Naturally, we expect that we have missed some applications that you, our reader, may know about. We hope you can write in and share this information with us. We will appreciate that very much, and those that do will get a free annual subscription to architosh INSIDER membership as a sign of our appreciation.

Some Notable mac OS 3d applications

There are so many apps we can say are notable within the industry so our three chosen apps will appear quite random to many. Let’s begin with three that represent some of the biggest communities of users. On the top of that list is Trimble’s SketchUp. The app has been downloaded 35 million times and comes in both free and pro (paid) levels. With the Pro version users gain the critical ability to import key file formats like AutoCAD DWG from which to work over as a base.

The second notable app is Maxon’s Cinema 4D, a standard bearer in the animation industry for the broadcast and TV segment. It is also a popular renderer in AEC and is gaining traction in industrial design segments. It has been rumored to Architosh that Apple’s IDG (Industrial Design Group) is a heavy Cinema 4D user and many of Apple’s most amazing product creation animations are pulled off with this tool.

01 – SketchUp has by far the largest user base in the world for any CAD or 3D application. It is a mainstay across numerous industries.

02 – Maxon’s Cinema 4D is the gold-standard for several animation industry segments, but used across several industries.

03 – Chaos Group’s V-Ray is the industry darling renderer within the AEC community, working with nearly all leading CAD/BIM tools.

The third notable app is Chaos Group’s gold standard renderer, V-Ray, which comes in the form of plugins for all the leading CAD/BIM and most leading 3D modelers. The image above is from V-Ray for Rhino. The realism and accuracy and general performance of V-Ray make it a standout among the crowded field of rendering contenders—of which there are many superior choices.

This is the master mother list. For industry-specific lists visit here.

INDEX 01: A complete “alphabetical-ordered” listing of 3d applications for macOS

We have over 114 macOS native 3d applications in this list. We will add to it when we learn of new ones—and we are sure we will learn about new ones.

