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.
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.
Features and functions: The ArchiCAD is afree CAD software for Macthat presents a design suite which manages both 2D and 3D designs and drafting, as well as provide proper viewing of the same, and is complete in both form and function. One of the rare features provided by ArchiCAD is that it derives benefit out of idle capacity available in the hosting system.
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:
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:
What users think could be improved:
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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:
What users think could be improved:
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:
What users think could be improved:
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 trendsFree Autocad Software For Mac
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:
What users think could be improved:
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. OnshapeFree Cad Mac Software Best
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:
What users think could be improved:
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.
Methodology
To be shortlisted, products had to fulfill the following criteria:
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 you planning to build a house? Interested in redecorating your room or your garden? Are you interested in having your own architectural plan? Then these architecture software are built for you. Aiming basically for getting professional plans for buildings and houses, these software have some unique capabilities over others. Following are the few of the best-picked software for you to help you in your architectural planning.
Free Cad Program For MacRelated:3D Architectural Design
Easy architectural software powered by intuitive BIM technology to create 3D buildings and 2D floor plans and elevations directly in dwg format. The software offers you features as a similar interface to AutoCAD and complete DWG support. The software serves as both an architectural software and CAD software. You can have the taste of the software with the free trial version before deciding on the purchase of software.
Ashampoo 3D CAD Architecture
Architecture software from Ashampoo team, designed simply with powerful features. The feature highlights of this software include step by step project assistance, 2D-3D cross section views, smart input and construction aids, integrated roof staircase and environment builders, realistic light and shadow simulation, extensive pre-defined objects catalogue. You can have a free trial of the software before purchasing it.
Best Free Cad Programs For MacMy Sketcher
With Sketcher, you can create your architectural plan within few minutes, with its simplicity and advanced features. You can start with your plan by either starting fresh in software or importing hand drawn plan image and building on top of it or building with a pre-defined template. The software is available in three paid versions and one free version. You can have the taste of software before going for paid version.
WayFinder
Wayfinder is a 3D architectural visualization and property management software platform. The software offers some rich features including importing locations of objects using spreadsheets, manage users and permissions, see usage statistics, swap floors instantly and zoom, pan or rotate the view. The software supports all the common 3D formats. 3D Wayfinder can also be integrated with any website or web-based application.
Best Free Cad Program For Mac3D Architect- Home Design for Windows
3D Architect home design is the software specifically designed for Windows platform users. For people at any stage, whether home remodeler or professional architect, 3D Architect home design is ideal entry software. The key features of this software include dialogue boxes, landscaping tools for making of path or ponds etc., 3D warehouse interface for adding, furnishing items directly to your design, preset lighting schemes, lighting shadow and reflection effects for real-time design, extensive range of doors and windows, 3D walkthrough function to walk through your project for demonstration. The software is normally priced with the features it offers.
Chief Architect 3D for Mac
Chief Architect 3D is Architect design software built specifically for the Mac (iOS) platform users. The software is free for use. The software has some good features to offer including dynamic cross section views for both interior and exterior, gyro camera for freeform viewing, walk through to walk physically (simulated) through your model. You can also export your design to the cloud or Chief Architect desktop software to view the model in 3D mode.
Architect 3D Express – Most Popular Software
Architect 3D express is the most popular software in architect design software category. You can design your creative project step by step, room by room, from the basement to the loft space with this software. The key features of the software are walk through each room, see project simultaneously in 2D and 3D, creating 3D models on paper, extensive 3D furniture library. The software has got video tutorials for beginners to get going faster. You can also see Floor Plan Software
What is Architect Design Software?
Architect design software is designed with a basic aim of designing an architectural structure, from a single room to a multi-storied building. The free version offered in this category is basically not intended for professional or serious architects or designers. Walk through the room, generating 3D sketches on paper are some common features you can expect from each of the competent Architect design software. You can also see Home Design Software
Though all the software listed above offer some functionality in common, which you can expect from an Architect design software, each of them has some unique feature to offer over others. Some software has trial version to give you a taste before you spending money. If you don’t need advanced features, you can opt for the free one’s; but for the advanced user, the choice is a personal preference.
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