Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

LibreCAD VS Shapr3D

Compare LibreCAD VS Shapr3D and see what are their differences

LibreCAD logo LibreCAD

An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.

Shapr3D logo Shapr3D

Shapr3D. Modeling magic for iPad Pro.
  • LibreCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-18
  • Shapr3D Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-22

LibreCAD

Pricing URL
-
$ Details
Release Date
-

Shapr3D

$ Details
-
Release Date
2015 January
Startup details
Country
Hungary
State
Budapest
City
Budapest
Founder(s)
István Csanády
Employees
50 - 99

LibreCAD features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    LibreCAD is completely free to use, and its open-source nature allows users to modify and improve the software according to their needs.
  • Cross-Platform
    The software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring that users on different operating systems can utilize it without compatibility issues.
  • Lightweight
    LibreCAD is not resource-heavy, making it suitable for older computers and systems with limited hardware capabilities.
  • 2D CAD Focus
    Specialized for 2D design, making it easier for users who specifically need 2D drafting tools as it avoids the complexities associated with 3D modeling.
  • Customizable Interface
    Users can tailor the interface to better suit their workflow, enhancing productivity and ease of use.
  • Active Community Support
    An active community provides support, documentation, and forums for troubleshooting and advice, making it easier for users to solve problems and learn new features.

Possible disadvantages of LibreCAD

  • Limited 3D Capabilities
    LibreCAD is primarily a 2D CAD software and does not support 3D modeling, which can be a limitation for users needing advanced spatial design tools.
  • Steeper Learning Curve for Beginners
    While powerful, the software can be challenging for new users unfamiliar with CAD software, requiring a significant amount of time to learn.
  • Fewer Advanced Features
    Compared to some professional CAD packages, LibreCAD lacks some of the more advanced features and tools, which can limit its use in complex projects.
  • Limited File Format Compatibility
    LibreCAD primarily supports DXF format, and while it can read/write other formats, the compatibility is not as comprehensive as some other CAD software.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Some users have reported crashes and bugs, which can be problematic for those working on time-sensitive projects.
  • Sparse Documentation
    While there is community support, the official documentation can be lacking in detail, making it difficult for users to find thorough guidance on complex tasks.

Shapr3D features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Shapr3D is designed with a focus on touch-screen devices, providing an intuitive and accessible interface that is particularly well-suited for beginners and professionals alike.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Offers compatibility across multiple platforms including iPad, Mac, and Windows, allowing for flexibility in how and where users can work on their designs.
  • Direct Modeling
    Supports direct modeling which is straightforward and efficient for making quick edits and iterations, without the need for complex parametric constraints.
  • Integration with Other Software
    Easily integrates with other CAD software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Rhino, simplifying workflows that require the transfer of models between different programs.
  • Freemium Model
    Offers a free tier with decent functionality, making it accessible for hobbyists and small businesses before needing to upgrade to the premium versions.

Possible disadvantages of Shapr3D

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While great for basic and intermediate modeling, it lacks some advanced CAD features, which could be a limitation for highly complex projects.
  • Subscription Costs
    The premium version comes with a subscription fee which can be costly, especially for small businesses or individual users on a tight budget.
  • Hardware Requirements
    Optimal performance requires relatively new hardware, particularly for touch-screen capabilities, which may necessitate additional investment in devices like the iPad Pro.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, there is still a learning curve for those who are completely new to CAD software, which may require some time and effort to overcome.
  • Export Limitations in Free Version
    The free version has limitations on file exports, which can be a hindrance for users who need to frequently share or transfer their models.

Analysis of Shapr3D

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Shapr3D is a strong choice for both beginners and experienced designers looking for a portable and user-friendly CAD solution. While it may lack some advanced features found in other high-end CAD software, its ease of use and efficiency make it a good option for many scenarios.

Why this product is good

  • Shapr3D is considered good due to its intuitive user interface, which makes 3D modeling more accessible, especially on tablets and touch devices. It offers robust features for CAD modeling and integrates well with other CAD software, making it a versatile tool for design professionals. Additionally, its real-time collaborative features and the ability to create precise models quickly are highly valued by users.

Recommended for

  • Designers and engineers who need a flexible and mobile CAD solution.
  • Professionals working on product design, architecture, or engineering projects.
  • Students and hobbyists who are new to 3D modeling and seeking an intuitive platform.