• 3D Coat — 3D Coat is an easy to use 3D modeling tool for creating architecture, game, animation and VR models. (macOS, Windows and Linux)
• 3Delight Studio Pro — is a high-quality, high-performance photo-realistic rendering software and tools based on the industry-proven Renderman standard and practices. It includes full Renderman API support. There are optional plugins for Maya, KATANA and 3ds Max but Studio Pro is a standalone renderer software package. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• AC3D — this app by Inivis is an easy-to-use software package for medical visualization, flight simulation, video games, virtuality reality and more…. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Advanced Skeleton — by Animation Studios, is a plugin for Autodesk Maya that can create rigs with unlimited body configurations, 3 heads, 5 legs, 100 fingers, and anything goes. You can rig not only humans and creatures but also props, vehicles and just about anything else that moves. You can at anytime go from Advanced Skeleton back to Fit Skeleton, make changes and rebuild. (macOS, Windows)
• Alias — Autodesk’s Alias is an industrial Class-A surfacing design package with tools for concept modeling, surfacing, and visualization, working primarily towards industry, product, and automotive industries. (macOS, Windows, and Linux) Special note, Autodesk announced it would no longer support macOS in future versions but is working with Apple to explore how to bring future versions back to Mac. Older versions (2019 and prior) continue to work on macOS).
• Animation Master — by HASH, this product is an inexpensive novice-level 3d modeling, animation, and rendering package. (macOS and Windows)
• Appleseed — Appleseed is an open-source, physically-based global illumination rendering engine primarily designed for animation and visual effects. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Argon — Ashlar’s venerable brand and line of CAD and 3d modeling apps begins at the entry level with Argon, a powerful history-free precision 3D Class-A NURBS surface modeler built with the Spatial ACIS modeling engine. (macOS and Windows)
• Arnold — Arnold was acquired from SolidAngle by Autodesk a few years ago, and the product is a superior global illumination renderer, focused on architecture, animation, film, visual effects and the VR community. It comes free with 3D Autodesk products. Previously there were plugins for rival Autodesk packages, like Houdini, Cinema 4D, and KATANA, among others. These appear to be still available.  (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Artlantis — this award-winning tool by France’s Abvent is a stand-alone renderer for architects and designers. It has legendary simplicity and power. (macOS and Windows)
• Blackmagic Design Fusion — Fusion 9 Fusion is the world’s most advanced compositing software for visual effects artists, broadcast and motion graphic designers, and 3D animators. The starting point for all visual effects is compositing, the layering of one image on top of another. Fusion makes it easy because there are only 2 basic tools you need to get started. The Merge tool lets you quickly composite two images together in 2D space, and the Merge 3D tool lets you quickly composite multiple images together in 3D space. (macOS and Windows)
• Blender — this free open-source 3D application is considered one of the best professional level 3d packages, for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Blender Benchmark — this is a brand new 3D industry benchmark test suite created by the open source community behind Blender. It will supplement the likes of tools like Cinebench and other 3D industry test suites that work across platform, providing a valuable way to test Windows vs. Apple Mac hardware for the 3D industry. It can test across CPU, GPU and CUDA, and OpenCL. It is currently in beta but available. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• BodyPaint 3D — Maxon’s competitive 3D painting package works along Cinema 4D or other 3d packages and is tablet friendly offers impressive texturing and sculpting enabling painting highly detailed textures directly on your 3D objects. (macOS and Windows)
• Bryce — Bryce is an easy to use beginners package to create 3D environments. It is made by DAZ. (macOS, Windows)
• CARA VR — The Foundry produces the CARA VR plugin for Nuke that dramatically speeds up stitching and compositing of 360-degree 3D or video footage. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Carbon Scatter 2017 — Carbon Scatter 2017 scatters millions of instances in seconds – create wind-swept forests or animated crowds and render them directly inside 3ds Max, Maya, and Cinema4D! Sadly this product is not going to be sold separately in the future as e-on software is focused on Vue and PlantFactory under its new parent company Bentley. (macOS and Windows)
• Carrera — An inexpensive mid-range 3d modeling, animation, and rendering package that is used with Genesis character models. Carrera is one of the oldest names in 3d in the Apple Mac universe but has a more limited place in the market these days as it is tightly focused around other DAZ products. (macOS and Windows)
• Cheetah 3D — Cheetah 3D is an easy to use 3D software made only for the Mac. It is meant for beginners to professionals to create quick and easy projects without having to navigate complex interface. (macOS)
• Cinema 4D — Maxon’s widely lauded professional but affordable 3D package is used for modeling, animation, rendering and motion graphics, used across broadcast and film, game, architecture and engineering industries. Maxon is a Nemetschek Group company based in Germany. (macOS and Windows)
• City Engine — ESRI’s City Engine transforms 2D GIS data into 3D city models, an invaluable tool for various types of professionals, including planners, urban designers, and architects. The tool integrates with ESRI’s leading ArcGIS tool. (macOS and Windows)
• Clara.io — Clara is 3D modeling web-based application based on WebGL and therefore runs across multiple modern operating systems with modern web browsers. You can model, animate, render all online. (web app)
• CL3VER — this award-winning app is a cloud-based interactive presentation software that simplifies 3D visualization for the AEC and design industries, offering an exciting way to explore design projects or products from any angle and easily evaluate alternatives. Seamlessly integrating into your daily workflow, CL3VER matches scene information as is, including cameras, materials, lights, and geometry, turning designs into 3D immersive experiences shareable via the browser, offline and in virtual reality. You can use as a plugin with Sketchup & Rhino. (macOS and Windows)
• Cobalt — Ashlar’s ultimate 3D modeling product is widely used within the product and industrial design markets and comes from a Mac stalwart developer and innovator. Like Autodesk’s Alias it comes with a Class A NURBS surfaces functionality, solids, and wireframes all in one package. (macOS and Windows)
• Continuum — Continuum is the Swiss army knife for compositors and video editors. Continuum’s range of powerful VFX plug-ins opens the door for creative work that delivers impact. The possibilities are endless with tools like Title Studio for 2D/3D titling, Beauty Studio for retouching, Image Restoration, and many more. (macOS and Windows)
• Corona Renderer — a relatively new advanced, high-performance unbiased photorealistic renderer, available to Autodesk 3ds Max as a plugin app and as a standalone CLI application and currently in development (beta) for Maxon Cinema 4D as a plugin app. The company has recently been acquired by Chaos Group. (macOS and Windows)
• Chronosculpt — ChronoSculpt by Newtek is a powerful new stand-alone application that revolutionizes working with animation and dynamic simulation cache files from any application by allowing you to use sculpting and transformation tools over time. ChronoSculpt also introduces a radical new geometry engine based on our “Hydra” technology which allows the deformation and manipulation of 8 to 10 million polygon objects with ease. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Datasmith — Datasmith is a plugin is a workflow toolbox they are working on to simplify data migration into Unreal Engine for architectural and design visualizations. It is part of Unreal Engine Studio. (macOS and Windows)
• Daz3D —  a free 3D suite for modeling, animating and rendering.
• Deadline — Deadline is a hassle-free administration tool that offers flexibility and a variety of management tool options for render farms. It supports 70 different packages. (macOS and Windows)
• Design 3D CX 8 — Design 3D CX is a modeling, animation, and rendering package that is easy to use and powerful for professional use. Known earlier in time as Strata 3D, the Strata product line has expanded over the years into various versions. (macOS and Windows)
• Effects Suite — Red Giant Effects Suite is a set of 9 tools that have served the visual effects and motion graphics community for years, delivering the creative freedom to produce professional effects and motion graphics across a range of professional industries. (macOS and Windows)
• Electric Image — Electric Image (aka: Electric Image Animation System, or EIAS)  is a classic 3D modeling, animation and rendering software. One of the oldest 3D software packages on the Mac it has been involved in legendary motion pictures from Star Wars to Terminator. It is also a fast render. The product no longer focuses on modeling but rather animation and rendering. (macOS and Windows)
• Element 3D — Element 3D is a third party After Effects plug. It is used to import 3D objects for particle rendering. It mostly used for motion design and VFX. (macOS and Windows)
• Flame — Autodesk Flame is a professional, advanced interactive 3D software used for finishing, visual effects, compositing, advanced graphics, color grading, conform, editorial and look development. Unusually, it is a pro app from Autodesk that doesn’t support Windows, due to its development history. (macOS and Linux)
• FLIX — this app is a leading story development hub for animated film & TV, video games, and storyboards for live action. Created to help collaboration between artists. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Forge — Forge is a powerful, cloud-based software development platform with building blocks for your next tool or software project. Forge enables your apps to view 3d models directly in your web browser. Project Quantum, which Architosh published an exclusive on last year, is built on the Forge platform.
• FormIt Pro — FormIt is a powerful BIM-powered architectural modeling software with native Revit interoperability, which enables architects to conceptually model and then analyze against environmental concerns, locate models in real site contexts, etc. It works in the cloud, on Apple iPad Pro, and on Windows. (macOS via web browser, iOS, Windows)
• formZ — formZ by AutoDesSys is a stalwart mac developer and global leader in a professional 3D package highly used in architecture and related industries, featuring modeling, animation, and rendering. There are for apps the company supplies to market—formZ Free, formZ Jr., and formZ Pro. There is also a new formZ mobile viewer for iOS.  (macOS, iOS, and Windows)
• Foto 3D CX — Foto 3D CX allows you to use your camera to capture full textured 3D models from real-world objects. (macOS and Windows)
• FPrime — this app is a Lightwave 3D plugin adding real-time interactive feedback to your workflow. (macOS and Windows)
• Fracture FX — Fracture FX is a production-proven, cross-platform demolition solution for Autodesk Maya. Its procedural, event-driven architecture allows even novice users to take complete control of a destruction simulation and final shots in record time. (macOS and Windows)
• Fusion 360 — Autodesk Fusion 360 is the first of its kind 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tool that connects your entire product development process in a cloud platform. (macOS, iOS, Windows)
• G2 — Worley Laboratories’ G2 is a plugin for advanced lighting and shading in Lightwave 3D.
• Grasshopper — Grasshopper is a graphical algorithm editor tightly integrated with Rhino’s 3-D modeling tools. Grasshopper is the AEC industry’s leading algorithmic design platform made by McNeel and Associates. (macOS and Windows)
• Gravity Sketch — this new innovative company has two products for the 3d market, Gravity Sketch VR and Gravity Sketch iOS. The first product doesn’t quite run on the Mac yet, but we think it is worth mentioning because it will likely be supported in the near future. With this app, you design in 3D inside a VR application using VR headgear like Oculus Rift.
• Hexagon — this app is an inexpensive beginner’s 3D modeler program for creating objects simply and quickly, created by DAZ. (macOS and Windows)
• Hiero — Hiero is a part of the Nuke family offering the same powerful timeline as Nuke Studio offering great visibility over projects with seamless timesharing with other Hiero assets. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Houdini — Houdini is one of the major 3D professional software packages in the market and offers a powerful procedural content creation tool for visual effects, animation, simulation, and rendering. Houdini delivers a complete, complex toolset that can deliver high-quality imagery for VFX, Architecture, Games, and VR. (macOS and Windows)
• Indigo Renderer — Indigo Renderer by OTOY is a physically based photorealistic renderer which simulates the physics of light to achieve realism. A super-realistic material system with an advanced physical camera model and the ability to simulate complex lighting can deliver beautiful images. It uses a multi-GPU architecture tapping the power of OpenCL. (macOS and Windows)
• inStudio VR — inStudio VR is an easy to use virtual reality design tool made by Strata. (macOS and Windows)
• Keying Suite — Red Giant Keying Suite is a set of 3 tools that make your keying seamless and build the realism of your shot -taking you from the initial matte to the final composite. Includes Primatte Keyer, Key Correct, Warp. (macOS and Windows)
• KeyShot — this innovative app is the first real-time ray tracing application that uses a physically correct render engine based on scientific research in the areas of scientifically accurate material representation and global illumination. Addressing the visualization needs of designers, engineers, marketing professionals, photographers, and CG specialists, KeyShot breaks down the complexity of creating photographic images and animations from 3D digital data. (macOS and Windows)
