basic shapes to complex curves. And best of all, it seamlessly integrates with my 3D printer, making it a breeze to bring my designs to life.
✨ Read more: app 3d design
2. Onshape 3D CAD
Cloud-based collaboration for teams, Parametric modeling for easy changes
Download:
Application information
| Category | Productivity |
| Downloads | Over a million downloads |
| Features | Onshape offers a full suite of parametric modeling tools for designing parts and assemblies, including real-time collaboration, version control, and cloud storage. |
| Who It’s For | Engineers, designers, and makers who need a powerful and collaborative 3D CAD platform for creating and sharing designs, particularly for 3D printing. |
- Tags:
- Real-time collaboration
- Cloud-based
- Full mechanical CAD platform
Onshape 3D CAD is a powerful 3D print design app that brings the robust features of its desktop counterpart to your mobile device. While not intended to replace the full desktop experience, it's a surprisingly effective tool for quick design adjustments, reviewing models, and even basic sketching. Onshape's intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate, even for those new to 3D modeling, though some users have noted a lack of in-app tutorials and a few quirks in sketch manipulation. While the app's seamless integration with the web platform is a major plus, the lack of a constraint menu for sketches and persistent notifications have been identified as potential areas for improvement.
Pros & Cons
- Parametric modeling, easy to use
- Robust, versioning, model refactoring
- Intuitive, seamless transition
- Effective mobile design
- Constraints menu absent
- Notifications cannot be disabled
- Glitch with tangent circles
Why we chose it?
Onshape is a powerhouse for 3D printing design, offering a full-featured CAD experience right on your phone. It’s cloud-based, meaning you can access your designs anywhere, and the parametric modeling tools make it a breeze to iterate and refine your creations. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Onshape will help you bring your 3D printing ideas to life.
✨ Read more: app for 3d animation
3. Thangs
Unlimited free 3D model storage, Sharing and collaboration tools
Download:
Application information
| Category | 3D Print Design App |
| Downloads | Over 482,000 |
| Features | Thangs is a 3D printing community platform that offers unlimited, free 3D backup, sharing, and collaboration, along with a vast library of over 19 million models to browse, download, and print. |
| Who It’s For | 3D printing enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals looking for a platform to share, collaborate, and discover 3D models. |
- Tags:
- 3D Model Repository
- Unlimited Free Backup
- Collaboration tools
Thangs is a mobile 3D print design app that's brimming with inspiration. It boasts a vast library of over 19 million 3D models, perfect for browsing popular prints and saving them for later. The app's intuitive interface allows you to seamlessly switch between images and 3D model views on the fly, making it a joy to explore. While some users have noted occasional scrolling issues, the app's unique "snap scrolling" feature is designed to keep your focus on the content without distractions. With its vast library and user-friendly design, Thangs is a powerful tool for anyone interested in 3D printing, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started.
Pros & Cons
- Great for finding 3D print inspiration
- Easy to browse popular prints
- Switch between image and 3D model views
- No ads in the app
- No option to save liked items
- Scroll can be jumpy and inconsistent
- No upload or download 3D model functionality
Why we chose it?
Thangs is my go-to app for 3D printing design because it's packed with features and makes collaboration super easy. You can browse millions of models, store your own creations, and share them with friends – all in one place! Plus, it’s completely free, so there's no reason not to give it a try!
✨ Read more: app for 2d drawing
4. Makers Empire 3D
Easy 3D design for beginners, Create & share 3D models, Learn through interactive tutorials
Download:
Application information
| Category | Education |
| Downloads | Over 400,000 |
| Features | Makers Empire 3D is a 3D design app that allows users to create and design 3D models, learn about 3D printing, and share their designs with others. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone interested in 3D printing and design, especially educators and students. |
- Tags:
- 3D design creation
- Real-world problem solving
- Progressive learning system
Makers Empire 3D is a captivating 3D print design app that empowers you to unleash your creativity. This mobile app provides a playful and intuitive platform for crafting your own unique designs, whether it's clothing or intricate objects. While the app offers a variety of tools and features to bring your visions to life, some users have requested improvements like a body sheet for designing clothes and a dedicated paint button. Despite these suggestions, the app's engaging design process and focus on crafting intricate 3D prints continue to resonate with users, making it a popular choice for both individual creators and educational institutions.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use 3D design
- Encourages creativity and design
- Challenging and engaging gameplay
- Used in schools for learning
- Lack of body sheet for clothing
- Limited paint options for designs
- Skin features not consistent across platforms
Why we chose it?
