CAD software is used by engineers as a main staple, but there are many other uses. CAD software provides designs for landscaping, fashion, auto design, interior design, map charting and architecture. Designs can be created for appliances, toys, household tools, musical instruments and so much more. This software is incredibly diverse. People will refer you a lot for the architectural design app but i will refer you just one. The AutoCAD Architecture design software is the better one. You can work here easily and swiftly. Autodesk is a software business that publishes a software suite called AutoCAD Architecture. AutoCAD Architecture is 3d architecture software, and includes features such as 2d drawing, and 3d modeling. Alternative competitor software options to AutoCAD Architecture include ARCHLine.XP, ArCADia BIM 11, and IDEA Architecture.

• Architectural Cad Software Comparison

Modern technology has been of great help to many of the professionals such as the Architects. There was a time when architects used to draw diagrams and structures on paper with the help of pencil and scale.

Jun 18, 2018  Archimedes: An architecture open CAD Archimedes is a free and open source CAD (Computer Aided Design) software built Eclipse’s Rich Client Platform. It works on Linux, Mac OSX, and Windows but before installing it, you have need to install Java Virtual Machine. TurboCAD Deluxe 2018 is one of the best beginner-friendly CAD programs available, due to its low price and functions. This software costs under $200 and includes unlimited technical support, so you won’t have to pay additional money once it’s purchased. The simple design and large icons make it a great choice for beginners.

Electrical estimating software for mac. Since 1979, McCormick's Electrical Estimating and Design Estimating Pro (Digital Takeoff) is the perfect fit for all size contractors! Learn more about Electrical Estimating Software Add to Compare. Electrical Bid Manager is construction estimating software, and includes features such as bid management, billing & invoicing, building product database, calculators, change orders, cost database, job costing, price data / price books, quote management, takeoff, audit trail, historical database, electrical estimating, accounting integration, Reporting/Analytics, what-if analysis, plumbing estimating, HVAC. McCormick Estimating Software McCormick Systems offers a comprehensive Windows-based electrical contracting estimating software for commercial, industrial and residential contractors. McCormick offers four levels of estimating programs - WIN 1000, WIN 3000, WIN.

But now paper and wood can be saved and also the convenience has been provided to the architects with the help of various architectural design software options available in the online market.If you are searching for such software, then the following can be of some use to you.

progeCAD Architecture 2014

This is one of the easiest software that can be handled by even the architects who are not much into computers. The user-friendly and simple to use interface makes this software an easy and simple one. The software runs on the BIM technology that helps you in creating and remodeling designs in both 3D and 2D effects. It uses DWG as the basic file format to be used for creating such diagrams online.

CadSoftExpressView

ExpressView from Cadsoft is free to use software and also comes along with a simple interface and easy to use features. It can be used not only in creating various designs for homes and floor plans, but also to view various other designs that have been created in some other software options under Cadsoft. The software is also known to have won an award for being the best architectural software for residence and also a few commercial designs.

Arcon Evo CAD

Arcon Evo is not free software for architecture but can be said to be one of the best one in terms of features that it offers. It offers professional CAD tools for designing windows and doors in the 3D view, roof and floor plans and also customized stairs. The software is well supported by training and tutorials for them who are new to such software.

Architectural Design Software for Different Platforms

It is not necessary that everyone will be using a device supported by Windows operating system. Today there are people using tablets with platforms of android and Mac also. Hence, it is always not necessary that single software will be compatible with the devices. There are now multiple choices of such software available that are compatible with different operating systems.

Cheifarchitect – Free Mac Architectural Design Software

Chiefarchitect is developed for professionals who deal with 3D designing. It is perfect for creating of floor plan, interior design and kitchen & bath design easy. This software is built for both Mac and android and offers various features that are all very well described in the demo from where you can learn about the working of the software with fun.

Edificius – Free Windows Architectural Design Software

Though there are many such Architectural Design software options available for Windows, but Edificius is known for its affordability and also for many other benefits. It is easy to use and is also very fast to be learnt by anyone. The software runs on BIM solutions and allows you to have 3D and dynamic cross section views.

Home Design 3D – FREEMIUM – Free android Architectural Design Software

This is the very first application on android that allows the users to not only create designs but also customize various existing designs. The undo option allows you to correct mistakes and 3D mode allows you to customize the design by adding or removing rooms and adjusting openings. The interior and floor plan layout, drag and drop action and several videos are added advantage.

Architectural Drawing Software – Most popular Architectural Design Software of 2016

If you are not a professional and have just started using architectural software, then this can be the best one for you. This is the reason it has been recently considered as the most popular software of the year 2016. It offers various examples to understand the features of the software and also it is well supported by options like Dropbox and PDF for extra convenience while designing. You can also see Home Remodeling Software

What is Architectural Design Software?

In today’s modern world, there is software for almost each and everything. So, when it comes to a profession like architecture, where the architects have to put in their patience and hardest of efforts, software can be of great help. This is the reason where architectural design software came into being. You can also see CAD Viewer Software

Now gone are the days when architects had to prepare designs on paper. Now with the use of these software options, they can easily create designs and experience exterior as well and interior designs in both 2D and 3D. Apart from this the software also offers a huge number of other features to make the work of the architects even more convenient.

You are wrong if you are thinking that the Architectural Design software is only about creating designs of floor plan and other home areas. In fact it is something more than just designing. It allows you to customize the designs and is a virtual reality viewer for 3D models. It helps the architects in the best way to get a design ready on which they can proceed to work.

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)

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:

Architectural Cad Software Comparison

• 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.

PC: Compatibility with Software and Tools If we are discussing OS-compatible software and tools, then the Windows PC wins hands down! However, when comparing compatible software, you must also take into consideration that the Mac has access to. Why programmers think Mac OS X is the best OS to use. Dmitri Zagidulin, a distributed systems engineer, sums up the change: 'Go to a tech conference or developer event. Mac vs pc software development. While Mac hardware and software is denoted by its stability, the difference here has lessened. The odds of getting a virus or malware with a PC remain higher than with a Mac, but this is more about the numbers game than technology. About 7.5% of the computers in use are Mac, according to IDC, so hackers spend more time and creativity attacking PCs.

Importing documents in Onshape (Source)

Common user feedback trends

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.

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.

Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.