3d Software For Mac

  1. 3d Design Software For Mac
  2. Free 3d Modeling Software Mac

Sweet Home 3D application may run on Windows, Mac OS X 10.4 to 10.15, Linux and Solaris.
Depending on whether Java is installed on you system or not, you may launch Sweet Home 3D
with Java Web Start or its installer.

Software

Download Sweet Home 3D installer

Daz Studio by Daz 3D. How free is it: Completely free to download, with optional paid extras &.

Sweet Home 3D installer is available under two versions, both bundled with a private copy of Java:

  • AUTOCAD – Leading 3D Modeling Software. The AUTOCAD for Mac is the best 3d modeling software that money can buy for you. The industry leading software is the first choice for every user who want the best user experience. Blender – Free Open 3D Modeler. The blender is a free open 3D modeler software which is free for use.
  • The powerful 3D modeling, rendering and animation software for Mac. Cheetah3D is a powerful and easy to learn 3D modeling, rendering and animation software which was. With a full set of polygon, subdivision surface and spline modeling tools the artists can focus on.
  • Oct 09, 2017 10 Best Floor Plan & Home Design Software For Mac of 2020 1. SmartDraw is the best floor planning tool for Mac for creating 2D floor plans quickly and easily. If you need something that goes beyond just floor planning, Live Home 3D (formerly known as Live.
  • a free version available at SourceForge.net that comes with 100 pieces of furniture and 26 textures
  • a paid version available on the Amazon App Store bundled with 1400 pieces of furniture and 418 textures.
(version 6.4.2 - 51.6 MB) (version 6.4.3 - 195 MB)
Once downloaded, run the installation program and follow the instructions from the installation wizard.

Ensure that the latest version of the drivers of your video card is installed, to get the best performances in Sweet Home 3D. If you encounter some problems at Sweet Home 3D launch, please read the FAQ for additional information.

Sweet Home 3D installer is available under two versions, both bundled with a private copy of Java:

  • a free version available at SourceForge.net bundled with 100 pieces of furniture and 26 textures
  • a paid version available on the Microsoft Store, automatically updated and bundled with 1400 pieces of furniture and 418 textures.
(version 6.4.2 - 51.6 MB) (version 6.4.3 - 206 MB)
Once downloaded, run the installation program and follow the instructions from the installation wizard.

Ensure that the latest version of the drivers of your video card is installed, to get the best performances in Sweet Home 3D. If you encounter some problems at Sweet Home 3D launch, please read the FAQ for additional information.

3d Design Software For Mac

Sweet Home 3D installer is available under two versions:

  • a free version available at SourceForge.net bundled with 100 pieces of furniture and 26 textures
  • a paid version available on the Mac App Store, sandboxed, automatically updated and bundled with 1400 pieces of furniture and 418 textures.
(version 6.4.2 - 67.4 MB) (version 6.4.3 - 233 MB)
For the free version, download SweetHome3D-6.4.2-macosx.dmg for Mac OS X 10.8 to macOS 10.15, or SweetHome3D-6.4.2-macosx-10.6.dmg (20.2 MB) for Mac OS X 10.6 or 10.7. Then double-click on the file you'll have downloaded, and run Sweet Home 3D application found in the opened folder. If the system refuses to launch Sweet Home 3D for security reasons, click on its application icon while maintaining the ctrl key pressed, and choose Open in the contextual menu that will appear. To install Sweet Home 3D, drag and drop the application in the folder of your choice.

If you don't want to care about the Java configuration of your system, click on one of the following links to download an all-in-one Sweet Home 3D installer bundled with Java:

Windows installer-Mac OS X installer-Linux 32-bit installer-Linux 64-bit installer
(51.6 MB) (67.4 MB) (70.8 MB) (67.5 MB)
Run the downloaded installation program, and follow the instructions from the installation wizard.

Under Mac OS X 10.6 or 10.7, download this installer (20.2 MB).
In both cases, double-click on the downloaded file and run Sweet Home 3D application found in the opened folder. If the system refuses to launch Sweet Home 3D for security reasons, click on its application icon while maintaining the ctrl key pressed, and choose Open in the contextual menu that will appear. To install Sweet Home 3D, drag and drop the application in the folder of your choice.

