For professional 3D designers and tech-savvy hobbyists, Shapr3D is ideal owing to its adaptive UI, wide supporting formats and smooth sketch-to-model process. However, for those seeking a broad engineering platform without cost, FreeCAD, with extendable functionality, comprehensive support and open-source nature, makes a powerful choice.

Comparing Shapr3D and FreeCAD

Key Differences Between Shapr3D and FreeCAD

  • UI: Shapr3D has an adaptive, easy-to-navigate UI, while FreeCAD may require coding skills.
  • Cost: Shapr3D is a subscription-based service, whereas FreeCAD is open source and free of charge.
  • Platform: Shapr3D runs only on Apple Pro Products, while FreeCAD is compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows.
  • Functionality: Shapr3D leverages Parasolid modeling kernel and D-Cubed Sketch engine for superior design capabilities. FreeCAD extends its functions via Python and is adaptable via plugins.
  • Support: Shapr3D supports a wide range of export formats while FreeCAD has robust community support with over 25,000 active forum members.
  • Application Area: Shapr3D is mainly targeted at 3D designers and mechanical engineers. FreeCAD’s usage extends beyond mechanical engineering to architecture, electrical, and construction.
  • 3D to 2D Conversion: Shapr3D allows importing images into 2D drawings, while FreeCAD uses a 2D component for 3D to 2D drawing conversion.
Comparison Shapr3D FreeCAD
3D CAD Compatibility Yes Yes
Availability on Apple Devices Yes No
Use of Adaptive UI Yes No
Modeling Process Time Hours Varies
Design Flexibility Design anytime using sync feature Adaptable via plugins
Export Formats Supported X_T, STEP, STL, OBJ, 2D DXF, 2D DWG, IGES, 3MF, SVG DXF, SVG, STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ, DAE, SCAD, IV, IFC
Import Formats Supported SLDPRT, STL, STEP, IGES, X_T, 2D DWG, 2D DXF, JPG, PNG Depends on extension/module
User Ratings 4.8/5 (2.4K ratings on Apple Store) Varies
Target User Base Makers and hobbyists with 3D printers, professional 3D designers, mechanical engineers, and industrial designers Mechanical engineers, architects, construction, and electrical engineers, with expansion potential for more disciplines
Price Free to $239 annual subscription Free
Software Integration Siemens geometric Parasolid modeling kernel and D-Cubed sketch engine Open-source libraries, e.g., Open CASCADE Technology, Coin3D, Qt GUI, Python with CADENAS integration
Growth Metrics Quadrupled within 12 months after Parasolid integration Over 25,000 active forum members
Supporting Documentation Available on official website Active forum and community

What Is Shapr3D and Who’s It For?

Shapr3D is an intuitive 3D CAD Modeling App designed for efficient sketch-to-model transformations. Built with support for Sierra’s geometric Parasolid modeling kernel and D-Cubed sketch engine, it’s ideal for industrial professionals and hobbyists alike. Perfectly tailored to the needs of users equipped with Apple Pro Products, this flexible and accurate designing tool transforms ideas into reality within hours.

Equally beneficial for 3D enthusiasts with printers, mechanical engineers, and industrial designers, it’s rated 4.8 out of 5 on the Apple Store and provides a multitude of export options. Shapr3D enables seamless transitioning between projects and cost-effective design alternatives, with subscriptions ranging from free to $239 annually.

Colorful image of a professional 3D designer working on Shapr3D in a modern tech office

Pros of Shapr3D

  • Runs natively on Apple Pro Products
  • Adaptive UI ensures accurate models
  • Cost effective with multiple subscription options
  • Excellent customer rating of 4.8/5
  • Supports wide range of export formats

Cons of Shapr3D

  • Application is not free beyond the basic version
  • Limited to Apple products

What Is FreeCAD and Who’s It For?

FreeCAD is a general-purpose 3D CAD modeler with FEM support, catering to a wide range of users. From mechanical engineers to architecture and construction professionals, FreeCAD provides versatile functionality and extendable features through Python.

Free and open-source, this tool matches capabilities with prominent software suites like CATIA, Creo, and SolidWorks. FreeCAD’s unique blend of feature-based parametric modeler and modular architecture extends to multiple OS platforms such as Linux, macOS, and Windows. It’s cherished by over 25,000 active forum members worldwide.

Colorful depiction of an engineer using FreeCAD in a bustling open-source community workspace

Pros of FreeCAD

  • Free and open-source with extendable features
  • Broad platform compatibility including Linux, macOS, and Windows
  • Encompasses a wide operational range from MCAD, PLM, to CAx, CAE
  • Active community with over 25,000 members

Cons of FreeCAD

  • Limited capabilities for 2D drawing, animation
  • License issues with DWG support

Shapr3D vs FreeCAD: Pricing

Shapr3D pricing ranges from free to $239 annually, while FreeCAD is open-source and entirely free of cost.

Shapr3D

Shapr3D offers a pricing model that includes a free version as well as different subscription options up to a maximum annual price of $239. It deems itself worth the cost, providing a robust 3D CAD modelling application with distinct features favourable to professional 3D designers, mechanical engineers, and industrial designers.

FreeCAD

In contrast, FreeCAD operates an open-source platform, making it a costless solution. It extends broad-ranging features for a general-purpose 3D CAD modeler and BIM software, making it a value-packed option at zero cost amid MCAD, PLM, CAx, and CAE categories.

FreeCAD vs Shapr3D: Your Best Bet?

Engage in the final lap of our discourse weighing FreeCAD and Shapr3D to rule your technology choice.

Web Developers & Software Engineers

As Web Developers & Software Engineers, requiring advanced modeling and exporting options, definitively you’ll lean to Shapr3D. Featuring Siemens geometric Parasolid modeling, a broad range of export-import formats, it unravels an exhaustive spectrum for proficient programming.

  • Adaptive UI
  • Seamless project switching
  • Extensive support network

Web developers focusing on a dual-monitor setup, creating 3D models with Shapr3D

Hobbyists & 3D Printing Enthusiasts

For Hobbyists & 3D Printing Enthusiasts, FreeCAD stands superior. Its cost-effectiveness intertwined with an open-source ethos ensures hobbyists get the maximum value.

  • Free and Open-Source
  • Extensive plugin support
  • Active online community

Hobbyist with 3D printer designing a model using FreeCAD

Architects & Mechanical Engineers

If you’re an Architect or a Mechanical Engineer, Shapr3D warrants your attention – the integration of D-Cubed sketch engine and the ability to import images into 2D drawings tips the scale in its favor.

Mechanical engineer designing a complex component using Shapr3D

Construction & Electrical Engineers

Leveraging FreeCAD seems paramount for Construction & Electrical Engineers. Surpassing boundaries of 3D modeling, FreeCAD pushes for simulations and extends itself to the AEC engineering with its Arch Module.

Construction engineer utilizing FreeCAD to design a building structure

Professionals Steering Towards BIM Software

Providence bows to FreeCAD transforming itself into an incredible choice for professionals leaning towards BIM software. Its functionality aligning with industry giants like CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks, and Revit renders it a keen ally in your technological arsenal.

Architecture professional working on a BIM model using FreeCAD

Unfolding competent stacks on either end, your choice between Shapr3D and FreeCAD boils down to specific requirements. While Shapr3D fuels precision & has wide exporting capabilities, FreeCAD, with its open-source ethos & extensive adaptability, tailors endless possibilities.

Tiffany Brise

Content writer @ Aircada, patiently awaiting a consumer AR headset that doesn’t suck.

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