3D Scanning for FREE by just shooting Video with your Smartphone. Okay this is not an app but it is my personal new method of choice for capturing 3D on the go. Simply shoot video — preferably in 4K — and process it when you come back home on a Windows PC running the new, FREE version of 3DF Zephyr. 3D modeling is the process of using software to create a mathematical representation of a 3-dimensional object or shape. The created object is called a 3D model and these 3-dimensional models are used in a variety of industries.

In the old days, Macs used to be way behind PCs when it came to CAD software. Nowadays that’s all changed and there are some superb Computer Aided Design packages available for Mac users.

Of course, there are still a few major titles such as Solidworks which still isn’t available on Mac but from incredibly user friendly 2D CAD software like SmartDraw to industry leading professional 2D/3D CAD apps like AutoCAD & AutoCAD LTthe options are better than ever.

All of the following apps can handle 2D CAD design and the most powerful ones are suitable for 3D design and modelling too.

If you’re looking for something to redesign your home with, you might find our look at the best home design software for Mac useful too.

Here then is our list of the best CAD software on Mac in order of ranking.

1. SmartDraw (Easiest For 2D CAD)

If you’re looking for something powerful for 2D CAD design but amazingly easy to use and value for money, SmartDraw is the best 2D CAD software for Mac on the market.

SmartDraw is incredibly flexible because it can be used both as a powerful diagramming alternative to Microsoft Visio but also as a powerful but extremely user friendly CAD tool for 2D design.

What we really like about doing 2D CAD with SmartDraw is:

40,000+ Quick Start Templates: SmartDraw has more templates than any other CAD tool on Mac with everything from floor plans and office plans to electrical schematics, mechanical and architectural designs.
CAD Automation: As you add elements, SmartDraw also automatically “snaps” everything together to help keep your designs organized, symmetrical and connected. It basically automates the often annoying fiddly aspects to CAD design and this we find incredibly time saving and stress reducing.
34,000 Symbols & Objects: We’ve never seen so many high quality vector symbols and objects in a 2D tool than you can drag and drop into designs.
Value For Money: Compared to most 2D CAD software on this level, it’s not outrageously expensive plus you’re not only getting a CAD software, you’re getting an entire host of other diagramming tools.

You can get started now with SmartDraw for free to see exactly what it can do.

You can also check out our full SmartDraw review for Mac & PC for an in-depth look at everything it can do.

2. AutoCAD LT / AutoCAD (25% Off Until July 31st – Best For 2D/3D CAD)

AutoCAD is one of the CAD industry’s leading tools but it wasn’t until 2010 that Autodesk finally released AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT for Mac. You can download AutoCAD LT as a Mac desktop client and you can also use it online via the AutoCAD LT web app.

Th full version of AutoCAD does both 2D and 3D design but if you don’t need 3D modelling, AutoCAD LT is 75% cheaper than the full version of AutoCAD and excellent value for money for a CAD tool on this level.

Both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are incredibly professional tools that virtually invented the industry standard DWG file format.

Here’s a few of the reasons we like AutoCAD LT 2019 and AutoCAD so much:

They’re both powerful & easy to learn: Many architects start life learning the ropes on AutoCAD products because it’s powerful but has an extremely intuitive interface that makes it easy to get to grips with.
TouchBar support: AutoCAD is one of the only CAD drafting tools which supports the TouchBar on the latest Macs. We find this seriously speeds-up your workflow because you don’t have to use the TouchPad or mouse all the time. This shows that Autodesk take Mac users seriously and aren’t just pushing the Windows version onto macOS like many developers do.

Superb web & mobile apps: The latest version of AutoCAD LT 2019 allows you to edit via a web browser and on your iPad or iPhone. The AutoCAD mobile and web apps are extremely close to the desktop version meaning you can edit projects anywhere.
The 3D modelling features are amazing: AutoCAD produces probably some of the most stunning results on retina Macs you’ll see in any CAD software (although this is not available in AutoCAD LT).
Value for money: AutoCAD LT costs 75% less than AutoCAD and you can always upgrade to AutoCAD later if you need 3D capabilities. With AutoCAD LT, you’re basically getting the same product as AutoCAD for a quarter of the cost only without the 3D features. You can see exactly how AutoCAD LT compares to AutoCAD here.

You can also currently get 20% off 1 year and 25% off 3 year subscriptions on AutoCAD products only until July 31st 2019. You can choose to pay month-to-month and cancel at any time.

Note that if you’re based in Europe, you have to use the Autodesk Europe store to buy AutoCAD software.

Those in the UK need to go direct to the Autodesk UK store.

When it comes to professional architecture, engineering and construction blueprints, AutoCAD LT & AutoCAD For Mac are industry leading tools.

3. TurboCAD Mac Deluxe

If you don’t want subscription based software and need an intermediate level CAD solution, TurboCAD Mac Deluxe is an affordable standalone desktop 2D and 3D CAD tool for Mac.

TurboCAD is already a major player on Windows providing strong competition for AutoCAD although it’s still not as well known on Mac.

TurboCAD uses the same engine as the highly respected Solidworks but has a more ViaCAD style interface.

TurboCAD Mac Deluxe is far more user-friendly than both Solidworks and ViaCAD however and is ideal for designing floor plans, diagrams, and illustrations.

One particularly nice feature is the ability to open 3D DWG (AutoCAD files) and even convert them into 2D with top and bottom side views.

TurboCAD Mac Deluxe is a good choice for those new to CAD as it has lots of online help and video tutorials to familiarize you with the interface.

One of the best things about TurboCAD Deluxe is the price.

At $129.99 for a standalone 2D/3D CAD software, it’s extremely good value for money compared to similar apps.

Although TurboCAD Deluxe is too lightweight for professonal use, there is also an advanced version of TurboCAD (see TurboCAD Mac Pro below) which gives even AutoCAD a run for its money.

4. TurboCAD Mac Pro

TurboCAD Mac Pro is a more powerful version of TurboCAD Mac Deluxe and provides a cost effective alternative to AutoCAD.

Compared to TurboCAD Mac Deluxe, the Pro version has a much better 64-bit user interface, integrated Redway drawing engine, Page Layout wizard, BOM and mating tools.

The Mac version of TurboCAD is also easier to use than the Windows version of TurboCAD as it allows you to customize the palette and interface pretty much any way you want.

You can design almost anything in TurboCAD Pro from something as simple as designing a bike to creating the blueprint for an entire building.

There’s also a TurboCAD Pro Powerpack for an extra $99 which adds support for things such as 3D printing, advanced design and BIM.

Although TurboCAD Pro doesn’t quite match-up to industry heavyweight AutoCAD, TurboCAD Mac Pro costs $499.99 which is considerably cheaper than an AutoCAD subscription.

Unlike AutoCAD, there’s no subscription either although bear in mind you will have to pay for major updates.

1. SmartDraw (Easiest For 2D CAD)

2. AutoCAD LT / AutoCAD (25% Off Until July 31st – Best For 2D/3D CAD)

3. TurboCAD Mac Deluxe

4. TurboCAD Mac Pro

5. Fusion 360

Free 3d App For Mac