Best Free 2d Cad Software For Mac

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You’re probably going to reach a stopping point in case you’re looking for PC helped structure CAD software for Mac.

There are a lot of CAD programming choices for Windows—you’ll see a large number of them in our rundown of the top AutoCAD choices—however, just a bunch offer help for Mac.

Also, on the off chance that you think you’ll sidestep the issue by utilizing a cloud-based CAD apparatus, you’ll rapidly find that CAD sellers haven’t held onto the cloud as much as different kinds of programming merchants have. Hence, the contributions are still to a great extent on-premise.

As per Gartner’s Hype Cycle for IT Evolution, cloud-local CAD applications, despite everything, have five to 10 years before they arrive at standard reception.

List of Top 7 CAD Software for Mac to Use in 2021

MacDraft Pro is the 2D CAD software that makes it easy to design floor plans, architectural drawings, and illustrations simple on the Mac. Create detailed and professional 2D graphics in moments with this easy-to-use, powerful, and affordable drafting software. LibreCAD is a perfect free CAD software if you are a beginner looking for a program to start creating your 2D project and CAD drafting. It is an open-source CAD software available with Mac Windows and Linux. It is an easy program to get started with 2D design as it doesn’t require any subscriptions or license costs. Powerful software for 3D: BricsCAD. SketchUp is a CAD software that lets you create 2D and 3D drawings. It is designed for architects, designers, drafters, or engineers. The software is packed with a professional set of features, such as textures, animations, lighting effects, and layers.

In any case, dread not Mac clients. We’ve done some burrowing and have assembled this rundown of the top of the line CAD software for Mac. Peruse progressively about our system at the base of this article.

1. CorelCAD

CorelCAD offers 2D drafting and 3D plan abilities; for example, the drawing imperatives include for making distinctive geometric shapes quicker and the push and pull highlight for 3D direct demonstrating.

The short expectation to absorb information: Users notice that the apparatus is anything but difficult to utilize, and novices don’t need to invest a ton of energy learning it.

Similarity with numerous document types: Users like the way that the instrument is good with DWG, PDF, ACIS, DXF, STL, CDR, and other record positions.

Development organizations can utilize CorelCAD for shared altering on numerous gadgets.

It offers local iOS applications, which makes it simple for field groups to include explanations in designs and offer documents utilizing their iPhones and iPads.

Also, the apparatus permits colleagues to leave recorded messages and guidelines for partners implanted in the designs utilizing a voice note device.

2. FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open-source CAD instrument that chips away at Mac just as Windows and Linux. It peruses numerous normal record arrangements, for example, STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE.

It offers various modules, including a drawing sheets module that changes over 3D models into 2D sees, a rendering module that can send out 3D objects, and an engineering module for a BIM-like work process.

Also Read: Best Car Designing Software to Use

Highlight extravagance for a free instrument: Users notice that, even though it’s free, the device accompanies a full arrangement of highlights.

Dependability: Users notice that the instrument doesn’t request a great deal of CPU force and functions admirably on gadgets with low RAM.

FreeCAD gives off the impression of being best for specialists and home clients. It’s additionally useful for clients who don’t have a high spending plan for programming yet at the same time need to tinker with CAD displaying.

FreeCAD could likewise be a decent decision for organizations on a tight spending plan searching for a free and open-source alternative.

3. Fusion 360

Combination 360 is a CAD device from Autodesk with structure functionalities, for example, outlining and 3D displaying.

It additionally bolsters venture the executives with highlights, for example, task the board, archive the executives, and community-oriented picture altering.

Far-reaching configuration highlights: User notice that the device offers all the functionalities essential for 2D and 3D planning.

Accessibility of preparing assets: Users like the way that the instrument accompanies abundant documentation and instructional exercises.

Combination 360 is a piece of the Autodesk biological system intended for the AEC business.

This makes the instrument reasonable for development organizations that are as of now utilizing or mean to utilize other Autodesk arrangements.

Utilizing a product seller that offers different arrangements will particularly profit bigger organizations that perpetually need programming that can scale with their developing prerequisites.

