20 Best free rendering software for professionals, amateurs, and beginners in 2023

Intro

With professional 3D rendering software, it becomes much easier to create unforgettable design projects. Now, you can turn your ideas into beautiful models and prototypes and use them for different purposes. These programs allow you to create models from any level or complex. 

Choosing the most suitable 3D rendering programs is often difficult, as it is not easy to find one that has all the features you need. Some 3D editors are free, but still good enough. So, we offer you the list of the best free rendering software. Below you will find our selection of rendering programs and a description of each of them. We also created a rating of each program according to user preferences and placed them according to this rating. Read and learn how you can make a 3D rendering for free. You may find some of these programs in the article about the Best 3D rendering software. Information is relevant for 2023.

Best rendering software free

Best free 3D rendering software in detail

1. Vectary

Price: Free version
Level: For professionals 
Platform: Online/Web-based
Last version: 2022
Use: 3D modeling, visualization

4.9

Rating by Applet3D

G2

4.9

Vectary is a free online rendering tool to create and manage stunning and interactive 3D designs. It is a great program for quickly creating high-quality 3D visuals. Every model is done in the browser and saved in the cloud. It is easy to use tool with a simplified user interface. 

Vectary is used by designers of all levels to create, share and customize 3D models online. The free rendering program allows the creation of interactive 3D configurators with custom materials, animations, and shapes.

Vectary offers step-by-step tutorials for new users. They can access their designs from anywhere since it is a browser-based program. Besides, it has a rich library of assets, like free 3D scenes, models, and materials.

2.  Verge3D

Price: Free
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Online/Web-based, Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022
Use: Real-time 3D rendering, modeling, animation

4.7

Rating by Applet3D

G2

4.7

Verge3D is a powerful free real-time 3D renderer and related toolkit for creating and displaying interactive 3D graphics in browsers. Verge3D uses WebGL technology. This free renderer allows users to create interactive content using 3D modeling tools (currently supported by Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya) by converting 3D scenes into a form suitable for viewing in a browser. 

The free real-time rendering software has an intuitive toolkit. Verge3D can be used for online stores, creating interactive animations, 3D presentations, 3D portfolios, educational materials, and browser games. This 3D rendering software is free to download on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

3. Pixar’s RenderMan

Price: Free for non-commercial use
Level: For professionals 
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022
Use: Rendering VFX, animation

4.7

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

5.0

GetApp

5.0

G2

4.2

RenderMan by Pixar is known as the world’s most versatile renderer. It’s hard to disagree with this, considering everything we see on our screen while watching the Studio’s masterpieces. 

It is worth noting, that Pixar has made RenderMan photorealistic rendering software free for non-commercial use. The free version of RenderMan has no restrictions or watermarks. It works on macOS, Windows, and Linux, supports Maya and Katana plugins, and works with Cinema4D and Houdini. Plugins for 3ds Max, Modo, Rhino, Lightwave, and Blender are listed as possible. The Studio also launched a community of program users, where you can discuss work and upload your projects. This free rendering app offers advanced shading, lighting, and rendering technology.

4. Blender

Price: Free 
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2023
Use: Modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering, simulation

4.6

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.7

Software Advice

4.66

GetApp

4.7

G2

4.5

Certainly, Blender has to be on the top of this list as the best 3D rendering software free. Blender is a full-fledged 3D graphics and animation editor. The free app includes modeling, animation, post-processing, video editing tools with audio, and most importantly, rendering tools.

Blender is considered an excellent alternative to paid software for rendering and the best free 3D modeling software. However, it is a little off the beaten path. So, if you ever want to switch to something else, you might encounter difficulties. Still, Blender can be an excellent program to learn. Images and animations are competitive compared with other programs.

5. SketchUp Free

Price: Free 
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Online/Web-based
Last version: 2022
Use: 3D modeling, architectural design

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.5

Software Advice

4.50

GetApp

4.5

G2

4.5

SketchUp Free is a free version of SketchUp. The program is used for 3D modeling and design. You can add new details, textures, and all kinds of elements to your models. Sketchup free rendering software comes with built-in realistic textures.

This 3D modeling software free has a simple and user-friendly interface, shadow setting functions, and the ability to use various plugins and download ready-made scripts. SketchUp Free renderer is an optimal program for novice 3D modelers and designers compared to complex and overloaded counterparts. 