Uncompress the downloaded file and run SweetHome3D application found in the uncompressed directory, possibly using this tip to launch it with a double click under Ubuntu. To install Sweet Home 3D, move the uncompressed directory in the one of your choice or read this article to create a launcher (see also this subject in the forum).

Whatever your system is, ensure that the latest version of the drivers of your video card is installed, to get the best performances in Sweet Home 3D.
If you encounter some problems at Sweet Home 3D launch, please read the FAQ for additional information.

Download Sweet Home 3D with Java Web Start

If Java version 6 or superior is installed on your system, click on the following link to download and launch Sweet Home 3D version 6.4.2 (19.5 MB):

Launch Sweet Home 3D with Java Web Start
Clicking on the previous link will automatically download and launch Sweet Home 3D.
If Sweet Home 3D loading doesn't start once you clicked on the previous link, click on the SweetHome3D.jnlp downloaded file while maintaining the ctrl key pressed, and choose Open in the contextual menu that will appear.
Choose to open the SweetHome3D.jnlp downloaded file with javaws program that you'll find in the bin directory of the JRE (Java Runtime Environment).

If, once started, the download of Sweet Home 3D files by Java Web Start is interrupted, please wait, download should continue after a while.
After downloading, please accept the displayed digital signature to be able to run Sweet Home 3D.

Other downloads

Depending on your needs, you may also download the following files proposed in the Sweet Home 3D Download section on SourceForge.net:

3D models librariesEach zipped file of the section SweetHome3D-models contains a double-clickable SH3F file describing additional 3D models created by contributors for the furniture catalog of Sweet Home 3D.
Read Libraries of 3D models section for more information.
Textures librariesEach zipped file of the section SweetHome3D-textures contains a double-clickable SH3T file describing additional textures created by contributors for the textures catalog of Sweet Home 3D.
Furniture Library Editor
(10.7 MB)
This double-clickable JAR file launches the Furniture Library Editor under Windows, Mac OS X and Linux systems with Java installed.
Like the Furniture import wizard, this application lets you quickly create a SH3F file and edit the properties of the 3D models it contains.
Textures Library Editor
(1 MB)
This double-clickable JAR file launches the Textures Library Editor under any system with Java installed.
Like the Textures import wizard, this application lets you easily create a SH3T file and edit the properties of the texture images it contains.
Sweet Home 3D JS Viewer
(3.1 MB)
This archive contains the files of a HTML5 / WebGL Canvas you can upload on your web site to display the 3D view of a Sweet Home 3D file.
Read the README.TXT file included in this archive for instructions about installation process.
Sweet Home 3D portable
(271 MB)
This 7-zip archive contains Sweet Home 3D applications for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows, Mac OS X, 32-bit and 64-bit Linux, bundled with the Java environments required to execute them.
Once you uncompressed this archive in a given folder (on a hard disk or a USB key), you can move this folder or the USB key where you copied it to use Sweet Home 3D on another computer, without losing software configuration.
Sweet Home 3D executable jar
(25 MB)
This double-clickable JAR file launches Sweet Home 3D under Windows, Mac OS X and Linux systems with Java installed.
It's not the preferred option to run Sweet Home 3D because you won't get association with Sweet Home 3D files, and depending on the Java version you use, it could use 96 MB of memory at maximum, which is too small to create middle sized homes. This JAR file is useful for plug-ins developers and advanced users who wants to run Sweet Home 3D with customized Java options (like the -Xmx Java option that lets you choose the maximum memory size used by Java).
From Sweet Home 3D 5.5.2, this double-clickable JAR is the only distribution able to run under Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5, and/or PowerPC.
Sweet Home 3D installersThe SweetHome3D section contains the installers of Sweet Home 3D for all the supported operating systems and all the released versions up to the current version 6.4.2.
Sweet Home 3D source
(26.8 MB)
This archive contains the source files used to build Sweet Home 3D. Sources are useful to developers who want to contribute to the development of Sweet Home 3D and its plug-ins.
Note that source files may be browsed on-line too with the web-based CVS repository viewer provided by SourceForge.net.
Sweet Home 3D javadoc
(2.4 MB)
This archive contains the developer's javadoc built from the source files of Sweet Home 3D. Javadoc is useful for developers only.
Note that the javadoc may be browsed on-line here.
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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.

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.

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.

Free 3d Modeling Software Mac

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.