Free 3d Modeling Programs For Mac

  1. Free 3d Modeling Software Os X
  2. Free 3d Modeling Programs For Mac Os
  3. 3d Modelling Software Comparison
  4. What Is The Best Free 3d Modeling Software
  5. Free 3d Modeling Programs For Mac
  6. Best 3d Software For Mac

Tailored to 3D modelers on a budget, this free CAD software features the usual CAD modeling tools. In terms of functionality, the program keeps the conventions of CAD software. Also, the user interface is clearly inspired by AutoCAD.

The Ranking: 3D Modeling Software for Mac Users The two most used 3D modeling software programs for Macintosh devices are freeware program Blender (score: 80) and freemium software SketchUp (75). Blender is known for its enormous design freedom and its endless number of tools and functions – however, it’s also known for its steep learning. Cheetah3D is a powerful and easy to learn 3D modeling, rendering and animation software which was developed from the ground up for Mac. So jump right into the world of computer generated imaging, create 3D artwork for your next iPhone game or make your first animated character.

Most of the engineers and designers will have to work with CAD at some point of time to design objects in a better and realistic way. There are many types of CAD software that they could use like 2D CAD Software and 3D drawing software. These free 3D software downloads are free to use and can be used for many purposes. The tools will be advanced enough to render any object in a realistic way.

  • FreeCAD software for Mac is an easy-to-use and highly customizable parametric 3D modeler for CAx, CAE, CAD, MCAD, and PLM created primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Its extensive toolset can be extremely helpful for mechanical engineering experts, architects, and product designers.
  • Other Free 3D CAD Software for Different Platforms. The different file transfer software that are available online can be used only on some operating system. Once it is designed to work on a particular operating system like Windows, Linux or Mac it will not function on other OS. These software are available online. AR-CAD for Windows.

Free CAD

This freeware can be used to design many real-life objects in any size that you want. The parametric modeling will allow engineers to modify the designs that were drawn and change its parameters.

KOMPAS-3D Home

This premium software that was created by ASCON can be used as a comprehensive MCAD program that will have a powerful set of functions for creating 2D and 3D designs in perfect parameters.

Tinker CAD

This free software by Autodesk, Inc. can be used as a browser based 3D designing and modeling tools that will be suitable for 3D printing purposes. You can imagine anything and draw it quickly.

SketchUp

This premium software created by Trimble Inc has an intuitive and powerful interface that can be used to scale 3D models. The features can be used for page layout and innovative designs can be created.

NaroCAD

This freeware from NaroCAD is a 3D parametric modeling software used for designing solids. The functionalities used here are related to Model Associativity.

GrabCAD

This free software created by STRATASYS will help in simplifying the 3D printing workflow so that you will be able to print faster. It is an easy way to share and manage CAD files.

Sculptris

SOLVESPACE

Solidworks Professional

Vari CAD

Auto Desk 123D

KiCad

NanoCAD Pro 7

Other Free 3D CAD Software for Different Platforms

The different file transfer software that are available online can be used only on some operating system. Once it is designed to work on a particular operating system like Windows, Linux or Mac it will not function on other OS. These software are available online.

AR-CAD for Windows

This free software created by AR-CAD LLC is compatible on the Windows platform and has motion simulation capabilities with which engineers will be able to perform motion and dynamic simulation and 3D CAD development.

Open SCAD for Mac

This freeware is compatible with the Mac platform and can be used to create solid 3D models. It focuses on CAD aspects to create 3D models of machine parts with a 3D compiler.

om3DCAD 3D Modeler for Android

This free Android app was manufactured by Goran Lukic and can be used as a 3D CAD application and 3D CAD conversion tool. It will be able to support different formats like STEP, STL, OBJ and much more.

Auto CAD – Most Popular Software

This premium software from Autodesk Inc. is very popular and can be used for creating 2D and 3D designs in any form imaginable. It can be used on different platforms and has many advanced tools.

How to Install 3D CAD software?

The different 3D CAD software that are available online can be installed as a free version or as a premium version. For the premium versions, the login credentials should be bought from the manufacturer which should be used at the time of login. The file can be downloaded from the website and it should be unzipped. The system requirements should be checked using the readme text to make sure that the software will run on the system and then the software can be installed using the instructions that are prompted. The required language should be set before opening the software.

You will be able to share the drawings and designs that you make on this software and work across different platforms and devices. It will use simplified tools to make a complicated drawing which can be edited later. Dimensioning of the designs will be very easy and the design can be saved as a PDF.

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If you’re looking for CAD software for Mac, you’re not without options. We’ve found some standout Mac and cloud-based CAD platforms for you.

You’re likely to hit a wall if you’re searching for computer-aided design (CAD) software designed for Mac. There are plenty of CAD software options for Windows—you’ll see many of them in our list of the top AutoCAD alternatives—but only a handful offer support for Mac.

