Free Engineering Design Software For Mac
The Best Free Graphic Design Software app downloads for Mac: SketchUp Adobe Illustrator CS6 Sweet Home 3D Microspot DWG Viewer V-Ray for SketchUp Silh. CAD software for engineering tends towards specialization— the tools you've mentioned are all pretty specialized. The dominance of Windows as a development platform coupled with the relatively small size of individual Engineering markets (which ar.
Use these free 3D modeling software solutions to quickly turn your design ideas into realistic 3D construction models.
3d Design Software For Mac
Construction professionals are constantly coming up with new ideas for innovative designs, and it’s helpful to have software that can quickly turn these ideas into three-dimensional (3D) representations.3D modeling software allows construction professionals to transform their designs and blueprints into lifelike models and lets artists clearly visualize the dimensions of their building designs before construction is complete.
There are several 3D modeling software tools available on the market, each with varying capabilities. And if you thought that buying one will cost you a lot of money, think again! Samsung scan manager download.
We’ve analyzed over 100 free design software options in Capterra directories and evaluated user reviews to identify the five best free 3D modeling software solutions (listed alphabetically). You can read our complete product selection methodology here.
5 best free 3D modeling construction software
BIMx
Live Home 3D
Onshape
SketchUp
SkyCiv Structural 3D
Note: Some of these software tools are listed as computer-aided design (CAD), but we chose them because they also offer 3D modeling options for intricate and precise designs and are a good option for users who simply want to do basic 3D design without any animation or texture painting.
1. BIMx
BIMx is a project presentation and collaboration software with integrated 2D and 3D navigation for building projects. Its cloud-integrated workflows and intuitive user interface make project management easier for architects and designers working on building information models and architectural documentation.
Engineering Design Software For Mac
3D models in BIMx (Source)
BIMx helps users design interactive 3D models of buildings. Builders, clients, and consultants can use these 3D models to give prospects virtual tours of projects before construction is completed.
We analyzed user reviews for BIMx to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The software UI is intuitive. | A steep learning curve to master key commands. |
| Virtual tours allow customers to view every dimension of a property even before construction is complete. | The desktop version is less functional than the mobile version. |
How much does BIMx cost? | |
| BIMx offers a basic free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to the paid version for additional features. | |
2. Live Home 3D
Live Home 3D is an interior and home design software that allows users to create 3D environments that give the actual look and feel of building interiors. It’s mostly used by solo architects and small teams of startup designers working on home interiors.
3D view in Live Home 3D ( Source)
Live Home 3D automatically suggests and generates 3D views of floor plans. Users can either design their own floor plan or import an external image to extract a design and recreate it. In both cases, the software offers users the option of converting their design into a 3D plan.
We analyzed user reviews for Live Home 3D to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The software’s UI is easy to use. | Not many terrain options are available. Even demo projects have the same standard terrain. |
| Users can choose a wide range of colors and furniture for their models. | The UI could be aesthetically improved, and the walkthrough mode is difficult to control. |
How much does Live Home 3D cost? | |
| Live Home 3D offers a free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to its paid version, Live Home 3D Pro, for a one-time payment of $19.99. | |
3. Onshape
Onshape is cloud-based 3D CAD software that offers top-down designs with multipart modeling and in-context editing. It’s useful for designers, engineers, and manufacturers who want the flexibility of working from anywhere on any device.
3D section view in Onshape (Source)
As a SaaS-based tool, Onshape uses online databases to store data, eliminating the need for any physical servers and other IT infrastructure costs.
We analyzed user reviews for Onshape to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A fast learning curve. Anyone with basic CAD knowledge can operate the software with ease. | Since Onshape is cloud-based, it lacks offline caching. Therefore, models have to be constantly reloaded during poor connectivity. |
| Users have access to detailed instructional videos to understand primary features. | Since the software operates via browsers, designing large models can be difficult. |
How much does Onshape cost? | |
| Onshape’s free version has limited features, but users can upgrade to its paid version, which costs $125 per user per month and is billed annually ($1,500). | |
4. SketchUp
SketchUp is CAD software that allows users to design and edit 3D models of interiors, landscapes, and more. It assists in end-to-end designing, starting from the earliest design stage to the end of construction. It can be used by architects and interior designers for different designing steps, such as initial diagramming, design development, detailing, documentation, and requests for information (RFI).
3D construction model in SketchUp (Source)
SketchUp allows users to include lighting effects, texture paintings, and animations in their design models. It also offers a wide range of symbols and predesigned models that allow designers to achieve desired outputs.
We analyzed user reviews for SketchUp to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The software modules are easy to navigate, even for beginners. | SketchUp cannot be integrated with other design software. |
| Besides drawing and sketching options, the software also offers built-in features such as animations, lighting, and texture effects. | Customer support isn’t responsive, and most queries are answered only via online message boards. |
How much does SketchUpcost? | |
| The basic version (web only) of SketchUp is free, but users can upgrade to the paid version, SketchUp Shop (web only), for $119 per user, per year or the pro version, SketchUp Pro (both desktop and web), at $299 per user, per year. | |
5. SkyCiv Structural 3D
SkyCiv Structural 3D is cloud-based structural analysis and design software that allows users to model, analyze, and design 3D structures. Due to its structural analysis capabilities, the software is well-suited for civil, mechanical, and structural engineers.
