Chromebooks are becoming more popular by the day due to their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. If you use a Chromebook, you’d have noticed that not all software programs run optimally on the device. And if you are planning to use 3D printing software on your Chromebook, it’s important to run web-based or cloud-based solutions. That way, you can ensure you are not downloading programs that are too demanding in terms of resources and system requirements.

If you are in search of the best 3D software for Chromebook, be sure to read this post to the end, as we review some interesting options that may be perfect for your needs.

6 Best 3D Printing Software for Chromebook

  1. TinkerCAD – Best Chromebook 3D Printing Software for Complex Models
  2. FreeCAD – Best Chromebook 3D Printing Software for Freelance Engineers
  3. Craftcloud – Best Chromebook 3D Printing Software for Ease of Use
  4. Creo – Best Chromebook 3D Printing Software for Solid Modeling
  5. Netfabb – Best Chromebook 3D Printing Software for Proper lattice
  6. MeshLab – Best Chromebook 3D Printing Software for 3D Meshes

1. TinkerCAD – Best Chromebook 3D Printing Software for Complex Models

PRICING: Free

If you are looking for 3D printing software for your Chromebook, you may want to start by looking at TinkerCAD. It’s particularly ideal for users who want to work with 3D models. It is equipped with lots of functionality that lets you modify 3D models to your taste and requirements. The software has an intuitive user interface that makes it easy for users to get started without having to overcome a steep learning curve. If you are looking to add images and logos to 3D models, as well as perform other forms of customization, TinkerCAD has got you covered.

After finishing your customization, the software makes it easy for you to export and print your project. TinkerCAD is free, and while there might be a paid version or package, there’s no pricing information about that on their official website.

KEY FEATURES

  • Integrated 3D modeling
  • File editing
  • Data import/export
  • Design management
  • Mesh repair
  • Software integrations
  • Standalone slicer

REASONS TO BUY

  • Beginner-friendly
  • Frequent updates

REASON TO AVOID

  • Occasional crashes here and there

2. FreeCAD – Best Chromebook 3D Printing Software for Freelance Engineers

PRICING: free

If you are in search of a cost-effective 3D printing application with advanced features, you may want to keep an eye on FreeCAD. It is an open-source application that can help users to model and design real-life objects. With this software solution, you can always go back to your design anytime, access your model history, and change any parameters as you wish. FreeCAd works on multiple platforms and you can install and use it on your Chromebook too. Freecad is extremely flexible, as users can easily manipulate and customize it to suit their design and modeling objectives.

FreeCAD boasts loads of robust features that appeal to a wide range of professionals, including students, programmers, mechanical engineers, product designers, and so on. FreeCAd is available for free and can run on multiple platforms. It is unclear if there’s a paid version, as that is not stated on their official website.

KEY FEATURES

  • 3D drawing
  • CAD tools
  • Document management
  • Annotation
  • 3D imaging

REASONS TO BUY

  • High-flexible features
  • Easy-to-use interface

REASON TO AVOID

  • Support is average at best

3. Craftcloud – Best Chromebook 3D Printing Software for Ease of Use

PRICING: not stated on the official website

Craftcloud is a cloud-based 3D printing solution that’s perfect for Chromebook users. They also have a kind of on-demand 3D printing service, where you place your order, along with your specifications and requirements and they deliver your project to your doorstep anywhere in the world. This is particularly a great option for those who lack the skills to manipulate and customize 3D designs using advanced software. They can take your orders; work within your requirements, no matter how strict they are, and get elegant 3D work delivered to you at an affordable price.

With craftcloud, you can make custom projects even if you think you don’t have the required skillset. Also, there’s no need to worry about data breaches because they adhere to all relevant US and European data protection laws.

KEY FEATURES

  • 3D printing
  • On-demand printing
  • Customization
  • 3D imaging
  • Catalog of materials

REASONS TO BUY

  • Saves you lots of time
  • High-quality 3D printing

REASON TO AVOID

  • It can sometimes limit your creativity

4. Creo – Best Chromebook 3D Printing Software for Solid Modeling

PRICING: starts at $2,200

If you are looking for a high-power 3D printing solution for your Chromebook, Creo may be a great option to consider, especially if you are looking to spend a bit more for some more sophisticated customization features. Users can use augmented reality to simulate a product’s lifecycle in real-time. It boasts loads of advanced features and functionalities that let users modify and adjust product drawings, as well as optimize an entire 3D conceptualization process. The software solution makes it easy for users to carry out real-time analysis of 3D prototypes by doing real-time fluid flow, modal, and structural simulations.

One thing to note, however, is that Creo doesn’t come cheap due to its advanced features and functionalities. You may also find that there’s a limit to how much automation you can do when using Creo, and you may get fewer API integrations as well.

KEY FEATURES

  • 3D imaging
  • CAD tools
  • Annotations
  • Animation
  • Design analysis
  • Reporting/analysis
  • Modeling/simulation

REASON TO BUY

  • High performance
  • Excellent customer support

REASON TO AVOID

  • Can be overwhelming for new users

5. Netfabb – Best Chromebook 3D Printing Software for Proper Lattice

PRICING: $4,870 a year

If you are still wondering what 3D software solutions would perform excellently on your Chromebook, then maybe you need to try Netfabb. It is robust 3D printing software that allows users to organize, design, and manage their 3D prints in real-time. It is an advanced 3D printing solution that comes with lots of high-end features and functionalities, as well as custom settings. When it comes to the number of customization and additive manufacturing tools on offer, Netfabb has them in abundance.

Netfabb comes with Fusion 360 access, as well as endless possibilities through the use of Fusion 360 additive extensions. Users can easily generate stunning designs that combine optimization utility with lattice structures.

KEY FEATURES

  • Product usage reporting
  • Live support
  • Reporting collaboration
  • Adoption accelerators
  • Predictive simulation
  • Integrations

REASONS TO BUY

  • Easy to use
  • Great performance

REASON TO AVOID

  • It’s a bit expensive for individuals

6. MeshLab – Best Chromebook 3D Printing Software for 3D Meshes

PRICING: not available on the official website

Meshlab is another great 3D software printing option for your Chromebook. It is an open-source 3D editing, planning, and printing tool for individuals and businesses. It is perfect for users that love to work with 3D meshes, as the software has loads of features and customization options to brighten up their designs. Users can easily take any of its functions and apply them to their designs to spice them up, render them, and even convert them to meshes without any hassle. And if you are only looking to slice and set up your design for 3D printing, you can do that with the software as well.

KEY FEATURES

  • Visualization and presentation
  • Color processing
  • 3D printing
  • Measuring/analysis
  • Positioning, orienting, and scaling
  • Cleaning 3D models
  • 3D reconstruction

REASONS TO BUY

  • Lots of customization options
  • Excellent performance

REASON TO AVOID

  • Some bit of a learning curve for newbies

References and Links

  • https://www.electromaker.io/blog/article/best-3d-printer-slicer-software
  • http://www.mkrclub.com/2015/08/3d-printing-with-chromebook-or-just.html
  • https://findstack.com/the-best-3d-printing-software/
  • https://www.adamenfroy.com/3d-printing-software
  • https://learn.g2.com/free-3d-printing-software
  • https://techjury.net/best/3d-printing-software/#gref