3D apps for the iPad have become a very common type of software for 3D designers over the past year because of the surge in performance improvements made to iPad devices. With incredible mobile chips that support RAM up to 16GB and gorgeous retina displays, these tablets have become a staple for 3D artists and designers. We have a list of the best 3D apps for iPad. These 3D apps help you create and design 3D art including 3D artwork and 3D models. Check out our selections below:
uMake
uMake is a 3D app for modeling on the iPad. It allows you to sketch, edit, and design 3D models quickly from your iOS device. You can also render and export the models once you make them. In addition to its editing feature you can also select from various starter templates in the shop to build your own 3D designs.
Features:
- Sketch, Edit, Export and Render 3D models
- Supports Apple Pencil Sensitivity
- Includes essential 3D modeling tools as well as shortcuts
- Export to IGES, STEP, OBJ and STL formats
Supported Platforms: iPhone, iPad
Price: Free w/ In-App Purchases
Get the 3D App: uMake
Mega Voxels
Mega Voxels is a powerful 3D app developed exclusively for iOS for creating voxel art models and 3D pixel art on iPhone and iPad. It is packed with different designer tools and features so you can add, delete and paint voxel models directly on your iOS device without additional computers or software. In addition to a diverse toolset, Mega Voxels contains built in effects and filters for sharing high resolution photos and videos of your 3D models. It also supports export options for popular game engines and 3D modeling software.
Features:
- Full-Featured Voxel Editor and 3D app with intuitive controls
- Dozens of powerful editing tools and features
- Import and Export voxel models to many formats including OBJ and PNG
- Use portrait mode and Landscape mode for iPhone and iPad
- Advanced Color picker includes HSV and RGB modes
- Voxel builder supports Unlimited Scene Size
Supported Platforms: iPhone, iPad
Price: Free w/ In-App Purchases
Get the 3D App: Mega Voxels
Shapr3D
Shapr3D is a 3D app for designing and sketching manufacturable 3D models. With the app you can preview you 3D models with realistic previews directly on your iPad device without the need for external software or hardware. Shapr3D contains the entire workflow from sketching your 3D model to exporting for manufacturing in hours instead of days.
Features:
- Design 3D models directly on the device
- View high resolution previews of your 3D model
- Support for popular export formats
- Editor’s Choice on the App Store
Supported Platforms: iPad
Price: Free w/ In-App Purchases
Get the 3D App: Shapr3D
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free 3D app that equips beginner designers and engineers with the foundational skills for innovation including 3D design, electronics, and coding. More importantly Tinkercad makes its incredibly easy to make 3D designs. Best of all you can import models and also export your 3D models for free.
Features:
- Build 3D models with controls optimized for iPad
- View 3D designs in Augmented Reality
- Import STL, OBJ and SVG files
- Export your files including STL, OBJ, USDZ, and SVG
Supported Platforms: iPad
Price: Free
Get the 3D App: Tinkercad
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 by Autodesk, is a 3D app for iPhone and iPad that lets you collaborate on 3D designs. With the Fusion 360 app, you have the flexibility to view and collaborate on your Fusion 360 CAD models virtually anywhere. The app supports more than 100 file formats including DWG, SLDPRT, IPT, IAM, CATPART,IGES, STEP, STL, making it easy to share designs with your team, clients, partners, and friends.
Features:
- Upload and view more than 100 data formats including SLDPRT, SAT, IGES, STEP, STL, OBJ, DWG, F3D, SMT, and DFX
- Review large and small 3D designs and assemblies
- Search for parts in the 3D model and see them highlighted in the design
- Share screenshots of the design with markups directly from the app
Supported Platforms: iPhone, iPad
Price: Free
Get the 3D App: Fusion 360
SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3D modeling app for architects, interior designers, construction professionals, set designers designed exclusively for the iPad. It allows you to sketch, edit, and design 3D models quickly from your iOS device. You can also render and export the models once you make them. In addition to its editing feature you can also select from various starter templates in the shop to build your own 3D designs.
Features:
- Create Content in 3D using the Apple Pencil
- Autoshape turns drawn doodles into 3D models in seconds
- Use Markup model create handwritten annotations on 3D models
- Search millions of pre-made components in the 3D warehouse
Supported Platforms: iPhone, iPad
Price: Free w/ In-App Purchases
Get the 3D App: SketchUp
Makers Empire 3D
Makers Empire 3D is a 3D app for iPad and iPhone for creating 3D models. It is designed to introduce beginner students to Design thinking and engage them in STEM learning via 3D design and 3D printing. What makes this 3D app unique is that in addition to creating 3D content, it also gives you the ability to share your 3D designs with fellow designers.
Features:
- All the tools to create 3D designs in Shaper
- Comes with built-in tutorials via the Training Lab
- Share and comment on 3D designs with fellow designers
- Compete in Daily Design Challenges
Supported Platforms: iPhone, iPad
Price: Free
Get the 3D App: Makers Empire 3D
Forger
Forger is a is a 3D modeling app and sculpting application for 3D artists on the iPad. Forger features an award-winning sculpting toolset with the powerful polygonal modeling engine from Maxon’s venerable Cinema 4D desktop application. Because of this you are able to make highly detailed polygonal 3D models.
Features:
- 3D Modeling and Sculpting app in one
- Designed specifically for the iPad
- Large library of primitives and shapes
- Several 3D brushes to choose from
Supported Platforms: iPad
Price: Free
Get the 3D App: Forger
