Here at Scan2CAD, we like to keep our readers informed on all the biggest CAD software available. If you're one of our regular readers or just a general CAD user, you should be more than familiar with the flagship software from Dassault Systèmes—SolidWorks. We've discussed in the past the advantages to using such a product. Unfortunately, not all CAD users can afford to invest in SolidWorks. So, what can we do? Simply invest instead in affordable SolidWorks alternatives.
- Inventor Alternative For Mac Shortcut
- Inventor Alternative For Mac Os
- Inventor Alternative For Mac Pro
Autodesk Inventor Alternatives for Mac Autodesk Inventor is not available for Mac but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on macOS with similar functionality. The most popular Mac alternative is FreeCAD, which is both free and Open Source.
Our guide will show you our top 5 affordable SolidWorks alternatives including prices, feature comparisons and much more.
- Alternatives to AutoCAD. Compare AutoCAD alternatives for your business or organization using the curated list below. SourceForge ranks the best alternatives to AutoCAD in 2021. Compare features, ratings, user reviews, pricing, and more from AutoCAD competitors and alternatives.
- Autodesk Inventor Alternatives for Mac. Autodesk Inventor is not available for Mac but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on macOS with similar functionality. The most popular Mac alternative is FreeCAD.
- I would hope Adesk is putting my subscription $ towards win64 not Linux! -Tom 'David Burton' wrote in message news:4073ea95$11@newsprd01. The only thing going for Mac OS now is that it is based on a Unix kernel - I could see AutoDesk looking at the Linux/Unix market as having more upside now with many foreign governments specifying open source alternatives for operating systems.
- While Inventor or Revit does not currently have a native Macintosh version, you can still install Revit and Inventor on a Mac in virtualized environments including Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion. We also support these products via Boot Camp, part of Mac OS X that lets you install and run Windows (and Windows-based applications) on a Mac.
It's easy to see why SolidWorks is so popular across industries, hobbyists and students. With 2D, 3D and parametric capabilities, SolidWorks has a lot to offer. If you're looking to buy if for yourself however, you might end up setting yourself back. There are three different versions of SolidWorks currently available (excluding industry-specific packages):
- Standard: $3,995
- Professional: $5,490
- Premium: $7,995
You can expect additional costs on top of these prices if you want a one-year subscription service. If you're a CAD professional or part of a larger business, this price will be more than paid back by the high-quality output. For those of you who see themselves as a pure hobbyist or living on a tight budget, you might want to look beyond SolidWorks.
If you're a student, you can get SolidWorks for free—see our students' guide to CAD to find out what else you can get for free. If you'd prefer not to have to spend any money, we've got the perfect answer—14 top free CAD packages to download. Bear in mind that they won't have a fraction of the capabilities offered by software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD, but that's usually a given with free software. If you're looking for software that offers some, if not all, of SolidWorks' functionalities and features, then keep on reading.
- Operating System: Windows
- Price: $1,890/year or $5,670/three years
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
If you like to frequent our blog, you should be more than familiar with CAD giant Autodesk. Although we tend to focus predominantly on AutoCAD, we're going to look here at another popular Autodesk product—Inventor. Offering solutions for 3D mechanical design, simulation and communication, Inventor is a direct competitor of SolidWorks. Additionally, it comes with powerful parametric and freeform modeling tools.
Head-to-head comparison
For SolidWorks users, Inventor might be an interesting software package to get to grips with. Why? While SolidWorks is limited primarily to engineering, Inventor targets both engineering and architecture. As such, you might find yourself being able to do a bit more than you could previously with SolidWorks—especially if your interests lie in architecture. If you've worked with Autodesk software before, you'll find Inventor's interface to be relatively straightforward.
As with AutoCAD and SolidWorks, Inventor comes with a handy command line and keyboard shortcuts which speed up your entire design process. Moving beyond parametric and assembly modeling capabilities, Inventor also comes with a shape generator, enabling users to create high-performing design options in mere minutes. Users can also enjoy Inventor's superior rendering capabilities—seeing their completed designs in a real-world capacity.
