Last Updated: May 14, 2020In the old days, Macs used to be way behind PCs when it came to CAD software. Is one of the CAD industry’s leading tools but it wasn’t until 2010 that Autodesk finally released AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT for Mac. Is from the makers of the extremely successful CorelDRAW graphic design program which no longer exists.CorelCAD for Mac 2018 lives on however and it’s pretty good too for a professional standalone CAD software under $1000.

It shows you off a colourful plasma effect also known as Plasma Sphere or Illuma Storm, complete with beautiful space scenes and ambient music.

Is professional CAD application designed specifically for Mac that offers excellent value for money. From humble beginnings at a small Italian developer, HighDesign has even attracted the attention of NASA for its CAD needs.Although HighDesign only supports 2D CAD, it can import and export AutoCAD files (including DXF/DWG) and TIFF files. HighDesign is easier for than most professional CAD applications and anyone that has used AutoCAD will recognize the interface straightaway.HighDesign puts a special focus on architecture and allows both photogrammetry and image editing for drafting of building plans which is quite unusual for MAC CAD software. Other features in HighDesign 2017 include Associative Linear Dimensions, PNG alpha export, vector information, tool tips and quick object info.HighDesign is overall an incredibly accomplished CAD product that often goes under the radar of professional designers because of it’s surprisingly low price. For Mac is one of the most popular CAD packages out there and supports both 2D and 3D design. For Mac is aimed at Professional Industrial Designers. It’s very much a mix of CAD and 3D modeling capabilities wrapped up in a very slick interface.

SolidThinking Evolve features Geometry Simplification tools, smoothing options and concentrated mass parts.Evolve allows organic surface modeling, parametric control and there’s a very handy ConstructionTree history feature. If your job involves a lot of CAD and 3D modeling, then SolidThinking Evolve is a great all round solution but it lacks some of the advanced functionality of top CAD software such as AutoCAD and VectorWorks. (formerly known as Unigraphics) is an industry leading 2D and 3D CAD and industrial design software for both Mac and PC. Is a simpler version of MacDraft Pro with a more basic toolset and functionality.

For Mac, formerly known as Vellum, is a professional 3D and 2D CAD program. Graphite’s strength is high precision wireframe drafting although it is quite dated now.However, if you’re mainly going to be doing wireframe drawings, Graphite specializes in this form of CAD. You can work with AutoCAD DWG files and it integrates with the developer Ashlar Vellum’s popular 3D modeling software.One of the main advantages users report with Graphite is speed – it has a very smooth and efficient workflow that makes producing complex designs very quick. Clip studio paint full version free download. This is a result of what the developer Ashlar-Vellum calls an “Organic Workflow” between its products for maximum speed and efficiency. There are many glowing testimonials to Graphite but we’d advise using the first before deciding whether to go for it.markets itself as a cheaper alternative to AutoCAD for Mac and is a user-friendly 2D and 3D app which writes and reads AutoDesk DWG files.The developers of iCadMac are also responsible for progeCAD Professional on Windows. ICadMac can also convert PDF to DWG and exports plans in 3D to PDF.The interface is also highly customizable so that you have fine control over the layout of your tools although apps such as AutoCAD for Mac have caught up in this area nowadays.iCadMac also includes an iPad app that lets you design on the move.

ICadMac doesn’t support BIM however and it’s backed by a much smaller team and infrastructure than the major CAD developers out there. Isn’t aimed at professional CAD designers but it’s an excellent starting point for beginners.It does support importing of AutoCAD files but there’s no support for BIM or the more advanced features professionals need in a CAD application.One unusual feature however is that you can write your own custom macros in AppleScript to extend it’s functionality. For instance you can use macros to create objects or read in data although only those that have been using Mac for a long time will have any idea of how AppleScript works.If you just want a cheap CAD program on Mac for doing house plans, newsletters, furniture Layouts etc, DeltaCAD is a decent choice.

