What is Tinkercad? Learn 3D design from scratch

Tinkercad is a free, online tool that allows you to easily create 3D designs. Perfect for beginners wanting to explore the basics of design, electronics, and coding

Tinkercad is a free, online tool created for beginners who want to learn the basics of 3D design, electronics, and coding. It has revolutionized the world of 3D printing, since it allows users to create 3D models with absolute ease. The tool has also become a sensational teaching tool inside the classroom, as it allows students to think outside the box and visualize what they are learning. In this article, we will explore what Tinkercad is, how it works, and what makes it a popular tool among designers, hobbyists, and teachers.

What is Tinkercad?

Tinkercad 3D design software was developed by Autodesk, the company behind AutoCAD, Maya, and 3ds Max. Thanks to its simple and user-friendly interface, the software is easy for anyone to use. Since Tinkercad is a browser-based software, it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. This makes it easy for users to work on their designs from anywhere, at any time.

The software comes with a step-by-step tutorial that guides users through the process of creating a design. The tutorial covers everything from basic shapes to advanced features like text, holes, and gears. The software also has a feature that allows users to view their design in 3D, which helps them visualize the final product before printing.

Tinkercad Ideas

The software is packed with features that make it ideal for 3D printing. One of the most notable features is its ability to import and export STL files, which are the most common file format used in 3D printing. Tinkercad also has a wide range of shapes, tools, and templates that users can use to create their designs. The software has a drag-and-drop interface, which makes it easy for users to manipulate and position their designs.

1. Design and create a miniature model of a house or architectural space.

In his online course at Domestika, Agustín Arroyo, a designer and maker, teaches you how to use Tinkercad to design and create your own architectural model. From the conceptualization to the final touches, Agustín takes you step by step to transform your designs into physical objects with 3D printing.

2. Make your own 3D printed jewelry

Thanks to the beauty of innovation and technology, you can create your accessories just the way you image them. Artist Maria Romero teaches you how to design your jewelry in Illustrator, and how to 3D model your accessories in Tinkercad. She even shows you how to make your own collection!

3. Make ceramic pieces with modeling techniques and 3D printing.

Did you know you could also 3D print with clay? Designer Dries Verbruggen shows you how to create intricate and functional ceramic pieces by teaching you how to design, model, and print them. For the final project, Dries shows you how to make a 3D printed ceramic sugar and milk set, in which each item explores a distinct technique.

4. Make your own furniture with 3D printing and wood.

Why not take your ideas even further and create functional pieces of furniture? In this Domestika course, industrial designer Alexandre Chappel teaches you how to combine 3D modeling, printing, and woodworking to create handmade shelves. Though Alexandre uses Fusion 360, you can easily apply his teachings to Tinkercad.

Overall, Tinkercad is a great online tool not just for design, but for creative exploration. Its wide range of features make it ideal for experimenting and discovering. After getting your feet wet with the software, delve into one of Domestika’s 3D printing courses above or any other DIY course , and watch your ideas come alive!

Discover more resources on 3D Design and Printing:

1. Want to animate your 3D designs? Learn to create playful 3D objects, and bring them to like in Cinema 4D
2. Stay up-to-date with the latest design trends in 2023.
3. Learn to draw striking 3D character designs in Photoshop, ZBrush, and Maya to boost your design portfolio.