The free rendering program also includes a plugin called 3D Warehouse. 3D Warehouse allows adding, searching, viewing, and downloading SketchUp models. Also, there is a Free 30-day trial of SketchUp for professional use and personal projects.

6. Enscape

Price: $42.90 per month; Free 14-day trial 
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2022
Use: Architectural visualization, virtual reality, real-time rendering 

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.5

Software Advice

4.48

GetApp

4.5

G2

4.6

Enscape is one of the best architectural renderers. This is a paid program that offers a great free trial. This free architectural rendering software allows the application of various stylized modes such as paper, sketch, and polystyrene models. In Enscape you can get the content you need from many programs, such as SketchUp, Rhino, Revit, and ArchiCAD. 

Working with Enscape, you can find features for designing process support. Thanks to them, you are free to monitor all your changes to know how the final picture will look after rendering. With this tool, it is easy to achieve a realistic effect.

7. Modo

Price: From $485 per year; Free 30-day trial
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022
Use: 3D rendering, modeling, animation, texturing

4.6

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.7

GetApp

4.7

G2

4.3

A program for 3D construction of objects, drawing dynamic scenes, rendering, network visualization, sculpting and creating architectural projects. Modo spatial visualization application allows you to create realistic objects based on geometric shapes. The program interface offers deep customization of almost all work items. The free 3D rendering program contains ready-made object templates and a large set of drawing tools. Also, free 3D programs such as Modo allow you to create your own special tools for the personal needs of the user.

The 3D rendering freeware provides a large set of tools for transforming objects. It can be used both for simple sculpting (similar to ZBrush), and the implementation of complex animation scenes. The application is popular among designers, advertisers, special effects developers, and architects. It has features such as the creation and processing of 3D shapes and storylines, an integrated set of palettes, brushes, and effects, modeling working surfaces, advanced UV processing, and elastic drawing on a plane and in perspective.

8. Daz Studio

Price: Free
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2022
Use: 3D rendering, modeling

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.5

Daz Studio is a powerful yet completely free 3D modeling software. One of the features of the program is the creation of GPU-accelerated 3D images during rendering, which makes it possible to create very realistic models. Daz Studio also has support for creating scenes and functionality for animating models.

As a free rendering program, Daz Studio allows for animating ready-made 3D shapes. Thanks to this, artists of any skill can create 3D animations based on existing models of people, animals, vehicles, accessories, environments, and other objects. So, it is a really powerful engine with a high-quality rendering for free.

9. Houdini Apprentice

Price: The free version of Houdini FX
Level: For amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2021
Use: 3D rendering, modeling, animation

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

G2

4.5

Houdini Apprentice is a free version of Houdini FX. The free rendering software is mostly used by professional artists, students, and amateurs to create personal non-commercial projects. Houdini Apprentice gives you access to all the virtual features of the Houdini FX. You can bring in your scene files and render them directly using Houdini Education at a higher resolution and without a watermark.

Houdini Apprentice allows working on 3D modeling, animation, physics simulation, rendering, and compositing. This rendering program free also has a large set of light sources, light shaders, and a material library. Here you will also find a set of tools that allow you to work with surround sound. Support for various renderers: Mantra, RenderMan, Mental Ray, and others.

10. D5 Render

Price: Free Community version 
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Windows
Last version: 2022
Use: 3D rendering, designing, modeling, animation 

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

G2

4.9

Trustpilot

4.0

Fairly new, but very powerful GPU-based system. D5 Render provides interactive design in real-time with photorealistic rendering. The system combines ray tracing and rasterization methods. The free 3D rendering software is self-contained and has direct compatibility with SKP files. The program also understands other formats such as FBX and D5A (a native format for D5 Render) can be exported to 3ds Max or Blender via export plugins. D5 has also developed plugins for other platforms such as SketchUp, ArchiCAD, Revit, Rhino, and Cinema 4D. Simple 3D modeling and application of materials in SketchUp are enough to create beautiful images and impressive videos with D5 Render. 