Is another low-end CAD program for Mac with a user-friendly interface that’s suitable for beginners to CAD or someone who just wants to build a basic prototype.The difference to other CAD programs in this price range is that it supports 3D as well. It’s also got the best interface of CAD apps at this level and comes with a free iPad and iPhone app.AutoQ 3D allows you to see drawings from all angles with Preset Views, Snap shapes into place and for just under $30, you can’t go too far wrong for a 2D/3D CAD app in one.is a professional CAD package that combines powerful 3D modelling with advanced 2D design features. BricsCAD is one of the few CAD packages that runs on all Mac, Windows and Linux platforms.It’s suitable for all types of industrial 2D and 3D design but it has specialized support for. BricsCAD uses what’s known as a Quad cursor which enables designers to make complex technical drawings, 3D models and intricate layouts very quickly. BricsCAD is also unique because it handles both 3D drawings and parametric assemblies but saves files in DWG format. In fact BricsCAD compares favorably with AutoCAD and it even provides a on how to switch from AutoCAD to BricsCAD.There are three versions of BricsCAD - Classic ($750), Pro ($970) and BricsCAD Platinum ($1110) but prices for all are slightly higher if you want premium support. Classic only handles 2D but Pro adds 3D modelling and Platinum adds BIM support.BricsCAD is an excellent AutoCAD for Mac alternative with many of the same features but without the subscription pricing model.

Is a specialized 3D CAD software designed specifically for Mac with a loyal following and arguably still one of the best programs for organic 3D design. Rhino features tools to do everything from creating, editing, and rendering to animating, translating NURBS curves and creating polygon meshes.Rhino For Mac is pretty good value for money at $695 because some of the free form 3D modelling features cost a lot more in similar packages and yet it still remains powerful enough for professional needs.In the beginning, there were many features missing from the Mac version of Rhino compared to Windows but nowadays the two products are almost exactly the same.

Only Worksessions, Animation Tools and some Commands are missing from Rhino for Mac and the Grasshopper feature is still in progress.If you just want a 3D CAD app on your Mac without breaking the bank, Rhino for Mac is an impressive tool. Finally, for Mac is for all those old school CAD designers that miss the days of pen and paper. PowerCADD is for 2D CAD only and creates CAD designs that look like they were done on paper.PowerCADD is suitable for all types of CAD design from buildings to machinery, brochures and even maps. The functionality of PowerCADD can be extended too by something called “Externals” which are basically add-ons that can be activated simply by dragging them into a specific folder.PowerCADD is a bit dated now and at $995 isn’t exactly cheap either but if you miss the aesthetics of pen on paper, it offers something a bit different.

As the name suggest, is a free 3D modelling software for Mac which uses to create designs. FreeCAD can read files in STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC and DAE format and is aimed mainly at those in mechanical engineering and product design fields.FreeCAD features some of the tools found in major industry leading CAD applications such as but relies more on modules and scripts to design things like OpenSCAD.

If you’re comfortable with scripting and modules, FreeCAD is another powerful yet free 3D design tool for Macs. Is a free open source 2D Computer Aided Drafting application for Mac, Windows and Linux which allows you to create technical drawings for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts, schematics and diagrams. QCAD is a great starting point for novices in CAD design with a simplified, clear interface but plenty of.QCAD can import and open DWG and DXF files and also has a special add-on for. There’s also a professional version of QCAD which costs less than $40 and adds extra features although it doesn’t support 3D CAD.If you’re new to CAD and need something easy to get started with at zero cost, QCAD is an excellent beginners CAD package for Mac users. Tips On Choosing The Right CAD Tool For YouIn reality, there’s no such thing as the “best” CAD software for everyone. So all in all, the future for CAD designers on Mac looks very bright indeed.

Which Is The Best CAD Application For Mac?is still our favorite 2D CAD tool for Mac users, simply because it makes CAD so easy, whatever your level.For complex 2D and 3D CAD, the industry leading AutoCAD can’t be beat for features and ease of learning. Its DWG format is still the industry standard for CAD design. CtkiwiHi,thanks for your great review of CAD software. I just downloaded High Design 2016 and it is hands down the best Mac CAD software if you only need 2D drawings and don’t feel you should need a weeks long course just to learn how to use the tools! I had a little bit of CAD experience many years ago and also am very proficient with Adobe and Quark Xpress software.

I recently tried BricsCad and had a consultant help with trying to set it up on my mac during the trial, but found a number of show stopping bugs. Trying out High Design software was simply the best, most intuitive experience I have had in the last 15 years.

It seems the developers really know how Mac users think and want to work when new to a professional level application. Highly recommend it over other much more expensive options also reviewed here. You should also update your article, as The features in the 2016 version seem expanded again too. Hope this feedback helps someone else as I have been looking at my options now for weeks until I came across your reviews here and got onto High Design 🙂.