Choosing the Right CAD Tool

Loveland CreatorSpace — 3D Modeling Guide

Different CAD tools excel at different types of modeling. Choosing the right one depends on your project, your experience level, and how much control you need over dimensions and geometry. This page helps members select the best tool for their goals.

1. Overview of CAD Categories

CAD tools generally fall into three groups:

1. Parametric CAD (Mechanical / Precise)

Best for functional parts, enclosures, brackets, and anything requiring exact dimensions.

2. Direct / Mesh Modeling (Artistic / Organic)

Best for figurines, sculptures, terrain, and freeform shapes.

3. Beginner / Block-Based CAD

Best for learning fundamentals and quick prototypes.

2. Recommended Tools at Loveland CreatorSpace

Tinkercad — Beginner-Friendly

• Browser-based, simple, intuitive

• Great for learning 3D modeling fundamentals

• Ideal for simple brackets, mounts, and basic shapes

• Limited precision and complexity

Choose Tinkercad if:

• You’re brand new to CAD

• You want to make simple parts quickly

• You prefer drag-and-drop modeling

Fusion 360 — Professional Parametric CAD

• Industry-standard for mechanical design

• Excellent for functional parts, assemblies, and prototypes

• Strong parametric tools and constraints

• Ideal for 3D printing, CNC, and laser-cutting workflows

CreatorSpace Note: Fusion 360 is heavily supported here thanks to Brad Tallis, whose excellent YouTube tutorials and past classes make it easy for members to learn.

Choose Fusion 360 if:

• You need precise dimensions and tolerances

• You want to design mechanical parts or assemblies

• You want to learn professional CAD workflows

Onshape — Browser-Based Parametric CAD

• Similar to Fusion 360 but entirely cloud-based

• Great for Chromebooks or shared computers

• Strong parametric tools and collaboration features

Choose Onshape if:

• You want parametric CAD without installing software

• You collaborate with others on designs

Blender — Organic / Artistic Modeling

• Free, extremely powerful mesh and sculpting tool

• Ideal for figurines, characters, terrain, and artistic shapes

• Not parametric; requires more manual control

Choose Blender if:

• You want to sculpt or create organic shapes

• You’re making art, miniatures, or decorative objects

OpenSCAD — Code-Based CAD

• Models are created using programming

• Perfect for parametric, repeatable designs

• Great for Gridfinity, brackets, and mathematical shapes

Choose OpenSCAD if:

• You like coding

• You want fully parametric, scriptable models

3. How to Choose Based on Your Project

Functional Part (Bracket, Mount, Enclosure)

Use Fusion 360 or Onshape.

Artistic Model (Figurine, Sculpture, Terrain)

Use Blender.

Simple Prototype (Block, Holder, Basic Shape)

Use Tinkercad.

Parametric / Repeatable Design (Gridfinity, customizable parts)

Use OpenSCAD.

Collaborative Design (Shared project, cloud workflow)

Use Onshape.

4. Learning Path for New Members

1. Start with Tinkercad to learn basic 3D concepts

2. Move to Fusion 360 for precision and parametric control

3. Explore Blender if you want artistic modeling

4. Try OpenSCAD for code-driven designs

5. CreatorSpace Support & Resources

• Brad Tallis’ Fusion 360 videos — highly recommended for learning parametric CAD

• Experienced members available for guidance

• Modeling classes offered periodically

• Online tutorials for every tool listed

6. Orientation Completion

Members should demonstrate:

• Understanding of the differences between CAD tools

• Ability to choose the correct tool for a given project

• Basic familiarity with at least one modeling workflow