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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.
Oct 16, 2014 1. CAD-based software for the fashion industry. There are many different companies making professional pattern software. The biggies are Gerber, Lectra and Optitex. These are all based on CAD technology, very specialized, and cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Scaled down CAD software for home sewists or custom clothing makers. Jun 17, 2016 10 Best Clothing Design Software To Download for Mac. Fashion Toolbox. With Fashion Toolbox, you can design clothes, textiles, and accessory designs. It has many CAD tools and design export options. Digital Fashion Pro. Cameo Apparel Pattern Software. Designer Pro. Download free trials of Autodesk 2D & 3D CAD software and 3D design software, including AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Maya, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Inventor, Revit, and more.
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
Epson gt-1500 scanner download. 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. Post on instagram from mac without app.
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.
Are your thoughts filled with ideas of new dresses, shoes and hairstyles? Does your dressing have an artistic flair to it? Then without waiting any more you should go for these dress designing software, free download links.
Related:
3d Cad Fashion Design Software
Not only do they support online fashion designing; now you can build your own fashion designer’s portfolio to compete with the professional designers.
Free Cad Download For Mac
1. Edraw- Fashion Design Software
This software is here to make designing your own apparels easier and more fun. This is meant for the budding talents.
- Huge collection of highly flexible tools.
- Collection of 10 models with flexible skin tones, hair colors, body types.
- Pre-set clothing items to mix and match your initial projects.
- All templates are vector.
- Compatible with Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8; works on both 32 and 64 bit.
2. Digital fashion Pro
This online download free fashion software is ideal for professionals as well. The end products are seamless and can be easily included in the professional brochures and portfolios.
- Includes 110 digital fabrics to act as your raw material for clothing.
- Training videos for all beginners including a step by step trainer’s guide.
- A unique unisex approach to keep up with the latest fashion trends and presentations.
- 200 templates in vector which are easy to manipulate.
3. Cameo V5 Apparel Pattern Software
This is a powerful fashion designing software which can be used by professionals to build their own portfolios as well as brochures.
- Comes with separate modules for men, women and kids.
- Free technical drawings, costing and specification sheets are also available for free.
- Free marker layout with each version to calculate yardage.
- Export to PDF and AutoCAD DXF formats.
- Standard HTML, RTF and PDF reporting.
4. Etelestia- Pattern Making, Fashion Designing and Sewing software
This one is as suitable for fresher’s as it is for veterans in the fashion industry. The software has multiple utilities.
- You can learn how to construct perfectly fitted [pattern blocks.
- Creative fashion design courses through all modern techs and methods using advanced animations.
- 2D and 3D processes analyzing sewing patterns and demos.
- The free CAD software for free clothing demo in different free models.
- Grading different 3D patterns with unique methods.
5. Designer Pro Apparel Edition
A simple, and complete software to create the design of your dreams. This is ideally used for creating drafts and designs on a 3D model; that can be printed.
- Ideal for MAC platforms.
- New additions include Girls tank top model, improved shading and grading
- PDF export with added password security.
- Editable colors and product variants.
- Directly save the product preview on screen and add a 3D feel to the completed project.
6. Fashion Start App
Ideal for android as well as iOS devices, this is a small, compact software that can be used for digitally designing and marketing your clothes. As the name states, this is ideal for aspiring designers looking for a strong foothold.
- Complete models.
- A free range of textures, patterns, cloth-grades and colors.
- Fashion photo gallery
- PDF exportable and printable exports.
- Free, guided installation.
7. Fashion Toolbox
This is one software that can be downloaded for free (trial version) even for MAC platforms. There are a number of attributes which make the Fashion Toolbox the ideal apparel design software for everyone.
- A complete design and textile package.
- Comes with CAD tools and design export options.
- Fashion matching and fashion illustrators are a part of free download.
- Presentation tools and textile pattern designs are also included.
8. FashionLab Studio for MAC
One of the few fashion design software that are as good in the trail version. This one offers easy tools for creating tee-shirt designs, dress patterns etc.
- Basic circle, rectangle and circle tools are powerful enough to satiate designer’s needs.
- Added ne tee-shirt models for templates.
- 10 new design elements for the new version download with a total of 59 design elements.
- Export and print in PDF, TIFF and JPG formats.
9. Dress Assistant
Another simple and beautiful software for a MAC platform which completes the needs of every fashion designer. This original application allows you to organize your portfolio according to season, trend etc.
- Create multiple wardrobes and dress lines based on different categories.
- Create packing lists with photos of each items.
- Simple user interface with easy navigation and extended compatibility with other applications as well.
- New drag and drop method saves lots of time and work.
10. OPTITEX
Complete and powerful trial fashion designer software which brings in a 3D tool for developing and marketing your fashion ideas.
- Comes with free pattern making suites
- Free 3D product designing and creation suites.
- A marker making suite
- Cutting room optimization suite.
- Simple and interactive user interface.
- Ideal for all sewn product manufacturers even besides the fashion industry.
- Export the end products in JPG, and PDF formats for printing.
These 10 free fashion design software programs are the choices of the fashion designers worldwide. These can be used to give a solid ground to your imagination and fashion ideas.