• LightWave 3D — one of the top professional 3D packages highly used in Hollywood and across numerous other industries close to and far from the film industry. (macOS and Windows)
• Lightworks — Lightworks integrates their Iray®+ technology into existing CAD systems and 3d applications or design workflows, building bespoke applications and configurators for use in the design review process and at the point-of-sale; and create immersive, beautiful, photorealistic images and animations for companies across multiple sectors using our world-leading technology and creative expertise. (macOS and Windows)
• LumenRT — Bentley’s LumenRT is a plugin for immersive visualization for Architecture and Geo Design. It can create fast photographic images and ultra high definition video of your projects. (macOS and Windows). Note, this app may not actually be supported on Mac any longer.
• LuxRender — LuxRender is a free, open sourced, physical based unbiased rendering engine that works with multiple 3d packages. It runs on any number of CPUs or GPUs. (macOS and Windows)
• Magic Bullet Suite — This app is a set of seven tools that bring intuitive, real-time color correction, and beyond, right to your editorial timeline. Includes Color Correct, Stylize, Refine, Cleanup. (macOS and Windows)
• MakeHuman — MakeHuman is a free open source tool for making 3D characters. It is often used with Blender. (macOS and Windows)
• Mari — The Foundry’s Mari is an artist-friendly 3D paint tool without limits combining power and performance for the most complex projects. Mari once made a splash at an Apple Keynote with its highly optimized macOS specific release. Mari is a 3D digital painting and texturing tool. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Marvelous Designer — Marvelous Designer gives you the ability to make digital 3D clothing replicating the look and feel of real textures, and fabrics that provide realism. You can drape the garments right onto the character. (macOS and Windows)
• Maya — Autodesk’s Maya is a leading pro 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering software for character animation, architectural rendering, environments, virtual reality, and motion graphics. There are actually two Autodesk Maya’s, the regular version and Autodesk Maya LT. The LT version is used for character and environment creation and animation, while the regular version is used for complex simulations and motion graphics. (macOS and Windows)
• Maxwell Render — Maxwell is a beautiful photorealistic renderer for architects and designers. The product by Next Limit is famous for its speed and render image quality. Maxwell comes as Maxwell Studio, a standalone application and in plugins for leading 3D tools like SketchUp, Rhino, formZ, and others. Importantly, the list of integrations includes Rhino for Mac. (macOS and Windows)
• Maxwell Multilight — this newish app is a standalone rendering version that does not need Maxwell Studio to enable users to modify a scene’s lighting and save multitudes of images under different light conditions. The product is completely free. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• MeshLab — MeshLab is an open source editor for 3D triangle meshes. It provides a set of tools for editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, texturing and converting meshes. It can process raw data for 3D printing output. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Meshmixer — Meshmixer is a free state of the art software for working with triangle meshes. Great for 3D printing and scanning. It is free and comes from Autodesk Research. (macOS and Windows)
• Mitsuba — this app is a free open source (GNU General Public License) physically based renderer useful for exploration and research in computer graphics. (macOS, Windows, and Linux
• Mocha — Mocha is award-winning tracking software built upon a renowned Planar Tracking image engine. Mocha follows “pixel patterns” through the most difficult conditions including objects that go off-screen, objects that are partially obscured, even out of focus footage. There is also the product Mocha VR. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Modo — Modo is a powerful, professional modeling, animation, and rendering solution for professionals that work the way an artist thinks. The product is from The Foundry.
• MOI (Moment of Inspiration) — MOI has an easy to use UI modeler for CAD users who are tired of complex CAD tools. (macOS and Windows)
• Mudbox — Mudbox is proprietary 3D sculpting and painting tool by Autodesk. Architosh has reviewed this tool in the past here. (macOS and Windows)
• NUKE — NUKE is the industry-leading compositing, editorial and review node based system used for motion pictures, television, and games. It is another product by The Foundry. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Onshape — Design, version, and share parts, assemblies, and drawings from anywhere for less than your legacy CAD maintenance fees. Onshape is fundamentally a tool for modeling mechanical or industrial parts and assemblies. It runs in the browser on any modern operating desktop operating system (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• OpenSCAD — OpenSCAD is a free software for making solid 3D CAD models. It doesn’t focus on the artistic 3d modeling, but the CAD aspects and is referred to as “the programmer’s solid 3d CAD modeler.” (macOS, Windows, Linux, UNIX)
• Octane Render — OTOY’s Octane renderer is a professional level photo-realistic images, and one of the fastest GPU accelerated renderers on the market. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• PlantFactory — e-on Software’s PlantFactory is a revolutionary 3D vegetation modeling, animation, and rendering software, dedicated to the CG, SFX, Architecture and Gaming communities. (macOS and Windows)
• Pixie — Render Pixie is a free open source photorealistic raytracing renderer. Pixie is RenderMan-like and has been developed as a useful graphics research tool and for people who cannot afford a commercial renderer. Pixie is licensed under GNU Public License. Pixie is popular with students learning the RenderMan interface and a suitable replacement for it, using the RenderMan Shading Language. (macOS, Windows, Linux, and UNIX)
• POLK — Polk contains 23 effects animation tools. It is another product by Worley Laboratories.
• Poser — Poser by Smith Micro is a 3D software modeling package with presets for creating characters. You can animate and render your characters in the Pro version. Poser is a legendary 3D character software package, long on the Mac. The latest version features physically-based rendering and Bullet Physics. 
• RealFlow — Next Limit, the maker of Maxwell, produce RealFlow which is a fluid and dynamics simulation tool for photorealistic 3D and visual effects industry. This stand-alone application can be used in conjunction with other 3D programs to simulate fluids, water surfaces, fluid-solid interactions, rigid bodies, soft bodies, and meshes. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• RealSoft — RealSoft is a modeling and raytracing application. Has not been updated in years, however. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Render[in] — Abvent’s newish Render[in] is a powerful radiosity engine created for Sketchup. It is actually part of the Artlantis rendering engine and is designed to give SketchUp users a powerful photorealistic rendering option. Runs inside of SketchUp. (macOS and Windows)
• RenderMan — Pixar’s legendary Oscar-winning RenderMan rendering software is used by not only Disney’s Pixar division but by leading film and VFX studios worldwide, for visual effects, animation, rendering, in films, TV, games, and visualization fields. It consists of RenderMan DCC Plugin and RenderMan Pro Server. The former runs inside Maya, Houdini, and Katana. The Pixar Tractor application is used for building out a RenderMan network rendering farm. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Rhinoceros — aka: Rhino, Robert McNeel & Associates’ award-winning, and extremely popular professional 3D modeler application is fully NURBS-based and allows you to create just about any shape imaginable. (macOS and Windows)
• Sapphire — Sapphire is a compilation of plugins for editing, compositing, and motion graphic applications. It is the special effects tool of choice for post-production professionals across the globe because it enables endless creative possibilities and workflow efficiencies. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Sasquatch — Sasquatch is a Lightwave 3D plugin that gives you photoreal hair and fur. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Sculpt 3D — Sculpt 3D is a web-based app, from noted 3D software developer Strata, that allows you to model 3D objects like clay. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Sculptris — This app by Pixologic is a great beginner’s digital sculpting modeling tool from the makers of famed Zbrush. It’s time to design your monster! (macOS and Windows)
• SelfCAD — SelfCAD is the leader in online 3D Modeling and Slicing Software used for 3D printing with very little training. (web-based)
• Shade 3D — This app is a mac stalwart modeler, animation, and rendering software made in Japan. It is one of the oldest 3D packages on the Mac. (macOS and Windows)
• Shade 3D for Unity — this is a tool that lets you create and transform your animated 3D models into game ready content for Unity 3D development.
• Shapeasy — This is a beginner’s level 3d creation software from the folks behind Shade 3D. (macOS and Windows)
• Shave and a Haircut — Shave and a Haircut is a plugin for Maya that creates photorealistic hair and fur and responds to Maya dynamics simulations. (macOS and Windows)
• Shotgun — Autodesk’s Shotgun is a software that simplifies production project management and brings creative teams together so they can interact in real time. Used for VFX, animation, and games. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Sketchbook — this Autodesk app is a digital drawing and painting application that works just like a pen, pencil or brush for architectural design, industrial design, storyboarding and concept art. It uses over 140 layers. (macOS, Windows, iOS)
• SketchUp — Trimble’s world’s most popular 3d application makes modeling easy and friendly while providing extensible power through a vast third-party app system.  Start by drawing an object and push and pull on surfaces to create 3D forms. (macOS and Windows)
• Smoke —  Autodesk Smoke is a video effects software that combines editing tools with compositing node based tools in a timeline based workflow helping increase productivity. (macOS)
• solidThinking Evolve — Evolve is a professional 3D hybrid modeling and rendering program offering superior NURBS based modeling and best-in-class construction history. It features real-time photorealistic rendering features in addition to animation. (macOS and Windows)
• Substance B2M — Allegorithmic’s Substance B2M is an image material generator that can generate as much as you need output from a single image. (macOS and Windows)
• Substance Designer — Substance Designer is the ultimate material authoring tool and scan processing tool. It has become the standard in the entertainment industry for PBR authoring. (macOS and Windows)
• Substance Painter — Substance Painter is a powerful, 3D painting software that allows you to texture and render and share your work. (macOS and Windows)
• TAFT — This app by Worley Labs is six Lightwave 3D plugin tools ranging from weapons firing to hose animation. (macOS and Windows)
• TinkerCAD — Autodesk’s TinkerCAD is an easy browser-based 3D design modeling tool for 3D printing that is used by architects, hobbyists, toy designers and used to create objects for Minecraft. (web-based)
• Trapcode Suite — Red Giant Trapcode Suite is a set of 11 tools for 3D motion graphics and visual effects. Includes Particular, Form, Tao, Mir, Shine, Lux, Stroke, Echospace, Starglow, Sound Keys, Horizon. (macOS and Windows)
• Twinmotion — Abvent’s Twinmotion is the simplest, fastest way to do innovative cross-platform virtualization. 3D and VR solution plugin for CAD packages to be ported into the Unreal Engine. (macOS and Windows)
• Twinlinker — is an app and technology by the Abvent group behind Artlantis and Twinmotion, which enables the user to create virtual visits of your 3D model environments directly inside your web browser. (macOS and Windows)
• Unity — Unity is the most downloaded leading game engine used for creating video games, virtual reality projects, animated movies, and TV shows, and more. This game engine, like the Unreal Engine, is now powering immersive 3D experiences for pro markets. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Universe — Over 65 GPU-accelerated effects and transitions for editors and motion graphics artists by developer Red Giant. Compatible with 3D motion composers like Apple Motion Davinci Resolve, et al. (macOS and Windows)
• Unreal Engine — Unreal Game Engine is the industry-leading professional-level creative tool for video games, architectural visualization, film and TV production, and virtual reality. lt gives you the ability to build entire worlds inside Unreal. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Vue — VUE Pioneer, VUE Esprit, VUE Studio and VUE Complete provide 3D artists with powerful modular applications to create rich 3D Digital Nature scenery and landscapes. VUE xStream and VUE Infinite offer CG professionals the premiere solutions for creating exceptionally rich and realistic Digital Nature environments with seamless integration into any production workflow. (macOS and Windows)
• V-Ray — Chaos Group’s V-Ray stand-alone renderer is a leading renderer for visual effects for film, television, games, product and AEC industry visualization, and VR. V-Ray for Sketchup, formZ, and Rhino, among others are also available. GPU accelerated rendering is now available on the Mac. (macOS and Windows)
• Xfrog — Xfrog is a procedural organic 3D modeler that allows you to create and animate 3d trees, flowers, nature based special effects or architectural forms. (macOS and Windows)
• ZBrush — Pixologic’s ZBrush is a digital sculpting modeling software that allows complex detail in your objects. (macOS and Windows)

