Cad Design For Mac

1. Cad Design For Mac Desktop
2. Cad Design For Manufacturing
3. Best Cad Program For Mac
4. Cad Design Programs For Mac

A Proven Replacement for AutoCAD 2D/3D DWG Software

I have worked in an established Architectural Design firm, Interior Design firm and Design-Build Architecture company. Aside from independent architectural projects, I work part-time as an associate of Arch. Micaela Benedicto. I am adept at Autodesk Autocad, Autodesk Revit, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Sketchup. Cad Design For Mac, free cad design for mac software downloads. Apr 05, 2020 The Top CAD Programs for Mac OS QCAD. QCAD is an open-source 2D drafting software built to run on Windows, Linux and more importantly the Mac operating. Ares commander is a CAD drafting tool for Mac which takes care of design on Mac as well as on other. At Punch!CAD, it is our mission to make computer aided design software that matches up perfectly with your needs, regardless of your industry or expertise. Whether you're an architect, engineer, CAD drafter, 3D printing expert, furniture designer, student, or DIY hobbyist, you can always find the right tools for the job.

At Punch!CAD, it is our mission to make computer aided design software that matches up perfectly with your needs, regardless of your industry or expertise. Whether you're an architect, engineer, CAD drafter, 3D printing expert, furniture designer, student, or DIY hobbyist, you can always find the right tools for unbeatable prices.

…with all the Familiar Icons and Menus

iCADMac is professional ‘AutoCAD' like software without the monthly subscription. It supports an interface complete with an 'AutoCAD® Like' icon menu and 'AutoCAD® Like' commands. It has the same file formats, same menus, and commands and at a fraction of the price (a one-time investment instead of a monthly subscription like AutoCAD)…

Over 20,000 Blocks and Symbols

Alex maxwell and mac lacey. Includes over 20,000 Blocks and Symbols in the iCADLib block library manager.

Express Tools

Does fruity loops work on mac. Use a similar bonus toolset as AutoCAD. Offered FREE without subscription because, well, we're just like that!

Application Programming Interface (API) Support

Automate your tasks using industry standard API's, including AutoLISP, and SDS (like ADS).

PDF Import

Import PDF into iCADMac, along with Blocks, Layers, Linetypes, etc. All intelligence contained within the PDF is imported into your drawing.

PDF Plotting

Plot to PDF using iCADMac's plot interface. Use Color Tables (.ctb) or Style Tables (.stb) and Printer Configuration Parameter (.pcp) files from AutoCAD.

What is iCADMac?

To start, it is over $3000 less than AutoCAD…

• Affordable Price
• High compatibility with the DWG drawing file format
• PDF Import and Export
• Gradient Hatch
• Tables
• Raster and Image Management
• Image Clipping
• Polygonal Viewports
• Xref Manager
• Standard Interface
• Property Bar
• Additional Hatches
• Multilines
• Display on iPad™
• Rendering
• ACIS® Solids
• iCADLib – Advanced Blocks Libraries
• Traceparts

iCADMac vs. AutoCAD

• iCADMac works with AutoCAD DWG files, without any type of conversion. edit every version of DWG: AutoCAD 2.5 through the latest!
• iCADMac's user interface is complete with 'AutoCAD Like' icon menus and commands.
• iCADMac supports AutoCAD file types: DWG, DXF, .MNU, .SCR, AutoLISP, SHX and TTF fonts, CTB and PCP for Plotting, Hatch Patterns, Linetypes, etc.
• iCADMac supports 3D ACIS Solid Modeling, 3D Surface commands such as revsurf, rulesurf, etc., iCADMac also has 3D Realistic Rendering built in allowing you to make true to life representations of your AutoCAD compatible DWG models. See further comparisons by selecting the button below…

