Preform design is one of the critical fields in metal forming. The finite element method(FEM) has been effective in designing preforms and process sequence, for which the backward tracing scheme of the rigid-plastic FEM has been explored. In this work a program using the backward tracing scheme by the rigid-plastic FEM is developed for three-dimensional plastic deformation, which is an extension of the scheme from two-dimensional cases. The calculation of friction between workpiece and die, and handling of boundary conditions during backward tracing require sophisticated treatment. The developed program is applied to upsetting of a rectangular block and to side pressing of a cylindrical workpiece. The results of the two applications show feasibility of the program on three-dimensional plastic deformation.