Growing This List

Have we missed a key software package you use or make that should be on this list? If 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 3D App Guides for AEC/CAID/VFX and Animation industries. 

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

Listing of Updates by Date

7 Oct 2018 — Creation Date

The post INDEX 01: All Mac 3D Apps—Alphabetical Listing appeared first on Architosh.

Introduction

Just like our Ultimate Guide series on “CAD” apps for macOS, released on 11 Dec 2017, this Ultimate LIst is focused on providing value to those in search of, researching on, testing, demoing, and implementing Mac 3D software into various industry workflows or pipelines. High-value to readers is found herein in these organized lists and guides:

1. Alphabetical-based Lists — complete listings in “alphabetical order” to aid search.
2. Industry-centric Lists — designed to aid research, demonstrate comprehensiveness or lack-thereof.
3. Industry-leading Workflows — designed to provide detailed Add-On lists and information on apps that commonly work together.
4. “Must-Have” Top Apps Lists and Articles — break-down articles that discuss the apps that all users must have in particular industry workflows.
5. Software Portfolio Spec Sheets — a new type of post that provides comprehensive history, details, performance, and interoperability specifications on a specific app.

These five (5) major components will develop over time and constitute the ultimate information resource for Mac 3D applications across all types of industries and specialties.

The Indices (WIP Release 1)

The complete Ultimate List of 3D Applications for the Apple Mac Platform will be indexed entirely from this master index page and it is a work in progress (WIP).

This page will be updated periodically. (grey items are forthcoming…)

INDEX 01:  A complete “alphabetical-ordered” listing of all Mac 3D Apps

• All Mac 3D Apps

INDEX 02:  Industry-centric Listing of Mac 3D Apps

• 3D: AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction)
• 3D: CAID (Computer-aided Industrial Design)
• 3D: Animation, VFX, and Compositing

INDEX 03: Industry-leading Workflows

• coming….

INDEX 04:  “Must-have” top apps lists—a shortcut to the top apps in macOS 3D

• coming….

INDEX 05:  A listing of Software Portfolio Spec Sheets

• coming…

Growing This List

We will continue to grow these lists and guides in the fullness of time, to make sure we have covered the entire industry as it exists. If you have any ideas about these lists please drop us a note at info@architosh.com

main App Guides page: https://architosh.com/app-guides/

List Update Log

(latest release dated up top)

9 Oct 2018 — Creation date

The post Ultimate List of 3D Applications for the Apple Mac Platform appeared first on Architosh.

There are so many great macOS native 3D apps now that are highly useful for or actually purpose-built for the AEC industry it is hard to choose three to spotlight below. So we have chosen to focus on three that did not even exist 19 years ago when Architosh first published its original Mac App Guides for CAD and 3D.

Some Notable 3D Apps for the AEC Market

Architosh, as its name implies, was actually created to bolster morale and hope for the continued use of the Mac in the architecture market. The purpose of the site is told, originally, here on the first version of Architosh. The purpose and history are further expanded in several interviews and a podcast. Back in 1999, it was very much worth fighting for the Mac in architecture because it already had some amazing applications (all still in existence), but the three apps of note were not yet created.

The first one app of note is clearly Trimble’s SketchUp. Downloaded over 35 million times, SketchUp is the number one 3D application by use every created on any platform. Originally created just for Windows in the first decade of this century, Architosh got the exclusive story when the company (@Last Software) decided to bring the app to the Mac. If SketchUp is new to you the first thing you should know about it is its legendary ease-of-use. SketchUp brought “approachability” to professional 3D modeling.

01 – SketchUp 2018 is the current version and ships in free and Pro versions.

02 – Grasshopper enables sophisticated modeling power by using algorithms to drive 3D form.

03 – Chaos Group has announced the release of V-Ray 3 for SketchUp, a popular design workflow in AEC.

The next app of note is also a world leader. McNeel’s Grasshopper is the undisputed market and mindshare leader in algorithmic 3d modeling using a visual script node user interface. Only recently a native macOS app, Grasshopper is one of the most important and popular apps taught in architecture schools in colleges worldwide.

