Software

At the Maker Lab, we use and love free and open-source design software. Open-source software is developed by a volunteer community, and shared with everyone. Some favorites include Inkscape, GIMP, and Blender.

2D Design

• Inkscape (similar to Illustrator)
• GIMP (similar to Photoshop)
• Krita (digital painting and raster animation)
• Pixlr (easy to use web-based photo editor)
• Paint.NET  (windows only photo editing)

3D Design

• TinkerCad (3D CAD)
• Fusion 360 (Advanced 3D CAD)
• Blender (3D rendering, animation, sculpting)
• Sculptris (3D sculpting)
• SculptFab (3D sculpting in the browser)
• Meshmixer (3D mesh editor)
• Meshroom (3D scanning)
• ReconstructMe (3D scanning)
• Skanect (3D Scanning)

Coding

• Atom (free text editor for coders)
• Github (share code, host simple websites)
• Glitch (friendly coding community)
• Processing (creative coding software, geared towards visual arts)
• P5JS (creative coding in javascript, similar to Processing)
• ToneJS (web audio framework for creating interactive music in the browser)
• BBC Micro:bit (open source hardware platform that supports Python, Javascript, Scratch, MakeCode blocks, and more)
• Arduino (open source hardware platform)

Equipment Software

• MakerBot Desktop (3D printing)
• RetinaEngrave (Laser cutter)
• Cricut Design Space (Electronic cutter)
• Easel (CNC Milling)
• Inkstitch (Embroidery)

File Formats

• 3D Printing: .STL (StereoLithography), .OBJ (Object)
• Laser Cutting: .SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), .PDF (Portable Document Format)
• CNC Milling: .SVG
• Electronic Cutter: .SVG

When exporting a design file for one of our machines, please note the preparation instructions on our equipment page.

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