Seeing as we've described Inventor as a lighter product, you won't be surprised to hear that SolidWorks has more advanced features—fastener mating, for example, is much easier to do in SolidWorks. Inventor has a smaller online presence—in tutorials and resources—which can hinder your overall learning curve.
Verdict
SolidWorks is by far the superior package—with advanced tools like motion, stress and thermal analysis—causing Inventor to fall behind slightly. That being said, Inventor has a lot to offer people looking for affordable SolidWorks alternatives. If you don't need the heavy, advanced capabilities of SolidWorks, Inventor might be your new go-to package.
- Operating System: Windows, Mac
- Price: $995 (Windows), $695 (Mac)
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
A 3D graphics and CAD software, Rhino offers SolidWorks users a different spin on modeling. Based on the NURBS model, Rhino is a free form surface modeler. Unlike SolidWorks, Rhino spans across a wide variety of (mostly creative) industries including industrial design, architecture and product design.
Head-to-head comparison
One of the first things you should bear in mind with Rhino is that it isn't the same as mechanical engineering software. That is, it's built primarily for creative design—spanning across a wide variety of industries. So, what makes it so popular? It's intuitive, light and a stable software package compared to other commercial 3D modelers.
With Rhino you get full creative licence to build whatever you want without conforming to the rigid constraints of other software. Like SolidWorks and many other CAD programs, Rhino comes with a series of command features—enabling users to do more with just a few keyboard shortcuts. Not only does Rhino provide a wide variety of customization tools, it also enables add-on plugins. Grasshopper, for example, is a visual programming language used primarily to create generative algorithms and flow-chart style commands. In short, the sky's the limit when it comes to design in Rhino.
Unfortunately, Rhino's flexibility can work against itself. While you can create whatever comes to mind, it's all too easy to create a part that's not manufacturable and might not import well into other CAD packages. Issues like intersecting lines can also occur rather frequently. It's for this reason that Rhino might not be a preferred modeler if you're looking for precision.
Verdict
Rhino 3D is a package that truly enables users to create all types of designs imaginable. If you're looking for ultimate precision, however, you might want to look elsewhere. While it's perfect for escaping the ordinary constraints of other software, Rhino isn't really suitable for production—you can't get solid objects, so it's mostly useful for mocking up ideas.
- Operating System: Windows
- Price: $99 to $299/month
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
Solid Edge is a 3D CAD software developed by Siemens PLM Software. While you might not be familiar with it, that doesn't mean you should disregard it. Not only is it a solid modeler, it also comes with synchronous technology—a feature that polarizes many users. Popular amongst mechanical engineers, Solid Edge also has links to PLM technologies.
Head-to-head comparison
To start off, Solid Edge is a lot more basic than SolidWorks. While this can be off-putting for some users, others might find it to be a welcome change. After all, what's the point in investing in software like SolidWorks if you're not using all of its advanced features? Coming with an easy interface and full parametric modeling, Solid Edge provides an easy learning curve for beginners and CAD experts alike.
You might find the user interface to be a little bit cluttered the first time you're introduced to it. Once you take a closer look, however, you'll find that the UI tends to group all necessary commands together, making it easier to find everything you need. With four types of modeling capabilities—ordered, direct, synchronous and assembly—you've got a lot to play around with. Solid Edge also integrates Sharepoint and Teamcenter to provide Product Lifecycle Management, not to mention full support for Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
One of Solid Edge's most polarizing features is its synchronous technology. While it can combine the speed of direct modeling with the flexibility of parametric design, it can also be difficult to grasp. If you take the time, however, it could very well improve your overall performance and productivity.
Verdict
If you don't need all of SolidWorks' capabilities—or you're tired of it burning a hole in your pocket—you might want to consider making the move to Solid Edge. Bear in mind, however, that you'll have to put in some serious effort to get to grips with its synchronous technology.
- Operating System: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android OS
- Price: Free, Professional $125/month
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
If you're a regular Scan2CAD user, you might be familiar with Onshape—a CAD system delivered over the Internet as an SAAS model. As we've discussed in our guide to cloud-based CAD, Onshape enables users to create, edit and share models through just a web browser or the iOS and Android apps. There's a free version—ideal if you want to test the waters—and a professional version.