Finally, we must bring some limelight to V-Ray by Chaos Group. V-Ray is a rendering engine and set of plugins for popular CAD/BIM/3D apps. It’s visual quality and speed are top-shelf, and its ease-of-use has dramatically improved over the recent round of releases. V-Ray works with such popular 3d tools such as SketchUp, Rhino and popular BIM applications like Window-only Autodesk Revit. In terms of renderers on the Mac, the competition is fierce with well over a dozen superior choices, but V-Ray continues to find favor with the AEC community.

3D apps are just some of the tools required by AEC pros. To see our list of complete macOS tools for AEC also visit these guides below:

• INDEX 02: CAD: AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction)
• Ultimate List of CDE (Common Data Environment) Apps for Architects

INDEX 02: 3D Apps: AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction)

We have over 27 macOS native 3d applications in this list for AEC use. There are clearly more if we broaden our criteria around everyday use, but these below are purpose-built for the industry or well-known to be used by AEC pros.

• Artlantis — this award-winning tool by France’s Abvent is a stand-alone renderer for architects and designers. It has legendary simplicity and power. (macOS and Windows)
• Cinema 4D — Maxon’s widely lauded professional but affordable 3D package is used for modeling, animation, rendering and motion graphics, used across broadcast and film, game, architecture and engineering industries. Maxon is a Nemetschek Group company based in Germany. (macOS and Windows)
• City Engine — ESRI’s City Engine transforms 2D GIS data into 3D city models, an invaluable tool for various types of professionals, including planners, urban designers and architects. The tool integrates with ESRI’s leading ArcGIS tool. (macOS and Windows)
• CL3VER — this award-winning app is a cloud-based interactive presentation software that simplifies 3D visualization for the AEC and design industries, offering an exciting way to explore design projects or products from any angle and easily evaluate alternatives. Seamlessly integrating into your daily workflow, CL3VER matches scene information as is, including cameras, materials, lights, and geometry, turning designs into 3D immersive experiences shareable via the browser, offline and in virtual reality. You can use as a plugin with Sketchup & Rhino. (macOS and Windows)
• Datasmith — Datasmith is a plugin is a workflow toolbox they are working on to simplify data migration into Unreal Engine for architectural and design visualizations. It is part of Unreal Engine Studio. (macOS and Windows)
• Design 3D CX 8 — Design 3D CX is a modeling, animation, and rendering package that is easy to use and powerful for professional use. Known earlier in time as Strata 3D, the Strata product line has expanded over the years into various versions. (macOS and Windows)
• FormIt Pro — FormIt is a powerful BIM-powered architectural modeling software with native Revit interoperability, which enables architects to conceptually model and then analyze against environmental concerns, locate models in real site contexts, etc. It works in the cloud, on Apple iPad Pro, and on Windows. (macOS via web browser, iOS, Windows)
• formZ — formZ by AutoDesSys is a stalwart mac developer and global leader in a professional 3D package highly used in architecture and related industries, featuring modeling, animation, and rendering. There are for apps the company supplies to market—formZ Free, formZ Jr. and formZ Pro. There is also a new formZ mobile viewer for iOS.  (macOS, iOS, and Windows)
• Foto 3D CX — Foto 3D CX allows you to use your camera to capture full textured 3D models from real-world objects. (macOS and Windows)
• Grasshopper — Grasshopper is a graphical algorithm editor tightly integrated with Rhino’s 3-D modeling tools. Grasshopper is the AEC industry’s leading algorithmic design platform made by McNeel and Associates. (macOS and Windows)
• LightWave 3D — one of the top professional 3D packages highly used in Hollywood and across numerous other industries close to and far from the film industry. (macOS and Windows)
• LumenRT — Bentley’s LumenRT is a plugin for immersive visualization for Architecture and Geo Design. It can create fast photographic images and ultra high definition video of your projects. (macOS and Windows). Note, this app may not actually be supported on Mac any longer.
• Maya — Autodesk’s Maya is a leading pro 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering software for character animation, architectural rendering, environments, virtual reality, and motion graphics. There are actually two Autodesk Maya’s, the regular version and Autodesk Maya LT. The LT version is used for character and environment creation and animation, while the regular version is used for complex simulations and motion graphics. (macOS and Windows)
• Maxwell Render — Maxwell is a beautiful photorealistic renderer for architects and designers. The product by Next Limit is famous for its speed and render image quality. Maxwell comes as Maxwell Studio, a standalone application and in plugins for leading 3D tools like SketchUp, Rhino, formZ, and others. Importantly, the list of integrations includes Rhino for Mac. (macOS and Windows)
• Maxwell Multilight — this newish app is a standalone rendering version that does not need Maxwell Studio to enable users to modify a scene’s lighting and save multitudes of images under different light conditions. The product is completely free. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Modo — Modo is a powerful, professional modeling, animation, and rendering solution for professionals that work the way an artist thinks. The product is from The Foundry.
• Octane Render — OTOY’s Octane renderer is a professional level photo-realistic images, and one of the fastest GPU accelerated renderers on the market. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Render[in] — Abvent’s newish Render[in] is a powerful radiosity engine created for Sketchup. It is actually part of the Artlantis rendering engine and is designed to give SketchUp users a powerful photorealistic rendering option. Runs inside of SketchUp. (macOS and Windows)
• Rhinoceros — aka: Rhino, Robert McNeel & Associates’ award-winning and extremely popular professional 3D modeler application is fully NURBS-based and allows you to create just about any shape imaginable. (macOS and Windows)
• Shade 3D — This app is a mac stalwart modeler, animation, and rendering software made in Japan. It is one of the oldest 3D packages on the Mac. (macOS and Windows)
• SketchUp — Trimble’s world’s most popular 3d application makes modeling easy and friendly while providing extensible power through a vast third-party app system.  Start by drawing an object and push and pull on surfaces to create 3D forms. (macOS and Windows)
• Twinmotion — Abvent’s Twinmotion is the simplest, fastest way to do innovative cross-platform virtualization. 3D and VR solution plugin for CAD packages to be ported into the Unreal Engine. (macOS and Windows)
• Unity — Unity is the most downloaded leading game engine used for creating video games, virtual reality projects, animated movies, and TV shows, and more. This game engine, like the Unreal Engine, is now powering immersive 3D experiences for pro markets. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Unreal Engine — Unreal Game Engine is the industry-leading professional-level creative tool for video games, architectural visualization, film and TV production, and virtual reality. lt gives you the ability to build entire worlds inside Unreal. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Vue — VUE Pioneer, VUE Esprit, VUE Studio and VUE Complete provide 3D artists with powerful modular applications to create rich 3D Digital Nature scenery and landscapes. VUE xStream and VUE Infinite offer CG professionals the premiere solutions for creating exceptionally rich and realistic Digital Nature environments with seamless integration into any production workflow. (macOS and Windows)
• V-Ray — Chaos Group’s V-Ray stand-alone renderer is a leading renderer for visual effects for film, television, games, product and AEC industry visualization, and VR. V-Ray for Sketchup, formZ, and Rhino, among others are also available. GPU accelerated rendering is now available on the Mac. (macOS and Windows)
• Twinlinker — is an app and technology by the Abvent group behind Artlantis and Twinmotion, which enables the user to create virtual visits of your 3D model environments directly inside your web browser. (macOS and Windows)

Growing This List

Have we missed a key software package you use or make that should be on this list? If 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 3D App Guides for AEC/CAID/VFX and Animation industries. 

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

Listing of Updates by Date

7 Oct 2018 — Creation Date

The post INDEX 02: 3D Apps: AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) appeared first on Architosh.

The product design and CAID software segment have become one of the strongest growth areas for macOS over the past decade and a half. While the largest enterprise MCAD tools have largely remained Windows-only, (e.g.: SolidWorks, ProE (Creo), CATIA, etc.) the rise of new tools like Fusion 360, and Onshape have dramatically altered the market. New tools tend to be cross-platform from the start and are increasingly written for the modern web browser.

