UI Design

The 10 best resources for free 3D illustrations

Jay Perlman
September 10, 2024
The 10 best resources for free 3D illustrations

We made a definitive list of resources for free 3D assets to elevate design projects. Here's who made the cut.

3D illustrations are having a moment, because they are the perfect design element to add depth, dynamism, and a touch of realism that 2D designs often lack.

If you’re looking to elevate your projects and make them stand out, designing with 3D illustrations can be a game-changer.

We'll explain a few reasons why 3D illustrations are so valuable for creatives, plus sites with the best free resources you can use for your projects.

Why 3D Illustrations Are Great for Creatives

3D illustrations offer something unique that flat designs just can’t match—they add a sense of range and realism. When you add a 3D element to your design, it immediately feels more alive and engaging.

Another reason to love 3D illustrations is their ability to make your designs more dynamic. They help your work stand out, especially when many designs only use 2D visuals.

But beyond just looking cool, 3D illustrations are incredibly versatile. You can use them across various projects—from website designs and app interfaces to marketing campaigns and presentations.

The best sites for free 3D illustrations

Now that we’ve established how awesome 3D illustrations are, let’s get to the good stuff: where to find them. Here’s a list of the best resources for free 3D illustrations that you can start using right away.

1. Lummi

Snapshot of different 3D illustrations on Lummi.

Lummi is a fantastic resource for free 3D illustrations. It offers a wide range of high-quality assets that are perfect for adding a modern touch to your designs.

Whether you’re looking for characters, objects, or abstract shapes, Lummi has 3D assets that you can use for whatever type of project.  Everything is free to download and easy to integrate into your projects.

2. Handz

3D illustrations from Handz.

Handz offers a collection of 3D hand gestures that are both simple and effective. Whether you need a thumbs-up, a peace sign, or just a pointing hand, Handz has it. These illustrations are great for guiding user interactions or adding a human touch to your designs.

3. Drawkit 3D Illustrations

Black friday illustrations from Drawkit

Drawkit is known for its clean and versatile design assets, and their 3D illustrations are no exception. You’ll find a different themes like technology, nature, office, and more, all crafted in a minimalist style that’s easy to work with. These free 3D illustrations are perfect for enhancing your projects without overwhelming them.

4. 3dicons

3dicons is a treasure trove of simple yet effective 3D icons. These are perfect for user interfaces, presentations, and any project that needs a bit of visual interest without going overboard. The icons are clean, modern, and, most importantly, free to use.

5. Pixcap

Free 3D icons from Pixcap.

Pixcap offers 3D illustrations you can customize to fit your specific needs. While not every collection is free, there are plenty of free assets creators can use.

6. Amrit Pal 3D art

3D toy faces by Amrit Pal.

These 3D assets by Amrit Pal feature diverse, faces that add a fun, human element to your designs. They’re perfect for avatars, profile pictures, or any project that needs a bit of personality.

7. Shapes 3D on Figma

Free 3D shapes for UI and UX projects.

Shapes 3D is an excellent resource if you’re a Figma user. It offers a library of 3D shapes and objects that integrate directly into your Figma workflow. This makes it incredibly convenient to add depth and dimension to your designs without switching between tools.

8. 3D icon romance pack

Cute romantic 3D icons like flowers, hearts, and cherries.

For designs that need that loving touch, this free pack of 3D icons is the ideal option. Available on Figma, it's full of adorable hearts, cutesy pink items, and other assets that you can use for your projects.

9. MetaPeople

MetaPeople 3D avatars

MetaPeople is another collection of 3D avatars and characters that are available on Figma. These characters are perfect for UX design, UI design, presentations, plus tons of other projects.

10. More free 3D icons

3D icons available for use on Figma

While having many resources for these types of assets is great, more is always better. That's why this 3D icon pack is always good to have when you're searching for that finishing peace to a project. These free 3D icons have an assortment of shapes like flowers, calendars, and more.

Give Your Designs Depth with 3D Illustrations

Using 3D illustrations in your designs isn’t just about making them look good—it’s about adding depth and making them feel more real. When done right, 3D elements can transform a flat, ordinary design into something that feels interactive and engaging.

Put simply, 3D illustrations are a powerful tool for any creative. They add depth, dynamism, and a unique flair to your designs. And with so many high-quality resources offering free 3D illustrations, there’s no reason not to start using them into your work today.

Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting, these tools can help you elevate your projects and make a lasting impact.

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