Head-to-head comparison
Where should we start with Onshape? As a cloud-based 3D CAD modeler, Onshape enables users to reap a wide variety of benefits. With it, you no longer have to worry about buying workstations, long installations or updating licences. If you're constantly sharing files, you might be pleased to hear that you can even send designs to people who don't have an Onshape licence, to view in their own browser.
In the era of the cloud, Onshape is certainly at the forefront of the CAD industry. Offering robust parametric 3D modeling, multi-part modeling and in-context editing, Onshape is intuitive and the perfect collaborative tool. It doesn't matter if you're collaborating with people across the world, Onshape enables you to collaborate in real-time, erasing the issue of duplicate designs. It even has an app store where you can purchase add-ons for simulation, rendering, CAM and much more.
There isn't currently an offline version of Onshape, which can be a pain if you've not got access to the internet. That being said, WiFi is pretty widespread nowadays, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Some users have noted that there can be long loading times, however this is an issue that most CAD programs are susceptible to.
Verdict
SolidWorks is a powerful package; however, it can't do anything to combat against bad team workflows. Onshape, by comparison, is able to create a seamless workflow between teams and clients. While it might take you a while to get used to it, you might want to consider moving out of the Dark Ages and embracing cloud-based CAD.
- Operating System: Windows, Mac
- Price: $40/month, $300/year, $600/2 years
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
Citing itself as the first 3D CAD, CAM and CAE tool of its kind, Fusion 360 is certainly a powerful tool to consider. While not one of Autodesk's most well-known products, Fusion 360 is another cloud-based tool that you should test out as a viable, affordable SolidWorks alternative.
Head-to-head comparison
An all-in-one design and mechanical engineering package, Fusion 360's interface might be a little bit overwhelming for new users at first. Once you get the hang of it, however, you'll find it to be an intriguing alternative to SolidWorks. With everything available in a single package, you can easily go from design to prototype in a matter of hours or days—as opposed to months.
You'll find some of Fusion 360's tools to be familiar, especially if you're a SolidWorks user. Bear in mind that it is a lighter package however, so aspects like assembly functions are relatively limited compared to SolidWorks. Like Onshape, Fusion 360 offers parametric modeling, rapid prototyping and speedy rendering. Some users have also been pleased to note that it comes with a history tree and a fluid workflow—courtesy of the cloud.
As with most software however, the larger your model, the more cumbersome the process. If you're working with large-scale models, you might struggle with using Fusion 360. Additionally, it lacks more powerful design generators, mechanical simulations and documentation tools.
Verdict
Fusion 360 offers the same kinds of benefits as Onshape. With it being cloud-based, you're not constrained to a single, desktop package. You might, however, end up sacrificing the more powerful functionalities you're used to with SolidWorks. The main difference between Fusion 360 and Onshape lies in the price and interface—Fusion 360 is cheaper and offers a more familiar ground for previous Autodesk users.
Want to become a CAD expert? Keep an eye on our CAD section for our latest tips, tricks and advice.
If you're looking for CAD software for Mac, you're not without options. We've found some standout Mac and cloud-based CAD platforms for you.
You're likely to hit a wall if you're searching for computer-aided design (CAD) software designed for Mac. There are plenty of CAD software options for Windows—you'll see many of them in our list of the top AutoCAD alternatives—but only a handful offer support for Mac.
And, if you think you'll bypass the issue by using a cloud-based CAD tool, you'll quickly find that CAD vendors haven't embraced the cloud as much as other types of software vendors have, so the offerings are still largely on-premise. According to Gartner's Hype Cycle for IT Evolution (full content available to Gartner clients), cloud-native CAD applications still have five to 10 years before they reach mainstream adoption.
But fear not, Mac users. We've done some digging and have put together this list of the top-rated CAD software for Mac. Read more about our methodology at the bottom of this article.