Alongside the growth in available tools in this space on the CAD side has been large growth in the areas of Class-A NURBS and SubD (subdivision surfaces) modelers. And there have emerged some rendering tools highly oriented at CAID and product design markets. (see below)

Some Notable Computer-Aided Industrial Design macOS Apps

While Autodesk Alias has been one of the standard bearers in the CAID software industry, another superior tool for product designers has been Altair’s solidThinking Evolve, a tool we have reviewed and written about much here on Architosh. Evolve has best-in-class construction history integrated into a sophisticated NURBS modeler.

The second app of note in this product design category is Rhinoceros, (aka: Rhino 3D). McNeel’s hugely popular NURBS modeler was originally Windows-only but became a macOS app in recent years. It has also become a popular tool inside the architecture community.

01 – Altair’s solidThinking Evolve is a top contender for best industrial design creation app, native to macOS and Windows.

02 – Rhino for Mac is full-featured and nearly feature equal to the Windows version.

03 – KeyShot works as an ideal high-quality photo-realistic renderer that also plugs into all the leading MCAD tools

The third app of note in this category is KeyShot, a phenomenal rendering app that we would not be surprised to learn that Apple’s Industrial Design Group may be using. A top-shelf app with cutting-edge performance wrapped in a clean and approachable user interface and UX. KeyShot has very good connections to leading MCAD tools.

INDEX 02: 3D Apps: CAID (Computer-aided Industrial Design)

We have over 28 macOS native 3d applications in this list. We will add to it when we learn of new ones.

• AC3D — this app by Inivis is an easy-to-use software package for medical visualization, flight simulation, video games, virtuality reality and more…. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Alias — Autodesk’s Alias is an industrial Class-A surfacing design package with tools for concept modeling, surfacing, and visualization, working primarily towards industry, product, and automotive industries. (macOS, Windows, and Linux) Special note, Autodesk announced it would no longer support macOS in future versions but is working with Apple to explore how to bring future versions back to Mac. Older versions (2019 and prior) continue to work on macOS).
• Argon — Ashlar’s venerable brand and line of CAD and 3d modeling apps begins at the entry level with Argon, a powerful history-free precision 3D Class-A NURBS surface modeler built with the Spatial ACIS modeling engine. (macOS and Windows)
• Cheetah 3D — Cheetah 3D is an easy to use 3D software made only for the Mac. It is meant for beginners to professionals to create quick and easy projects without having to navigate complex interface. (macOS)
• Cinema 4D — Maxon’s widely lauded professional but affordable 3D package is used for modeling, animation, rendering and motion graphics, used across broadcast and film, game, architecture and engineering industries. Maxon is a Nemetschek Group company based in Germany. (macOS and Windows)
• Clara.io — Clara is 3D modeling web-based application based on WebGL and therefore runs across multiple modern operating systems with modern web browsers. You can model, animate, render all online. (web app)
• Cobalt — Ashlar’s ultimate 3D modeling product is widely used within the product and industrial design markets and comes from a Mac stalwart developer and innovator. Like Autodesk’s Alias it comes with a Class A NURBS surfaces functionality, solids, and wireframes all in one package. (macOS and Windows)
• Design 3D CX 8 — Design 3D CX is a modeling, animation, and rendering package that is easy to use and powerful for professional use. Known earlier in time as Strata 3D, the Strata product line has expanded over the years into various versions. (macOS and Windows)
• formZ — formZ by AutoDesSys is a stalwart mac developer and global leader in a professional 3D package highly used in architecture and related industries, featuring modeling, animation, and rendering. There are for apps the company supplies to market—formZ Free, formZ Jr. and formZ Pro. There is also a new formZ mobile viewer for iOS.  (macOS, iOS, and Windows)
• Foto 3D CX — Foto 3D CX allows you to use your camera to capture full textured 3D models from real-world objects. (macOS and Windows)
• Fusion 360 — Autodesk Fusion 360 is the first of its kind 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tool that connects your entire product development process in a cloud platform. (macOS, iOS, Windows)
• Grasshopper — Grasshopper is a graphical algorithm editor tightly integrated with Rhino’s 3-D modeling tools. Grasshopper is the AEC industry’s leading algorithmic design platform made by McNeel and Associates. (macOS and Windows)
• Hexagon — this app is an inexpensive beginner’s 3D modeler program for creating objects simply and quickly, created by DAZ. (macOS and Windows)
• LightWave 3D — one of the top professional 3D packages highly used in Hollywood and across numerous other industries close to and far from the film industry. (macOS and Windows)
• KeyShot — this innovative app is the first real-time ray tracing application that uses a physically correct render engine based on scientific research in the areas of scientifically accurate material representation and global illumination. Addressing the visualization needs of designers, engineers, marketing professionals, photographers, and CG specialists, KeyShot breaks down the complexity of creating photographic images and animations from 3D digital data. (macOS and Windows)
• Maya — Autodesk’s Maya is a leading pro 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering software for character animation, architectural rendering, environments, virtual reality, and motion graphics. There are actually two Autodesk Maya’s, the regular version and Autodesk Maya LT. The LT version is used for character and environment creation and animation, while the regular version is used for complex simulations and motion graphics. (macOS and Windows)
• Maxwell Render — Maxwell is a beautiful photorealistic renderer for architects and designers. The product by Next Limit is famous for its speed and render image quality. Maxwell comes as Maxwell Studio, a standalone application and in plugins for leading 3D tools like SketchUp, Rhino, formZ, and others. Importantly, the list of integrations includes Rhino for Mac. (macOS and Windows)
• MeshLab — MeshLab is an open source editor for 3D triangle meshes. It provides a set of tools for editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, texturing and converting meshes. It can process raw data for 3D printing output. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Meshmixer — Meshmixer is a free state of the art software for working with triangle meshes. Great for 3D printing and scanning. It is free and comes from Autodesk Research. (macOS and Windows)
• Modo — Modo is a powerful, professional modeling, animation, and rendering solution for professionals that work the way an artist thinks. The product is from The Foundry.
• MOI (Moment of Inspiration) — MOI has an easy to use UI modeler for CAD users who are tired of complex CAD tools. (macOS and Windows)
• Onshape — Design, version, and share parts, assemblies, and drawings from anywhere for less than your legacy CAD maintenance fees. Onshape is fundamentally a tool for modeling mechanical or industrial parts and assemblies. It runs in the browser on any modern operating desktop operating system (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• OpenSCAD — OpenSCAD is a free software for making solid 3D CAD models. It doesn’t focus on the artistic 3d modeling, but the CAD aspects and is referred to as “the programmer’s solid 3d CAD modeler.” (macOS, Windows, Linux, UNIX)
• Rhinoceros — aka: Rhino, Robert McNeel & Associates’ award-winning and extremely popular professional 3D modeler application is fully NURBS-based and allows you to create just about any shape imaginable. (macOS and Windows)
• Shade 3D — This app is a mac stalwart modeler, animation, and rendering software made in Japan. It is one of the oldest 3D packages on the Mac. (macOS and Windows)
• solidThinking Evolve — Evolve is a professional 3D hybrid modeling and rendering program offering superior NURBS based modeling and best-in-class construction history. It features real-time photorealistic rendering features in addition to animation. (macOS and Windows)
• Unity — Unity is the most downloaded leading game engine used for creating video games, virtual reality projects, animated movies, and TV shows, and more. This game engine, like the Unreal Engine, is now powering immersive 3D experiences for pro markets. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Unreal Engine — Unreal Game Engine is the industry-leading professional-level creative tool for video games, architectural visualization, film and TV production, and virtual reality. lt gives you the ability to build entire worlds inside Unreal. (macOS, Windows, Linux)

Growing This List

Have we missed a key software package you use or make that should be on this list? If 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 3D App Guides for AEC/CAID/VFX/Animation industries. 

