Alternatives to Shapr3D
Touch-first parametric CAD app originally built for iPad, now on desktop. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Shapr3D
Touch-first parametric CAD app originally built for iPad, now on desktop.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Shapr3D.
Autodesk Fusion 360
Cloud-connected parametric CAD, CAM, and CAE platform with a free personal tier.
Autodesk Fusion 360 adds CAM and simulation on Windows and macOS with a free personal tier, but it has no iPad app and relies on cloud connectivity.
Onshape
Fully browser-based parametric CAD platform with real-time collaboration.
Onshape runs entirely in a browser with real-time collaboration and version history, but needs a stable internet connection and its free tier makes projects public.
SolidWorks
Industry-standard parametric CAD software for 3D design and product development.
SolidWorks is an industry-standard Windows desktop CAD package with deep assembly and simulation features, but it lacks a touch-first interface and is costly.
FreeCAD
A parametric 3D modeller for real objects: design by sketching constrained 2D shapes, then change the parameters later.
FreeCAD is free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux with parametric sketches and production drawings, but it has no iPad version and a long learning curve.
Solid Edge
Mainstream parametric CAD software with a free Community edition.
Solid Edge is Windows-only parametric CAD with a free Community edition from Siemens, without the touch and stylus interface Shapr3D is built around.
SolveSpace
A tiny parametric 2D and 3D CAD program built around a constraint solver, for designing real parts.
SolveSpace is a small free open source parametric CAD program with a constraint solver for Windows, macOS and Linux, though its interface is bare and mouse-driven.
Plasticity
Model solid and surface forms with CAD tools aimed at visual design.
Plasticity is a paid CAD tool for Windows, macOS and Linux aimed at artistic hard-surface modeling, combining precise modeling with direct shape manipulation.
Zoo Design Studio
A mechanical CAD application on Zoo's own geometry engine, with a built-in conversational CAD agent.
Zoo Design Studio is a freemium mechanical CAD app on Windows, macOS, Linux and web with a built-in AI agent, but it is younger than established packages.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Shapr3D as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Alibre Atom3D
Design mechanical parts and assemblies with a desktop CAD application.
Shapr3D offers touch and stylus-first parametric modeling on iPad, Windows and macOS, with a limited free tier and paid subscriptions.
Autodesk Inventor
Parametric 3D CAD software for mechanical design, simulation and engineering documentation.
Shapr3D provides touch-first parametric CAD on iPad, Windows and macOS with a free tier, and its best experience centres on iPad with Apple Pencil.
DesignSpark Mechanical
A direct-modelling 3D CAD program with push-pull tools, aimed at engineers and makers without deep CAD experience.
Shapr3D is freemium touch-first parametric CAD for iPad, Windows and macOS, suited to stylus sketching, though the best experience still centers on iPad.
MoI 3D
Create precise curves and surfaces with a streamlined NURBS modeler.
Shapr3D moves to touch and stylus-first parametric CAD on iPad, Windows and macOS, with a limited free tier rather than a paid-only licence.
Rhinoceros
Create and edit precise freeform 3D models for design and fabrication.
Shapr3D moves to touch and stylus-first parametric CAD on iPad, Windows and macOS with a limited free tier, rather than freeform NURBS surface modelling.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Gravity Sketch
An immersive 3D design workspace for sketching, reviewing and collaborating on products in VR.
KeyShot
Commercial real-time 3D rendering software for producing product visuals from CAD data.
Nomad Sculpt
Sculpt and paint 3D models with a touch-oriented modeling application.
