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Tinkercad

What is Tinkercad?

Tinkercad by Autodesk is an online 3D design and circuit simulation tool. It allows you to create 3D models that can then be downloaded and printed using a 3D printer. Designed for beginners, Tinkercad has a user-friendly interface and multiple hands-on tutorials.

Tool Requirements

Supported Browsers

  • Latest version of Google Chrome or Firefox

Operating System

  • Windows 8 or higher
  • Mac OS 10.9 or higher

Internet Connection

  • Minimum of 1.5 Mbps download and 512 Kbps upload

Software Download

  • Required internet for viewing and editing
  • Graphics card must support webGL

Account

Opportunities

  • Great for deliverables involving circuitry and robotics design.
  • Provides hands-on experience for activities and simulations.
  • Design objects to produce with laser cutters and 3D printers.
  • Export the design as an OBJ, STL, or SVG file. Download the image as PNG or send it to 3D communities.
  • Has a circuits simulator that includes the Arduino microcontroller circuit boards.
  • Simulated Arduinos can be programmed in Tinkercad using visual code blocks or with a text editor.
  • Code from the simulation can be uploaded to the Arduino IDE software in order to program a physical Arduino board.

Considerations

  • All work is private by default. A design can be marked as Public which makes the design viewable and discoverable by anyone. Public designs can be assigned a variety of Creative Commons attribution licenses.
  • Most computers and laptops purchased within the last 6 years should work well with Tinkercad. Older computers may have compatibility issues.
  • Uses WebGL, which enables working in 3D in the browser. If you are not sure that your graphics card supports webGL, visit the webGL test to see if you see a spinning cube.

Additional Support

For details on how to use Tinkercad, visit ERAU's Tinkercad User Guide.