Microsoft Paint 3D

Softonic review

Free app for creating 3D art

Paint 3D is a creative application that comes free with Windows 10. It allows you to create creative projects using 2D and 3D tools. Paint 3D is a refresh of the long-standing Microsoft Paint software and requires no design experience to use. It’s easy to become a 3D artist by customizing existing 3D models from its built-in library or create designs from scratch.

Is Paint 3D free?

Microsoft Paint 3D is a completely free program from Microsoft. The app is only available in Windows 10 and will not work in older versions such as Windows 7. As a Windows-only application Paint 3D is also not available for Mac computers.

What can you do in Microsoft Paint 3D?

Simple yet powerful, Paint 3D introduces users to the world of 3D modeling. Users can build 3D objects and even remix models made by other Paint 3D users. You can add 3D text and effects to your creations, before sharing them with others.

While 3D modeling may sound complicated, Paint 3D’s tools are not difficult to use. Microsoft has lots of tutorials available on how to use Paint 3D, which are useful for beginners. The app even includes some predefined 3D models that you can use to practice your 3D modeling skills, including customizing it and viewing it from different angles.

If you’re lacking creative ideas for a more complicated project, you can work with the prebuilt 3D models available in the Remix 3D panel. You can also download stickers from the community, which you can apply to your model for decoration. When you apply a sticker, it automatically wraps itself around the 3D object, while any paint you apply sticks perfectly to the edges of your creation.

It takes no time at all to produce a cool customized 3D model and the process is really fun. You can even share your work with the online community directly from within the program.

Additionally, you can create any model you want by using the basic 3D objects available. You can even let your creative instincts run wild by drawing a 3D doodle, which is actually a 2D drawing that you create, add depth to, or inflate like a balloon. The artistic options are endless with Paint 3D.

Despite a focus on 3D modeling, the program also allows you to create unique 2D art using its brushes, shapes, text, and effects. In this respect it’s very similar to its predecessor, classic MS Paint. Other alternative drawing apps to Paint 3D include Blender and Sketchup Make. 3D Builder, meanwhile, is good for viewing and printing rather than designing 3D models.

2D drawings are created with tools that include a marker, calligraphy pen, oil brush, spray can, and eraser. Depending on what tool you choose to use, you can select its color, its style, thickness, or opacity, and add different textures. It’s also easy to make your canvas see-through by enabling the toggle for transparent canvas.

Is Paint 3D good?

We enjoyed playing around with the different effects possible in Paint 3D to create fun artworks.

One neat feature of Paint 3D is that its interface is highly touch-compatible. While users don’t need a touch screen or pen-capable PC to use Paint 3D, using one does give editing and creating a more direct, organic feel.

Another feature that we enjoyed is the ability to create 3D animation. You can save your animations in different formats such as MP4 (video) and GIF, and you can animate both 3D images and regular 2D photos.

Given that it’s aimed at 3D modeling novices, Paint 3D is inevitably going to fall short for those with more design experience. It doesn’t, however, claim to be an industry-standard 3D design program, such as Adobe Photoshop’s 3D image editing tools or AutoCad. Paint 3D is more geared toward fun rather than professional-level creation.

Fun and accessible 3D art app

While it may not be the most sophisticated 3D modeling program, Paint 3D sure is fun. Its friendly interface makes it easy to get going on creative projects. With some practice (and skill) it’s possible to produce some pretty cool pieces of 3D and 2D art.

It’s easy to create animated videos of your work and share your creations online. Adults and children alike will enjoy unleashing their creativity by playing around with the program’s tools and features.