Download and install the best free apps for 3D Modeling Software on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android from CNET Download.com, your trusted source for the top software picks.
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.
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.
Fully customizable environment. Support for multiple OS configurations. BlueStacks App Player for Mac is a great tool for allowing you to runyour favorite mobile apps/games in full screen in your browser using aMac.BlueStacks App Player for Mac Key Features.
3D modeling in CorelCAD (Source)
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:
What users think could be improved:
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.
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)
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:
What users think could be improved:
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.
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)
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:
What users think could be improved:
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.
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)
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:
What users think could be improved:
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.
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)
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:
What users think could be improved:
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.
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: |
To be shortlisted, products had to fulfill the following criteria:
Note: The content in this piece that provides opinions and points of view expressed by users. It does not represent the views of Capterra.
Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.
Are you planning to design your house? Planning it to do it yourself rather than going for an interior designer? The task can be tough without the help of software to get your imagination visualized on a 3D diagram. Room planner software is basically designed to get your things faster while designing your room or house.
3D Room Planning software from RoomStyler is built with simplicity to offer you a web based GUI to plan your room. You can import the picture of your room to build on it or start completely new from scratch. Key features include furniture, lightings, and materials.
This 3D room planning software from RoomSketcher is web based software. Offering you rich features for planning your room. You can import an image of your room or build from scratch. The key feature includes windows, materials, and furniture.
This 3D room planning software is available from chrome store for use. Built with simplicity, this software offers a wide range of furniture templates, a community of like-minded enthusiasts to help you with the software. The software is free for use.
Havertys 3D room planner is the 3D room planner software built specifically for Mac platform users. Upload you own room photo or select from a huge library of the software and start building your imagination. Huge list of furniture models in 3D is available to help you get the best.
Sweet Home 3D is the 3D room planning software specifically designed for Windows platform users. The key feature includes drag-and-drop design for windows, doors and furniture template usage, update color, texture, orientation and size instantly. The software is available for free for use.
HomeStyler interior design is the software specifically built for Android platform. The software is designed for a touch interface and has a long list of furniture models built in. You can also hang light fixture from the ceiling. The software is available for free use on Google play store.
pCon-Planner is the most popular software in 3D room planner category. You can load an existing plan or start fresh and get to the design very fast with the built-in library of furniture in 3D. You can also insert your own CAD models as parts if you want. The software is freely available for use. You can also see Interior Design Software
Many of the software in this category are web-based, i.e., you can access the software features on the web page itself. Just design your requirements on the web page itself and later you can save the file to cloud service or download on your machine. While for others, you can just download the setup file and run the installation to get the software running. You can also see Landscape Design Software
Room planner software is basically designed to help you design your room faster, with professional interior designer looks. You can expect a long list of available models of furniture, doors, and windows in the room planner software. All the above listed are free of cost, the preference of one over another is just based on your experience on the software.