Makers Empire 3D is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to learn and design 3D prints! It's super easy to use, even for beginners, with intuitive tools that make creating cool designs a breeze. Plus, it's packed with advanced features for more experienced users, so you can really push your creativity. Whether you're a kid just starting out or a seasoned maker, Makers Empire 3D has something for everyone!
✨ Read more: app 3d scanner
5. 3D Collection | Thingiverse
Explore designs from multiple platforms, Download STL files directly
Cost:
Free (Free), Thingiverse Plus ($6/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Social |
| Downloads | Over 300,000 |
| Features | Explore, download, save, and share 3D designs from Thingiverse and MyMinifactory with easy-to-use filtering and sharing features. |
| Who It’s For | 3D printing enthusiasts, makers, and designers who want to discover, collect, and share 3D models. |
- Tags:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Content from multiple platforms
- STL file download
"3D Collection | Thingiverse" is a game-changer for 3D print design enthusiasts, offering a streamlined and beautiful interface that's a welcome improvement over the official Thingiverse app. Users rave about its efficiency, praising its ability to navigate and download designs with ease, especially during those frustrating times when Thingiverse itself is experiencing technical difficulties. While the app still has room for improvement, like refining the search functionality, its core strengths lie in its simplicity and effectiveness, making it a valuable tool for anyone seeking to bring their 3D printing dreams to life.
Why we chose it?
3D Collection | Thingiverse is a fantastic app for 3D printing enthusiasts! It's incredibly easy to browse and download designs from Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory, making it a one-stop shop for finding your next project. The app's simple interface and intuitive design make it a joy to use, and the ability to save and share your favorite designs is a huge plus. If you're looking for a great app to explore and discover 3D printable models, 3D Collection | Thingiverse is definitely worth checking out!
6. xOne
Capture reality in 3D, Create 3D models from photos, Export for 3D printing
Cost:
Free (Free), Pro ($14.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | 3d print design app |
| Downloads | Over 300,000 downloads |
| Features | xOne empowers users to effortlessly turn photos and videos into high-quality 3D models, ideal for 3D printing, game design, and AR development. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone interested in 3D printing, game development, or augmented reality. |
- Tags:
- Advanced Photogrammetry
- 3D Scanning Simplified
- Photo-Realistic Models
xOne AI isn't just your average 3D scanner app, it's a powerhouse for 3D print design on your mobile. This app delivers a smooth and intuitive experience, even for beginners, thanks to its well-designed interface. The results are impressive, with high-quality scans that capture incredible detail. xOne AI also gives you the flexibility to customize your models with a range of editing tools and export them in popular formats like GLB, OBJ, and FBX – making it perfect for bringing your 3D print designs to life.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use interface
- Quick and high-quality scanning
- Versatile file format support
- Smooth performance without lag
- Large file sizes possible
- Medium quality recommended for large scans
- Limited editing tools
Why we chose it?
xOne is a game-changer for 3D printing design on mobile! It's packed with powerful features like photogrammetry, which lets you turn real-world objects into printable 3D models with just your phone's camera. You can also easily edit and manipulate your designs within the app before sending them off to your printer. This app is incredibly user-friendly and gives you the flexibility to design and print anything you can imagine, all right from your phone!
