For Mac Complete install. Rhino 6 for Mac - Evaluation - Try this full version for 90 days. After 90 days saving stops working, unless you buy a license key.; Rhino 6 for Mac - Latest Version - Requires a license key.; Work-In-Progress (WIP). Serengeti build - the latest Work-In-Progress (Requires a.
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.
Jul 25, 2017 It is a premium software that can be expanded with several high-quality, payable plugins, making it a versatile and powerful tool. The most popular plugins for jewelry designers are Grasshopper, TSplines, and Rhinogold. For all these reasons, Rhino is the most popular choice of our jewelry designers.
May 16, 2018 JewelCAD Pro is the new generation of jewelry designing and modeling software that is more powerful and efficient than its predecessor, JewelCAD. It has a completely new programming core that allows fast and up-to-date extension of features.
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.
Autocad Software For 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:
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:
Free Cad Software For Mac
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.
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.
In the past, most crafts were made by hand, as there were no better means of production than human workers. But as time went on, more tools became available such as machines on an assembly line, and now Design Softwareto help craftsmen design and visualize their craft.
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This is not to say that hand-made items have become extinct in the advent of design software and machinery. The software is just another tool, one that can help craftsmen become more precise with their work. There are a great many possibilities that would not really be possible without such tools, to say nothing of how software tools can eliminate some traditional limitations of hand-crafting.
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Advantages of Design Software
One way where design software can assist craftsmen in their work is in actually designing their work. This is the province of Product Design Software, which allows craftsmen to plan out what the finished product will look like ahead of time. The main advantage of using software over designing it on paper is that it is easier to visualize the end result as the program can make representations of a design. This is one advantage of many, which also include:
Flexibility – There are a number of tools available for designing, such as design templates that you can use as a basis for a larger design. You also have tools for adding text to jewelry, as well as joining different parts together to form a whole.
Content Storage – If you work on your pieces, you have the option of saving them. This is especially useful if you have developed personal templates, as you can rely on your templates as a shortcut for later projects.
Integration with Machinery – Some of these programs can work together with the machine tools you need to actually make the jewelry. This allows you to make your jewelry more precise so that you need not rely solely on your own precision.
Autodesk 3DS Max
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Tools of Design Software
One useful tool now found in a craftsman’s arsenal is 3D Modeling Software. This is an especially useful tool, as it allows a craftsman to have a representation of what his work will look like. For some, it is enough to have a mental model, or perhaps draw it on paper and add notes for reference. But using 3D modeling is rather taking a step in visualizing an item before working on it. And there are other tools available for your use if you need more assistance.
2D to 3D Translator – Some of these programs allow you to make initial designs in 2D, before translating it into 3D. This allows you to make delicate designs, such as text and filigree before committing to 3D.
Design Library – Most programs also have a library of designs to choose from if you just wanted to use a basic design without making the jewelry too complicated.
Free-Hand Mode – There are also options for you to manipulate your design yourself, such as altering the dimensions or adding or subtracting shapes from the design as a whole.
Jewellery Cad Software For Mac Os X
These are very flexible tools, that give you a great deal of freedom in designing jewelry. A purist may say that it is not the same; but think of it as having more tools to work with.