Print your own prosthesis and more

3D printers are basically Star Trek technology come to life. The ability to design an object on screen and have it in your hands hours later is nothing short of miraculous, but the key is finding software that lets your printer translate your vision into plastic.

There are many options on the web for both free and paid 3D design software, but we’ve compiled the best free options into an easy-to-scan list to help you find exactly what you need. You’ve already spent hundreds of dollars on a 3D printer. There’s no reason to spend more on software.

Tinkercad is an educational CAD tool that is perfect for both experienced designers and those designing their first model. The software's website has a variety of tutorials and videos that show you how to use Tinkercad.