Tinkercad

What Tinkercad is

Tinkercad is a free app for 3D design, electronics, and coding, available on the web and iOS. Its tools include 3D Design, Circuits, Codeblocks, Sim Lab, and an iPad app. The 3D design and 3D printing app supports 3D print export. Learning resources cover circuits basics, micro:bit, Arduino, and Arduino Kit projects. Teachers can access resources for classrooms, curriculum, class activities, webinars, and videos. In Circuits, designs are private by default and do not appear in Gallery search unless made public; public designs include HTML code for embedding on a website. Autodesk lists Tinkercad among products available through its education access program for eligible students and educators. The site presents the app as an introduction to Autodesk and links to a Help Center, learning center, server status, and privacy information. The Free plan costs nothing and includes 3D design, electronics simulation, block-based coding, and Tinkercad Classrooms. Free use is subject to the service’s Terms of Service and other terms provided with the service. The listed maker details place its headquarters in San Francisco, California, and give a founding year of 1982.

Who it suits

Tinkercad may suit people beginning with 3D design, electronics, or coding, as well as teachers using its classroom resources. Eligible students and educators can also check Autodesk’s education access program.

Limits

The Free plan is listed as free and includes 3D design, electronics simulation, block-based coding, and Tinkercad Classrooms. Use is subject to the service's Terms of Service and other terms provided with the service.

Getting started

1. Open the Tinkercad website or use the iOS app.
2. Choose the Free plan at no cost.
3. Accept and comply with the Terms of Service and other terms provided with the service.
4. Explore 3D Design, Circuits, Codeblocks, or Sim Lab.
5. Use the teacher resources or tutorials for classroom activities and projects.

Verdict

Tinkercad brings 3D design, electronics, coding, and classroom resources together in a free web and iOS app. Its default privacy setting for Circuits designs may be useful, while public sharing makes designs searchable and embeddable.