Software and Filetypes
Alphabetical Order or By Type
Alphabetically
Arduino: "Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments."
Autodesk 123D Make: Create 3D models from 2D outlines. Their How-Tos are bare, but link to some great examples from Instructables.
CamStudio: Allows you to record tutorials. Make sure you locate the download link, rather than the ads.
Gimp2: Photo/image editing. Great for detailed image editing. However, you can use Paint.net for simpler, easier jobs. File formats: Use Export feature for PNGs, JPGs, and GIFs.
Inkscape: Turn rasters into vectors, prepare projects for the ShapeOko, and more. See manual here. File formats: SVG
MakerWare: Prepares your 3D model for printing on the MakerBot. File format: Accepts .STL and others, outputs .X3G for printing directly on MakerBot.
Meshmixer: Transform your 3D model's meshes.
Netfabb Studio Basic: In training we used it to orient the 3D scan and repair holes.
Notepad++: For writing code.
Paint.net: For Windows. "It features an intuitive and innovative user interface with support for layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful and powerful tools."
ReconstructMe Non-Commercial 405: For scanning with the Kinect. Don't forget the driver.
Scratch 2.0: Offline editor, requires Adobe Air.
TinkerCad: Online web-app, easy introduction to 3D modeling.
Trimble Sketch-Up Make: In training we used it to create coins. Visit Trimble's Knowledge Center and download/print the Quick Reference Cards. Don't forget to install the STL exporter plug-in, which allows you to prepare the model for MakerBot.
By Type
Graphic Design
Inkscape: Turn bitmap or original images into vectors for stickers or acrylic-cut pieces.Â
Gimp2: Photo manipulator.
3D Design
Trimble Sketch-Up: Create 3D models from scratch or download some from the warehouse.
MeshLab: For editing and converting file types of 3D models.
MeshMixer: Modify your 3D models.
NetFabb Basic Studio: Rotate your 3D scans and repair your models.
123D Autodesk: Prepare your 3D model for patterns cut from a variety of materials.
Programming
Arduino
Scratch
CNC Milling
Easel
Filetypes
3D Printing
Open file formats: STL, OBJ
Additionally, SVG for importing vectors
Laser Cutting
Open file formats: SVG, PDF, JPG, PNG, GIF
For cutting/vectoring, your design should have vectors (as in SVG, PDF)
For rastering, the laser cutter will not "see" shades of gray
Vinyl Cutting
Open file formats: SVG, DXF
For cutting/vectoring, your design should have vectors (as in SVG)