1. Macintosh Cad Software
2. Free Cad Software Download

Comment by Scott Hammond on Aug. 31, 2019 at 1:17 pm. Hi and thanks for taking the time to review CAD software for Mac. As a graphic designer and photo retoucher, a Mac and Adobe Creative Suite are an obvious choice (though I go way back to when Quark was KING and there was no InDesign). EDrawings Viewer 4.2.1 eDrawings Viewer is the only CAD viewer for Mac which delivers a premier 3D viewing experience for non CAD professionals. EDrawings Viewer enables anyone to quickly and easily view, print and review native eDrawings and SOLIDWORKS files in addition to AutoCAD DWG and DXF files. EDrawings is an email-enabled communication tool that dramatically eases the sharing of. The Best Free CAD Software app downloads for Mac: Silhouette Studio Microspot DWG Viewer ZWCAD Viewer LogicWorks Autodesk AutoCAD DWG/DXF Converter Ra. The all-exclusive ecosystem of the Mac operating system has in some cases made it difficult for independent software developers to build apps for Apple’s computers. And the computer-aided design developing community which has been a victim of this, currently produce CAD applications to run on other operating systems—Windows, Linux—while shunning the Mac OS.

A Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program is a type of computer software that is designed to help you create precise drawings on a digital platform. These programs are instrumental in analyzing, optimizing, and making modifications to existing drawings. Depending on your specific area of expertise and preferences, there is a wide range of CAD programs to choose from in the market. Some programs can run complex algorithms and are best suited for Architects and Aeronautical Engineers while others have dynamic unrestrained drawing options that meet the unique needs of sketch artists and graphic designers. One major inescapable factor that influences your choice of CAD software is its compatibility with your computer operating system.

As far as trends go, it is quite clear that there are a lot fewer CAD programs available for Mac OS than Windows. This is simply because about 88% of the computers globally operate on the Windows platform while Macintosh computers only represent about 9% of the market share. To be fair, the gap in market share between Windows and Mac OS is mainly because Mac OS can only be used on Apple computers while Windows can be loaded onto every other computer in the market. In fact, based on computer sales, Apple is the fourth most popular computer brand in the market after Lenovo, HP, and Dell. Since it is not so easy to find software for Apple computers, we prepared this article for those of you staying true to the Macintosh brand and looking for the best CAD software available today.

Selection Criteria: How do we know what is best?

CAD has a wide range of applications encompassing the film industry, fashion, arts, and technical disciplines such as engineering and architecture. In essence, a program could be excellent for one type of application but totally wrong for another. For example, ARCHICAD is well suited for Architects and building contractors but it could be a pain in the neck for fashion or graphic designers who are interested in free-flowing lines and unrestricted curves.

While some reviews are quite specific and present articles such as ‘the best CAD programs for engineers’, or other specific disciplines, we based our selection mainly on the popularity and functionality of the software. Combing through the internet in search of reliable information, we studied reviews and user comments as well as technical sheets to come up with the best all-around list of CAD software in the market today. Our team consists of people well conversant with the use of CAD software, able to give objective and authentic points of view.

1. AutoCAD for Mac 2019

AutoCAD 2019 is the most popular CAD software in the market this year both for Mac and Windows users. This brand has a rich history of excellence, setting market trends in Computer-Aided Design since its inception in 1982. This program, developed by Autodesk, is famous for its versatility and a wide range of applications. AutoCAD’s clarity and simplicity have made it the program of choice for universities and CAD training centers all over the world making it the first CAD software most professionals come into contact with. Autodesk has maintained a leading position in the CAD industry by consistently releasing a new and improved AutoCAD version every year since 2004.

Unique Features:

AutoCAD 2019 has several features that make it stand out ahead of the pack. The software developers were able to pinpoint innovative ways to better serve clients through extensive market research. Two of the most striking add-ons released in AutoCAD 2019 are the “AutoCAD Web”, and the “One AutoCAD” features.

“AutoCAD Web” gives users access to the software anywhere they can connect to the internet. It allows you to continue your CAD projects on different workstations making it suitable for working professionals who need to carry their work home as it frees them from the burden of carrying heavy expensive laptops across town daily.

“One AutoCAD” is one of the main reasons AutoCAD 2019 has topped the charts this year. While other developers work to optimize their software for specific fields of design, AutoCAD 2019 has been developed as a multi-disciplinary platform that can serve a wide range of specialized clients. In “One AutoCAD”, the AutoCAD-based products such as AutoCAD Mechanical, and AutoCAD Electrical have been bundled up as specialized toolsets in one platform. These toolsets include Mechanical Toolset, Electrical Toolset, Plant 3D Toolset, and many more.

AutoCAD 2019 Pros and Cons

Training:

AutoCAD 2019 offers comprehensive training and support options through its online platform. By visiting the Autodesk Knowledge Network, you can learn how to use AutoCAD from the fundamental to high skill levels. You can choose to study material based on Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced skill level. Alternatively, you can select specific skills to learn such as 3D Modeling, Dimensioning, and layers among others.

