TINKERCAD
Tinkercad is a free browser-based 3D creation suite operated by Autodesk.
In my personal opinion, Tinkercad is one of the most useful tools for young people, education, and getting started with 3D printing and design.
Feature Overview
- 3D Design
- Circuits
- Codeblocks
- Sim Lab
- Classroom tutorial and lesson plans
- Browser-based with iPad AR
3D Design
Positive and negative shapes are combined to make bodies.
There is also a text input and QR code generator.
Once modeled, the object can be exported as a .OBJ, .STL, .GLTF, or .SVG, as well as exported to Fusion 360.
3D Simulation
Lego and Minecraft Mode
Circuits
This simulation environment allows you to prototype and program Arduino and micro:bit microcontrollers.
Block coding and text are available and can be loaded and run directly on an Arduino or micro:bit board.
Codeblocks
Codeblocks create 3D models using block-based coding. This is a great tool to explore mathematical concepts like the Fibonacci sequence.
Classroom Lessons and Interactive Tutorials
Tinkercad has a vast array of step-by-step walkthroughs and lessons.