Other features of this free 3D visualization software include object scattering, a physical sky system, support for volume and particle-based effects, automatic exposure, depth-of-field selection, camera cut-off, and integrated noise reduction. D5 has also added a new built-in dynamic particle material library simulating fire, smoke, dust, and 3D plant models. D5 Render is available for Windows and offers a free “Community” version for commercial use and has no feature limitations. The interface of the 3D rendering software free is quite easy to use while being compatible with the workflow of different verticals. It can be directly applied to architecture, interiors, landscapes, and other scenes.

11. Sweet Home 3D

Price: Free
Level: For beginners and amateurs
Platform: Online/Web-based, Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022
Use: 3D interior modeling, architectural visualization

4.5

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.6

Software Advice

4.59

GetApp

4.6

G2

4.3

An open-source program that allows you to quickly create a new interior and exterior and view it from different angles. It is very important before the renovation, redevelopment, or even rearrangement of furniture. Sweet Home 3D has a simple and convenient interface and support for many useful plugins. One of the best free rendering software for students.

Sweet Home 3D allows you to simply create a plan for a separate room or the whole house, arrange furniture, windows, doors, and stairs, and generate videos for project presentation. This design rendering software free has a special catalog with furniture samples useful for interior 3D rendering. For greater user convenience, it is sorted into categories. You can download new furniture models from the developer’s website for free. We also included Sweet Home 3D in our list of the Best interior rendering software.

12. Artlantis

Price: €650 per full license; Free 30-day trial
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2021
Use: Architectural visualization

4.2

Rating by Applet3D

G2

4.2

Artlantis is a unique 3D visualization program that allows you to quickly and easily get high-quality project photos, panoramas, and virtual reality scenes, as well as animation. Artlantis has an intuitive interface and powerful management tools and is very easy to use. This 3D rendering program free is well-compatible with ArchiCAD. ArchiCAD exports a virtual building model in Artlantis format using a specialized extension. It is also compatible with such programs as SketchUp Pro, Autodesk Revit Architecture, Rhinoceros, and Vectorworks.

The 3D rendering software free is presented in two versions – Artlantis R (Render) and Artlantis S (Studio). Artlantis Render is more suitable for creating very high-quality renderings. An excellent solution for architects, interior designers, landscape designers, urban planners, etc. Artlantis Studio is an ideal tool for creating not only high-quality static renderings but also various animations, VR Objects, and iVisit 3D panoramas. Created specifically for Artlantis, Artlantis Media elements make it easy and fast to simulate believable scenes with realistic environments.

13. Clarisse

Price: Free learning edition; 15-day trial; 30-day evaluation
Level: For professionals 
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2021
Use: 3D rendering

4.2

Rating by Applet3D

G2

4.2

Clarisse is not only fast 3D rendering software. The program encourages artists to create their scenes cost-effectively and intelligently. Clarisse’s rendering capabilities are very advanced. For example, it facilitates the integration of rendered images from other 3D rendering software using deep rendering. To break it down, Clarisse outputs depth information for each pixel.

You can learn Clarisse for free with the Personal Learning Edition. Clarisse is the best 3D rendering software for commercial studios trying to streamline their production process.

14. Indigo Renderer

Price: From €595.00 per license; Free version
Level: For professionals 
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2019
Use: 3D rendering

4.0

Rating by Applet3D

G2

4.0

The Indigo Renderer is a powerful rendering tool for modeling lighting effects. This freeware rendering software allows you to work with lighting types such as daylight, night, indirect and direct lighting, using one kind of rendering. The product includes a material editor that allows you to create any kind of material from sand, leather, and wood to car paint and water. This is the best option for you if you are trying to achieve maximum photorealism.

The 3D rendering free software uses a hybrid GPU acceleration system to support real-time editing of footage and camera data. The Indigo Renderer also has powerful rendering features available for architects, product designers, 3D models, and artists. Indigo offers full support for network rendering and multicore processors. That free GPU renderer is easy to manage and comes with pre-made materials and lighting, so you can focus on your projects without spending hours tweaking materials and settings.

15. Wings 3D

Price: Free
Level: For amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022
Use: 3D modeling

4.0

Rating by Applet3D

G2

4.0

Wings 3D is free open-source software for modeling and texturing. Users are provided with many tools with which to create very realistic models and prototypes. You can present the customer with variants of character images to determine the concept and further work with it.

Wings 3D has a customizable interface. The free modeling program does not support animation, so to create scenes in the dynamics of the figure, you will have to export to other software.

