Meshmixer

Meshmixer is a highly-capable 3D modeling and printing software dedicated to users that want to create and edit brand new 3D meshes in mere minutes. Optimized for speed and efficiency, users of MeshMixer can quickly develop any 3D model that they have imagined by modifying or combining countless free meshes available on the internet, creating brand new models in mere minutes.

Note: Meshmixer is now Autodesk Fusion 360.

Fusion now contains many of the great features they've grown to love in Meshmixer, with continual growth and improvements to its capabilities in mesh coming soon. While they have no current plans to retire the app, please note that the tool is no longer in development and will not be supported by Autodesk moving forward.

One of the great advantages of this app is its focus on users who don’t have extensive training in CAD editors and other 3D modeling enthusiast software. It provides a streamlined set of tools that are especially useful to users who want to take several 3D meshes and mix them together, forming a brand new creation in the process.

Of course, the program also hosts a wide array of tools that more experienced users can take advantage of. It has full compatibility for handling mesh files such as .stl and .obj and features a wide array of tools for preparing meshes for 3D printing. Some of the best-realized tools of this editor are functions for auto-repairing and patching holes in models, hollowing model for easier printing, creating escape holes, stability and thickness analysis, converting mesh shells into solid objects, and many more.

Installation

The tool comes in a small installer package that can be easily operated by users of all knowledge levels. After installation is finished on the PC computers with a minimum system requirement of 4GB of RAM and Windows 7, the app can be started.

The main interface of Autodesk Mesh mixer is designed in a similar way to many other 3D editing apps. The majority of the app window is dedicated to the 3D canvas area that renders loaded objects with great detail.  On the left side of the app window is a control bar that features access to the main tools, represented with large and eye-catching icons.

Those icons are Import, Meshmix, Select, Sculpt, Spamp, Edit, Analysis, Shaders, Export, and Print. Every selected icon creates a smaller pop-up window that hosts a wide variety of specific tools, buttons, sliders, and dropdown selections. For example, the very important Analysis suite that can be used for the final preparation of your models for 3D printing consists of the tools like Inspector, Unit measurement, Thickness, Strength, Stability, Orientation, Layouts, Overhangs, and Slicing.

Features

• Mixing of meshes with simple Drag-and-Drop
• Surface Stamping and 3D Sculpting
• Streamlined and capable Convert-to-Solid function for 3D printing
• Take full advantage of 3D Patterns & Lattices
• Easily Hollow (with escape holes!) your models
• Full Branching Support Structures for 3D printing
• Take control or automatically handle Print Bed Orientation Optimization, Layout & Packing
• A wide array of Advanced selection tools, such as brushing, surface-lasso, constraints, and others
• Remeshing and Mesh Simplification/Reducing
• Modify your models with Mesh Smoothing and Free-Form Deformations
• A wide array of advanced tools, such as Hole Filling, Bridging, Boundary Zippering, and Auto-Repair
• Plane Cuts, Mirroring, and Booleans
• Extrusions, Offset Surfaces, and Project-to-Target-Surface
• Interior Tubes & Channels
• Precise 3D Positioning with Pivots
• Automatic Alignment of Surfaces
• 3D Measurements
• Full Stability & Thickness Analysis
• Available for both Windows and Mac
• Requires Windows 7 (or newer) and 4GB of RAM
• 100% FREE!

Highlights

• Mesh Editing: It provides an extensive array of tools for editing meshes, including sculpting, smoothing, and remeshing capabilities.
• Mesh Analysis: Users can analyze and inspect meshes for issues such as non-manifold geometry, holes, and intersecting surfaces.
• 3D Printing Preparation: The app excels in preparing models for 3D printing, with features for generating supports, hollowing out models, and optimizing mesh density.
• Mesh Mixing: As the name suggests, it allows users to combine multiple meshes into a single object, enabling creative freedom in design.
• Pattern Generation: It offers tools for generating intricate patterns and structures directly onto 3D models, ideal for decorative elements or complex designs.

User Interface

It features a user-friendly interface with a customizable layout. The main workspace is divided into panels for easy access to tools and settings, while the toolbar provides quick access to frequently used functions. The interface is intuitive, making it suitable for users of all skill levels.

How to Use

• Import a Model: Start by importing a 3D model into the app using the File menu or drag-and-drop functionality.
• Edit the Mesh: Use the various editing tools to sculpt, modify, and refine the mesh as desired.
• Prepare for 3D Printing: If preparing for 3D printing, analyze the mesh for issues and use the appropriate tools to optimize it for printing.
• Export the Model: Once satisfied with the modifications, export the model in the desired file format for further use or 3D printing.

FAQ

Can Meshmixer handle large and complex models?
Yes, Meshmixer is capable of handling large and complex models, although performance may vary depending on the specifications of your computer.

Does Meshmixer for PC support various file formats for import and export?
Yes, it supports a wide range of file formats for both import and export, including STL, OBJ, PLY, and AMF.

Is Meshmixer suitable for beginners with no prior experience in 3D modeling?
Yes, it features an intuitive interface and provides plenty of tutorials and documentation to help beginners get started.

Can Meshmixer generate supports for 3D printing?
Yes, it offers tools for generating supports automatically or manually, helping to ensure successful 3D prints.

Is Meshmixer available for FREE?
Yes, this program is available as a free download from the Autodesk website or official website.

Alternatives

Blender: A comprehensive 3D modeling and animation software with advanced features and a large community of users.

ZBrush: A professional digital sculpting tool favored by artists for its powerful sculpting and texturing capabilities.

Autodesk 3ds Max: 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software for Windows.

Autodesk Maya: A professional 3D modeling and animation software, often used in the film and game industry. It offers advanced tools but comes with a high price tag.

Cinema 4D: Known for its user-friendly interface, Cinema 4D excels in motion graphics and 3D animation.

Pricing

The program is available for 100% FREE, making it accessible to users of all budgets.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7
• Processor: 64-bit processor
• RAM: 4GB or higher
• Graphics Card: OpenGL 3.3 compatible

PROS

• Intuitive interface suitable for beginners.
• Comprehensive set of mesh editing and 3D printing preparation tools.
• Free to download and use.
• Regular updates and support from Autodesk.

CONS

• This product is not developed actively anymore.
• Performance may be sluggish with very large and complex models.
• Some advanced features may require additional learning curve for beginners.

Also Available: Download Meshmixer for Mac