Details

• iCADMac has high compatibility with the DWG drawing file format, from Version 2.5 up to the most recent AutoCAD® 2018.
• iCADMac supports PDF file conversion into DWG with Layers supported. iCADMac can export your drawings in the PDF format.
• iCADMac displays and creates Gradient Hatches
• iCADMac displays and creates tables.
• iCADMac displays and creates and edits DWG drawings with images, photos and raster images.
• iCADMac supports rectangular and polygonal clip on images.
• iCADMac supports polygonal layout viewports.
• iCADMac has Xref Manager which is a module for quick, easy management of external references.
• iCADMac has Standard Interface which is a friendly, familiar environment for AutoCAD® users.
• iCADMac has Property Bar which is a visual and intuitive interface to edit object properties.
• iCADMac has more than 300 additional hatch patterns.
• iCADMac displays and creates tables
• iCADMac has basic rendering functions with Light and Shading management. Advanced module will be available soon for for a small fee.
• iCADMac supports multiple line creation of up to 16 simultaneous tracks.
• Display and edit iCADMac drawings on iPad™, iPhone®, and iPod touch® in DWG and PDF formats.
• iCADMac creates a package containing the current drawing and its dependent files such as References, referenced images, referenced PDF files, font files, font mapping files, PrintStyle files, and Print Configuration files.
• The PDF format is widely used everywhere. If you receive a PDF file that you want to reference as you draw, you can attach it as an underlay and looks it transparent over the drawing entities.
• iCADMac proposes the basic rendering module with multiple Lights and Shadow support. The advanced Ray-tracing module with materials, reflection, transparency and smooth shadows will be available soon as an option module.
• Multiline objects can consist up to 16 parallel lines, called 'elements'. Multilines allow quick creation of walls, roads, insulation etc. iCADMac offers a complete configuration mask specially designed to define various multiline styles.
• Revision clouds are used in drawings to indicate that certain areas require or contain revisions. You can create rectangular, elliptical and freehand Clouds to accentuate drawing areas. You can adjust the radius of the sequential arcs of Clouds.
• iCADMac reads and writes 3D solid objects with the ACIS Solid Modeling libraries (the same as AutoCAD®)
  Essential for those who deal with Industrial Design, Dies, complex architectural elements and generally for any application in which creating complex three-dimensional shapes quickly and easily.
  ACIS solids are available thanks to an agreement signed with Spatial, the supplier of technology for solid modelling to many of the most important CAD software companies in the world.
  iCADMac has implemented complete management of ACIS solids including viewing, printing, creating and editing.
  Exchange of CAD project data with other CAD software which uses ACIS Solids (such as AutoCAD®) is therefore a simple process!
  Creating complex three-dimensional shapes by using solid models is made easier in comparison with the more traditional techniques.
• More than 22.000 Blocks are ready to be used for Construction, Architectural, Furnishing, 3D Furnishing, Mechanics, Electrical, Electronics, Steel profiles and many others industries. Thanks to the Blocks Library Management module it is quick and easy to find a symbol you need. iCADLib can be also used to manage libraries of symbols or personal that already exist.
• iCADLib includes the access to Traceparts for progeCAD: Advanced integration with the progeCAD's Traceparts web portal for easy guided usage of more than 100 millions of blocks.
  Directly guided block insertion from the web to your drawings just in a snap.

Introducing iCARE Subscription Services

iCARE is a 1 year subscription-based maintenance and support program. It offers a variety of benefits to help customers get the most out of their iCADMac software. iCARE cuts down upgrade costs and gives customers more value.

For an annual fee, iCARE customers get convenient access to the following benefits:

• Software – You will receive all iCADMac Updates and All New Versions.
• Support – Free Technical assistance via the web with the new help desk service through ticket, email, live chat and remote support.

Buy iCARE now bundled with your iCADMac licenses and save 20% off the iCARE price.

Unprecedented File Compatibility

• iCADMac® uses DWG for it's design file format, natively without conversion. That means unrivaled compatibility with AutoCAD® Drawing files without need to convert the files first, and no risk for data loss, none.
• iCADMac enables you to export your drawing files in practically every DWG format ever produced. You can take a DWG all the way back to 1983 (if you don't mind the music!).
• Same with DXF, a standard used by thousands of CAD users to move designs from one CAD system to perform additional analysis or even to edit within a different CAD system.
• DWG files are probably the most convenient and reliable format for viewing drawings on the Apple iPad™

Licensing Options

Cad Design For Mac Desktop

iCADMac is available with different licensing solutions

SL – Single License
Simple but Stationary. For a single Mac® Pro, MacBook® Pro; iMac®; Mac® mini; MacBook Air®; MacBook®.