16. Kerkythea

Price: Free
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2019
Use: 3D rendering

3.9

Rating by Applet3D

G2

3.9

Kerkythea is a free and closed-source rendering engine that helps in the creation of photorealistic images. The program offers to use of physically accurate materials and lighting. Kerkythea has a simple and user-friendly interface and supports various types of objects. Kerkythea is often used in creating images for commercial purposes. 

This 3D rendering program comes equipped with a material editor, allowing artists to create and manipulate their texture libraries for repeated use. Kerkythea provides: a material editor, general visualization and renders adjustments, and GL real-time viewer. It also has a free exporter for SketchUp. Users can work in two rendering methods: biased or unbiased. You can both install it on your device and use it online. The rendering tool has an advanced toolkit, so the scene setup can be easily automated.

17. Guerilla Render

Price: Free license
Level: For professionals 
Platform: Windows, Linux
Last version: 2023
Use: 3D rendering, animation

Guerilla Render is an unbiased 3D rendering software that has been used more than once in the creation of famous feature films. Guerilla Render also uses progressive rendering inside its viewport. 

Thanks to its physically based rendering features, it can quickly produce photorealistic stills, 3D renders, and sequences. The 3D rendering features also include subsurface scattering and cycle renders. The lighting system of Guerilla is highly flexible. 

The software offers a free unlimited single-seat license. It allows uncapped usage of the program for a single user, providing your connection to the Internet.

18. LuxCoreRender

Price: Free; Donate
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2021
Use: 3D rendering

LuxCoreRender belongs to the category of photorealistic or physically accurate (no assumptions) renders. It is a free rendering tool with a user-friendly interface. Scenes for LuxCore can be prepared in various 3D programs such as Blender, 3ds Max, Maya, etc. On the developer’s site, you can download a scene, which is recommended to be used for testing.

Since LuxCoreRender is a photorealistic rendering software, the rendering process can take an infinite amount of time. More precisely, it lasts until the user stops the process when a satisfactory quality is achieved. The user interface of this free 3D renderer allows you to set the conditions upon which rendering will stop. 

LuxCoreRender is free for both personal and commercial use. It works with all the major 3D software, including 3ds Max, Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D, and SketchUp. It includes a variety of material types. You can save and continue a rendering at any time. Upcoming releases look to support optionally biased path tracing.

19. Cycles Renderer

Price: Free
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022
Use: 3D rendering

If you are going to use an open-source Blender, you have to know about its unbiased render engine Cycles, that built-in GPU- accelerated. It is a flexible and speedy engine.

You can create Photorealistic 3D renderings of any complexity with a system of nodes used for materials. The significant advantages of the engine are the ability to quickly view the result directly in the 3D viewport, as well as rendering using GPU. So, it is an excellent option for beginners. This free 3D software allows the creation of stunning characters for games and various architectural objects.

20. FurryBall

Price: Free
Level: For beginners and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: The program and website had been discontinued
Use: 3D rendering, animation

The last one in our list of the best free rendering software is FurryBall – biased/unbiased GPU renderer. The software can give you a live progressive preview. You don’t have to wait for final renders to see the results of your changes, which can speed up your workflow. Also, it is an extremely fast rendering system. It offers a real-time progressive preview in the viewport.

This 3D rendering software is available as a plug-in for Maya, Cinema 4D, and 3ds Max. The plugin also supports all the special components and third-party plugins of the main programs. Users can manipulate particles, liquids, and hair. It is a great choice if you’re not satisfied with the built-in standard of these 3D rendering programs. It is also can be used as a standalone renderer.

In 2018, the development of FurryBall was suspended, and in 2022, due to the modernization of the server, the site also stopped working.

To create this list of the best free 3D rendering programs, we conducted an in-depth study of the leading solutions on the market today and talked to our company’s experts. They helped us to select this top software and told us about the main features and benefits of each. As a leading 3D visualization company, Applet3D always keeps its finger on the pulse to keep abreast of the latest innovations and technologies in the field. Use our 3D modeling and rendering services. Entrust the implementation of your project to professionals and get a quality result!

