Best Architecture Design App For Mac
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Browse and download Graphics & Design apps on your Mac from the Mac App Store. The Mac App Store has a wide selection of Graphics & Design apps for your Mac.
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.
Best Architecture Design App For Mac Pro
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.
Best calendar app for mac pro. 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.
The Mac App Store opened for business on January 6, 2011 with 1,000 apps.
Designers will be happy to know that there is an entire category devoted to Graphic & Design Apps.
While some Apps may cross-over into other categories such as Photography, Utilities, and Developer, there is a growing list of Graphic & Design Apps and new titles are literally added every day.
Users can login with their iTunes password and can purchase a new application and download it immediately without the need for serial numbers and time-consuming installation processes. They’re also updated automatically through the Mac App store.
In this post we bring you a selection of some great Graphic & Design Apps found in the Mac App store.
Acorn
Acorn is a Mac App for adding text and shapes to digital pictures.
$49.99 by Flying Meat, Inc.
Alpha
Alpha is a Mac App for image compositions and is integrated with Aperture and iPhoto.
$229.99 by cf/x AG
Art Directors Toolkit
Art Directors Toolkit, a Mac App for web and print design projects providing calculations and information for designers with 8 utilities and 3 tools. Color libraries and CMYK info.
$19.99 by Code Line
Diagrammix
Diagrammix is a new Mac App for creating diagrams with assorted art elements and connectors.
$14.99 by Igor Belyaletdinov
Logo Design Studio Pro
Logo Design Studio Pro is a new Mac App for creating logos with over 1000 pre-designed logo templates and 2800 logo-centric vector graphics.
$39.99 by Macware, Inc.
Griddle
Griddle is a new Mac app that lets you customize grid size and create grid layers with discrete line colors, opacity and style settings.
$0.99 by Pixel Grid Generator
MacDraft PE6
MacDraft PE 6 is a new Mac app that lets you create complex or simple vector drawings.
$99.99 by Microspot
Mosaic
Mosaic is a new Mac app where you can create images assembled from tiles and modernistic assemblages of rectangles and lines. You can export to most common image formats and upload to social web sites.
$19.99 from cf/x AG
Jumsoft Stationery
Jumsoft Stationery is a new Mac app with 100 templates for Apple Mail created by designers.
$9.99 by Jumsoft
Layers Shots
Layers Shots is a new Mac app which lets you capture complete web pages and the content of most Mac applications windows even if the content isn’t visible.
$4.99 by Wuonm Web Services SL
PanaFont 1.0
PanaFont is a new Mac app which displays all the installed fonts on your computer and lets you see what text looks like in any font. You can print out a sample of your entire font library.
$7.99 by Random Video, Inc
Intaglio
Intaglio is a new Mac app. A full featured graphics editor for Mac OSX with advanced graphics capabilities, import and export features and support for Mac OSX technologies.
$39.99 by Purgatory Design
maPhotoArtista – Oil
PhotoArista is a Mac app that enables you to transform a photograph into a paint style.
$9.99 by JixiPix Software
Eye Splatter Paint
Eye Splatter Paint is a Mac app that allows you to splatter paint with your iSight or web camera
$0.99 by Dustin O’Connor
Icns Editor
icns Editor is a Mac app where you can create an icon to your Mac application.
$1.99 by Imre Katai
Image Bucket
Image Bucket is a Mac App which makes it possible to resize and convert multiple images at a time.
Home Design Apps For Mac
$1.99 by ilia language services ltd
Colorschemer
Colorschemer is a Mac App which allows you to find the perfect palette for your next creative project.
$19.99 by CHROMAom, Inc
PixAM
PixAM is a Mac app and a one click screenshot sharing tool.
Free by Sergey Bolshedvorshky
Strata Design 3D SE
Strata Design 3D SE is a 3D design application–modeling, texturing,lighting and rendering.
$49.99 by Strata Web Site
Artboard
Artboard is a Mac App and Vector drawing software.
$19.99 by Mapdiva LLC
Live Interior 3D
Live Interior 3D is a Mac App which lets you design interior designs of houses and offices.
$24.99 by Belight Software Ltd
ResizeIt
ResizeIt is a Mac App which lets you change the size of multiple images and convert file formats.
Free by Nobouatsu Sekine
Jumsoft Expert for Pages
Jumsoft Expert for Pages contains 80 layouts for documents.
$79.99 by Jumsoft
3D Image Commander
3D Image Commander is a Mac App which lets you add 3D effects to images.
$16.99 by Eugene Kryukov
Dragonfly
Dragonfly is a new Mac App which lets webdesigners and media artists select up to eight different colors and see them side by side.
$3.99 by Mr. Fridge Software
Screen Ruler
Screen Ruler is a new Mac App which makes it simple to get accurate pixel measurements.
$2.99 by Sprightly Software
VintageScene
VintageScene is a Mac App for creating special effects to photos given them an old look.
$7.99 by JixiPix Software
SketchMee
SketchMee is a pencil sketch generator.
$7.99 by Studio Mee
Business Card Composer 5
Logo Design App For Mac
Business Card Composer 5 is a Mac App for creating business cards and name badges.
$34.99 by Belight Software, ltd
Pixelmator
Room Design App For Mac
Pixelmator is a Mac App for creating, editing and enhancing images.
$59.99 by UAB Pixelmator Team
Sketch
Sketch is a Mac App vector editing application which you can use to slice, style elements and text within one document.
$39.99 by Bohemian Coding
DrawIt
DrawIt is a Mac App for vector editing with support for bitmap-like image filters.
$37.99 by Bohemian Coding
Best Architecture Design App For Mac Free
List compiled exclusively for Webdesigner Depot by Debbie Hemley. Debbie is a blogger and social media aficionado. She works with businesses to develop content and social media strategies. Read her blog posts on All the News. You can also follow Debbie on Twitter (@dhemley).
Interior Design Apps For Mac
Have you purchased Graphic & Design Apps on the Mac App Store? Windows phone app for mac el capitan. What are some of your recommendations?