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INDEX 01: All Mac CAD/CAM Apps—Alphabetical Listing

  • Anthony Frausto-Robledo, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

    • HERE WE HAVE our complete list of CAD and CAM apps for the macOS platform. The list is below in alphabetical order.

    We must note that we do understand we have missed some apps, or put them into a future 3D apps list for macOS which is coming up very soon. But here is the list thus far. And it’s quite healthy!

    Some Notable Mac CAD/CAM Apps

    Since we highlight some of the most important CAD apps for Mac on other more specific lists, we wanted to draw folks attention to three CAD apps that honestly either don’t get the attention and marketing they deserve or are rather new in the world. This is not an endorsement; it’s meant to illustrate growth in the application space in the macOS platform.

    One of the more notable signs of growth in the Mac CAD market was when Chief Architect came to the platform in 2013. The actual product line is three products, with Chief Architect Premier, Chief Architect Interiors and Chief Architect Lite. Chief Architect is a powerful 2D/3D BIM-based design tool aimed at builder-developers in the home market but a good many architects use it as well and swear by it.

    A software app we have reviewed several times is TurboCAD Pro Mac. This app is one of the best values in the entry to mid-level CAD market because it provides strong mechanical and product design features, including support for 3D printing, robust AutoCAD DWG support and smart tools for AEC CAD users. TurboCAD too comes in three different levels but the ACIS based NURBS modeling versions at the mid and upper levels provide a lot of firepower for the buck.

    01 – Chief Architect is legend among builders and it now runs on the Mac.

    02 – TurboCAD Pro Mac is one of the best MCAD products values on the market.

    03 – MacDraft is a veteran CAD app on the Mac and it has a charming interface with solid features.

    Unlike Chief Architect, MacDraft is a veteran product in the Mac community. The UK-based CAD developer was among the core group of early CAD software providers on the Mac platform, offering tools at the lower-end of the market. Always one to stay rather up-to-date with the latest Mac standards, MacDraft has “smart-snap” technology. The latest version features custom grid colors, custom guides, a template chooser, a helper palette and a lot more. MacDraft is regarded as an easy-to-learn and fun CAD system.

    There are over 50 CAD applications listed below and we start breaking them down into industry-specific lists for you here and deeper into the big leaders in the market who have dozens upon dozens of add-on applications and plugins available.

    The bottom line is—there has never been a better time to be a Mac CAD user. So many choices!

    INDEX 01:  A complete “alphabetical-ordered” listing of Mac CAD/CAM Apps

    We have over 59 macOS native CAD applications in this list below but we know there are likely others out there we need to add—and will certainly do!

    Growing This List

    Have we missed a key software package? If you think so please email us at info@architosh.com and tell us about it. We will be sure to add it to the list at the next update AND we will give you a complimentary annual subscription to Architosh INSIDER premium membership.

    series index page: Mac App Guides for CAD/CAM/3D/AEC industries.

    Architosh will be reviewing and updating all our App Lists on a regular basis. See the dates below.

    Listing of Updates by Date

    15 Dec 2017 — Page last updated on.

    01 Nov 2017 — Creation Date.

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