Freedom251 › 3D modeling software
Dust3D
by Dust3D
What Dust3D is
Dust3D is a free, open-source low-poly 3D modeling tool for desktop use. It runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS, although the prebuilt macOS binary requires Apple Silicon and does not support Intel Macs. Modeling begins by sketching nodes and edges on a 2D canvas while a 3D mesh appears in real time. Front and side reference images can guide the shape. Labeled edges let the application infer a skeleton and calculate skin weights automatically. Dust3D combines UV unwrapping, texturing, rigging, animation, rendering, and export in one workflow. It can generate adjustable walk, run, attack, idle, and death cycles for each creature type. Export formats include OBJ, GLB, and FBX; GLB and FBX can include per-bone WAV files. The project supports 3D-print export and is released under the MIT License, with a tutorial, manual, and mailing list.
Who it suits
Artists and developers creating low-poly assets for video games, 3D printing, or other projects. It suits users who want modeling, rigging, animation, and export in one desktop application.
What it does well
- Free under the MIT License
- Generates meshes from 2D sketches
- Includes automatic skeleton and skin weights
- Built-in rendering and animation tools
- Exports OBJ, GLB, and FBX
What to know first
- Prebuilt macOS binary requires Apple Silicon
- Intel Macs are not supported by that binary
- Focused on low-poly modeling
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dust3D | No charge stated; released under the MIT License. · Windows, macOS (Apple Silicon only for prebuilt binary), Linux downloads are listed | Free |
As dust3d.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Dust3D combines a sketch-driven workflow with rigging, animation, rendering, and export for low-poly projects. Check the macOS hardware requirement before choosing the desktop build.
Facts from Dust3D's own pages
- Animation
- The site says it generates tweakable walk, run, attack, idle, and death cycles per creature type. · dust3d.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Animation tools
- Yes · dust3d.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Export formats
- The manual lists export to OBJ, GLB, and FBX, including GLB or FBX with per-bone WAV files. · dust3d.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2018 · dust3d.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · dust3d.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Intended use
- The project describes Dust3D as a cross-platform tool for creating low poly models for video games, 3D printing, and more. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- License
- Dust3D is released under the MIT License. · dust3d.org, 11 Oct 2026
- macOS limitation
- The prebuilt macOS binary requires Apple Silicon and does not support Intel Macs. · dust3d.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Maintenance
- The site says Dust3D is created and maintained by Jeremy Hu and developed by contributors. · dust3d.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Model pipeline
- The app includes UV unwrap, texture, rigging, animation, and export in one tool. · dust3d.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Platform access
- desktop · dust3d.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Platforms
- The site provides Windows ZIP, macOS DMG, and Linux AppImage download instructions. · dust3d.org, 11 Oct 2026
- 3D print export
- Yes · dust3d.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Product
- Dust3D is an open source low poly 3D modeling tool. · dust3d.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Reference images
- The manual says users can set front and side reference images on the canvas. · dust3d.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Render engine
- built-in · dust3d.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Rigging
- Dust3D infers a skeleton from labeled edges and computes skin weights automatically. · dust3d.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Support and learning
- The site links to a video tutorial, reference manual, and mailing list. · dust3d.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Workflow
- Users sketch nodes and edges on a 2D canvas and a 3D mesh generates in real time. · dust3d.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where Dust3D stands on Freedom251
- 3D modeling software#53 of 147