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

Listing of Updates by Date

7 Oct 2018 — Creation Date

The post INDEX 02: 3D Apps: CAID (Computer-aided Industrial Design) appeared first on Architosh.

On this list, we have included all the major 3D pro packages like Maya, Cinema 4D, LightWave and Houdini—those all fully cross-platform for macOS support. And of course, we have listed here Pixar’s RenderMan. Some of these tools are also listed under other category lists, like Cinema 4D under AEC, as that tool is highly used in that industry segment. Tools in this list also include compositing solutions used in visual effects with films.

There are so many superb software packages for the Mac platform in the areas of animation, visual effects, and compositors; it is hard to select three notable solutions because there are many more than that. If you are here reading this you likely have already heard of the big names like Autodesk Maya, Maxon’s Cinema 4D, Houdini and NUKE. So let’s focus on notable solutions you may not know about yet.

Some Notable Animation, VFX and Compositing Apps

A lot of macOS based 3D professionals are well aware of tools like Maya and After Effects, even if those toolsets are not in their industry sectors. They are some of the bigger names in the industry. One superb software solution is Fusion 9 by Blackmagic Design, one of the larger companies in the film and TV broadcast industries. Blackmagic actually makes a tone of hardware, including the things you would see in a live TV studio. They also make professional cameras. And—importantly—they make the Blackmagic eGPU Thunderbolt 3 external GPU case for enhancing graphics performance on hardware like the MacBook Pro.

The Foundry’s modo is an award-winning mac-native 3D application that was once featured during a Steve Jobs keynote. modo has one of the most beautiful and professional user-interfaces on the planet of any software anywhere. The package continues to gain strengths across modeling, animation, rendering and more.

01 – Fusion 9 is the latest from Blackmagic Design, a leading 3D compositor and special effects package.

02 – modo by The Foundry is more than a very versatile modeler. It is actually a complete 3D package like Maya.

03 – An image from the upcoming Houdini 17, a complete pro 3D package that has been mac native for years now.

Houdini has been mac-native for many many years now. When Houdini came to macOS users it really felt as those the whole of the animation and VFX industry was mostly supportive of the Apple platform. Houdini has recently added the ultra-fast Redshift renderer to its arsenal. Houdini 17 is on its way.

INDEX 02: 3D Apps: Animation, Special Effects (VFX) and Compositing

We have over 32 macOS native 3d applications in this list. We will add to it when we learn of new ones.

• Animation Master — by HASH, this product is an inexpensive novice-level 3d modeling, animation, and rendering package. (macOS and Windows)
• Adobe After Effects — AE is an industry standard compositing application and competes with other compositors on this list. It allows for sophisticated pro-level animation and compositing of visual assets including 3D assets and special effects.
• Blackmagic Design Fusion — Fusion 9 Fusion is the world’s most advanced compositing software for visual effects artists, broadcast and motion graphic designers, and 3D animators. The starting point for all visual effects is compositing, the layering of one image on top of another. Fusion makes it easy because there are only 2 basic tools you need to get started. The Merge tool lets you quickly composite two images together in 2D space, and the Merge 3D tool lets you quickly composite multiple images together in 3D space. (macOS and Windows)
• Blender — this free open-source 3D application is considered one of the best professional level 3d packages, for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Bryce — Bryce is an easy to use beginners package to create 3D environments. It is made by DAZ. (macOS, Windows)
• Carbon Scatter 2017 — Carbon Scatter 2017 scatters millions of instances in seconds – create wind-swept forests or animated crowds and render them directly inside 3ds Max, Maya, and Cinema4D! Sadly this product is not going to be sold separately in the future as e-on software is focused on Vue and PlantFactory under its new parent company Bentley. (macOS and Windows)
• Carrera — An inexpensive mid-range 3d modeling, animation, and rendering package that is used with Genesis character models. Carrera is one of the oldest names in 3d in the Apple Mac universe but has a more limited place in the market these days as it is tightly focused around other DAZ products. (macOS and Windows)
• Cinema 4D — Maxon’s widely lauded professional but affordable 3D package is used for modeling, animation, rendering and motion graphics, used across broadcast and film, game, architecture and engineering industries. Maxon is a Nemetschek Group company based in Germany. (macOS and Windows)
• Continuum — Continuum is the Swiss army knife for compositors and video editors. Continuum’s range of powerful VFX plug-ins opens the door for creative work that delivers impact. The possibilities are endless with tools like Title Studio for 2D/3D titling, Beauty Studio for retouching, Image Restoration, and many more. (macOS and Windows)
• Effects Suite — Red Giant Effects Suite is a set of 9 tools that have served the visual effects and motion graphics community for years, delivering the creative freedom to produce professional effects and motion graphics across a range of professional industries. (macOS and Windows)
• Electric Image — Electric Image (aka: Electric Image Animation System, or EIAS)  is a classic 3D modeling, animation and rendering software. One of the oldest 3D software packages on the Mac it has been involved in legendary motion pictures from Star Wars to Terminator. It is also a fast render. The product no longer focuses on modeling but rather animation and rendering. (macOS and Windows)
• Element 3D — Element 3D is a third party After Effects plug. It is used to import 3D objects for particle rendering. It mostly used for motion design and VFX. (macOS and Windows)
• Flame — Autodesk Flame is a professional, advanced interactive 3D software used for finishing, visual effects, compositing, advanced graphics, color grading, conform, editorial and look development. Unusually, it is a pro app from Autodesk that doesn’t support Windows, due to its development history. (macOS and Linux)
• Fusion — Blackmagic’s Fusion 9 VR is one of the world’s most advanced visual effects, 3d, compositing, VR, and motion graphics apps used extensively in Hollywood production houses. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• FLIX — this app is a leading story development hub for animated film & TV, video games, and storyboards for live action. Created to help collaboration between artists. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Hiero — Hiero is a part of the Nuke family offering the same powerful timeline as Nuke Studio offering great visibility over projects with seamless timesharing with other Hiero assets. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Houdini — Houdini is one of the major 3D professional software packages in the market and offers a powerful procedural content creation tool for visual effects, animation, simulation, and rendering. Houdini delivers a complete, complex toolset that can deliver high-quality imagery for VFX, Architecture, Games, and VR. (macOS and Windows)
• inStudio VR — inStudio VR is an easy to use virtual reality design tool made by Strata. (macOS and Windows)
• LightWave 3D — one of the top professional 3D packages highly used in Hollywood and across numerous other industries close to and far from the film industry. (macOS and Windows)
• Magic Bullet Suite — This app is a set of seven tools that bring intuitive, real-time color correction, and beyond, right to your editorial timeline. Includes Color Correct, Stylize, Refine, Cleanup. (macOS and Windows)
• Maya — Autodesk’s Maya is a leading pro 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering software for character animation, architectural rendering, environments, virtual reality, and motion graphics. There are actually two Autodesk Maya’s, the regular version and Autodesk Maya LT. The LT version is used for character and environment creation and animation, while the regular version is used for complex simulations and motion graphics. (macOS and Windows)
• Mocha — Mocha is award-winning tracking software built upon a renowned Planar Tracking image engine. Mocha follows “pixel patterns” through the most difficult conditions including objects that go off-screen, objects that are partially obscured, even out of focus footage. There is also the product Mocha VR. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Modo — Modo is a powerful, professional modeling, animation, and rendering solution for professionals that work the way an artist thinks. The product is from The Foundry.
• NUKE — NUKE is the industry-leading compositing, editorial and review node based system used for motion pictures, television, and games. It is another product by The Foundry. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• POLK — Polk contains 23 effects animation tools. It is another product by Worley Laboratories.
• RealFlow — Next Limit, the maker of Maxwell, produce RealFlow which is a fluid and dynamics simulation tool for photorealistic 3D and visual effects industry. This stand-alone application can be used in conjunction with other 3D programs to simulate fluids, water surfaces, fluid-solid interactions, rigid bodies, soft bodies, and meshes. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• RenderMan — Pixar’s legendary Oscar-winning RenderMan rendering software is used by not only Disney’s Pixar division but by leading film and VFX studios worldwide, for visual effects, animation, rendering, in films, TV, games, and visualization fields. It consists of RenderMan DCC Plugin and RenderMan Pro Server. The former runs inside Maya, Houdini, and Katana. The Pixar Tractor application is used for building out a RenderMan network rendering farm. (macOS, Windows, and Linux)
• Sapphire — Sapphire is a compilation of plugins for editing, compositing, and motion graphic applications. It is the special effects tool of choice for post-production professionals across the globe because it enables endless creative possibilities and workflow efficiencies. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Sasquatch — Sasquatch is a Lightwave 3D plugin that gives you photoreal hair and fur. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Shotgun — Autodesk’s Shotgun is a software that simplifies production project management and brings creative teams together so they can interact in real time. Used for VFX, animation, and games. (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• Smoke —  Autodesk Smoke is a video effects software that combines editing tools with compositing node based tools in a timeline based workflow helping increase productivity. (macOS)
• Trapcode Suite — Red Giant Trapcode Suite is a set of 11 tools for 3D motion graphics and visual effects. Includes Particular, Form, Tao, Mir, Shine, Lux, Stroke, Echospace, Starglow, Sound Keys, Horizon. (macOS and Windows)
• Universe — Over 65 GPU-accelerated effects and transitions for editors and motion graphics artists by developer Red Giant. Compatible with 3D motion composers like Apple Motion Davinci Resolve, et al. (macOS and Windows)
• Vue — VUE Pioneer, VUE Esprit, VUE Studio and VUE Complete provide 3D artists with powerful modular applications to create rich 3D Digital Nature scenery and landscapes. VUE xStream and VUE Infinite offer CG professionals the premiere solutions for creating exceptionally rich and realistic Digital Nature environments with seamless integration into any production workflow. (macOS and Windows)

