工业设计必备：10款主流3D建模软件深度解析与选型指南

Many people wonder: how does a computer transform a hand-drawn 2D sketch into a tangible 3D object? What is the magic that instantly turns our ideas into reality? Today, we will introduce ten 3D modeling software applications frequently used by industrial designers.

许多人都会好奇：电脑是如何将手绘的2D草图转化为有形的3D物体的？究竟是什么魔法能瞬间将我们的想法变为现实？今天，我们将介绍十款工业设计师常用的3D建模软件。

1. SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a modeling software commonly used by industrial designers. It is a computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) program that runs exclusively on Microsoft Windows, developed and published by Dassault Systèmes. This is a very common and widespread industrial design modeling tool. If you seek job opportunities abroad, you will find that many job descriptions mention proficiency in SolidWorks. Some universities even offer dedicated courses for it.

SolidWorks 是工业设计师常用的一款建模软件。它是一款专用于 Microsoft Windows 的计算机辅助设计使用计算机技术辅助进行设计、绘图和工程分析的过程，简称CAD，是3D建模软件的核心功能。（CAD）和计算机辅助工程使用计算机软件进行工程分析、仿真和优化的过程，简称CAE，包括结构分析、流体动力学等。（CAE）程序，由达索系统公司开发和发布。这是一款非常常见且应用广泛的工业设计建模工具。如果你在国外寻找工作机会，会发现许多职位描述中都要求掌握 SolidWorks。一些大学甚至为此开设专门的课程。

Advantages: Quick to learn, user-friendly interface, capable of handling complex models, widely adopted in the industrial design field.

优点： 上手快，界面友好，能够处理复杂模型，在工业设计领域应用广泛。

Disadvantages: Only supports the Microsoft Windows ecosystem, which can be inconvenient for macOS users.

缺点： 仅支持 Microsoft Windows 系统，这对 macOS 用户可能不太方便。

2. Rhino (Rhinoceros 3D)

Rhino is a commercial 3D computer graphics and CAD application software available for both Microsoft Windows and macOS. Its applications are extensive, spanning product design, jewelry design, architectural design, shipbuilding, and even multimedia and graphic design.

Rhino（Rhinoceros 3D）是一款商业3D计算机图形和CAD应用软件，适用于 Microsoft Windows 和 macOS。其应用范围非常广泛，涵盖产品设计、珠宝设计、建筑设计、船舶设计，甚至多媒体和平面设计。

As I have used Rhino extensively, I can share some detailed insights. I was first introduced to Rhino during my undergraduate studies, where it was a compulsory course. However, after coming to the United States, I found that SolidWorks, mentioned earlier, could be more efficient for certain tasks—specifically for student projects. For more professional modeling work in industry, both are highly capable. Rhino is primarily a parametric modeling tool. Preparing to model feels like solving a mathematical problem, requiring a step-by-step approach. Any small gap or misalignment might force you to rebuild the entire model. This is a common pain point. While such minor issues might be masked in renders with post-processing, they can cause significant problems for manufacturing or 3D printing. Therefore, in my view, SolidWorks is somewhat more user-friendly than Rhino.

由于我使用 Rhino 的经验较多，可以分享一些详细的见解。我是在本科期间首次接触 Rhino，当时它是一门必修课。然而，来到美国后，我发现前面提到的 SolidWorks 在某些任务上可能效率更高——特别是针对学生项目。对于工业中更专业的建模工作，两者都非常强大。Rhino 主要是一个参数化建模一种基于参数和约束的3D建模方法，通过定义尺寸、几何关系和数学公式来创建和修改模型，强调精确性和可修改性。工具。准备建模就像解一道数学题，需要一步一步来。任何小的缝隙或错位都可能导致整个模型需要重建。这是一个常见的痛点。虽然这些小问题在渲染后可以通过后期处理掩盖，但对于制造或3D打印来说，它们可能会造成重大问题。因此，在我看来，SolidWorks 比 Rhino 更友好一些。

Advantages: Compatible with both macOS and Windows, rigorous parametric modeling, wide range of applications.

优点： 兼容 macOS 和 Windows，参数化建模一种基于参数和约束的3D建模方法，通过定义尺寸、几何关系和数学公式来创建和修改模型，强调精确性和可修改性。严谨，应用领域广泛。

Disadvantages: Operationally challenging, requires careful attention to detail.

缺点： 操作上有一定难度，需要仔细认真。

3. SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software for drawing applications, primarily used in architecture, interior design, product design, mechanical engineering, film, and game design. It comes in three versions: a free version, SketchUp Make, and the paid SketchUp Pro. The software requires users to render surfaces and supports third-party plugins. Additionally, it features an online open-source library called 3D Warehouse, where users can download various textures and models.