Price:

AutoCAD 2019 is only available through an online subscription which can be paid as monthly or annual installments. While monthly payments start from $195, discounts are available if you pay for longer periods of up to three years at $ 4,252.50 saving up to 10% off the price. We recommend that you make annual payments which are set at $1,575, this way you are free to discontinue use after one year if you wish.

2. ARCHICAD

ARCHICAD first appeared on the Computer-Aided Design field in the early eighties courtesy of Graphisoft, a Hungarian multinational software corporation. The company successfully released ARCHICAD in 1984 as the first Building Information Modeling software (BIM). BIM is a process in which functional and physical details concerning a specific design project can be generated and managed using computers or other digital platforms. The Building Information Models are used in architects, engineers, and construction (AEC) teams to better understand their projects and share information among stakeholders throughout the project lifespan.

ARCHICAD holds a special position for Mac users because it was primarily designed for the original Macintosh computer. It was also the first CAD software to have both 2D and 3D modeling capabilities on a personal computer.

ARCHICAD was mainly used by architects in the past, but with the increasing popularity of BIM technology, the program has become attractive to more players in the
CAD community. ARCHICAD is now used by building contractors, water engineers, civil engineers, and urban planners. The software is popular due to its versatility, ease of presentation, and smooth rendering abilities. Graphisoft has a continuous improvement policy and has led to the consistent release of a new version of ARCHICAD into the market annually for more than ten years. The latest version of the program, ARCHICAD 22, was released in June this year.

ARCHICAD Pros and Cons

Training:

ARCHICAD software comes equipped with various tools and options that help you to develop several designs efficiently. Due to the varied preferences and design objectives among users, Graphisoft has provided free ARCHICAD learning resources that can be accessed through the company website. These resources include Online Seminars, BIM Curriculum, Training Materials, and ARCHICAD books. The company also offers specially designed support for Students, Educators, and Schools. Finally, Graphisoft offers standardized ARCHICAD tests online. The tests are compared globally then the results are ranked and presented on the website.

Price:

The ARCHICAD software is distributed through a network of licensed vendors and the price is not directly available online. Nevertheless, the company has numerous vendors all over the world. The Graphisoft website has a ‘where to buy’ landing page links enabling you to select your region and zip code leading to a list of authorized ARCHICAD vendors in your vicinity and their contact information.

ARCHICAD is available either as a Professional or Educational Version. Unlike the professional version, the ARCHICAD Educational Version is not for sale, it is issued either by using a Student & Teacher Registration or an Academic License Registration. The steps to access the educational version are available on the Graphisoft website on the same ‘where to buy’ landing page previously mentioned.

Alternatively, it is possible to give ARCHICAD a test drive by downloading the free 30-day trial version from your selected vendor to experience the software first hand before buying it.

3. TurboCAD MAC

TurboCAD was first launched into the CAD market by IMSI, a British software firm, in 1986 and re-launched in 1990. This program was developed as a low-cost alternative to the market leader, AutoCAD. True to its origin, TurboCAD now offers some of the best computer-aided design solutions at a fraction of the price demanded by its competitors.

The 2018 TurboCAD Mac bundle consists of a range of three CAD programs developed for the Mac OS. These are TurboCAD Mac Pro v10, Mac Deluxe 2D/3D v10 and Mac Designer 2D v10. There is also a software add-on available known as the TurboCAD Mac v10 PowerPack, which is compatible with the Pro and Deluxe versions, boosting their overall performance and output.

TurboCAD Mac Pro v10 is superior to the deluxe version in every way. It is suitable for designing complex projects and is equipped with the powerful LightWorks Photorealistic Rendering Engine. Although it does not fully match up with AutoCAD, TurboCAD Pro is widely accepted as an affordable alternative. Other features include compatibility with various CAD file formats, and advanced industry-specific tools such as 3D Printing, Mesh, Surface, and ACIS® Solid modeling tools.

TurboCAD Mac Deluxe 2D/3D v10 is suitable for the creation and management of various detailed designs. It is a lightweight high-speed program capable of delivering precise design features. The program comes equipped with over 38,000 pre-drawn symbols and 1,000 pre-drawn plans to choose from. It is also compatible with all the popular CAD file formats in use today.

TurboCAD Pros and Cons

Training:

TurboCAD software is typically sold as a single purchase product, in that you do not need to make continuous monthly or annual payments for access to technical support. Nevertheless, the company offers proprietary TurboCAD Training and Certification packages which you can purchase from the TurboCAD website. Clients are able to select training guides that are compatible with their specific software. These are comprehensive guides that include several self-paced work sessions in animated video format that are easy to understand with step-by-step instructions on how to make designs.

It is also possible to access community forums through the TurboCAD website. These platforms allow you to ask questions and seek the help of seasoned users of the software who can help you find suitable solutions and shortcuts based on their experience.

Price:

The competitive price of TurboCAD software is one of its highest selling points. By offering a wide range of software options, the company is able to sell low-cost products to hobbyists and affordable versions for professionals. Below is a list of the latest TurboCAD programs available for Mac and their prices. It is useful to note that all these programs have free downloadable 30-day trial versions.