7. Tinkercad
Intuitive 3D design interface, Easy 3D model creation, Direct 3D printing support
Download:
Application information
| Category | 3d Print Design App |
| Downloads | Over 299,000 downloads |
| Features | Tinkercad allows you to easily design 3D objects, import and edit existing designs, use code to create 3D objects, and export designs in various formats for 3D printing or other uses. |
| Who It’s For | Tinkercad is suitable for individuals of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experienced designers, educators and students, and anyone interested in 3D design and printing. |
- Tags:
- 3D design made easy
- Coding for Beginners
- Electronics simulation
Tinkercad's mobile app, a promising addition to the 3D print design world, offers a convenient way to access the popular platform on the go. While it's functional, the app currently struggles with touch screen optimization, making tasks like selecting and manipulating multiple objects cumbersome. Users have expressed a desire for improved navigation and a more intuitive interface, especially when working with Arduino circuits. The app's potential is evident, and with further development focused on touch screen usability, it could become a truly exceptional 3D print design tool for mobile users.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to learn
- Intuitive interface
- Great for beginners
- Free to use
- Touchscreen issues
- Limited functionality
- Circuit design issues
Why we chose it?
Tinkercad is a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced users alike! It's incredibly user-friendly, with a simple interface that makes it easy to create 3D designs. Plus, Tinkercad's intuitive design tools and vast library of pre-made shapes make it a breeze to bring your ideas to life. And the best part? It's completely free! I highly recommend Tinkercad for anyone looking for a powerful and accessible 3D printing design app.
8. Toybox
Vast toy library to print, Easy-to-use design interface, Print directly to your printer
Cost:
Free Trial (Free), Premium ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | 3D Printing |
| Downloads | Over 64,000 downloads |
| Features | Toybox is a 3D print design app that allows users to easily design and print toys, providing a simple interface with hundreds of pre-designed models. |
| Who It’s For | Children and families interested in exploring 3D printing and creating their own toys. |
- Tags:
- 3D Printing
- Endless Toys
- Easy to use
Toybox is a 3D print design app that lets kids unleash their creativity and bring their toy dreams to life. While the printing functionality itself is praised for its smooth operation, users highlight some areas for improvement. The 3D viewer, unfortunately, suffers from glitches, making it difficult to visualize the final printed product. Additionally, the app's design library, while boasting some cool options, could benefit from a wider selection and the ability to directly access creator websites for inspiration and requests. Despite these minor hiccups, Toybox remains a promising tool for budding designers and toy enthusiasts, with the potential to become even more robust and user-friendly in the future.
Pros & Cons
- Prints 3D models well
- Easy to use interface
- Good selection of designs
- Provides a fun experience
- 3D viewer glitches
- Limited design options
- Creator space issues
Why we chose it?
Toybox is a fantastic choice for 3D printing design on mobile! It's super easy to use, even for beginners, with a huge library of awesome toys and designs to choose from. And the best part? You can print them directly from your phone with the compatible Toybox printer!
9. Thingiverse Printables | 3Drop
Unified platform for 3D models, Collect and manage favorites easily
Cost:
Free (Free), Pro ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Over 39,000 |
| Features | This app allows you to search, browse, and manage 3D models from multiple platforms like Thingiverse, Printables, Makerworld, and Cults3D, all in one place. |
| Who It’s For | 3D printing enthusiasts, designers, and makers looking for a convenient and comprehensive platform to explore, collect, and create 3D designs. |
- Tags:
- Unified Login
- Synchronized Favorites
- Comprehensive Search
"Thingiverse Printables | 3Drop" is a game-changer for 3D print design enthusiasts. This mobile app brings together the top four 3D printing platforms – Thingiverse, Printables, Makerwold, and Cults 3D – all in one convenient location. With its intuitive design, you can easily search, browse, and save your favorite models from across these platforms, creating personalized collections just like you would on the individual sites. It's a truly comprehensive resource, simplifying the search for the perfect 3D print design and making the entire process more enjoyable.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use interface
- Access top 3D print sites
- Create collections for favorites
- Great for finding 3D designs
- Subscription based for ad-free
- Security concerns with login info
- Limited customization options
Why we chose it?
I'm so excited about Thingiverse Printables | 3Drop! It's like having a whole universe of 3D models at my fingertips. The app lets me search across all the major platforms, so I can find exactly what I'm looking for, and it keeps all my favorites organized in one place. Plus, I love that I can follow other creators and see what they're up to – it's super inspiring!