5 Best CAD Software for Mac (presented alphabetically)
Inventor Alternative For Mac Shortcut
Jump to:
CorelCAD
FreeCAD
Fusion 360
LibreCAD
Onshape
1. CorelCAD
CorelCAD offers 2D drafting and 3D design capabilities, such as the drawing constraints feature for creating different geometric shapes faster and the push and pull feature for 3D direct modeling.
3D modeling in CorelCAD (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Based on analyses of user reviews on Capterra, here's an overview of the areas of CorelCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.
What users like:
- The short learning curve: Users mention that the tool is easy to use and beginners don't have to spend a lot of time learning it.
- Compatibility with multiple file types: Users like the fact that the tool is compatible with DWG, PDF, ACIS, DXF, STL, CDR, and other file formats.
What users think could be improved:
- Software reliability issues: Some users mention that the software tends to crash at times.
- Better dimension functionality: Some users would like a better dimensioning feature for more accurate drawings of angles and proportions.
Who can use CorelCAD
CorelCAD can be used by construction businesses for collaborative editing on multiple devices. It offers native iOS applications, which makes it easy for field crews to add annotations in graphics and share files using their iPhones and iPads. Additionally, the tool allows team members to leave recorded messages and instructions for colleagues embedded in the graphics using a voice note tool.
2. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open source CAD tool that works on Mac as well as Windows and Linux. It reads many common file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE.
It offers different modules, including a drawing sheets module that converts 3D models into 2D views, a rendering module that can export 3D objects, and an architecture module for a BIM-like workflow.
3D model of a building in FreeCAD (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here's an overview of the areas of FreeCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.
What users like:
- Feature-richness for a free tool: Users mention that, although it's free, the tool comes with a full set of features.
- Reliability: Users mention that the tool does not demand a lot of CPU power and works well on devices with low RAM.
What users think could be improved:
- Steep learning curve: Users mention that the tool is not the most user-friendly solution and can be difficult for beginners to learn.
- Dependent on community for updates: Users mention that modules ignored by the community tend to become outdated quickly.
Who can use FreeCAD
FreeCAD appears to be best for hobbyists and home users. It's also good for users who don't have a high budget for software but still want to tinker with CAD modeling.
FreeCAD could also be a good choice for businesses on a budget looking for a free and open-source option.
3. Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a CAD tool from Autodesk with design functionalities such as sketching and 3D modeling. It also supports project management with features such as task management, document management, and collaborative image editing.
Document management in Fusion 360 (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Jump to:
CorelCAD
FreeCAD
Fusion 360
LibreCAD
Onshape
1. CorelCAD
CorelCAD offers 2D drafting and 3D design capabilities, such as the drawing constraints feature for creating different geometric shapes faster and the push and pull feature for 3D direct modeling.
3D modeling in CorelCAD (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Based on analyses of user reviews on Capterra, here's an overview of the areas of CorelCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.
What users like:
- The short learning curve: Users mention that the tool is easy to use and beginners don't have to spend a lot of time learning it.
- Compatibility with multiple file types: Users like the fact that the tool is compatible with DWG, PDF, ACIS, DXF, STL, CDR, and other file formats.
What users think could be improved:
- Software reliability issues: Some users mention that the software tends to crash at times.
- Better dimension functionality: Some users would like a better dimensioning feature for more accurate drawings of angles and proportions.
Who can use CorelCAD
CorelCAD can be used by construction businesses for collaborative editing on multiple devices. It offers native iOS applications, which makes it easy for field crews to add annotations in graphics and share files using their iPhones and iPads. Additionally, the tool allows team members to leave recorded messages and instructions for colleagues embedded in the graphics using a voice note tool.
2. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open source CAD tool that works on Mac as well as Windows and Linux. It reads many common file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE.
It offers different modules, including a drawing sheets module that converts 3D models into 2D views, a rendering module that can export 3D objects, and an architecture module for a BIM-like workflow.
3D model of a building in FreeCAD (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here's an overview of the areas of FreeCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.
What users like:
- Feature-richness for a free tool: Users mention that, although it's free, the tool comes with a full set of features.
- Reliability: Users mention that the tool does not demand a lot of CPU power and works well on devices with low RAM.
