Apr 10, 2020 Apps like Adobe’s Illustrator and Procreate have made it so that anyone with a computer or tablet and some decent talent can start crafting some fantastic pieces, but unfortunately, the price of both pieces of software can stop incredible artists from getting to share their talent. Jun 09, 2020 Shifting to the Arm architecture on the Mac won't matter for enterprises using cloud and browser-based apps but may be an issue for others. Arm has Intel surrounded.
- Free Video Apps For Mac
- Architecture Software For Mac
- Good Architecture Apps For Mac Download
- Good Architecture Apps For Mac Computer
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.
![Good Good](/uploads/1/3/3/8/133864471/565443263.jpg)
5 Best CAD Software for Mac (presented alphabetically)
Jump to:
CorelCAD
FreeCAD
Fusion 360
LibreCAD
Onshape
1. CorelCAD
Free Video Apps For Mac
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:
- 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.
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.
[wp_ad_camp_2]
Suppose you were able to save 4 hours daily working as an architect with help of architecture apps , and as a famous saying goes – TIME IS MONEY.
I have tried to short list the 7 Best Apps for Architects and Architecture Students that can help you increase your work quality and save you some time (so that you can read my blog daily).
Best Architecture Apps
9.Home Design 3-d
This architecture app is new in market and is storming the world and hence has acquired position 9 in our list after being new in the market.Main purpose of architecture and design apps is to reduce work load of an architect and this app is really user friendly and all the work is on tips of hand and commands.
8. Architecture designing app
Architecture designing app helps us in creating and analyzing modern and historic monuments on a 360 degree view that helps us to understand the structure clearly and create similar structures with the help of the app.This is a new app but is taking the old market and is really good for development purpose.
7. AutoCad 360 mobile app
AutoCad is a term which is not alien to any practicing architect or architecture student any where in the world. AutoCad has completely revolutionized the way field work is done in architecture, and now we have an even better update from the company, AutoCad 360 mobile application.
Now perfection in you drawing can be achieved on your palms and is just a click away.
Also Read: 6 Technical Architecture laws and legalities to be kept in mind
You can edit your cad drawings on your smartphone or tablet. You can also access your previously saved CAD drawings and the best part is AutoCad 360 works seamlessly on all devices and both 2D and 3D drawings can be viewed and edited, even layers can be set, which automatically makes it one of the best apps for architects and architecture students. For more details about the reviews about this application, visit AutoCad 360 app.
6. Steel Shapes (Architect App)
There is a very interesting application on market and you don’t look so dumb that you couldn’t make out what it is about from its name; It’s obviously about steel and revolves around information that is available on steel and its products in market.
Sometimes an architect or a structure designer have to choose among many available options of steel shapes or sizes and then go for one that possibly might be the best suitable option for the job.
Experienced architects and engineers have learned all of it by heart through experience and do not need this application but for newbies like me it proves to be a boon and saves energy consumed in carrying heavy books on steel design, it is a unique app and gives you access to over 16,000 steel pieces and information related to them.
Best video editing for mac. This app gives you a lot of information on steel construction which helps it land in the best architecture apps list, this app is also good for civil engineers and structural engineers.
Also Read: 8 Legal aspects of architecture one must take care of
5. Buildings app
Yet another app designed by despark is dedicated solely for architects and architecture students, although this app according to me is of more use to architecture students or bloggers like me rather than practising architects.
This app is also sometimes called the encyclopedia of architecture at your fingertips (which is a horrible pet name in comparison to its original app name).
The Buildings app basically uses GPS technology and system to determine your current location and lets you find architectural monuments or landmarks of great importance near your current location. It also has its own database of historic information and about contemporary, conceptual buildings. These features also make it an app of great importance for tourists or people who travel alot.
The database on this application is feeded by users themselves and you can even add your own personal projects on – www.OpenBuildings.com
Find more information about this app on Despark’s website page dedicated to it.
4. ArchiSnapper
As the name suggests, this app has been designed especially for working architects, I repeat it is not of much use to architecture students but working architects. This app focuses on cutting down the tedious jobs of handling site reports, site data, analysis, site pictures and other important information about your on-going projects.
With this app on your smart phone you can quickly bid good bye to two of your close mates – Paper and Pen, at least for some hectic jobs.
This app allows you to collect data, save pictures, notes about your project and even comments hence cutting down your need for USB drives or cameras which means you can travel light.
Also Read: 21 Sydney Opera House Facts about its Architecture
[wp_ad_camp_2]
Free data rescue software mac. Also it instantly converts your site reports to PDF format cutting down your need to type reports in word files. This application also helps you to send these important files to other people and will help you by giving suggestions every time by keeping a track of previous attachments and message history.
For more information and to download this app visit ArchiSnapper’s official Website.
3. Noteshelf
https://lifestyletree347.weebly.com/blog/activehome-pro-software-for-mac. This app without a doubt is one of the best and fun to work on apps I’ve ever encountered (relating to only architecture of course).
If you’re a creative guy, you’ll love to work on this app as most of the designers and artists do. Also, this app will altogether reduce your usage of paper, in turn saving trees, in turn increasing the oxygen level on earth, which obviously is good for my survival (and I highly recommend you to download this app).
It is basically a note making app, not the best one for sketching purpose but would do good is your purpose is note making or rough work.
The graphics are high resolution graphics which in turn help you creating visually stunning compositions. You can even choose from a great variety of notebook covers, pens etc and stylise your content even more, and finally, its a really easy to use/handle application. Do try and leave your user comments here.
Architecture Software For Mac
For more information and to download this app visit Noteshelf’s official website.
2. Houzz Interior Design Ideas App
Well, architects and architecture students can get lazy at times and may not want to search for a concept or idea or views about a design problem. This app comes to our rescue at times like these. “The Photo Wiki of exterior and interior design” is just the precise explanation of this application
Using the HOUZZ app you can browse across more than 4 million images of home design and decor which may assist you in your own design problem. Ever used a scrapbook to paste the cut-outs of beautiful views of a landscape or interior design etc., if not, the Houzz app has done it for you.
Also Read: Houzz Interior Design App for Designers – Review and Ratings
Apart from scrolling through millions of images you can even join discussions related to architecture with their editorial team or architects or other local designers using this app, and you may even end up meeting a local designer to who may help you realize your design ideas.
![Mac Mac](/uploads/1/3/3/8/133864471/417225586.png)
This app is available for download on IOS and Android:
Link for IOS, Link for Android
Also see this video review on Houzz app interior design app –
1. Architect’s Formulator
This one is my personal favourite and hence tops my list. Read why –
As far as I know, most of the architects and architecture students struggle too much with formulae of different subjects (architectural structures especially). This app here – The Architect’s Formulator not only contains the formulas that would help you clear your structure’s examination but also contains formulae of other fields closely connected to the field of architecture like Acoustics, Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical fixtures etc.
Good Architecture Apps For Mac Download
The formulae in this app can also be used with different units apart from the S.I. units with the available options in this application for architects. The app contains more than 400 formulae to help you out in various calculative fields of architecture and civil engineering.
Good Architecture Apps For Mac Computer
These formulas can be even saved or E-mailed according to you requirements and the coolest part is that the program also remembers the formulas you use and serves a list recent formulas and your favourites. All these qualities make Architect’s formulator one of the best apps for architects and engineering students.
You can find this app on Multieducator’s website
I hope you found this post on architecture designing app useful and informative. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and Subscribe to our blog for more regular updates on all the awesome stuff related to architecture. Good Day!