4. LibreCAD

LibreCAD is an open-source CAD apparatus that bolsters Mac, Windows, and Linux working frameworks. The apparatus accompanies 2D drawing highlights, for example, a snap device, dimensioning, and explanations. It additionally bolsters numerous document imports and fares.

Usability: Users notice that the instrument offers a natural and simple to-utilize interface.

Bunches of instructional exercises: Users like the way that there are sufficient video instructional exercises that assist them with beginning with the apparatus.

LibreCAD is an only 2D CAD apparatus for drawing and planning diagrams of structures, formats of parks, and such.

As a free instrument, the arrangement can be utilized by small and medium-sized organizations across various enterprises, including fabricating, building, engineering, and development.

5. Onshape

Onshape is a cloud-just CAD arrangement that accompanies highlights, for example, record the board with adaptation control, community-oriented plan creation/altering capacities, and announcing dashboards to comprehend venture status.

Archive adaptation control: Users like the report the board highlights of the device, for example, variant history.

Instinctive interface: Users notice that the apparatus accompanies a natural interface for simple picture altering.

As a completely cloud-based apparatus, Onshape is perfect for organizations that need to oversee configuration records cooperatively with numerous partners.

The device’s joint effort functionalities incorporate report sharing, record altering, remarks, and document downloads in various CAD groups, for example, Parasolid, ACIS, STEP, and IGES.

6. BricsCAD for MAC

BricsCAD is an expert CAD bundle that joins amazing 3D demonstrating with cutting edge 2D configuration highlights.

BricsCAD is one of only a handful barely any CAD bundles that sudden spike in demand for all MAC, Windows, and Linux stages.

It is reasonable for a wide range of modern 2D and 3D structures; however, it has particular help for sheet metal plan.

BricsCAD utilizes what’s known as a quad cursor, which empowers originators to make complex, specialized drawings, 3D models, and mind-boggling designs rapidly.

One of a kind: Because it handles both 3D drawings and parametric congregations yet spares documents in DWG design.

BricsCAD contrasts well and AutoCAD, and it even gives a free book on the best way to change from AutoCAD to BricsCAD.

BricsCAD is an amazing AutoCAD for Mac elective with a large number of similar highlights yet without the membership estimating model.

Related: Best Transcription Software for Mac to Use

7. Rhino for MAC

Rhino for Mac is a particular 3D CAD software for MAC with an unwavering after apparently still perhaps the best program for natural 3D structure.

Rhino includes a device to do everything from making, altering, and rendering to invigorating, deciphering NURBS bends, and making polygon networks.

Economical: Rhino for Mac is a truly acceptable incentive for cash in light of a portion of the free structure 3D demonstrating highlights cost significantly more incomparable bundles, but then it despite everything stays ground-breaking enough for proficient requirements.

At the outset, numerous highlights were missing from the Mac adaptation of Rhino when contrasted with windows; however, these days, the two items are the equivalent. Just work meetings, movement devices, and a few orders are absent.

On the off chance that you simply need a 3D CAD application on your Mac without burning up all available resources, Rhino Mac is an amazing apparatus.

Eleggible’s Final Words

Picking the correct CAD software for Mac for your particular needs anyway relies upon whether you are an expert creator, understudy or just a novice hoping to do a smidgen of home or scene structure.

This report offers a blend of Mac CAD arrangements—from free apparatuses that can assist you with fundamental 2D attracting to cutting edge arrangements offering broad 3D demonstrating functionalities.

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.

  • Dassault Systemes is best known for its SolidWorks CAD program and CATIA, but they also release a more budget-friendly program that can run a Mac – the free software DraftSight. DraftSight is a free to use 2D CAD program based upon an open business model and caters to professional architects, engineers, and draftsmen.
  • This development has had both positive and negative effects on engineering software becoming native to the Mac platform. It has enabled anyone with Apple hardware to install CAD software for design and analysis. This in turn has provided software companies with a financial incentive to develop high-end programs for the Apple platform.
  • Sep 15, 2019 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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:

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  • 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.