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 Design

  • 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.

  • MeshLab

  • 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. 

  • 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)