What users think could be improved:
- Steep learning curve: Users mention that the tool is not the most user-friendly solution and can be difficult for beginners to learn.
- Dependent on community for updates: Users mention that modules ignored by the community tend to become outdated quickly.
Who can use FreeCAD
FreeCAD appears to be best for hobbyists and home users. It's also good for users who don't have a high budget for software but still want to tinker with CAD modeling.
FreeCAD could also be a good choice for businesses on a budget looking for a free and open-source option.
3. Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a CAD tool from Autodesk with design functionalities such as sketching and 3D modeling. It also supports project management with features such as task management, document management, and collaborative image editing.
Document management in Fusion 360 (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here's an overview of the areas of Fusion 360 they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.
What users like:
- Comprehensive design features: User mention that the tool offers all the functionalities necessary for 2D and 3D designing.
- Availability of training resources: Users like the fact that the tool comes with ample documentation and tutorials.
What users think could be improved:
- System crashes: Users mention that the tool tends to crash, especially when designing and rendering large files.
- Steep learning curve: Users mention that it can take a lot of time to learn the advanced functionalities of the tool.
Who can use Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is part of the Autodesk ecosystem designed for the AEC industry. This makes the tool suitable for construction businesses that are already using, or intend to use, other Autodesk solutions. Using a software vendor that offers multiple solutions will especially benefit larger businesses that invariably need software that can scale with their growing requirements.
4. LibreCAD
LibreCAD is an open source CAD tool that supports Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. The tool comes with 2D drawing features such as a snap tool, dimensioning, and annotations. It also supports multiple file imports and exports.
2D drawing in LibreCAD (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here's an overview of the areas of LibreCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.
What users like:
- Ease of use: Users mention that the tool offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
- Lots of tutorials: Users like the fact that there are ample video tutorials that help them get started with the tool.
What users think could be improved:
- Software speed: Users mention that the software tends to lag, especially when trying to print designs.
- Add support for 3D design: Users would like to see functionalities for creating 3D designs.
Who can use LibreCAD
LibreCAD is an exclusively 2D CAD tool for drawing and designing blueprints of buildings, layouts of parks, and the like. As a free tool, the solution can be used by small and midsize businesses across different industries, including manufacturing, engineering, architecture, and construction.
5. Onshape
Onshape is a cloud-only CAD solution that comes with features such as document management with version control, collaborative design creation/editing capabilities, and reporting dashboards to understand project status.
Importing documents in Onshape (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Inventor Alternative For Mac Os
Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here's an overview of the areas of Onshape they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.
What users like:
- Document version control: Users like the document management features of the tool, such as version history.
- Intuitive interface: Users mention that the tool comes with an intuitive interface for easy image editing.
What users think could be improved:
- Performance issues: Some users mention that the tool does not function well on non-Chrome browsers and has file loading issues.
- Lack of features: Users mention that the tool should improve certain features such as 2D drawing and 3D surfacing.
Who can use Onshape
As a fully-cloud based tool, Onshape is ideal for businesses that need to manage design documents collaboratively with multiple stakeholders. The tool's collaboration functionalities include document sharing, document editing, comments, and file downloads in multiple CAD formats, such as Parasolid, ACIS, STEP, and IGES.
Next steps
This report offers a mix of Mac CAD solutions—from free tools that can help you with basic 2D drawing to advanced solutions offering extensive 3D modeling functionalities.
If these tools don't meet your needs, expand your search and check out more options. To help you, we've created a CAD software comparison page where you can explore products using different filters, such as features offered and pricing options.
If you're looking to understand the CAD software market better, we also recommend that you read the articles listed below: |
Methodology
To be shortlisted, products had to fulfill the following criteria:
- Products had to be compatible with Mac and offer core CAD software capabilities, such as:
- 2D drawing or 3D modeling features
- Collaborative editing of drawings
- Products needed a minimum of 20 user reviews on Capterra (published in the last two years).
- Products had to have a high overall rating (an average of at least 4 out of 5 on Capterra).
Note: The content in this piece that provides opinions and points of view expressed by users. It does not represent the views of Capterra.
Inventor Alternative For Mac Pro
Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.
