Paint 3D is the “reimagination” of the original Paint program created by Microsoft. The program’s installed by default with Windows and can be used for drawing, animation, and 3D printing.
The program lives up to both parts of its name. It can be used to draw raster graphics and modify images with a variety of effects. And as for the 3D part of the name, it provides the option to insert 3D models and to make your own! You can also utilize the large library of models that the program provides.
Paint 3D must be installed – it can’t be used online. However, there’s plenty of great drawing and 3D design software options that can be used on a browser, should that be what you’re looking for.
In this article, we’ll go over different alternatives to Paint 3D that you can use online.
Considerations
There’s a considerable number of alternatives to Paint 3D out there. As a result, we compiled our list of the best substitutes for Paint 3D based on four considerations:
- User-friendly: Just like Paint 3D, the alternatives don’t have especially steep learning curves, and they’re easy to navigate.
- Accessible: All options are free, although some offer paid subscriptions with more tools. We also noted when registration’s required.
- Versatile: The different programs offer a wide variety of tools.
- Similar to Paint 3D: Even if they don’t cover all the same aspects and tools Paint 3D has to offer, the options need to be similar in some respects to the program.
With these considerations in mind, lets get to the list.
JS Paint
Ah, MS Paint, the original Windows Paint tool, and the reason this article exists. It would be a viable option if it could be used online, but even if it’s not, we can thankfully use JS Paint to get a similar, if not the same, experience. JS Paint allows you to begin drawing online and gain familiarity with the structure of Microsoft painting software options.
Because it’s based on the classic Paint app, it’s pretty simple to use and to learn, with only 2D functionality. It’s also accessible on most, if not all, browsers, and one can begin drawing without any registration and download their art, too. Finally, it improves on the original MS Paint, with the addition of new tools like an updated zoom feature, a speech recognition mode, and the possibility of rendering your work as a GIF, among others.
Overall, JS Paint gives users the classic aesthetic of the original MS Paint, alongside a great host of new tools and functionalities.
- Platforms: MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS
- Price: Free
- Registration required: No
SketchUp Web
SketchUp for Web is the browser-based member of the SketchUp family – a suite of CAD and 3D modeling programs, designed with a focus on architecture. SketchUp for Web provides you with a decent modeler. While its main focus is on architectural designs, one can also make plenty of other objects with it. Even if it’s basically a one-trick pony, it has plenty of depth in 3D design, including a 3D warehouse that allows you to share and use files made by others. Like Paint 3D, SketchUp for Web allows you to design in 3D. However, you get the added benefit of being able to access it on your browser.
Your creations are saved, by default, to Trimble Connect databases, though you also have the option to download your files as an SKP (SketchUp) file. You can register for SketchUp with your Gmail account or by making an account through Trimble. With its simple mechanics and straightforward layout, it’s good for beginners, and the Professional subscriptions include more tools and possibilities for experts.
- Platforms: MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS
- Price: Free, ∼$120 or ∼$299 per year for personal subscription plans
- Registration required: Yes
Vectary
Vectary, which spellcheck believes should be called victory, claims to be “the most accessible 3D and augmented reality design platform,” and it does put forward a strong case. Vectary was made with 3D printing and modeling in mind. It also offers users the option of using augmented reality (AR).
Unlike JS Paint, which is meant for 2D drawings, Vectary is a great substitute for the 3D part of Paint 3D. It provides an extensive free 3D model library, the ability to import over 60 file formats, and the choice to export in popular 3D printing formats, such as STL.
Vectary is easy to learn and is available on most browsers. However, you must first register to use it. Like SketchUp for Web, files are saved to the cloud. Unlike SketchUp, its core competency mostly lies in creating objects, such as phone cases, not architectural designs. In that regard, it’s quite similar to Paint 3D.
- Platforms: MacOS, Windows
- Price: Free
- Registration required: Yes
Aggie.io
The more the merrier. Aggie.io is a “collaborative painting application by Magma Studio.” What does that mean? One can work with friends on the same piece of artwork. Aggie.io also offers built-in voice chat, which makes collaborating even easier. It also offers plenty of other options, including the choice of paid subscriptions that lets you keep your artwork on their servers.
Described as “fun and simple, yet advanced”, its collective nature is pretty nifty. In addition, its tools and functionality are also quite similar to those found on Paint 3D.
Aggie.io is easy to use, and it’s free. An added bonus is that there’s no need to sign up, so you can begin drawing immediately. The ability to collaborate is quite unique among 2D and 3D design software, so we believe this would be a great selection to try if you know others who are also interested in collaborative drawing projects.
- Platforms: MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS
- Price: Free, ∼$10 per month for Pro, ∼$50 per month for Studio
- Registration required: Yes
SculptGL
A simple and basic browser-based software option, SculptGL allows users to create 3D forms through sculpting. While this might be different than what most illustrators may be used to, it can be a great new experience. CAD sculpting is very similar to real-life sculpting: Essentially, you brush away at the “clay” until you get the shape you want, as you would in real life.
SculptGL is straightforward, so it should be relatively easy for beginners to use. In addition, users can import in SGL (SculptGL), OBJ, STL, and PLY files, and you can also import images to serve as backgrounds. Exporting and saving takes the form of SGL, OBJ, PLY, and STL files.
While SculptGL is more different than the other alternatives on this list, its overall functionality is still rooted in 3D design. You should consider SculptGL if you want to try a new style of 3D design or if you’re looking to further develop your sculpting skills.
- Platforms: MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS
- Price: Free
- Registration required: No
License: The text of "Microsoft Paint 3D: Can It Be Used Online?" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.