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I’ve tried other 3d modeling software (blender, fusion, etc) and picocad is the only one I’ve been able to actually pick up and use without unsuccessfully spending hours watching outdated tutorials. I understand it’s not apples to apples. Just wanted to say thanks and this is an awesome tool!
For folks who want a regular (not low-poly) modeler which is a small/light-weight download, Dune 3D seems the best thing to try: https://dune3d.org/ Previous discussions: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37979758 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40228068 The other notable thing to try is Solvespace or maybe NASA's Open Vehicle SketchPad (for opensource)
For folks who want a regular (not low-poly) modeler which is a small/light-weight download, Dune 3D seems the best thing to try: https://dune3d.org/ Previous discussions: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37979758 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40228068 The other notable thing to try is Solvespace or maybe NASA's Open Vehicle SketchPad (for opensource)
I wish the guy behind Dune3d had joined Solvespace development instead. His GTK4 UI on all platforms would have been nice. I'm hoping to address some of the solvespace shortcomings in 2025, but he really needed assembly with STEP files which I don't see happening soon.
Another one that's pretty impressive and very lovely looking is Crocotile: https://crocotile3d.com/
I’ve tried other 3d modeling software (blender, fusion, etc) and picocad is the only one I’ve been able to actually pick up and use without unsuccessfully spending hours watching outdated tutorials. I understand it’s not apples to apples. Just wanted to say thanks and this is an awesome tool!
Sure enough, I was more productive with picoCAD in my 30s than I was with 3dsmax/maya/etc in my teens despite many hours of tutorials. I joined the Discord and even participated in some jams.
For folks who want a regular (not low-poly) modeler which is a small/light-weight download, Dune 3D seems the best thing to try: https://dune3d.org/ Previous discussions: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37979758 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40228068 The other notable thing to try is Solvespace or maybe NASA's Open Vehicle SketchPad (for opensource)
Just compare its examples with dune3d's real world circuit board example to see the difference: https://picocad.net/
Better comparisons would be Crocotile and maybe Blockbench. Not CAD software.
These kind of tools (and the aesthetic) make me so happy for some reason. Another one that's pretty impressive and very lovely looking is Crocotile: https://crocotile3d.com/
For folks who want a regular (not low-poly) modeler which is a small/light-weight download, Dune 3D seems the best thing to try: https://dune3d.org/ Previous discussions: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37979758 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40228068 The other notable thing to try is Solvespace or maybe NASA's Open Vehicle SketchPad (for opensource)
I don't think there's overlap despite picoCAD having the word "CAD" in its name. Just compare its examples with dune3d's real world circuit board example to see the difference: https://picocad.net/ Better comparisons would be Crocotile and maybe Blockbench. Not CAD software.