Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SketchUp VS Shapr3D

Compare SketchUp VS Shapr3D and see what are their differences

SketchUp logo SketchUp

3D for Everyone

Shapr3D logo Shapr3D

Shapr3D. Modeling magic for iPad Pro.
  • SketchUp Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-18
  • Shapr3D Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-22

Shapr3D

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

SketchUp features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    SketchUp has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which makes it accessible to beginners as well as professionals. Its simplicity helps users quickly learn the software without extensive training.
  • Extensive Library
    The 3D Warehouse offers a vast repository of pre-made models and components, enabling users to enhance their designs without having to create everything from scratch.
  • Versatility
    SketchUp is suitable for a wide range of applications, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and engineering, making it a versatile tool for various professionals.
  • Affordability
    SketchUp offers a free version that provides sufficient features for hobbyists and small projects. Paid versions are also relatively affordable compared to other professional CAD software.
  • Third-Party Extensions
    There are numerous plugins and extensions available that enhance SketchUp's functionality, allowing users to customize the tool to better fit their specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of SketchUp

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While SketchUp is powerful for basic and intermediate designs, it lacks some advanced features found in other high-end CAD software, which may be necessary for complex projects.
  • Performance Issues
    SketchUp can experience performance issues and slow down when handling very large or highly detailed models, which can be a limitation for projects requiring high detail.
  • Rendering Quality
    The built-in rendering capabilities of SketchUp are relatively basic. For high-quality, photo-realistic rendering, users often need to rely on third-party plugins like V-Ray or Lumion.
  • 2D Drawing Limitations
    SketchUp is primarily a 3D modeling tool and its 2D drawing capabilities are not as robust as specialized 2D drafting software, making it less ideal for creating detailed 2D technical drawings.
  • Interoperability
    Although SketchUp supports various file formats, there can be compatibility issues when integrating models with other CAD software, which may require additional conversion steps.

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 SketchUp

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SketchUp is a robust and versatile software for 3D modeling, especially in fields like architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Its ease of use combined with advanced features makes it a valuable tool for both hobbyists and professionals.

Why this product is good

  • SketchUp is considered a good tool for various reasons. It offers an intuitive interface that is accessible to beginners while still providing powerful tools suitable for professional designers. The software supports a wide range of plugins and extensions, allowing users to customize and enhance its functionality. Additionally, SketchUp has a large, active community that shares models, tips, and tutorials, making it easier for new users to learn and for experienced users to discover new techniques.

Recommended for

  • Architects
  • Interior designers
  • Landscape architects
  • Product designers
  • Educators and students
  • Hobbyists interested in 3D modeling

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.

SketchUp videos

SketchUp 2019 | My HONEST Review

More videos:

  • Review - Watch This Before You Get Started With SketchUp (2019 Update)
  • Review - SKETCHUP 2019 - REVIEW. REACTION. RANT.

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 SketchUp and Shapr3D)
3D
88 88%
12% 12
Architecture
90 90%
10% 10
3D Modeling
90 90%
10% 10
CAD
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

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

SketchUp Reviews

Top 13 Picks for Maxon Cinema 4D Alternatives in 2024
SketchUp offers a free web-based application, SketchUp Free, and three paid subscription plans: SketchUp Shop, SketchUp Pro, and SketchUp Studio – each tailored to provide increased functionality.
Source: aircada.com
10 Best Cinema 4D Alternatives for 3D Animation in 2024
SketchUp is a user-friendly 3-D model software program that specializes in creating architectural and interior layout models. SketchUp is popular for its intuitive interface, speedy modelling gear, and massive library of extensions.
10 Best Blender Alternatives: An Overview
2) Wide array of plugins: SketchUp's core functionalities can be vastly expanded through its rich ecosystem of plugins. Whether it's advanced Rendering, simulation, or specialised Modelling tools, there's likely a plugin available to cater to users' specific needs, ensuring that SketchUp remains versatile across diverse projects.
Top 15 free interior design software and tools in the year 2022
Sketchup is another popular interior design program. Sketchup is a professional and useful 3D design program. Even for specialists, the interface is rather sophisticated and takes some time to get used to. For a powerful 3D modeling experience, professionals use Sketchup.
Source: www.reddit.com
15 Best Maya Alternatives
One of the advantages of using SketchUp is access to hundreds of expertly-developed extensions. These extensions are available in the SketchUp Warehouse and will save you the considerable time you would spend creating the products and models yourself.

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, SketchUp should be more popular than Shapr3D. It has been mentiond 5 times since March 2021. 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.

SketchUp mentions (5)

  • Google needs to create a product called Google Gone!
    What! It just switched owners, that's all. Go to sketchup.com. Source: about 2 years ago
  • design build programs
    Not exactly sure what you're asking for but maybe.... SketchUp? Source: over 2 years ago
  • Help for Mom's Condo
    I know sketchup.com a little and searched earlier for something, found https://www.closetfactory.com/entertainment-centers/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Basement remodel.
    I've heard good things about sketchup.com but it costs. If you are going to buy materials (cabinets, fixtures, etc) primarily form a single source I would check with them. I thought that Home Depot had a virtual design center, but it seems you need to physically go in. IKEA has a good design tool that I've used in the past - very advance and free. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • product dissapearing?
    There is no "license" for SU Pro. You use your email address and password that you used when you bought it. Have you installed the program? Log into sketchup.com with your user name and password. Then start SU on your computer. Source: over 3 years ago

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 SketchUp and Shapr3D, you can also consider the following products

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.

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.

Sweet Home 3D - Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design application that helps to draw the plan of house, arrange furniture on it and visit the results in 3D.

Autodesk 3DS Max - 3ds Max is software for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and visualization. Create stunning game enrivonments, design visualizations, and virtual reality experiences.