TURBOCAD FOR MAC PRICES

1. TurboCAD Mac Pro v10 & Power Pack Bundle – $599.99
2. TurboCAD Mac Pro v10 – $499.99
3. TurboCAD Mac Deluxe v10 & PowerPack Bundle – $199.99
4. TurboCAD Mac Deluxe 2D/3D v10 – $129.99
5. TurboCAD Mac v10 PowerPack – $99.99
6. TurboCAD Mac Designer 2D v10 – $69.99

4. ARES Commander

ARES Commander made our list mainly because of its versatility. This program was developed by Graebert, a German software company that has been in operation for more than 30 years. The first version of ARES commander hit the streets in 2010 and is the first advanced CAD software that can run seamlessly on Mac, Windows and Linux Operating Systems. This makes it possible to begin work on a Mac computer and continue in a Microsoft or Linux without losing any information.

ARES Commander has pushed compatibility boundaries further by setting up ‘The ARES Trinity of CAD’ solution which creates several mobility options for project designers, companies, and clients. The Trinity of CAD enables you to create, edit and share your DWG files anywhere in the world. It is a combination of three applications within the single ARES license. These are ARES Commander™, ARES Touch™, and ARES Kudo™.

ARES Commander™ is a conventional CAD application that is run on desktop computers or laptops and offers a lot of flexibility while creating your 2D or 3D DWG files. It is the main design center and contains all the options necessary to carry out heavy work in ARES.

ARES Touch™ is a full-featured Mobile CAD App for smartphones and tablets running the Android or iOS platforms. This App is excellent for viewing, editing, or sharing the DWG files on the go.

ARES Kudo™ consolidates the entire ARES family on a cloud-based CAD solution allowing you to access all the files created or edited in Ares Commander or Touch anytime and anywhere. Any changes made to files on Kudo are updated on Commander and Touch enabling clients and developers to be on the same page throughout the project lifespan. ARES Kudo runs on any browser by using its specific URL.

ARES Commander Pros and Cons

Training:

Graebert offers educational packages for ARES Commander through its Global Training Partners. In addition, Graebert has made various comprehensive training tutorials available through the Graebert TV channel on YouTube. Finally, for technical support issues, you can make direct inquiries on the Graebert Knowledgebase page on the company website.

Price:

ARES Commander offers the three Trinity of CAD programs all inclusive for one single payment per year. The license is available as an Annual Plan or Perpetual License.

The Annual Plan costs $250 and gives you access to all ARES emails and updates for one year. The Perpetual License, on the other hand, gives you a full ARES Commander License without time limitation and a one-year subscription of updates and emails for $795. Technical support for the Perpetual License can be renewed annually for $199.

5. Vectorworks 2019

Vectorworks, Inc. is a company that has a rich history in the development of revolutionary of CAD software. The company began in the mid-eighties as Diehl Graphsoft, Inc. before rebranding to Nemetschek Vectorworks. The company has served the industry well, producing viable solutions in the entertainment, architecture, construction, engineering, and landscape design industries for decades. The Vectorworks name came to the forefront in the year 2000 when the Nemetschek Group in Germany acquired the company and made Vectorworks, Inc. its main subsidiary in the USA.

Since then, Vectorworks has built on its strengths developing and distributing the cross-platform CAD software to cater for various design disciplines. The company developed the Vectorworks® Designer program to cater for the all-around CAD designer with a varying clientele. Due to the specific needs of individual design fields, Vectorworks has taken a step further to develop specialized CAD programs such as Vectorworks® Spotlight for the entertainment industry, Vectorworks® Landmark for landscapers and urban planners, Vectorworks® Architect for the building industry, and Vectorworks® Fundamentals for conventional 2D/3D design applications.

The Vectorworks Designer program bundles up all the functionality of Landmark, Architect, and Spotlight but is more expensive than each of them individually. The program is famous for its powerful rendering ability, high-quality 2D/3D design options, and a comprehensive BIM solution.

Vectorworks 2019 Pros and Cons

Training:

Vectorworks has various online and on-site training options accessible through the company website. The online programs include getting started guides, virtual classrooms, and customized online sessions. The on-site programs, on the other hand, require you to attend classes in person.

Price:

The most expensive program in the Vectorworks Family is Vectorworks Designer 2019 which retails at $4,813 because it is the most comprehensive version in the collection. Vectorworks Fundamentals is the simplest version and is available for $2,617. Vectorworks Architect, Spotlight and Landmark 2019 are each available for $3,715 on the company website.

For an extra $670, you get a membership to Vectorworks Service Select which gives you access to priority technical support, free updates, additional training, and extra learning resources. You will also have access to the web and mobile solutions such as Vectorworks Cloud Services and the apps for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire.

Conclusion

While there are not as many CAD programs for Macintosh as there are for Microsoft Windows, the few that exist are really awesome. Many software developers have begun moving towards designing cross-platform solutions so as to benefit from the Apple computers market. This list only scratches the surface, there are many more CAD software for iOS out there.

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:

Macintosh Cad Software

• 
  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.

Free Cad Software Download

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.

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.

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.