Software for your projects
These are our picks for planning, designing and coding your MakerSpace projects. Almost everything here is free or free for Tulane students, so start with the beginner tools in each section and move up as your project grows.
Project management
Plan team builds, split up tasks, keep notes and share files so your project gets from idea to finished part.
GitHub
Track tasks with Issues and project boards right next to your code and design files, with full version history.
Free (Pro free for students) · Web · Win · Mac · Intermediate
Notion
Notes, docs, checklists and simple databases in one place. Use it for a parts list, task tracker or build journal you can share.
Free for students · Web · Win · Mac · iOS · Android · Intermediate
Obsidian
Keep build logs and project notes as linked Markdown files on your own device, then map ideas in a graph or canvas.
Free · Win · Mac · Linux · iOS · Android · Beginner
Microsoft OneNote
Shared digital notebooks for build logs, sketches, photos and checklists. Sign in with your Tulane account and it syncs everywhere.
Free for Tulane students · Web · Win · Mac · iOS · Android · Beginner
3D design and modeling
Turn an idea into a model you can 3D print, laser cut or machine, from drag-and-drop shapes to professional CAD.
Tinkercad
The easiest place to start. Combine simple shapes in your browser, then export STL for 3D printing or SVG for laser cutting.
Free · Web · iPad · Beginner
Autodesk Fusion (Fusion 360)
Precise parametric CAD and the natural next step after Tinkercad. Design assemblies, export for 3D printing, make CNC toolpaths, even design circuit boards.
Free for students (renew yearly) · Win · Mac · Chromebook · Intermediate
Onshape
Professional CAD that runs entirely in your browser, with built-in version history and real-time collaboration. Great for team projects and Chromebooks.
Free for students · Web · iOS · Android · Intermediate
Blender
For sculpted, organic shapes like figures, characters and props that are hard to make in engineering CAD. Exports STL for 3D printing.
Free (open source) · Win · Mac · Linux · Advanced
Electronics design
Test a circuit on screen before you wire it, simulate your microcontroller code, then lay out a custom circuit board (PCB).
Tinkercad Circuits
Wire up a virtual Arduino, breadboard and LEDs, then run the simulation, code included, before you build anything. The easiest place to start.
Free · Web · Beginner
KiCad
The free, professional standard for drawing schematics and designing custom circuit boards (PCBs), with a 3D board viewer and SPICE simulation.
Free (open source) · Win · Mac · Linux · Intermediate
Fritzing
Sketch Arduino circuits on a realistic virtual breadboard, turn them into clean wiring diagrams, and even lay out a simple PCB.
$12 download · Win · Mac · Linux · Beginner
Autodesk Fusion Electronics (ECAD)
Draw schematics and lay out real PCBs inside Fusion, then check the board fits your 3D-printed or machined enclosure. EAGLE’s successor.
Free for students (renew yearly) · Win · Mac · Intermediate
Programming
Write the code that brings your project to life, from Arduino sketches and MicroPython to sensor data analysis.
Arduino IDE
The standard way to program Arduino boards: write a sketch, pick your board, click Upload and watch sensor readings in the Serial Monitor.
Free (open source) · Win · Mac · Linux · Beginner
Visual Studio Code
A full-featured editor for Python, C/C++ and more. Add the PlatformIO extension when your Arduino, ESP32 or Pico project outgrows the Arduino IDE.
Free (open source) · Win · Mac · Linux · Intermediate
MATLAB
Analyze sensor data, run simulations and make plots. Its Arduino support package lets you read sensors and drive motors straight from MATLAB.
Free for Tulane students · Win · Mac (Apple silicon) · Linux · Intermediate
Graphic design
Make posters and signs, and draw the vector artwork (SVG, DXF or PDF) that the laser and vinyl cutters follow.
Canva
Make posters, flyers and signs from templates, right in your browser. It’s not ideal for laser files, because SVG download needs a paid plan.
Free plan · Web · Win · Mac · iOS · Android · Beginner
Inkscape
Vector drawing for laser and vinyl-cutter files. Saves SVG, DXF and PDF, and its Trace Bitmap tool turns a sketch into cut lines.
Free (open source) · Win · Mac · Linux · Beginner
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
The industry standards. Use Illustrator for precise vector art and cut files, and Photoshop for editing photos and preparing images for engraving.
Free for Tulane students · Win · Mac · iPad · Advanced
Excalidraw
Hand-drawn-style online whiteboard for quick sketches of wiring, mechanisms and layouts. No account needed; collaborate live and export PNG or SVG.
Free · Web · Beginner
Helpful websites
Places to find models, learn new skills, buy parts and make laser-cut boxes.
3D models
Printables
Mostly free community 3D-printable models, with print tips and remixes, from Prusa Research.
Thingiverse
Huge, long-running library of free designs for 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC machines.
MakerWorld
Free 3D models, many with ready-to-print settings for Bambu Lab printers, from Bambu Lab.
Tutorials
Instructables
Step-by-step DIY projects shared by makers: electronics, woodworking, 3D printing, laser cutting and more.
Adafruit Learning System
Free, well-illustrated guides for Arduino, CircuitPython, Raspberry Pi, sensors, LEDs and wearables, from Adafruit.
SparkFun Learn
Electronics tutorials and hookup guides from SparkFun, from soldering basics to Arduino and sensors.
Parts
DigiKey
Huge catalog of electronic components, with datasheets and filters to find exact parts.
McMaster-Carr
Screws, bearings, raw stock, tools and hardware, with free CAD models for most parts.
Adafruit
Beginner-friendly boards, sensors, LEDs and kits, many with step-by-step project guides.
SparkFun Electronics
Sensors, development boards and kits (including plug-together Qwiic parts), with hookup tutorials.
Prices, plans and licenses change, so check each site before you sign up. Have questions? Ask a Fabtech.