USB – USB-Dongle License
This license with a USB-Dongle protection allows to transfer your license from between Mac® Pro, MacBook® Pro, iMac®, Mac® mini, MacBook Air® or MacBook®.

iCADMac System Requirements

• Apple® Mac® Pro, MacBook® Pro, iMac®, Mac® mini, MacBook Air®, MacBook®
• Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later
• x86 Intel® processor
• 1 GB of RAM (2 GB recommended, you may even want more) The easiest way to make your iCADMac perform is to add more memory. It's the main factor for ensuring your drawings have the least amount of themselves put onto the hard disk to make room for whatever else the machine needs to store in their location… is mega memory!
• 2.0 GB free disk space for download and installation (3 GB recommended). If you decide against that extra ram, you probably should give yourself a little more room for those bigger drawings.
• All graphics cards on supported hardware
• 1,024 x 768 display with true color
• Mac OS X-compliant printer

Volume pricing *

I am very happy with iCADMac! iCADMac does everything I need. Great tool!

– Jane Facer

All is well with my iCADMac. Some of the nicest software that I've had. Thanks.

– Ben Tedd

Computer Aided Design (CAD) software is at the forefront of most industries nowadays. From architecture to engineering to gaming, it can be integral in the creation of designs. Depending on your chosen CAD software, you can design and work with anything from architectural drawings—graduating onto BIM—to electrical drawings to mechanical schematics. While it can be easy enough to find CAD software for PC, however, it can get a bit difficult with the Mac OS. As with other types of applications, many CAD packages are unavailable for Mac.

With that in mind, Scan2CAD has put together a list of top 14 CAD packages for Mac. We even discuss whether it's worth using Mac with CAD, or whether you should stick to PC.

The complexity of the Mac OS has made it difficult, in many cases, for software developers to create apps for these systems. This is no different in the CAD industry, with all software packages being compatible with systems such as Windows and Linux, but avoiding the Mac OS. Now, there are many CAD software packages that run natively in Mac. Unfortunately, however, many high-end packages are unavailable for Mac. CAD giants Autodesk and Dassault, for example, are primarily PC-based.

So, does this mean Mac users have to avoid high-end CAD software? Not necessarily. Before you start forking out for a PC, there are steps you can take. With Apple's Bootcamp utility, you can install and run Windows applications within the Mac OS environment. You can then use either Mac OS or Windows. The second option, is to use Parallels desktop, allowing you to use both Mac OS and Windows simultaneously. In either case, you can use any CAD software package on your Mac.

Like most things in the world, however, there are downsides to this approach. The main issue is that running Windows on Mac can take up a lot of storage. For heavy CAD users, like engineers and architects, this is problematic—space is precious, after all!

Should I use a Mac for CAD then?

It all comes down to your own preferences. Most major CAD software packages aren't compatible with Mac OS, meaning you have to run Windows on your Mac—taking up a lot of storage—and the ones that are compatible, more often than not, come with limited capabilities.

Cad Design For Manufacturing

If you're a heavy CAD user and you require full capabilities, then it might be more advisable to stick to using a PC than a Mac. Before you make up your mind, however, check out our list of top 14 CAD software for Mac.

• Operating system: Mac, Windows
• Price: $195/month, $1,260/year
• Interested? Try out the free trial!

AutoCAD is the flagship product of Autodesk, and is arguably one of the most popular CAD packages on the market. Initially a 2D design software, it has built up 3D capabilities over the years. With AutoCAD for Mac, users can create and edit 2D geometry, along with 3D models with solids, surfaces and mesh objects. It's also possible to annotate drawing with notes, dimensions and even tables. If the ribbon and tool palettes aren't to your liking, it's possible to customize them—something we discuss in our top tips and tricks for AutoCAD newbies.

