Tinkercad is a free, web-based three-D design tool that's perfect for beginners. You can access it directly through your web browser at tinkercad dot com, with no software installation required. It uses a simple drag-and-drop interface where you combine basic shapes to create complex three-D models.
Getting started with Tinkercad is simple. First, go to tinkercad dot com and create a free account by clicking the sign up button. Once logged in, click 'Create new Design' to start your first project. You'll see the main interface with three key areas: the blue workplane where you build your designs, the shapes panel on the right containing basic geometric shapes, and the tools bar at the top for various functions.
Now let's learn basic shape manipulation in Tinkercad. To add shapes, simply drag them from the shapes panel onto the blue workplane. Once placed, you can move shapes by clicking and dragging them. Use the curved arrows to rotate objects, and the white and black handles to scale them up or down. The black cone handle above each shape lets you lift it vertically. You can also create holes by selecting the hole option for any shape, which will cut through solid objects when grouped together.