Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

MakerSCAD VS Designspark Mechanical

Compare MakerSCAD VS Designspark Mechanical and see what are their differences

MakerSCAD logo MakerSCAD

Powerfull 3D design tool for 3D printing, virtual reality and game engine.

Designspark Mechanical logo Designspark Mechanical

Design and make things in 3D like never before. DesignSpark Mechanical is a free mechanical CAD software, which enables users to rapidly prototype or reverse engineer any physical object.
  • MakerSCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-27
  • Designspark Mechanical Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-25

MakerSCAD features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    MakerSCAD is designed with a user-friendly interface that is accessible to beginners and experienced users alike, allowing for easy navigation and modeling.
  • Customization
    Provides a high level of customization for designs, enabling users to tailor models to their specific needs and preferences.
  • Open-Source
    Being open-source, MakerSCAD allows users to contribute to its development and modify the software to better suit their needs.

Possible disadvantages of MakerSCAD

  • Limited Features
    Compared to more established CAD programs, MakerSCAD may have a more limited set of features and tools.
  • Performance
    Depending on the complexity of the model, performance issues may arise, particularly on less powerful hardware.
  • Community Support
    As a less popular tool in the market, it might have a smaller community, which could impact the availability of tutorials and peer support.

Designspark Mechanical features and specs

  • Cost-effective
    DesignSpark Mechanical is free to use, making it a cost-effective solution for individuals and small businesses without a budget for expensive CAD software.
  • User-friendly Interface
    The software boasts an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which is ideal for beginners and helps reduce the learning curve associated with 3D modeling.
  • Direct Modeling
    DesignSpark Mechanical allows for direct modeling, which lets users interact with 3D designs directly and make quick edits without the need for extensive training.
  • Integration with RS Components
    The software integrates seamlessly with RS Components, offering access to a vast library of components and a convenient way to order parts directly.
  • Collaboration and Sharing
    It offers features for easy file sharing and collaboration, enabling teamwork and communication among users working on the same project.

Possible disadvantages of Designspark Mechanical

  • Limited Advanced Features
    DesignSpark Mechanical lacks some advanced features found in more comprehensive CAD systems, potentially limiting its use for complex projects.
  • Not Parametric
    The software does not support parametric modeling, which means that users can't easily adjust dimensions in a way that automatically updates the entire model.
  • Windows Only
    DesignSpark Mechanical is only available for Windows, which can be a limitation for users who prefer other operating systems like macOS or Linux.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Some users report performance issues with large files or complex models, which can affect the efficiency and usability of the software.
  • Limited File Import/Export Options
    The software's import and export capabilities are limited, which can be a problem when trying to work with files from different CAD platforms.

Analysis of MakerSCAD

Overall verdict

  • Overall, MakerSCAD is a good option if you are looking for an accessible and user-friendly CAD tool. Its emphasis on ease of use and collaboration makes it stand out, especially for those who are new to CAD modeling or need a platform for educational purposes.

Why this product is good

  • MakerSCAD is a web-based CAD tool aimed at providing a platform for makers and educators to easily design and share 3D models. It simplifies the design process with an intuitive interface and offers features that cater to both beginners and advanced users. The tool is accessible without requiring software installation, and it supports collaborative projects, which makes it suitable for educational environments and team projects.

Recommended for

  • Educators seeking a simple tool to teach CAD modeling
  • Beginners in 3D modeling looking for an intuitive platform
  • Teams needing collaborative design capabilities
  • Makers who require an accessible and versatile CAD tool

MakerSCAD videos

Makerscad Basics Tutorial

More videos:

  • Demo - MakerSCAD Demo

Designspark Mechanical videos

5 Reasons to use DesignSpark Mechanical | RS Components

More videos:

  • Review - DesignSpark Mechanical Review
  • Review - DesignSpark Mechanical Training | 1 Familiarisation

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to MakerSCAD and Designspark Mechanical)
3D
53 53%
47% 47
Architecture
61 61%
39% 39
CAD
45 45%
55% 55
3D Modeling
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing MakerSCAD and Designspark Mechanical, you can also consider the following products

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

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

OpenSCAD - OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects.

SolidWorks - Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. develops and markets 3D CAD design software, analysis software, and product data management software. SolidWorks is the leading supplier of 3D CAD product design engineering software.

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

QCAD - QCAD is an application for computer aided drafting in 2D.