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.
10 best CAD software for Mac 1 Vectorworks CAD for Mac. Vectorworks is an object-oriented CAD software for Mac OS. The software primarily uses for 2D. 2 AutoCAD for Mac. AutoCAD for Mac is a robust 3D free form design tool and powerful drafting capabilities for your. 3 CADintosh for Mac. ICADMac CAD DWG Solution. ICADMac is user friendly 2D/3D CAD software for MAC OS X, which reads and writes DWG format drawing files up to AutoCAD v. It is easy to use thanks to the high level of compatibility with AutoCAD, and it is easy to get as you pay far less money to obtain economic licensing solutions.
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.
Best Free 3d Cad For Mac
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.
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.
Best Free 3d Cad For Mac
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Free 3d Cad Software
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:
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.
Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.
3D CAD software provides 3D modeling and designing of products as well as useful for any engineering industry like mechanical and architecture. They also execute script files and render 3D models with ease. They enable creating footprint as well as schematic components using printed circuit boards. They come with shape-building tools to create complex models. One can search Google using 3d cad software, free download, free 3d cad software or 3d cad software free. download full version to know more varieties and information.
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Inventor
This Inventor is 3D CAD software which provides parametric modeling options, advanced simulation as well as design automation tools. It enables the creation of drawing, flexible modeling and automation of design without complex programming. It enables combining Printed Circuit Board with mechanical designs. It also helps to render one’s products and linking electrical data. It comes with a free trial version.
Solid Works – 3D CAD
This SOLIDWORKS allows testing product performances using real motion analysis. It ensures a designing product with ease and helps in resolving assembly issues in the design process. It can perform reverse engineering as well as pipes and tubes routing. It enables creating and documenting layouts for electrical wiring, tubing, and piping by incorporating PCB data into a 3D model. It provides a free trial version.
Creo Parametric
3d Cad Software For Mac
This Creo 3D CAD software provides mixing of direct and parametric modeling with product design applications. It helps in improving the quality of the product by automating the process of product development. Parametric modeling enables precise as well as comprehensive design definition. It also provides direct modeling which helps the experts by providing flexibility. It allows downloading for free to try.
Other 3D Cad Software for Windows, Android, and Mac Os Platforms
3D Cad software is available in plenty of various platforms like Android, Mac Os, and Windows. The features and functions of these software are presented below individually for each platform to help one to understand them better. One should also check for platform compatibility as they are entirely platform dependent.
3D CAD Models for Android
This 3D CAD models application provides direct access to various parts from more than four hundred catalogs of prominent manufacturers. It allows downloading 2D CAD and 3D CAD models at free of cost and comes with an easy configuration of CAD models. It also provides latest CAD formats that are certified by the suppliers.
Free CAD for Windows
FreeCAD is 3D modeler useful for product designing as well as mechanical and architecture engineering. It allows building tough 3D operations and supports many concepts such as nurbs, brep, and Boolean operations. It also allows comprehensive parametric modeling. It provides full access to interpreters, macros or external scripts and FreeCAD interface as well.
Open CAD for Mac
OpenSCAD software provides the building of solid 3D CAD models. It enables reading scripts and provides rendering 3D model from the script file. It allows changing steps in modeling process easily as well as creating designs that are defined using parameters. It provides constructive solid geometry as well as creating 2D objects.
Cad Software For Mac
ZW3D – Most Popular Software
ZW3D software provides CAD solutions for a comprehensive product development process. It provides solid-surface hybrid modeling, non-solid mold parting as well as CNC machining tactics for the various axis. It enables managing mold making with great flexibility and provides various methods which ensure quality design. It helps in providing design workflow with optimization and cost efficiency. You can also see CAD Viewer Software
How to Install 3D CAD Software?
Installation instructions for 3D Cad software are provided along with the software downloads. One can follow this guide which comes with step-by-step instructions in illustrated manner and complete the installation process with ease. The system requirements and pre-requisite file information are provided either in the software website or in the installation guide. One should check them before installing the software. Some of these software support more than one platform and hence one should download and install the exact download file. You can also see 3D Drawing Software
Best 3d Cad For Mac
3D CAD software enables making mold designs, improve efficiency and provide 3D modeling. They help to maintain the quality of the design and come with various designing tools. They are widely used in engineering industries. They provide design automation and enable documenting layouts. They provide designing, building, and printing 3D models. They are extensively used in constructions to provide quality and energy efficient structures.