Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SolidWorks VS Shapr3D

Compare SolidWorks VS Shapr3D and see what are their differences

SolidWorks logo 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.

Shapr3D logo Shapr3D

Shapr3D. Modeling magic for iPad Pro.
  • SolidWorks Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-15
  • Shapr3D Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-22

SolidWorks

Pricing URL
-
Release Date
-

Shapr3D

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

SolidWorks features and specs

  • Comprehensive Toolset
    SolidWorks offers a robust suite of tools for 3D CAD, simulation, manufacturing, and data management, making it suitable for a wide range of engineering and design tasks.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    SolidWorks is known for its intuitive UI that makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. This reduces the learning curve significantly.
  • Extensive Community and Support
    With a large user base and active forums, finding solutions to problems and gaining insights is relatively easy. SolidWorks also provides thorough documentation and customer support.
  • Frequent Updates
    The software continually gets updated with new features and improvements, ensuring users have access to the latest technologies and capabilities.
  • Integration with Other Tools
    SolidWorks integrates well with numerous other software applications, enhancing workflow efficiency and enabling seamless transitions between different stages of design and manufacturing.

Possible disadvantages of SolidWorks

  • High Cost
    SolidWorks is relatively expensive, which can be a barrier for small businesses and individual users. Licensing and subscription fees can add up quickly.
  • Hardware Demands
    The software requires a powerful computer with ample RAM and a high-performance graphics card, leading to higher hardware costs.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic functionalities are easily graspable, mastering advanced features and tools can take significant time and effort.
  • Limited Mac Support
    SolidWorks primarily supports Windows, with limited options for Mac users unless they run a Windows OS via Bootcamp or similar solutions.
  • Occasional Software Bugs
    Like any complex software, SolidWorks may encounter bugs or stability issues, which can disrupt work and reduce productivity.

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 SolidWorks

Overall verdict

  • Yes, SolidWorks is considered good, particularly for engineering and product design professionals who require sophisticated modeling capabilities. Its extensive features, reliability, and widespread use in the industry make it a solid choice for professionals.

Why this product is good

  • SolidWorks is widely regarded as a leading choice for computer-aided design (CAD) due to its robust set of features, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive support for 3D modeling. It offers a variety of tools for both simple and complex design needs, making it a versatile option for many industries. In addition, it is widely used in educational settings, which contributes to a large, skilled user base familiar with the software. The integration with other tools, enhanced simulation capabilities, and ongoing updates further enhance its reputation.

Recommended for

  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Product Designers
  • Manufacturing Professionals
  • Engineering Students
  • Architects needing 3D CAD capabilities

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.

SolidWorks videos

First Look at SOLIDWORKS Software - SOLIDWORKS

More videos:

  • Review - SOLIDWORKS 2018 Overview
  • Review - SOLIDWORKS 2019 - Large Design Review Mode

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 SolidWorks and Shapr3D)
3D
72 72%
28% 28
Architecture
79 79%
21% 21
3D Modeling
78 78%
22% 22
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 SolidWorks and Shapr3D

SolidWorks Reviews

10 Best Cinema 4D Alternatives for 3D Animation in 2024
An expert 3-D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software program that is specially designed for product design, engineering, and mechanical modelling. SolidWorks is known for its parametric modelling capabilities, engineering evaluation equipment, and ability to generate manufacturing-ready drawings.
7 Best 3D Modeling Programs Like SketchUp | EASY RENDER
If it’s flexibility and modeling capability you’re looking for, you could do a lot worse than SolidWorks. Not only is it probably the best 3D modeler on this list, it has been a mainstay in the visualization industry for decades, and has been constantly developed to be more powerful and easier to use. SolidWorks is most commonly used by mechanical and industrial designers,...
Best SolidWorks rendering software [2020 Guide]
There are numerous SolidWorks rendering programs available but we have compiled the very best below in terms of functionality.
Looking for a SketchUp alternative? Check out the 10 best options
SolidWorks is another popular CAD software on par (and arguably above) the likes of Autodesk Inventor or Fusion 360. Though definitely harder to learn than SketchUp, SolidWorks is packed with advanced features that companies use to design and manufacture products. All this functionality certainly doesn’t come cheap, however – you’ll have to contact their site to get a quote...
Source: all3dp.com
Top 10 of the best 3D modeling software for architecture
Solidworks is a 3D modeling software mainly used by engineers. It can be a great solution if you need a 3D software for a project, and you just want to create a quick design. You can’t do complex rendering, with a lot of material or texture as it is not a CAD program dedicated to architecture. But it is possible to design a building and get a good overview of your...

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, Shapr3D seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time 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.

SolidWorks mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of SolidWorks yet. Tracking of SolidWorks recommendations started around Mar 2021.

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 SolidWorks 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.

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

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

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