SketchUp 是一款用于绘图应用的3D建模软件，主要用于建筑、室内设计、产品设计、机械工程、电影和游戏设计。它分为三个版本：免费版、SketchUp Make 版和付费的 SketchUp Pro 版。该软件需要用户渲染表面，并支持第三方插件。此外，它还有一个名为 3D Warehouse 的在线开源库，用户可以下载各种纹理和模型。

During my time as an industrial design student, I heard that SketchUp was less commonly used in this field. However, after learning about it, I believe it is quite a good modeling software.

在我还是工业设计学生的时候，我听说 SketchUp 在这个领域用得较少。但了解之后，我认为它是一款相当不错的建模软件。

Advantages: Has a free version, abundant resources, easy to learn, compatible with Windows and macOS.

优点： 提供免费版本，资源丰富，上手简单，兼容 Windows 和 macOS。

Disadvantages: Not very prevalent in industrial design.

缺点： 在工业设计中并不十分普遍。

4. AutoCAD

AutoCAD can be considered a veteran in the world of 3D modeling software. First released in 1982 as a desktop application, it is widely used in architectural design, industrial design, engineering, and graphic design. I recall my mother using this software in conjunction with CNC machines for metal processing when I was young, indicating it is a highly professional and strongly parametric tool. Its system design can feel outdated compared to modern software, lacking clarity, yet it still appears in some company job postings.

AutoCAD 可被视为 3D 建模软件界的老将。它于 1982 年首次作为桌面应用程序发布，广泛应用于建筑设计、工业设计、工程和平面设计。我记得小时候母亲曾用这款软件关联数控机床进行金属加工，这表明它是一款高度专业、参数化极强的工具。与现代软件相比，其系统设计可能显得过时，清晰度不足，但它仍然出现在一些公司的招聘简章中。

Advantages: Professional, widely applicable, compatible with Windows and macOS.

优点： 专业，应用广泛，兼容 Windows 和 macOS。

Disadvantages: Steep learning curve, lacks modern design (in terms of user interface/user experience).

缺点： 学习曲线陡峭，（在用户界面/用户体验方面）缺乏现代设计感。

5. ZBrush

The introduction to ZBrush states: "ZBrush software is the world's first 3D design tool that allows artists unrestricted creative freedom! Its emergence completely颠覆了传统三维设计工具的工作模式，解放了艺术家的双手和思维，告别了过去依靠鼠标和参数进行笨拙创作的模式，完全尊重设计师的创作灵感和传统工作习惯。" Developers established its reputation through a series of streamlined modeling workflows and convenient techniques. Compared to parametric 3D modeling software like Rhino, ZBrush更容易创建复杂的曲面，因此广泛应用于动画和艺术领域。例如，ZBrush can create a new model with a higher, consistent polygon distribution to counteract the effects of polygon stretching.

ZBrush 的介绍中写道："ZBrush 软件是世界上第一个让艺术家感到无约束自由创作的 3D 设计工具！它的出现完全颠覆了过去传统三维设计工具的工作模式，解放了艺术家们的双手和思维，告别了过去那种依靠鼠标和参数来笨拙创作的模式，完全尊重设计师的创作灵感和传统工作习惯。" 开发人员通过一系列简化的建模工作流程和便捷的技术奠定了其声誉。与 Rhino 这样的参数化3D建模软件相比，ZBrush 更容易创建复杂的曲面，因此广泛应用于动画和艺术领域。例如，ZBrush 可以创建一个具有更高、更一致多边形分布的新模型来对抗多边形拉伸3D建模中多边形网格在变形时出现的失真现象，ZBrush等软件通过优化多边形分布来减少这种影响。的影响。

Advantages: Unrestricted operation, easy creation of complex models.

优点： 操作自由，易于创建复杂模型。

Disadvantages: Not very suitable for industrial design (more geared towards organic/sculptural modeling).

缺点： 不太适用于工业设计（更偏向有机/雕塑建模）。

6. 3ds Max

As a classic 3D modeling software from Autodesk, 3ds Max is popular in video game development, the arts, architectural visualization, and industrial design. Its complex particle and light simulation, cloth simulation engine, and proprietary scripting language make it an indispensable tool in 3D modeling. I personally recommend taking the time to learn this software if possible. However, mastering its animation and engineering functions may require a significant investment of time.

作为 Autodesk 的经典 3D 建模软件，3ds Max 在视频游戏开发、艺术领域、建筑可视化和工业设计中颇受欢迎。其复杂的粒子和光线模拟、布料模拟引擎以及专有的脚本语言，使其成为 3D 建模中不可或缺的工具。如果可能，我个人建议花时间学习这款软件。然而，掌握其动画和工程功能可能需要投入大量时间。

Advantages: Wide range of applications, relatively easy to get started.

