Graphite is a 2D and 3D wireframe CAD software for Mac. The software is previously known as Vellum. It has a simple, easy to use user interface that helps creative people to create a precision drawing and Drafting without having any knowledge. With Graphite, the user can create 2D and 3D wireframe designs of immense complexity and precision detail. Determining the model on a Mac computer. The AutoCAD for Mac system requirements refer to a model identifier when describing the minimum or recommended Mac models to use with AutoCAD for Mac. For example: Apple Mac Pro® 4.1, MacBook Pro® 5.1, iMac® 8.1, Mac. AutoCAD for Mac software — it’s AutoCAD, for the Mac, bringing robust 3D free-form design tools and powerful drafting capabilities to your platform of choice.It takes full advantage of the Mac OS X platform, with an intuitive, graphical user interface that makes it easy to bring your ideas to life. It is industry-based CAD software and is so familiar that it gives a big-time competition to AutoCAD and is the best alternative for AutoCAD. VectorWorks is used to create 2D and 3D designs and provides BIM software solutions to help bring a designer’s dream come true in reality.
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.
SketchUp is one of the most widely used 3D modeling programs in the world. It has a fully functional free version, and the paid version simply adds another layer of depth to the software. SketchUp is a unique 3D modeling program in that you draw shapes and then extrude them by clicking and dragging to distance.
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)
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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.
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)
Best Autocad Software For Mac Windows 10
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.
Best Autocad Software For Mac Os
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.
You can view, edit or share .dwg files, the native file format for Autocad data files, without using AutoCAD. Developing a model is very easy and convenient in AutoCAD. The files or models you develop in AutoCAD can be viewed, edited to get more effects visually on it. Following is the list of few of the best-picked software for viewing and editing AutoCAD drawings.
Related:
DWG TrueView
DWGTrueView is the AutoCAD viewer software from Autodesk. The software is basically designed to view, markup and convert .DWG drawings. This software supports .dwg , .dwf and .dxf formats of Autodesk files. This desktop software is basically designed to enable you to view .dwg files and with the inclusion of DWG Trueconvert software, it lets you convert newer .dwg version files to work with older versions of AutoCAD.
A360 Viewer
A360 Viewer from Autodesk is the free online viewer software. The software does not require any downloads or plugins and works on your browser to let you view more than 50 file formats including .dwg file format. The software is basically designed to let you view, share, print and embed the AutoCAD files, including .dwg, .dwf and .dxf file formats. The software is available free of cost.
AutoDWG
AutoDWG is a free DWG file viewer. The key features of this software include a comfortable viewing of DWG or DXF files, print and batch print DWG files, easy measuring length and area with smart snap and tool for comparing two DWG files. You can also go for pro version to get features like DWG to image and PDF conversion and ability to publish markup in PDF and Image file.
eDrawings Professional for Windows
eDrawingProfessional is the AutoCAD viewer software built basically for Windows platform users. The software allows you to view your designs and concepts in the context of the real world. You can get 3D and 2D drawings of your 2D drawings with high size reductions without compromising the quality. The software is the easiest way to share 3D data across multiple CAD environments.
AutoCAD 360 for Android
AutoCAD360 is the software specifically designed for Android platform users. Keyboard and mouse for macbook air. The software is free of cost DWG Viewing Software, with easy to use drawing and drafting tools that allow you to view, create, edit and share AutoCAD drawings across mobile devices. The key features of this software include a free 30-day trial of pro version, accurate measuring while on-site, multi-touch zoom and pan to easily navigate large drawings, work offline and sync your changes once online and plot designs to PDF or DWF and share them via email.
Best Autocad Software For Mac Versions
Microspot DWG Viewer for Mac
Microspot DWG Viewer is the DWG viewer software basically designed for Mac platform users. You can open your DWG and DXF file with this software with ease and without any file size restrictions. Also, you can export your annotated file as an Adobe PDF compatible file. You can also control the visibility of the layers stored within the DWG file. There is also provision for providing texts and highlighting key areas of the DWG file.
Most Popular DWG Viewer – DWGSee
DWGSee is the most popular DWG viewer software. The software supports viewing and printing of DWG files with batch printing feature. You can measure and markup length, angle, and radius with Smart Snap technology of this software. The software also lets you convert and publish files in PDF, JPG, and PNG. The software has a pro version which offers additional features to let you annotate the DWG files.
How to Install AutoCAD Viewer?
Autocad For Mac Os
Many of the AutoCAD viewer software listed above offer a setup file, allowing an easy installation of the software. Few of the software in this category are web-based, giving you access from anywhere with just one requirement of internet connectivity. AutoCAD viewer software is basically designed to enable the viewing of DWG files and has compatibility with wide versions of AutoCAD file formats.
While some software in this category offers free service for the basic need of viewing DWG files, the number of files to be printed and the annotation feature gets limited for the free version. If you are looking for fully featured software with some annotation feature along with batch printing, the paid ones are for you. Each software offering some unique feature over others, it’s the question of personal preferences for selecting one of the best software listed here.