It works with an iPad and you can also use it on your Android device. For more features, advanced editing, and extra storage, you’ll need to pay up for the Premium and Ultimate plans.ĪutoCAD is in a different category over other SketchUp alternatives here. A free plan is available, which you can use to view and share DWG files. The tool is popular for architecture or BIM-related jobs. SketchUp requires a computer with a powerful memory card to be efficient and feasible. Plus, AutoCAD provides more compatibility with multiple file formats.īoth tools are powerful for 2D and 3D models, and their features can make things easier for you.ĪutoCAD has a higher level of adaptability, accuracy, and detail. SketchUp is a 3D modeling program geared towards hobbyists.
Unlike SketchUp, AutoCAD is computer-aided and is more geared towards professional users. Whether you’re in the design, engineering, or construction industry, you can use the AutoCAD Mobile app for viewing, creating, mark-up, editing, and sharing drawings on your iPad.
AutoCAD Mobileįormerly AutoCAD 360, this computer-aided design software is easy to use when you want to draw or draft designs. The software is also more affordable than SketchUp, at just $9.99. Plus, Sculptura provides smooth performance and an optimized modeling experience for mobile. Sculptura’s interface is clean, unlike SketchUp’s, which some users have labeled as clunky. You can then export your work to your desktop CAD or modeling software to do more granular editing. The touch-centric operating system along with its simple toolset makes Sculptura suitable for creating base meshes. Plus, Sculptura offers easy-to-use lighting and materials, symmetry sculpting, and supports the iOS 11 Files App and Apple Pencil. The app integrates with iCloud, and imports and exports files like USD, STL, and OBJ. You also get multiple tools to use including carve, deform, cut, smooth, pinch, resize, flatten, move, and more.
Other key features you’ll get with Sculptura include beautiful real-time rendering, a long undo history so you can sculpt worry-free, and full GPU acceleration. Sculptura doesn’t, so you’re better off using Sculptura for all your needs. Plus, SketchUp requires you to repeat the command to get the required drawings. SketchUp’s features don’t offer the intuitiveness you’ll find in Sculptura. This way, you won’t have to worry about triangles or meshes. The app uses artist-tested tools and an advanced, high-resolution clay sculpting engine. You can use it to sculpt engaging characters or intriguing abstract art wherever you are. Sculptura is another intuitive and powerful 3D app for iPads. Thanks to its natural user interface, you can prototype rapidly, and import models – for further editing – into your desktop CAD.
The software is powered by the same engine driving SOLIDWORKS – Siemens Parasolid. All these can be done in the shortest time frame possible. You can also create physical prototypes and perform validation and iteration on them until you create winning designs. The tool helps you create watertight solid models that are ideal for 3D printing. With Shapr3D, you no longer need to waste time making your product ideas a reality. By navigating effortlessly with your fingers, you can trim your workflow and use a predictive menu that automatically suggests tools for you. You can design easily with your Apple Pencil and iPad just as though you were drawing with paper and pen.
It’s a reliable and functional app for parametric modeling and has a limited free version or premium plan that’s suitable for hobbyists. The app lets you create concepts on the go, and you can export them to your desktop software for more granular editing.
Plus, Shapr3D offers the industrial power of desktop CAD tools, offline functionality, local storage, and a modeling experience for fluid keyboard and mouse input. Unlike SketchUp, which doesn’t provide a completely intuitive experience, the Shapr3D app for iPad is intuitive. You can import or export projects and work directly to the tools you use for manufacturing, rendering, drafting, or splicing. The intuitive app works with all major desktop computer-aided design (CAD) software. Shapr3D is a cross-platform alternative to SketchUp that you can use for 3D modeling on your iPad. SketchUp doesn’t allow you to do all these on iPad, but there are many alternatives you can find that will help you create anything you might imagine for 3D work. While your iPad can’t render, animate, or rig, it still allows you to model and create concepts or artwork. Wrapping Up Best SketchUp Alternatives For iPad