Useful Software Packages

This is the palace to put details of software packages that are useful for RepRap (like CAD programs), but that are not part of the RepRap project itself. Give a paragraph or so of explanation on each package and a link to its home page. Please also say what platforms it runs on, what licence it is distributed under, and whether it is free.

Mechanical CAD software

Art of Illusion

Art of Illusion (AoI) is a 3D graphics design tool, but it is good for engineering design too. It has a very easy and quick-to-learn user interface. The AoI homepage is here. There is also a RepRap page on using it for engineering design. AoI is written in Java, runs under Linux, Windows or on a Mac, and is freely available under the GPL.

Blender

Blender was originally intended for the same applications as AoI. It may be more powerful than AoI, but its user interface is harder to learn. The Blender homepage is here. Blender is written in Python, runs under Linux, Windows or on a Mac, and is freely available under the GPL.