Designers can choose from hundreds of online tools to build cool 3D icons for their projects. Designing 3D may not be the latest trend but it is a creative way of adding a little bit of extra to any web design. How cool would it be if icons within a blog or webpage are designed in 3D? Not only would it be unique, but it will also be iconic (no pun intended).
Thre are many resources available, but here are some of the most recommended tools to build cool 3D icons for your web design:
Learning how to design in 3D is not easy, especially if you are at the early stages of experimenting and exploring software. However, many designers recommend Vectary because of its simplified interface. What makes Vectary even better is that designers can avail free trials upon sign-up. This way, users may be able to tell if the software matches their design techniques before they purchase.
If you are pressed for time, but still want to give that 3D element for your website, Feenancy may be the software to choose. Feenancy is not actually software, instead, it is a design pack that contains ready-made but customizable icons for designers to use. It is editable and customizable but the basic frame or design of an icon is already there for you to use.
Cheetah 3D is most recommended for any 3D rendering, not just for icons but characters and other design elements as well. Reviews indicate that its UI design is easily navigatable.
This software is not the best recommendation for first-time users, but a few tutorials here and there can get any designer where they need to be. It is lauded for its great UI design that can help any first-time user navigate through the software with ease.
This website is actually a 3D logo maker, but its products and outputs can also work as icons when rendered.
This gets a lot of 5-stars from many designers in many forums. Blender is one of the very few open-source and free-to-use 3D software online. As it says on its website: Free to use for any purpose, forever. Designers can simply donate to support it.
Also a 3D logo maker, this website offers many templates that are easy to use and access.
Icograms is best for 3D maps and infographics. But there are also templates to design icons for use. There is a free trial all users can avail upon signup.
All designers must already have access to Photoshop and Illustrator. But it is a fun fact that you could render 3D icons and objects with these two. It just proves that Photoshop and Illustrator are two all-around tools for any design project.
This is one great design software that is not just for 3D rendering. Fun fact: Feenancy icons can be edited with this software.
Also read: 10 Free Bot Development Platforms to Try
Author: Sangalang Kristine
Civil Engineer by profession, Writer by passion. Serving readers since 2014 on different niches like Science, Current Events, Tech, and Travel.