If you're familiar with the PC version of AutoCAD, you'll notice the difference in interface straight away. To ensure the UI is familiar for Mac users, its design is practically identical to other Mac applications. Autodesk has also included additional features to take advantage of Apple's Trackpad capabilities and the full screen mode in OS X Lion. Additional specialized Mac features include coverflow navigation, multitouch gestures, multiview split screen and touch bar support.

As with other Mac counterparts, however, AutoCAD for Mac comes with some limitations. You'll find that some versions miss features like advanced rendering settings, a feature finder or DWF/DGN underlays. You also won't have access to specialist toolsets for architecture, mechanical design and so on. With the price for both PC and Mac standing the same, even with a difference in capability, you might be better off running Windows on your Mac or forking out for a PC instead.

Image source: InsMac

• Operating system: Mac, Windows
• Price: N/A
• Interested? Try out the free trial!

ArchiCAD is developed by Graphisoft. Not familiar with the company? They're a subsidiary of Nemetschek, the developers of Vectorworks. A popular option for those in the AEC industry, ArchiCAD is a BIM CAD software package dedicated entirely to the realm of architecture. No matter what you're looking to do—from looking purely at aesthetics to figuring out the workflow of design and engineering—it's got you covered.

Unlike AutoCAD, there aren't any limitations for Mac users with ArchiCAD. Users can take full advantage of features like ArchiCAD's well known ‘Stair Tool'—allowing you to evaluate thousands of designs at once and pick from the most optimal designs. Meanwhile, you'll also notice the remastered Facade Design workflow, enabling users to design and develop hierarchical curtain wall systems using modular patterns. And with parametric custom profiles, ArchiCAD combines the power of parametric design with graphical profile creation.

ArchiCAD is certainly one of the top architecture software packages on the market. With optimized workflows and coordination, everything is streamlined from design to production. And with advanced BIM capabilities, it's easy enough to put together cost, materials and even plans for eventual demolition.

• Operating system: Mac, Windows, Linux
• Price: $250/annual, $199/perpetual
• Interested? Try out the free trial!

Although perhaps not the most well-known CAD package on the market, ARES Commander brings a lot to the table. A DWG-based CAD package for Windows, Mac and Linux, ARES Commander is seen by some as a viable alternative to packages like AutoCAD. With it, users can create and edit DWG drawings in both 2D and 3D no matter the system. https://superiorsoftware-things-3-3-elegant-personal-task-management.peatix.com. Indeed, one of the biggest advantages to the package is its intuitive interface—familiar to any CAD user—making the learning curve easy.

ARES Commander doesn't want to limit users to just one device. That's why they have ARES Touch, a mobile CAD application. With it, you can keep your designs with you no matter where you are. You can make use of a complete set of 2D design and annotation tools, with the ability to add picture and voice notes. The software package also comes with ARES Kudo, which allows you to access, design and edit DWGs stored in cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive. If you save any modifications, the changes are automatically synchronized.

ARES Commander certainly comes with plenty of powerful and innovative features—did we mention it was cross-platform?! If you're looking for a viable alternative to AutoCAD that doesn't limit your capabilities, it's not a bad option.

Image source: Cadalyst Macbook pro retina for programming.

• Operating system: Mac, Windows
• Price: $3,045
• Interested? Try out the free trial!

Vectorworks Architect is yet another favourite of Scan2CAD's. Developed by Nemetschek, Architect is one of the many CAD software packages on offer from the German developer. Unlike other software packages that limit capabilities for their Mac counterparts, Vectorworks holds absolutely nothing back for Mac users. A full 2D/3D modeler with BIM capabilities, Vectorworks Architect is a popular package for architects and designers across the world.

