Inkscape: An open source vector graphics editor comparable to Adobe Illustrator. Inkscape can be used to create anything from graphics for websites to images ready for large format printers. FREE.
Category: Drawing & Modeling
Google Drawing
Google Drawing: Collaboratively draw and create graphics with everyone in the world, or just the people you invite. An example is here, where we’ve overlaid some graphics onto an image. It’s open to the public, so feel free to play! FREE
Sketchup
Sketchup: Due to its geometric nature, this software is great for architectural models. Start by drawing lines and shapes. Push and pull surfaces to turn them into 3D forms. Stretch, copy, rotate and paint to make anything you like. Easy to use, Sketchup is available in freeware and professional versions. Tutorials available on LinkedIn Learning. Free/Paid.
Wireframe.cc
Wireframe.cc: An intuitive, minimal wireframing app available in the browser. Design for different devices and annotate your work. Saving generates a URL which can be used to return to your wireframe later. FREE/PREMIUM.
OmniGraffle
OmniGraffle: A graphic creation tool for Mac OS X and iOS, OmniGraffle can be used to create all sorts of graphics, diagrams, and graphs. Includes stencils and UX kits. Free 14 day trial/Subscription.
Google Apps for Education
NYU has licensed a set of Google products to handle communication, calendars, file storage, and other teaching and learning apps, according to these Terms of Use. The full suite of Google Apps for Education include: Mail Calendar Drive (file storage and sharing) Classroom (course sites; NYU LMS (Brightspace) is the university’s official LMS) Docs (word processor) Sheets (spreadsheet) …
ZBrush
ZBrushCoreMini is a fun introduction to digital sculpting (aka 3D sculpting). This downloadable software mimics clay sculpting in its methods and is incredibly intuitive and easy to learn. Users are able to paint and customize models easily. Free.
Blender
Blender: a free intermediate 3D tool for pretty much anything: animation, rendering, modeling, etc. Blender’s open-source software model allows for a great community of users. While offering an impressive wheelhouse, however, the interface of this downloadable software is a rather complex. Free.
MeshMixer
MeshMixer: a simple introductory software for 3D modeling, able to easily clean up 3D scans, create new models and help you fix problematic geometry. MeshMixer asks you to “think of it as a sort of ‘Swiss Army Knife’ for 3D meshes.” Free.
Sketchfab
Sketchfab: a free and premium community platform to help publish and find 3D, VR, and AR content online. FREE/PREMIUM