Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Shapr3D VS picoCAD

Compare Shapr3D VS picoCAD and see what are their differences

Shapr3D logo Shapr3D

Shapr3D. Modeling magic for iPad Pro.

picoCAD logo picoCAD

A game jam from 2021-03-05 to 2021-03-11 hosted by Munro & Johan Peitz. Make something in picoCAD, the latest and greatest low-poly pixel-art 3D modeler. No prior 3D experience required. All skill levels welcome! Theme Bui...
  • Shapr3D Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-22
  • picoCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-06

Shapr3D

Release Date
2015 January
Startup details
Country
Hungary
State
Budapest
City
Budapest
Founder(s)
Istvรกn Csanรกdy
Employees
50 - 99

picoCAD

Website
itch.io
Pricing URL
-
Release Date
-

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.

picoCAD features and specs

  • Accessibility
    picoCAD is designed to be beginner-friendly and accessible, allowing users with no prior experience in 3D modeling to easily create simple models.
  • Affordability
    Being an inexpensive or occasionally free tool available on platforms like itch.io, picoCAD provides an affordable way for hobbyists to explore 3D modeling.
  • Focus on Creativity
    With its limitations in complexity, picoCAD encourages users to focus more on creativity and originality rather than on technical mastery.
  • Community Engagement
    The picoCAD community, including events like jams, fosters collaboration and inspiration among users who share their work and techniques.
  • Lightweight Software
    picoCAD does not require intensive hardware resources, which makes it accessible to use on most computers without high-performance specifications.

Possible disadvantages of picoCAD

  • Limited Features
    The simplicity of picoCAD comes with limited features compared to more advanced 3D modeling software, which can hinder those looking for more complexity.
  • Basic Rendering
    The tool's rendering capabilities are quite basic, which may not meet the expectations of users who require high-quality visual outputs.
  • Low Fidelity
    picoCAD is not suitable for creating detailed or highly realistic models due to its intentionally low-fidelity design constraints.
  • Learning Plateau
    While picoCAD is easy to learn, advanced users might find that they quickly reach a plateau where they cannot further develop their skills within the tool.
  • File Export Limitations
    The ability to export models for use in other programs is limited, which may be a drawback for users wanting to integrate picoCAD in more complex workflows.

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.

Analysis of picoCAD

Overall verdict

  • picoCAD is a good tool for those looking to dip their toes into 3D modeling without a steep learning curve. It offers a fun, informal introduction to the basics of creating 3D models and can be enjoyed by hobbyists and creatives looking for an easy-to-understand platform. However, its limited features may not be suitable for professional use or for those seeking advanced modeling options.

Why this product is good

  • picoCAD is appreciated for its simplicity and accessibility, making it a great tool for beginners who want to get into 3D modeling. It runs directly in your browser and is quite minimalistic, which allows users to focus on the fundamentals of 3D design without getting overwhelmed by complex features. The community around picoCAD is also active, often sharing tips, tutorials, and showcasing creative projects, which can be inspiring and educational for new users.

Recommended for

  • Beginners who want to learn 3D modeling basics
  • Artists looking for a quick and simple tool for prototyping
  • Teachers seeking an educational tool to introduce students to 3D design
  • Game developers interested in creating low-poly models
  • Hobbyists who enjoy experimenting with new creative tools

Shapr3D videos

Shapr3D: Review

More videos:

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

picoCAD videos

picoCAD -- A Tiny Modeller For Tiny Models

More videos:

  • Review - Making a Character in picoCAD | TMNT Metalhead

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Shapr3D and picoCAD)
3D
63 63%
37% 37
Architecture
100 100%
0% 0
3D Modeling
51 51%
49% 49
Game Development
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

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

Shapr3D Reviews

15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2022
Verdict: With simple and affordable pricing, Shapr3D is cost-friendly but doesnโ€™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. Itโ€™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

picoCAD Reviews

We have no reviews of picoCAD yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

picoCAD might be a bit more popular than Shapr3D. We know about 1 link to it since March 2021 and only 1 link to 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.

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 itโ€™s free if you have a .edu email. Which if you know where to look, is super easy to get. Source: about 3 years ago

picoCAD mentions (1)

  • The Four Seasons in #picoCAD
    There's been a bunch of jams on itch.io where you can download entries to see directly how they were done. (https://itch.io/jam/picocad-jam, https://itch.io/jam/picocad-jam-9, etc). Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

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

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

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

Bforartists - Bforartists is a fork of Blender.

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

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