Vectorworks Architect has the ability to support projects from the beginning—with conceptual design—all the way to the eventual demolition. Users can freely draw, model and document ideas with tools that have cutting-edge precision and an innovative 3D modeling engine powered by SIEMENS Parasolid. This means users aren't constrained at all by presets or strict parameters. If you're looking for a flexible CAD software package for your Mac OS, you can't go too wrong with Vectorworks Architect.

With an advanced suite of NURBS-surface solutions and Parasolid-based solids, nothing's impossible with Vectorworks Architect. Knowing how important collaboration is with architects and designers, Vectorworks also provides a multi-user environment with Project Sharing.

• Operating system: Mac, Windows
• Price: $1,495/single-user licence
• Interested? Try out the free trial!

The difficulty with CAD software is that because there are so many software packages available, we often settle for the most popular choices and miss the unseen gems. Cobalt, developed by Ashar-Vellum, is one of these gems. A parametric-based CAD and 3D modeling program, it is unique for combining direct-modeling to create objects and the history-driven parametric modeling.

If you're tired of CAD software packages constraining your work process, you might be better suited to Cobalt's Organic Workflow design process —letting users work in any way they want. With simple design iteration, accessible tools and a hands-on approach, you're entirely in control. Users can create speedy designs from concept to production with Class A NURBS surfaces, ACIS solids and intuitive wireframe. And with a non-modal interface, you can switch between modeling techniques and approaches with absolutely no hassle.

Once you're happy with your designs you can show them off using Cobalt's full photorealistic rendering and camera-based animation toolsets. This includes realistic texture maps and procedural textures, an advanced material editor, interactive materials display and environment maps. Additionally, users can interleave wireframe geometry in photo-realistically rendered stills and animations.

Image source: Majenta Solutions

• Operating system: Mac, Windows
• Price: $60/month, $495/year, $990/2 years
• Interested? Try out the free trial!

Another groundbreaking software package from CAD giant Autodesk, Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM and CAE tool that allows users to streamline their entire product development process in a single cloud-based platform. All user data is kept safe and secure on the cloud, with unlimited storage and access.

Whether you're a professional or hobbyist, you'll find everything you need in Fusion 360. It comes with freeform modeling, along with solid, parametric and mesh modeling. Users can get started on designs quickly and efficiently with a full suite of sculpting tools. To avoid having to deal with issues after production, Fusion 360 gives users access to a full suite of simulation tools that can test fit, motion and pit designs against real-world conditions. This can cut costs and speed up the entire design and manufacturing processes.

Those working with CAM can use Fusion to create toolpaths to machine components. Additionally, users can take advantage of the 3D printing workflow to create prototypes. Collaboration is an important aspect in almost every industry out there, which is why Fusion 360 makes it so easy. Users can invite as many team members to their Fusion 360 projects as they like—any changes are made simultaneously.

Image source: Onshape

• Operating system: Mac, Windows
• Price: Standard $1,500/year, Professional $2,100/year
• Interested? Try out the free trial!

A direct competitor of Fusion 360, Onshape boasts of being the first completely cloud-based CAD package. If you're familiar with the history of SolidWorks, you'll be familiar with one of Onshape's key founders—Jon Hirschtick, former SolidWorks CEO. The true beauty of Onshape lies in its accessibility—it doesn't matter what system or device you're working on, you can access and work on your designs anywhere.

Onshape is the perfect platform to increase productivity, saving users time with Parametric Modeling 2.0—a new way to model multi-part design, configurations and managed-in context design. And with open source collaboration, users can make drawings public and available for viewing and/or editing—meaning you can simultaneously collaborate with your entire design and engineering team. If you're working on the go, you can even access your designs on iOS or Android.

In an attempt to make Onshape even more accessible, they provide self-paced training content to help users master their personal CAD skills. And with an active, bustling online community, learning is made enjoyable and practical. Get more information about this at Onshape's learning center.

• Operating system: Mac
• Price: $499
• Interested? Try out the free trial!

While not a household name like AutoCAD or SolidWorks, for example, TurboCAD brings a lot to the table. A full 2D/3D CAD package, TurboCAD comes with a realm of specialist tools, ranging from drafting tools to the latest ACIS realistic rendering engine. Promising to deliver ‘unparalleled value and productivity', TurboCAD is a great option for anyone working in the AEC industry sticking to their guns by working on Mac.

