Microsoft Paint 3D

Pros

• Ideal interface and tools for beginners to start with 3D modeling.
• There is a large community that makes models and stickers that you can use with your creations.
• Has many tools for drawing, modeling, animating and more.

Cons

• Lacks some 2D drawing tools found in regular Paint and other art programs.
• This was made for beginners, so advanced users likely won't get much from it.

Microsoft Paint 3D is a digital painting program that can design in 2D and 3D. This is a free program that has many tools, but it allows users of all experience levels create artistic designs. You can also make 3D models from scratch or modify existing ones.

Tools and Features

Microsoft Paint 3D is a straightforward and powerful program that introduces users to 3D modeling. You can build models by hand, or you can modify existing models by importing them into the program. You can also add 3D effects and text to make it more artistic.

While some 3D modeling programs are advanced and difficult to use, Paint 3D is harmless even to new users. There are many tutorials that you can read and learn from. While the library is small, there are some 3D models available in the program that you can work with. This allows you to learn how the tools work in a safe environment. You can easily change the viewing angle to work on all aspects of the model.

Making the model is one thing. Paint 3D also allows you to decorate the model with stickers. These wrap around the model like clothing. You can design your own stickers through this program, or you can download them from the dedicated Paint 3D community. This will really bring your model to life.

You might think that producing your first custom 3D model will take hours, but this program allows you to do it in minutes. Simply pick a model or make your own, choose a sticker and you're basically finished. Even newcomers will be able to quickly learn the tools and make custom models. Sharing is easy as well. You can immediately upload your model to social media.

There are various tools for creating models, which allows you to flex your unique creative muscles. You can use basic objects like spheres and cubes to make the model. You can also create a 2D drawing and the program will turn it into a 3D model. In both cases you simply have to make some alterations to make the model perfect.

This is a highly capable art program especially when you consider that it's free.

Flat Drawings

As you might tell from the name, this program is skewed more towards 3D model creation. At the same time, there are many tools for 2D drawings. You get classic tools like the marker, brush, eraser and spray can. You can choose from a long list of colors, thicknesses, textures and opacity levels.

While many of the basic tools are here, fans of Paint and other similar art programs might notice a few tools that are missing. You can easily make and color drawings, but don't expect to do anything too advanced. Much like with the 3D aspects, this is made more for beginners and you might find yourself working around the limitations.

Touch Features

While not every desktop or laptop has a touchscreen, Paint 3D is very touch-enabled and this makes it easy to use your finger or a digital pen to create models, drawings and more. At the same time, it's just as capable if you're using a trackpad or mouse.

This allows you to choose how you want to about designing your models and drawings. Both beginners and advanced users will appreciate this. Touchscreens will make the artistic process feel more organic, but you are free to create however you like.

Animation Features

This program comes with some basic animation features. While you shouldn't expect to make a full movie with Paint 3D, you can easily make an animation that lasts several seconds. This will be fun to share with your friends and social media. You can save your creation as either a GIF or MP4. The animation features work with both 3D models and 2D drawings or photos.

This is skewed towards beginners, so don't expect your models to do complicated movements. At the same time, just like with the modeling tools, this can help get your feet wet for 3D animation.

Made for Beginners

One of the best and worst things about this program is that it's made for beginners. All of the tools are simple to use and straightforward. It shouldn't take you long to understand what each tool does and how to make full use of them. The basic shapes are also simple to use and modify.

At the same time, this does mean that more advanced tools had to be cut. Industry-leading programs have more precision, power and tools that allow for deeper customization. Paint 3D is meant to be fun and get your feet wet. It's not intended to make detailed 3D skeletons for a cinematic production. As such, advanced users probably won't get much use from this program.

If you're new to 3D modeling, then Paint 3D is a wonderful program. If you've done it for several years and want an advanced program, then Paint 3D won't have what you're looking for.

Simple Interface

Paint 3D doesn't try to overwhelm you or make it hard to find the tool that you need. As such, this program comes with a simple interface with toolbars and easy-to-understand graphics. It shouldn't take more than a few clicks to find a tool that you need. This goes along with it being a program for beginners. If you want a program that is going to hold your hand and make things easy, then Paint 3D might work for you.

No Image Correction Tools

Something distinctly lacking from Paint 3D is image correction tools. These are most commonly used with photos and they let you fix things like red eye, blurred edges and other common problems found in photos. These are standard tools with most art programs, including most versions of Paint, but not Paint 3D.

If you found yourself using image correction tools often, then this might be a problem. While this might be a problem for some, the truth is that most modern images taken from smartphones tend to already have these problems corrected, so image correction tools aren't as practical as they used to be.

Pros

• Ideal interface and tools for beginners to start with 3D modeling.
• There is a large community that makes models and stickers that you can use with your creations.
• Has many tools for drawing, modeling, animating and more.

Cons

• Lacks some 2D drawing tools found in regular Paint and other art programs.
• This was made for beginners, so advanced users likely won't get much from it.