Free Cad Cam Software Mac Os X

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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.

  1. Free Mac Os Software Download
  2. Cad Softwares For Mac
  3. Free Cad Cam Software Mac Os X El Capitan
  4. Free Cad Cam Software Mac Os X 11

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.

5 Best CAD Software for Mac (presented alphabetically)

FreeCAD, the open source parametric modeler. English Afrikaans Arabic. Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan is the minimum supported version. For more info on installation, please check out the wiki. Linux 64-Bit AppImage.

  1. DraftSight is a good freeware for MAC to view and edit DWG files on. It can also be used to open DXF, DWS, and DWT files on MAC for free. Although it is free, it works without registration only for 30 days. In order to use it for longer period, you have to register then sign in to the software using your Email.
  2. Use this site to help select the best CAD program for your Mac. We review, compare and rate CAD software for Mac OS-X to give you informed recommendations for the most effective Computer Aided Design software to meet your needs. Contact the appleCAD Team and a CAD.
  3. Jan 28, 2020  It can run on Windows, Mac OS and in browsers. This is a next-generation tool with multiple capabilities such as create designs, manage data, collaborate, run the simulation, and validate designs and many more. The next popular CAD software, SolidWorks runs on Microsoft Windows and it is very productive 3D software.

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.

Vivitar smart home security app for mac laptop. 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)

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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.

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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.

CAD on a Mac? “No, no, no,” I hear many of you thinking. But hang on a second, lets take it from the start.

I personally love both the Mac hardware and software, but I also acknowledge the fact it might not be for everybody. So, what are the chances of running your favorite CAD software on a Mac and getting your work done?

Windows on a Mac

First of all, you can of course run Windows on your Mac. So if you are a fan of Mac OS X, you do not have to resort to a PC, but can use OS X for most things and run Windows when you need to get your CAD stuff done.

One option for running Windows on your Mac is using the Boot Camp utility, which is included with OS X since its 10.5 (Leopard) version. This enables you to install Windows on your Mac and run them both as a dual-boot solution, so you can use either Mac OS X or Windows, but not at the same time.

This is where Parallels Desktop (or any other virtualization software) comes into play. Parallels enables you to run two operating systems simultaneously, enabling to use them one at a time or even in coherence mode, where it seems as if you are running your Windows applications inside Mac OS X. Parallels Desktop comes at $79.99 and gives you plenty of options for getting your Windows stuff done on your Mac.

CAD software that runs on Mac natively

There is actually plenty of stuff for Mac out there as well. Of course it depends on every engineer's specific requirements, but for many there is something for their needs.

For example, quite recently Graebert announced its release of ARES, an AutoCAD-compatible piece of software that is pretty much the same as its Windows twin.

AutoCAD compatible means that it handles DWG files natively (read & write), includes many of the commands familiar from AutoCAD, includes most of AutoCAD's APIs and has a very similar interface to AutoCAD.

Then there is Siemens, whose NX 7 is also available for Mac. You can also find Shark FX by Punch! Software®, solidThinking, you have the Autodesk Alias Products, and many more. For specific references there is a pretty extensive and updated list of CAD/CAM software for Mac at MacUser.de community.

Yes, there are plenty of large CAD software producers whose products are available only for a PC and I also agree to the point that PC hardware might just be a better match for a heavy CAD user and thus for many engineers there is no question, whether to prefer a PC or a Mac. However, Macs cannot be completely overruled - even many of the peripherals (3D mice, for example) do support Mac as well.

Cad Softwares For Mac

  • When you really love the Mac hardware (as I do, for example), you don't have to worry - even if you don't find your preferred CAD software supported natively, you can run Windows on your Mac as well.
  • Depending on the software and hardware requirements there are definitely engineers for whom Mac might be a fair competitor to a PC

Free Cad Cam Software Mac Os X El Capitan

So my question to you is: if you can either select a CAD software that runs natively on Mac OS X or run Windows on it, what else is holding you back from getting a Mac for CAD work? Or are you using one already?

More on the topic:

Free Cad Cam Software Mac Os X 11

Experiencing CAD on the Mac - WorldCAD Access
The Look And Feel Of Apple Hardware - Deelip.com

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