TurboCAD comes with a full suite of 2D drafting tools, but it's the software's 3D capabilities that has our attention. With 3D surface and ACIS solid modeling tools, assembly tool and 3D printing capabilities, there's more than enough to keep anyone interested. Those in architecture will be pleased to hear that TurboCAD comes with an entire suite of architectural design tools including symbol and material libraries, auto-dimensioning capabilities and built-in intelligence that automatically creates openings.

And that's not all! TurboCAD also enables users to create incredible photorealistic renderings—taking care of aspects like material, special effects lighting and environmental effects. It supports High Dynamic-Range Images (HDRI) and the export of poster size images. And if you're feeling particularly artistic, you can even add render styles to make your renderings more individual.

Image source: Simply Rhino Fallout 4 military armor mod.

• Operating system: Mac
• Price: $695/single user
• Interested? Try out the free trial!

Developed by Robert McNeel & Associates, Rhino3D is a commercial 3D graphics and CAD software package. An innovative package, it can be used in the processes of CAD, CAM, rapid prototyping and 3D printing—needless to say, it's a pretty flexible package. For this reason, it's popular in industries including industrial design, product design and architecture.

Rhino3D is based on the NURBS model, which produces freeform surfaces in graphics—as opposed to applications that focus on a polygon mesh-based approach. It's a relatively accessible software package, with a familiar interface for any Apple user and experienced CAD modeler. If you're a fan of customization, you'll be pleased to hear that Rhino3D enables users to personalize the interface and create custom commands and menus. And, with a realm of plug-ins at your fingertips, you can delve into specific fields like animation, jewelry, prototyping and much more.

Unfortunately, as with other packages on this list, Rhino for Mac has more limited capabilities than its Windows counterpart. Users won't be able to take advantage of Worksessions, which allows for efficient collaboration on large projects. Additionally, animation tools that allow for quick and easy visualizations are available on for Windows users.

• Operating system: Mac, Windows
• Price: Free (Professional is unavailable for Mac)
• Interested? Download now!

Whilst Dassault might be best known for its flagship products SolidWorks and CATIA, a close runner-up has to be the freeware DraftSight. A frequent feature on the Scan2CAD blog, DraftSight is a 2D CAD software package that enables users to design, edit and view 2D drawings. A relatively simple software package, DraftSight reminds many users of AutoCAD in regards to its interface. In fact, its learning curve isn't steep at all—allowing many CAD newbies to get to grips with it quickly.

DraftSight for Mac OS is only available as Beta in the free version. So, if you're eyeing up its advanced Professional version, you'll have to run Windows in your Mac OS or fork out for a PC. Whilst the free version for Mac comes with limited capabilities, it still has an abundance of features to take advantage of. With it, you can take advantage of straightforward 2D documentation—using design and drafting tools to create an abundance of 2D designs. Users also gain access to online community support and learning resources.

If you're looking for an AutoCAD alternative, in fact, DraftSight is a decent option. It supports both DWG and DXF, meaning you can work with files created in AutoCAD—decent if you're working with people who use AutoCAD.

Not sure DraftSight is all it's cracked up to be? Check out our top tips and tricks for DraftSight newbies.

• Operating system: Mac, Windows, Linux
• Price: Free
• Interested? Download now!

QCAD is a free and open-source CAD application that can be used to create a wide variety of 2D designs. Technical drawings such as mechanical schematics, electrical drawings and building blueprints are a walk in the park with QCAD. Many users of QCAD have remarked on its similarity to AutoCAD's interface—making the leap from both software packages easy enough. To make things easier, QCAD uses the AutoCAD's DXF file format to save and import files. Users can opt to use DWG with a commercial plugin.