LibreCAD videos

FreeCAD vs. LibreCAD

More videos:

Shapr3D videos

Shapr3D: Review

More videos:

  • Review - The battle of the mobile 3D apps! uMake vs Shapr3D. Which one is better?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to LibreCAD and Shapr3D)
3D
75 75%
25% 25
Architecture
83 83%
17% 17
CAD
100 100%
0% 0
3D Modeling
77 77%
23% 23

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare LibreCAD and Shapr3D

LibreCAD Reviews

15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2022
Also, it is a CAD program so the created files can work on other CAD software programs, even if 3D based. Sketchup supports up to 11 languages, but LibreCAD beats that with support for more than 30 languages.
Alternatives to SketchUp: Check out 10 free programs
Just like Blender, you can help develop and enhance the platform by editing the code base and adding even more features to the software. So, if you’re looking for a more simple, perfect for beginners program, LibreCAD can be the best out of the alternatives to SketchUp for you. Being a fully free system, you can only gain.
Source: solidface.com
9 Free CAD Software to Download
Here’s another high quality 2D-CAD modeling platform, LibreCAD, an easy-to-use software with a lot of high quality features included in it. LibreCAD has features such as snap to grid for drawing, usage of layers, measurements inside your drawing and plenty others to make your life easier when you’re drawing on a 2D-CAD platform.
Looking for a SketchUp alternative? Check out the 10 best options
LibreCAD is a 2D CAD software that serves as a great way to learn and practice 2D modeling. It’s completely free and open-sourced, with a healthy user base around it to boot.
Source: all3dp.com

Shapr3D Reviews

15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2022
Verdict: With simple and affordable pricing, Shapr3D is cost-friendly but doesn’t compare to Sketchup as both platforms are ideal for different device platforms.
Alternatives to SketchUp: Check out 10 free programs
Made exclusively for iPads and the Apple Pencil and now available for Mac computers, Shapr3D is the first portable CAD program. Released in 2016 alongside iPad Pro, all you need to navigate through this software is an Apple Pencil.
Source: solidface.com
7 Best 3D Modeling Programs Like SketchUp | EASY RENDER
Whoever thought 3D modeling would never be possible on an iPad or tablet has probably never used Shapr3D. It’s built specifically for use with a tablet, and has features that target the use of a stylus or more advanced Apple Pencil. In some twist of visualization wizardry, the program manages to be almost as easy to use as SketchUp itself. 3D modeling has never been more...
Looking for a SketchUp alternative? Check out the 10 best options
Shapr3D is a CAD program made especially for iPads with the Apple Pencil. With a clean user interface and all your main modeling functions, Shapr3D is a great way to create on-the-go and bring your models with you everywhere.
Source: all3dp.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, LibreCAD seems to be a lot more popular than Shapr3D. While we know about 19 links to LibreCAD, we've tracked only 1 mention of Shapr3D. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

LibreCAD mentions (19)

  • Looking for a poor man's AutoCad
    LibreCAD, OpenSCAD (more script based and more for solids), FreeCAD. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • If I don't use Windows or Mac and only use Linux, will I run into a lot of compatibility issues?
    CAD options on Linux are more limited than windows or mac but they do exist. The industry standard for 2d CAD files is the .dxf file format. I use LibreCAD. https://librecad.org/ The UI is a little clunky and eccentric in places but it is feature complete for 2d CAD drawings. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Windows / MacOS - Home/garden design
    You could also try out free AutoCAD alternatives like libreCAD (2D), or brlCAD (2D&3D, I believe). Source: over 2 years ago
  • Everything you need to know about CAD humble bundle
    It seems like a low risk purchase for $1, however, there are free options available too such as https://librecad.org/ . Or see https://www.reddit.com/r/humblebundles/comments/117ki1c/comment/j9v0v37/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 for an older Autocad clone. Beckercad 2D seems like a niche product so I would probably invest my time learning something that is more mainstream. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Architectural Software
    For 2d stuff I tend to use Libra cad Https://librecad.org/. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

Shapr3D mentions (1)

  • What software do I need to get started designing my own firearms, like the FGC-9?
    I never ever see http://shapr3d.com recommended anywhere but I find it way way easier to use than fusion and it’s free if you have a .edu email. Which if you know where to look, is super easy to get. Source: almost 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing LibreCAD and Shapr3D, you can also consider the following products

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone

Morpholio Trace - Morpholio Trace is widely called to be the dream software of the designers and architect.

Autodesk AutoCAD - Autodesk AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application.

Drawing Desk - Drawing Desk Draw Paint Color, Doodle and Sketch Pad created and published 4Axis Technologies for Android and iOS devices.

DraftSight - Discover Dassault Systèmes®' DRAFTSIGHT™ Professional CAD software that lets you create, edit, view and markup any kind of 2D drawing. Learn more here.