And, if you think you’ll bypass the issue by using a cloud-based CAD tool, you’ll quickly find that CAD vendors haven’t embraced the cloud as much as other types of software vendors have, so the offerings are still largely on-premise. According to Gartner’s Hype Cycle for IT Evolution (full content available to Gartner clients), cloud-native CAD applications still have five to 10 years before they reach mainstream adoption.

But fear not, Mac users. We’ve done some digging and have put together this list of the top-rated CAD software for Mac. Read more about our methodology at the bottom of this article.

5 Best CAD Software for Mac (presented alphabetically)

Jump to:


  • CorelCAD

  • FreeCAD

  • Fusion 360

  • LibreCAD

  • Onshape

1. CorelCAD

CorelCAD offers 2D drafting and 3D design capabilities, such as the drawing constraints feature for creating different geometric shapes faster and the push and pull feature for 3D direct modeling.

3D modeling in CorelCAD (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analyses of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of CorelCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

  • The short learning curve: Users mention that the tool is easy to use and beginners don’t have to spend a lot of time learning it.
  • Compatibility with multiple file types: Users like the fact that the tool is compatible with DWG, PDF, ACIS, DXF, STL, CDR, and other file formats.

What users think could be improved:

  • Software reliability issues: Some users mention that the software tends to crash at times.
  • Better dimension functionality: Some users would like a better dimensioning feature for more accurate drawings of angles and proportions.

Who can use CorelCAD

CorelCAD can be used by construction businesses for collaborative editing on multiple devices. It offers native iOS applications, which makes it easy for field crews to add annotations in graphics and share files using their iPhones and iPads. Additionally, the tool allows team members to leave recorded messages and instructions for colleagues embedded in the graphics using a voice note tool.

2. FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open source CAD tool that works on Mac as well as Windows and Linux. It reads many common file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE.

It offers different modules, including a drawing sheets module that converts 3D models into 2D views, a rendering module that can export 3D objects, and an architecture module for a BIM-like workflow.

3D model of a building in FreeCAD (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of FreeCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

  • Feature-richness for a free tool: Users mention that, although it’s free, the tool comes with a full set of features.
  • Reliability: Users mention that the tool does not demand a lot of CPU power and works well on devices with low RAM.

What users think could be improved:

  • Steep learning curve: Users mention that the tool is not the most user-friendly solution and can be difficult for beginners to learn.
  • Dependent on community for updates: Users mention that modules ignored by the community tend to become outdated quickly.

Who can use FreeCAD

FreeCAD appears to be best for hobbyists and home users. It’s also good for users who don’t have a high budget for software but still want to tinker with CAD modeling.

FreeCAD could also be a good choice for businesses on a budget looking for a free and open-source option.

3. Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a CAD tool from Autodesk with design functionalities such as sketching and 3D modeling. It also supports project management with features such as task management, document management, and collaborative image editing.

Document management in Fusion 360 (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of Fusion 360 they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

  • Comprehensive design features: User mention that the tool offers all the functionalities necessary for 2D and 3D designing.
  • Availability of training resources: Users like the fact that the tool comes with ample documentation and tutorials.

What users think could be improved:

  • System crashes: Users mention that the tool tends to crash, especially when designing and rendering large files.
  • Steep learning curve: Users mention that it can take a lot of time to learn the advanced functionalities of the tool.

Who can use Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is part of the Autodesk ecosystem designed for the AEC industry. This makes the tool suitable for construction businesses that are already using, or intend to use, other Autodesk solutions. Using a software vendor that offers multiple solutions will especially benefit larger businesses that invariably need software that can scale with their growing requirements.

Free Cad Software For The Mac

4. LibreCAD

LibreCAD is an open source CAD tool that supports Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. The tool comes with 2D drawing features such as a snap tool, dimensioning, and annotations. It also supports multiple file imports and exports.

2D drawing in LibreCAD (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of LibreCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

Free
  • Ease of use: Users mention that the tool offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
  • Lots of tutorials: Users like the fact that there are ample video tutorials that help them get started with the tool.

Free 3d Modeling Software Os X

What users think could be improved:

  • Software speed: Users mention that the software tends to lag, especially when trying to print designs.
  • Add support for 3D design: Users would like to see functionalities for creating 3D designs.

Who can use LibreCAD

LibreCAD is an exclusively 2D CAD tool for drawing and designing blueprints of buildings, layouts of parks, and the like. As a free tool, the solution can be used by small and midsize businesses across different industries, including manufacturing, engineering, architecture, and construction.

5. Onshape

Onshape is a cloud-only CAD solution that comes with features such as document management with version control, collaborative design creation/editing capabilities, and reporting dashboards to understand project status.

Importing documents in Onshape (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of Onshape they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

  • Document version control: Users like the document management features of the tool, such as version history.
  • Intuitive interface: Users mention that the tool comes with an intuitive interface for easy image editing.

Free 3d Modeling Programs For Mac Os

What users think could be improved:

  • Performance issues: Some users mention that the tool does not function well on non-Chrome browsers and has file loading issues.
  • Lack of features: Users mention that the tool should improve certain features such as 2D drawing and 3D surfacing.