With a lot of free software, capabilities tend to be lacking. With QCAD, you get a lot more than you bargained for. It comes with a library of over 4,000 CAD parts and 60 construction and modification tools. Additionally, users can make use of layers, grouping blocks and printing to scale. QCAD is certainly not the most powerful or complex CAD software out there. However, it is accessible for all users, regardless of whether they've used CAD before. If you're just starting out with CAD, it's not a bad option.

Of course, if you're looking for heavier capabilities—such as 3D modeling—you might find QCAD to be a little bit underwhelming.

Image source: Softpedia

• Operating system: Mac, Windows, Ubuntu
• Price: Free
• Interested? Download now!

If you're looking for a CAD option that doesn't require you to break the bank, you can't exactly go wrong with FreeCAD. An open source 3D parametric modeler, FreeCAD is designed to be used across a range of industries including product design, mechanical engineering and architecture. It's also flexible and powerful enough to be a viable option for hobbyists, programmers and experienced CAD users alike. https://trueuup371.weebly.com/mail-act-on-3-2-8-download-free.html.

FreeCAD boasts of the ability to design and work with real-life objects of any size—something that's definitely worth challenging! The modeler also enables users to modify designs and change parameters by going back into model history. Like other CAD packages out there, uses can create 3D models from 2D—sketching 2D shapes and using them as a base to build other objects.

And that's not all! FreeCAD also comes with a variety of specialist tools to the needs of users from all types of industries. You can take advantage of FEA tools, experimental CFD and BIM. One of its most interesting features has to be its robot simulation module that enables users to study robot movements. We can certainly understand why FreeCAD boasts of being the ‘Swiss Army knife of general-purpose engineering toolkits'.

• Operating system: Mac, Windows
• Price: $699
• Interested? Try out the free trial!

Best Cad Program For Mac

A fan of image editors? Then you'll probably be familiar with CorelDRAW, the vector graphics editor developed by Corel Corporation. You might not be, however, as familiar with its sister product: CorelCAD. It's a 2D and 3D CAD software package, providing a great solution for drawing the detailed elements that are required in technical design. And, with the ability to work with DWG files, it's a good option for designers working with other people using AutoCAD.

Cad Design Programs For Mac

To start, CorelDRAW comes with a full suite of 2D drafting tools, including helix tools, advanced table tools and a MultiLeader tool that configures callouts. Using a range of 3D tools, users can then transition 2D drawings into advanced 3D designs—from EntityGrips to the handy Properties palette, users are more than equipped to move through each step of the design process. CorelCAD can, therefore, take users through from project sketches to 3D models to 3D printing. And, if you work with CorelDRAW, you can easily import your graphics to CorelCAD and convert them into 3D models.

If collaboration is important with your chosen CAD software, CorelCAD has got you covered. It enables users to streamline project sharing with internal teams and external suppliers. By working with AutoCAD's native file format, DWG, you can be sure of worry-free collaboration with any other CAD user.

• Operating system: Mac, Windows
• Price: $695/single user
• Interested? Try out the free trial!

Once known as Google SketchUp, SketchUp Pro is a 3D modeling tool that can be used to design simple models like construction structures, engineering components and so on. To be clear, it's not a modeler that competes in the big leagues—it's a good choice for CAD beginners and hobbyists, not for professionals in need of industry-standard software.

SketchUp Pro is popular for its intuitive and customizable interface—its learning curve, as you'd imagine, is very simple. With it, users can move from the concept stage of design all the way to the structure's eventual demolition. Its best feature, however, has to be 3D Warehouse. Touted as ‘the world's largest repository of free 3D models', it works with SketchUp to help you find anything you could possible need—from furniture to equipment to case work.

In regards to collaboration, Trimble Connect enables users to invite people to view and edit models. You can reply to comments, assign to-dos and be sure that you're always working with the most up-to-date version of your designs. If you're ever unsure of changes, you can even view a history of changes for each of your models. And if you're ever stuck on anything, you can get in touch with SketchUp's online community who are always happy to help.

Looking for more top sites or software? Keep a close eye on Scan2CAD's freebies page for articles like sites with free DXF designs and sites with free CAD blocks.