What software should I use when starting 3d design and modelling for desktop manufacturing?

There are many options and variables when choosing the 3d design software that suits your needs when you get into 3d printing.
Here is a useful decision tree chart that will simplify the decision based on price, platform and your personal preferences:

Click on the chart for bigger size version:


























Here is the page dedicated to 3d printing related software and links to it:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/p/3d-design-and-printing-software.html

Source:

http://realizebxl.be/