Who can use Onshape

As a fully-cloud based tool, Onshape is ideal for businesses that need to manage design documents collaboratively with multiple stakeholders. The tool’s collaboration functionalities include document sharing, document editing, comments, and file downloads in multiple CAD formats, such as Parasolid, ACIS, STEP, and IGES.

Cad Program For Mac

Next steps

This report offers a mix of Mac CAD solutions—from free tools that can help you with basic 2D drawing to advanced solutions offering extensive 3D modeling functionalities.

If these tools don’t meet your needs, expand your search and check out more options. To help you, we’ve created a CAD software comparison page where you can explore products using different filters, such as features offered and pricing options.

If you’re looking to understand the CAD software market better, we also recommend that you read the articles listed below:

Methodology

To be shortlisted, products had to fulfill the following criteria:

Free Cad Software For Beginners

  • Products had to be compatible with Mac and offer core CAD software capabilities, such as:
    • 2D drawing or 3D modeling features
    • Collaborative editing of drawings
  • Products needed a minimum of 20 user reviews on Capterra (published in the last two years).
  • Products had to have a high overall rating (an average of at least 4 out of 5 on Capterra).

Note: The content in this piece that provides opinions and points of view expressed by users. It does not represent the views of Capterra.

3d Modelling Software Comparison

Simple Cad For Mac

Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.

Best 3D Modeling Software for Mac: 3D Printing with Mac OS

Not all 3D modeling software is available for every operating system. That’s why we compiled a list of the most popular 3D design programs for Mac users. Read on to discover the top 20!

Aug 21, 2018 The two most used 3D modeling software programs for Macintosh devices are freeware program Blender (score: 80) and freemium software SketchUp (75). Blender is known for its enormous design freedom and its endless number of tools and functions. Jul 05, 2018 If you're looking for a professional 3D modeling application, this category is the one you need. Pick an app from a broad list of 3D design applications and start creating your 3D models. Cappasity Easy 3D Scan. Cheetah3D is a powerful and easy to learn 3D modeling, rendering and animation software which was developed from the ground up for Mac. So jump right into the world of computer generated imaging, create 3D artwork for your next iPhone game or make your first animated character.

The list of the most used 3D design software for Mac (see below) is based upon our list of the 25 most popular 3D modeling programs. However, we excluded software that is not available or not suitable for the Mac OS. This leaves us with the ultimate 3D modeling list for Macintosh users.

The Ranking: 3D Modeling Software for Mac Users


The two most used 3D modeling software programs for Macintosh devices are freeware program Blender (score: 80) and freemium software SketchUp (75). Blender is known for its enormous design freedom and its endless number of tools and functions – however, it’s also known for its steep learning curve. SketchUp, on the other hand, is said to be rather beginner-friendly and great for architectural and geometric objects. However, it’s not suited for creating organic structures.

Next come three programs from the Autodesk family: its professional high-end programs AutoCAD (59) and Maya (59) as well as its beginner-friendly free-to-use online app Tinkercad (51) all score well with Mac users. ZBrush (49), a professional 3D sculpting software, comes in 6th. Its free light version, named Sculptris (19), made it to rank 15.

After ZBrush, Cinema 4D (43), 123D Design (42), OpenSCAD (38), and Rhinoceros (36) complete the list of the top 10.

Screenshot of SketchUp, a popular 3D modeling software with Mac users.

The Popularity Score for 3D Modeling Programs

We calculated the popularity of a 3D modeling software for Mac based on their ‘popularity score’ in the 3D printing community. The popularity score consists of mentions and fans on social media, page authority, forum mentions, video mentions, 3D printing database mentions, and Google results. This score is especially helpful if you’re looking for a modeling software for Mac that is widely used for 3D printing, so you can be assured of an online community to brainstorm with and help you out if you get stuck.

3D Design Programs that Won’t Run on Apple’s Mac

What Is The Best Free 3d Modeling Software

Most 3D design programs are available for Windows and Mac users alike. However, some 3D design software that is not available for Mac OS includes Solidworks (62), 3DS Max (55), and Inventor (55). While these are not many, they still represent quite popular 3D modeling software packages. In our original list which includes all platforms, these programs ranked 3rd, 6th, and 7th among the most popular.

Some good news to end with: there are more and more options for Mac users. For example, Rhino 5 is available for Mac. Since many 3D design apps run online now (browser-based), programs like Tinkercad and 3DTin are also accessible from any device. With Cheetah3D there’s also a 3D design software which is exclusively available for Mac OS.

Free 3d Modeling Software Download

Free 3d Modeling Programs For Mac

Best 3d Modeling Software Mac

Best 3d Software For Mac

Are you new to the world of 3D modeling and 3D printing? Make sure to avoid these 5 common mistakes in order to create stunning designs. Do you already know how to create printable 3D files? Then simply upload them to our website, choose from more than 100 materials and finishes, and let us take care of printing your object.