Shapr3D vs SolveSpace: catalog facts
 Shapr3D |  SolveSpace |
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Best for: Touch-first parametric CAD app originally built for iPad, now on desktop |
Best for: Designing small mechanical parts parametrically for 3D printing or machining |
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Free + paid options Free to start; paid subscription unlocks full professional features. |
Free Free and open source under the GPL. |
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Windows, macOS, iOS |
Windows, macOS, Linux |
- Touch and stylus-first interface makes early-stage sketching and modeling feel natural
- Available across iPad, Windows, and macOS with a shared workflow
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- Real parametric constraint solving, so dimensions drive the model
- Exports STL, STEP and DXF for 3D printing and machining
All 4 strengths for SolveSpace- Real parametric constraint solving, so dimensions drive the model
- Exports STL, STEP and DXF for 3D printing and machining
- Handles assemblies and simple mechanism analysis
- A very small download compared with any other parametric CAD package
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- Full feature set and best experience still centers on iPad with Apple Pencil
- Free tier is limited compared to paid subscription plans
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- The interface is bare and the workflow unlike mainstream CAD packages
- Not suited to large or highly complex assemblies
All 4 limitations for SolveSpace- The interface is bare and the workflow unlike mainstream CAD packages
- Not suited to large or highly complex assemblies
- Official binaries are for Windows and macOS; Linux comes via Flatpak, Snap or distribution packages
- Documentation is thinner than commercial alternatives
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Downloadable app |
Downloadable app |
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Not open source |
Open source |
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License not stated |
License: GPL-3.0 |
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Not stated if an account is needed |
No account needed |
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Not stated if it works offline |
Offline features available |
Sources for Shapr3DCatalog checked September 22, 2026 |
Sources for SolveSpaceCatalog checked September 21, 2026 |
“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.
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