3D structural analysis in SkyCiv Structural 3D (Source)
SkyCiv Structural 3D allows users to analyze structural factors, such as bending, shear, stress, and deflection. Since the software is cloud-based, it requires no installation and works completely online.
We analyzed user reviews for SkyCiv Structural 3D to understand what buyers liked and areas they felt could be improved. Here’s what we found.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A fast learning curve. | Only a limited number of structural analysis methods are available. |
| The customer support team is quick to respond. | The software’s mobile app interface for iPhones isn’t intuitive. |
How much does PRODUCT cost? | |
| SkyCiv Structural 3D offers a free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to the paid (basic) version at $69 per user, per month or the professional version at $109 per user, per month. | |
The final decision: Which free 3D modeling construction software to buy?
Our list of the five best free 3D modeling solutions can get you started with your software search, but the right fit depends on your design needs.
We recommend the following approach to make your ultimate decision:
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If you’ve used or are currently using free 3D modeling construction software that works well for you, tell us about it in the comments section below.
Product selection methodology
To be considered for this list, products had to offer a free, stand-alone version of the software and not a trial version wherein users have to purchase the product after the trial period.
A product was classified as 3D modeling construction software if it contained the core 3D modeling and collaboration features and at least one design feature, such as design analysis, design templates, or design export.
We analyzed nearly 150 products from our engineering CAD software, architecture software, and BIM software market categories to identify these free products. To be selected, each product had to have a minimum user rating of 4 out of 5 on Capterra as of January 6, 2020.
Note: Listed pros and cons are derived from features listed on the product website and product user reviews on Gartner Digital Markets domains (Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice). They do not represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Capterra or its affiliates.
Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.
Building your very own boat or ship requires proper designs so that it gets the required amount of stiffness and stability. If you’re on the lookout for a certain tool or software which helps to design part of a boat, then the Boat Design Software is the right choice to make. This article describes some of the widely used Boat Design Software tools which help to create load plans and design crucial parts of a boat.
Related:
AutoShip
AutoShip Systems Corporation is a Boat Design Software tool used for vessel design, construction of interiors, on-board rigidness, customized load and stability monitoring. It comes with a load planning software and is used with load planning modules. The created load plans allow more optimal loading in a short span of time.
FREE!ship
FREE!ship is a surface modeling program used in designing the interiors of ships, yachts, and boats. Design all sorts of hull shapes using subdivision surfaces provided by this Boat Design Software tool. Blend parts, unfold surfaces and shape out the different portions of the boat using the various options available in the workspace.
Ashlar-CAD & 3D Modeling
Ashlar-CAD & 3D Modeling is a handy Boat Design Software tool used by marine designers who work with all sorts of spare parts and designs. Use this handy tool to design sailboats, hulls, power boats and loads of other marine hardware parts. This tool supports all devices using Mac or Windows OS.
PolyCAD
PolyCAD is a Boat Design Software tool which can be used by both amateurs as well as professional users. It comes with several features which help in designing yacht lines, ship lines, hulls and other interior parts of a boat or ship. The trial version of this software is also available for download.
Boat Design Software for other Platforms
Search Boat Design software, free download to find the various tools that are available for download. These software tools are compatible with most of the devices and can be downloaded for free. Choose the best one from the long list of categories and install it to start the design process.
Touch CAD for Mac
TouchCAD is a 3D modeling and unfolds program which helps to create complex 3D objects with ease. These objects can be converted using this Boat Design Software tool to form models that help in building physical parts. This tool is used in marine design, reversed engineering, architectural designs, sculptures, etc.
X3NavalD – Boat Design for Windows
X3NavalD, Boat Design Software tool is a computer aided design tool which is designed using Java programming language. Use this tool to create hard surfaced hulls and several design plans to shape out the final design of the physical components. A preview of a hard-chinned boat is provided as a reference.
Most Popular Software – 3DBoatDesign
3DBoatDesign is the most popular Boat Design Software used to build and customize your very own boat. The various design features help in the easy design of the interior parts and surfaces. Shape out the final design to get an idea of the various parts to be included using this plywood boat design software tool. You can also see Home Design Software
What is Boat Design Software?
Boat Design Software can be used to build and shape out your very own boat using the advanced design features. Special purpose software tools are also available and these tools can be used to focus on a particular part of the boat. For example, Boat hull design software tool is used to shape out the hull and add rigidness to it. You can also see Pattern Design Software
Perfect designs can be shaped out using the design features of a wooden boat design software tool. The vessel parts, hull shape, the thickness of the wood and other interior parts can be accurately designed using this Boat Design Software tool.
Boat Design Software tools can be downloaded for free from various websites. Search for ship design software, free download to get open source software tools and start designing your very own ship. Install any of the above-mentioned tools to complete the design process and start building parts for your boat.