Putty 3D

Putty 3D is an iOS sculpting sketchbook for artists and enthusiasts who want to make 3D models on an iPhone or iPad. It supports Apple Pencil and 3D Touch for pressure-sensitive sculpting. Users can choose Plastic, Ceramic, or Gold materials rendered with physically based techniques, then record sculpting videos or take high-resolution screenshots with optional camera effects. Models can be exported as OBJ or STL files for use in modeling, animation, and 3D printing applications on PC or Mac. Export is available only on iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2 or newer devices. The App Store listing requires an iPhone 5s, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, or a newer iPhone or iPad with iOS 11 or later. Putty 3D supports Wide Color and is optimized for iPad Pro and iPhone 7. The maker describes it as a sketchbook for sculpting on the go and accepts feedback, suggestions, and issue reports by email or through its contact form.

Putty 3D provides mobile sculpting, capture, and model export in an iOS app. Check the separate device requirements for running the app and exporting files before choosing it.

Putty 3D suits artists and enthusiasts who want to sculpt on an iPhone or iPad. It may also suit users who need OBJ or STL exports for other creative applications.

Putty 3D is an iOS sculpting sketchbook for artists and enthusiasts who want to shape models away from a desktop. Its pressure-sensitive Apple Pencil and 3D Touch input make it most appealing to iPhone and iPad users who value direct, tactile modeling. The trade-off is a paid, Apple-only app with no trial and device-dependent export.

Overview

Putty 3D focuses on mobile 3D sculpting rather than serving as a full desktop production suite. You can create forms on an iPhone or iPad, then export OBJ or STL files for modeling, animation, or 3D-printing software on a PC or Mac. That makes it a practical concepting tool for artists who work between locations, while users needing broad desktop workflows or a no-cost way to start should look elsewhere.

Key features

Pressure-sensitive sculpting

Apple Pencil and 3D Touch support give brush pressure a direct role in shaping, which suits users who prefer drawing-like control over touch-only manipulation. This is a meaningful advantage on compatible Apple hardware, but it does not extend the app beyond iOS.

Materials and presentation

Plastic, Ceramic, and Gold materials use physically based rendering, providing distinct surface looks while you refine a model. Wide Color support and optimization for iPad Pro and iPhone 7 favor users with newer, color-capable devices.

Capture and export

Putty can record sculpting videos and capture high-resolution screenshots with optional camera effects, useful for documenting a process or sharing work in progress. OBJ and STL export connects the sculpting stage to downstream modeling, animation, and 3D-printing applications, although export works only on iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2 or newer.

Pricing

The Putty 3D plan has custom pricing rather than a published amount. It includes 3D sculpting on iPhone and iPad, OBJ and STL export, and Apple Pencil and 3D Touch support. There is no free plan or free trial, so prospective users must commit before evaluating the workflow. The plan is best suited to artists who already own compatible Apple hardware and specifically need mobile sculpting; those wanting to compare the app without payment should consider a free or trial-based alternative.

Platforms

Putty 3D runs on iOS. The App Store requirement is an iPhone 5s, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, or newer iPhone or iPad with iOS 11 or later. Export has the stricter floor of iPhone 6 or iPad Air 2 and newer, so owners of older supported devices may sculpt but cannot rely on file export.

Who it's for

This is a good fit for mobile-first artists and enthusiasts who want pressure-sensitive sketching, quick visual captures, and standard model files for later work on a computer. It is less suitable for Android or desktop users, buyers who require a trial, and anyone whose iOS device falls below the export requirement.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Apple Pencil and 3D Touch provide precise, pressure-sensitive input.
• Pros: OBJ and STL export supports modeling, animation, and 3D-printing workflows.
• Pros: PBR materials, video recording, and high-resolution screenshots help present work.
• Cons: iOS is the only platform, excluding Android and desktop sculpting.
• Cons: OBJ and STL export is restricted to iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2 or newer.
• Cons: There is no free plan or trial, and pricing is custom.
• Cons: Apple’s listing provides no developer privacy-practice or data-handling details.

Alternatives

Mixos Mold is the better choice if you want a free plan and broad coverage across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, the web, and Windows. tamga suits users seeking free desktop or web personal, educational, or nonprofit use on several platforms, including iOS. Choose Nomad Sculpt instead for Android support, a free trial, and sculpting, painting, PBR rendering, plus glTF, OBJ, and STL import and export. Sculptura is another paid option for iOS and macOS without a free trial. Shapelab is aimed at Android and Windows users who want a paid VR-focused option with a free trial. Instant Meshes is a free Linux, macOS, and Windows choice. R3DS Wrap offers free student or education licensing alongside paid options on Linux and Windows. Re:Form is a freemium macOS and web alternative.

For broader browsing, see the 3D Sculpting Software and 3D modeling software lists.

Verdict

Choose Putty 3D if you want an iPhone or iPad sketchbook with pressure-sensitive sculpting and straightforward OBJ/STL handoff to computer-based work. Its strongest reason to buy is the focused mobile workflow; its main reason to look elsewhere is the paid, no-trial iOS-only model and the newer-device requirement for export.