Best free rendering software for SketchUp

Free rendering software for SketchUp in detail

1. Twilight Render

Price: $99.00 per Pro license; Free hobby version
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2022

5.0

Rating by Applet3D

Facebook

5.0

Twilight Render can be safely called the best free render for SketchUp. It is a visualization tool for professionals and hobbyists alike. It is the user-friendly interface SketchUp, with a powerful rendering engine that can produce photorealistic images.

Twilight Render is a quality and fast rendering program that offers multiple rendering methods. It has easy-to-adjust templates and a deep material editor. This free 3D rendering software for SketchUp has many settings, which allow you to change various aspects of the drawing process.

2. V-Ray

Price: From $77.90 per month; $149 per year for the Educational version; Free 30-day trial
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Last version: 2022

4.6

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.8

Software Advice

4.63

GetApp

4.8

G2

4.5

V-Ray is a real-time rendering software great for interior design. It is a pretty fast rendering program, that supports other 3D design software. It also has global illumination with unique lighting effects.

V-Ray can combine vector art with a 3D image, and simply drag and drop the layout into place. With the V-Ray plugin for SketchUp, you can draw and edit in layers and update the entire layout. This photorealistic rendering software will help you to create unforgettable designs.

3. Keyshot

Price: $99.00 per month; $7.92 per month for Education; Free 14-day trial
Level: For professionals, beginners, and amateurs 
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2023

4.6

Rating by Applet3D

Capterra

4.7

G2

4.5

Keyshot is one of the easiest-to-use and technologically advanced renderers on the market. Keyshot also happens to interface smoothly with SketchUp, giving users a rendering engine without complex options,  preferences, and sliders. With Keyshot, SketchUp visualizations become unsurpassed.

This free render software for SketchUp allows tweaking textures, camera, lighting, and even massing and instantaneously viewing the rendering results. It is a powerful real-time rendering program. It can import your models into the base rendering program for quick use.

4. SU Podium

Price: $249.00 per commercial version; Free 30-day trial
Level: For professionals and amateurs 
Platform: Windows, macOS
Last version: 2022

SU Podium is an easy-to-use rendering plugin for SketchUp. SU Podium was designed from the ground up specifically for use with SketchUp. The 3D rendering program allows any user to manipulate shapes within their drawing space.

With this free rendering software for Sketchup 2022, the user can create virtual tables on the computer, including complex shapes such as oval and polygon. This free architectural design software also allows the user to save and share their work with other users via the Internet, email, or social media OS. It is possible to create multiple copies of one picture. Once rendering is complete, the user can tweak settings such as brightness, contrast, and color filters, adding flexibility to the entire process.

5. Lumion LiveSync

Price: Free
Level: For professionals and amateurs
Platform: Windows
Last version: 2020

Lumion LiveSync for SketchUp is the free, real-time rendering plugin that seamlessly connects your SketchUp 3D model to a live Lumion project. This free renderer for Sketchup lets you visualize architectural designs online while you work with them in CAD. By enabling LiveSync between SketchUp and Lumion, you can view all of your designs, modifications, and tests in the stunning, detailed Lumion environment.

Whether you’re working with a BIM model or 2D drawings, you can import your models into Lumion and quickly create photorealistic or conceptual images that convey the beauty of design ideas. The rendering tool allows you to instantly import your 3D model without interrupting the rendering process. Lumion gives you the best render quality for landscape or exterior design. 

Although most of these solutions are paid, thanks to free trials and free versions, presented rendering software for Sketchup is available to everyone.

Best Architectural rendering software free

Talking about free rendering software for architectural visualization, we have selected for you the next list listed above:

1. SketchUp Free
2. Blender 
3. Cycles Renderer
4. SU Podium
5. SweetHome 3D
6. LuxCore Render
7. Enscape

It should be added that Autodesk also offers free software for students and educators. It also can be useful for you. Best 3D rendering software for architecture also may be interesting for you. Follow the link and learn about all the features of each program.

Conclusion

When choosing the best 3D rendering software, you can frequently face the problem of high or simply unaffordable prices. In the quest to create high-quality and realistic renderings, this can be a significant obstacle. That is why the search for professional but free rendering programs is becoming popular and relevant. So, we have selected for you the top 20 free rendering software that will best meet all your needs. With these solutions, you can render for free and realize all your ideas. In addition, above, you will also find a separate top free rendering software for SketchUp and architectural rendering free programs.