优点： 应用领域广，相对容易上手。

Disadvantages: Only compatible with Windows.

缺点： 仅兼容 Windows。

7. Maya

Maya is also a top-tier 3D software produced by Autodesk. Compared to 3ds Max, it is more specialized, powerful, and offers highly realistic rendering. I have had it strongly recommended by many classmates studying animation and film. It is primarily used in film and television advertising, character animation, and special effects. As I have not learned it myself, I only hear that it is not particularly easy to start with. It is not highly recommended for industrial design peers to尝试.

Maya 同样是 Autodesk 公司生产的顶级 3D 软件。与 3ds Max 相比，它更专业、功能更强大，并提供高度真实的渲染效果。我曾被许多学习动画和电影的同学强烈推荐过。它主要用于影视广告、角色动画和电影特效领域。由于我本人没有学过，只是听说上手并不那么容易。不太建议工业设计的同行尝试。

Advantages: Powerful functionality, realistic rendering.

优点： 功能强大，渲染真实。

Disadvantages: Highly specialized, steep learning curve.

缺点： 过于专业，学习曲线陡峭。

8. CATIA

CATIA is primarily used in automotive design, shipbuilding, architectural design, and industrial design. It was created by a French company. Its multi-platform applications generally consist of three layers: first, 3D CAD software; second, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software; and third, a computer-aided engineering (CAE) software suite.

CATIA 主要应用于汽车设计、造船、建筑设计和工业设计，由一家法国公司创立。其多平台应用程序通常包含三层：首先是 3D CAD 软件；其次是计算机辅助制造利用计算机软件控制制造设备（如数控机床、3D打印机）进行生产的过程，简称CAM，与CAD软件紧密集成。（CAM）软件；再次是计算机辅助工程使用计算机软件进行工程分析、仿真和优化的过程，简称CAE，包括结构分析、流体动力学等。（CAE）软件套件。

Advantages: Industry-standard in specific fields, clean interface.

优点： 在特定领域是行业标准，界面简洁。

Disadvantages: Only compatible with Windows, expensive.

缺点： 仅兼容 Windows，价格昂贵。

9. Autodesk Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a professional 3D modeling software with powerful parametric tools and analysis mesh tools, suitable for industrial design and architectural design. However, users require extensive training to utilize this software's functions to their fullest potential.

Fusion 360 是一款专业的 3D 建模软件，具有强大的参数化工具和分析网格工具，适用于工业设计和建筑设计。但是，用户需要经过大量培训才能将该软件的功能发挥到极致。

Advantages: High level of professionalism, compatible with Windows and macOS.

优点： 专业性强，兼容 Windows 和 macOS。

Disadvantages: Steep learning curve.

缺点： 学习曲线陡峭。

10. 123D Design

The design初衷 of 123D Design is somewhat similar to SketchUp, both being prepared for 3D modeling enthusiasts. 123D Design is professional yet easy to operate, and can seamlessly connect with mainstream 3D printers. It is also a recommended software to learn.

123D Design 的设计初衷与 SketchUp 有些相似，都是为 3D 建模爱好者准备的。123D Design 专业性强且操作简便，可以无缝对接主流 3D 打印机，也是一款比较推荐学习的软件。

Advantages: Professional, easy to operate, compatible with Windows and macOS.

优点： 专业，操作简便，兼容 Windows 和 macOS。

Disadvantages: Not as well-known.

缺点： 知名度没有那么高。

Conclusion

The above are ten modeling software applications I recommend for industrial design. You can choose the one that suits you best based on their different advantages and disadvantages. Of course, we don't need to master all of them, but it's also best not to know only one. Sometimes, the export formats and modeling methods of 3D software can impact our subsequent work. Therefore, being proficient in two is already quite an achievement. I have discussed in more detail the software I am familiar with and highly recommend for learning and understanding. For others I am less familiar with, I won't elaborate too much. However, if you are very interested in 3D modeling, you might want to explore each one.

以上是我推荐的十款适用于工业设计的建模软件。大家可以根据它们不同的优缺点选择最适合自己的软件。当然，我们并不需要掌握所有软件，但最好也不要只会一个。有时，3D软件的导出格式和建模方法会影响我们后续的工作。因此，能熟练使用两款已经很不错了。我详细讨论的是我熟悉并极力推荐大家学习和了解的软件。对于其他不太熟悉的软件，就不做过多介绍了。但是，如果你对3D建模非常感兴趣，不妨逐一了解一下。

Note: This post is based on the original content published on February 24, 2021. Software features and market positions may have evolved since then.

注：本文基于2021年2月24日发布的原创内容。自那时起，软件功能及市场地位可能已发生变化。