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.
- Free 3d Software For Mac
- Best Free 3d Cad Software For Mac
- Best Free 3d Printing Software For Mac
- Free 3d Modeling Software Mac
- Best Free 3d Software For Mac
- 3d Design Software For Mac
Sep 15, 2019 You should be also able to run CMS IntelliCAD 2D 3D Compatible CAD software on MAC OS X using hardware emulation virtualization software. Comment by Shayne O on Oct. 30, 2016 at 1:16 am Freecad is actually a really competent parametric soild modeller CAD, and sure it might not quite be as advanced as Autodesk inventor, its free and has a.very. Sep 24, 2019 Best Free 3D Animation Software for Mac. MAC is considered to be the ideal device for animation due to its robust configuration and seamless rendering capabilities. In fact, some of the top Hollywood film production houses use 3D animation software for MAC for their animation requirements. Aug 21, 2018 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.
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.
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:
- 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:
Free 3d Software For Mac
- 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.
Best Free 3d Cad Software 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:
- 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.
Lexmark x5470 scanner software mac. Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.
Sub rosa app for mac. Contents List
- 1 Free 2D Animation Softwares For Windows 2020
- 2 Free 3D Animation Softwares For Windows
If you want to start making animation movies, either for a new youtube channel or to make some funny sketch videos, but are not ready to spend bucks on professional software. Then you need some animation software free from any expensive subscription and easy to work with.
We will tell you about the best free animation software which is used by many beginner-level sketchers and YouTubers to create beautiful animations. Even if you are a beginner with no skills, these free animation software will help you to make good quality animated videos in no time.
There are many great animation software free of unnecessary tools and comes with easy to use user interface. Here is the list of the free animation programs which you can download today.
Also Read:-Best Windows 10 Themes / Skins
Free 2D Animation Softwares For Windows 2020
Best Free 3d Printing Software For Mac
There are two types of animations, namely 2D animations and 3D. The animations that you usually see in cartoons and on youtube sketch channels. The other set of animations which have shadow and depth effect along with them are 3d animations. Here are some free animation programs which will help you to create fantastic 2D animations.
1. Pencil
PENCIL is a free animation software which can create most types of animations with free to use premium features and a open source animation software. It will help you to wake up your creative mind and animate something!
You can also play with frame rates, graphics and orientation and more stuff on the go. You can easily export your work as a movie or flash video after you are done.
Also Read:-Best Alternatives to GarageBand for Windows
2. Creatoon
Its a straightforward and user-friendly animation program which allows you to create 2D animations via standard layering style with added motion effects. The software might look old style regarding interface, but it has the complete potential of making some complex animations. And the best part is its autosave feature which saves your animations every 5 minutes automatically.
3. Plastic Animation Paper
Free 3d Modeling Software Mac
Many free animation programs allow you to make animated videos, but the process usually is mind bugging and stupidly complicated as most of the “free” software doesn’t come with “beautiful” user interface.
Whereas Plastic Animation Paper is powerful free animation software which comes with switch sketching features which helps you to make smooth animations without professional tools. It helps you to analyze the motion and fx effects to implement in your projects.
4. Synfig Studio
Synfig studio is an open source project and available for multiple platforms. It has a User interface similar that to Pencil. Synfig comes with an amazing feature-rich set of tools which have a bit of the learning curve. After that, you can start creating professional 2D animations.
Free 3D Animation Softwares For Windows
We talked about free 2D animation software above, but in case you want to make 3D animations which have depth and shadows effects, here are some software which might help you.
1. Blender
Blender has become one the best free animation software and rendering tool out there. It has a complete set of professional tools to give life to your projects. Most of the tools aren’t very beginner friendly, but once you hold a grip on tools, blende will surprise you with the results. Blender is available for free on multiple platforms including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
2. Bryce
Best Free 3d Software For Mac
Bryce is a open source animation software dedicated to 3D landscape rendering. You can quickly render and animate 3D landscapes and game scenes. You can use Bryce to create 3D animations along with modeling packages. Paper management software for mac.
Even a beginner can easily form a 3D surrounding animation of a hill or sea surface in minutes or mesh up a playground from scratch, that’s the beauty of Bryce.
3d Design Software For Mac
3. Clara.Io
Clara.Io is a cloud-based 3D animation, modeling and rendering software. It has a bunch of tools which are available on a beautiful user interface. It is not a resource hungry cloud app and can run easily on google chrome with average pc specs.
You can easily use features including object editing, meshing layers, dividing surfaces, etc. to give your project a professional touch.
Conclusion
This brings us down to the end of this article. We hope you have enough list of software to try on your animation skills. However, if you think we missed some open source animation software worth to put on this list, then let us know.