Growing This List

Have we missed a key software package you use or make that should be on this list? If 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 3D App Guides for AEC/CAID/VFX and Animation industries. 

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

Listing of Updates by Date

7 Oct 2018 — Creation Date

The post INDEX 02: 3D Apps: Animation, Special Effects (VFX) and Compositing appeared first on Architosh.

CDE Solutions of Note—5 Solutions by Criteria

Similar to our other guides, we will spotlight a select number of solutions (apps) that, in this case, get high marks in meeting the minimum requirements—as listed on this article here (see, Architosh, “A Primer on CDEs (Common Data Environments) for Architects,” 14 Jan 2018)—or are simply industry-leaders that cannot be ignored. Importantly, these five apps called out are all CDE solutions

Aconex

Aconex is a giant in the making and is based out of Australia. A publicly-traded company, news broke in December of last year that US-based Oracle was going to acquire Aconex. This makes sense on many levels given the industry construction giants using the cloud-based platform.

01 – Aconex is shown on the PC with design coordination functions shown.

Aconex supports interoperability with other systems, thus supporting IFC, BCF, and COBie. AECOM and HNTB are using Aconex to build out the Boston Green Line extension.

Minimum CDE Attributes: AEC Stakeholders

Now we look at Architecture Specific Criteria. Again, the amount of CDEs that meet all these attributes will be slim. Aconex has some integration (Revit) via a plugin.

02 – Aconex Mobile is shown here on the Apple App Store.

Their API means that CAD/BIM vendors can begin to plug in based on demand by their users. Meeting the PDF integration defined here, may not be met. Also, it is not clear if BCF support runs from within its own model viewer (Aconex online).

Minimum CDE Attributes: Architects

Autodesk BIM 360

Autodesk refers to its BIM 360 platform as “construction management software” and thus it is aiming to compete with the likes of Aconex, ProjectWise, and Procore, to name some others. It counts large US construction companies like Mortenson among its customers and in the US, where Autodesk is particularly strong within AEC, there is more likely traction for support of BIM 360 among its AE customers.

BIM 360 supports “model aggregation” a value-add to AEC teammates reviewing BIM models. CAD/BIM integration is inherent within its own tools. There is an API for document management integration.

Minimum CDE Attributes: AEC Stakeholders

There is no mention of BCF support on Autodesk’s BIM 360 page so this feature may be supported or not supported. It is likely not supported internally to BIM 360 but definitely supported with the BCF plugin for Revit on the desktop.

03 – BIM 360 can aggregate models for clash detection.

Due to the nature of BIM rivalries, though Autodesk has an API for integrations, it is unlikely that its major BIM solution rivals (eg: Bentley, Trimble, Nemetschek Group companies) will adopt its API integrations deeply. All those companies are also competing with BIM 360 with their own CDE solutions.

Minimum CDE Attributes: Architects

Trimble Connect

Trimble Connect, which was created originally at Gehry Technologies, was one of the first integrated and fully web-based document and project management AEC tools that included a capable model viewer. Years ago, Architosh termed such online systems—which combined the functions of project collaboration and document management as PCDMs—an acronym that never gained much strength. Acronyms are often short-lived anyway and today we are referring to CDEs.

One strength that Trimble offers is that the company owns no competing major BIM platform. This should, philosophically, make it easier for the company in terms of CAD/BIM integrations if their published API is picked up by rivals. The same holds true of Aconex.

Minimum CDE Attributes: AEC Stakeholders

Regarding data structuring in Trimble Connect, folders are organized in terms of disciplines. Within each discipline, folders are then organized into (01) WIP, work in progress, (02) For Review, (03) For Construction, and (04) As Built. This is the Four Phases of the CDE but with slightly different naming.

04 – Trimble Connect offers the AEC market a CDE that is tightly focused and simplified.

One of the strengths of Trimble Connect is its simplified user-experience and UI. The tool also features desktop and mobile versions for offline access when there is no Internet solution. In Trimble Connect you can exchange To-Do tasks as BCFs. It also has clash detection. In terms of integrations, Trimble Connect from the get-go worked with SketchUp models and Revit. It also supports Tekla Structures and Vico Office. And its SDK is based on the cross-platform (.NET).

Minimum CDE Attributes: Architects

Newforma

Newform is a company Architosh has known and written about for a long time. Its solutions have been originally aimed at the CA phase of the design-build-delivery cycle. Billed as “project information management software” for the AEC industry, the company features several interrelated applications, including plugins that link AutoCAD and Revit to Newforma apps. However, the company’s newest product is Newform Project Cloud, a true cloud-based construction collaboration software. Newform includes Thorton Tomasetti and award-winning architecture firm LMN Architects as customers.

05 – Newforma Plans is a mobile app to run on your iPad connected to the Newforma system.

Newforma doesn’t make mention of the BS 1192 standard but it does support archiving features. Like Trimble Connect, the BS 1192 standard could be structured via folder structures but this is not as strong as the cloud software itself having awareness of which state data exchange is happening in.

Minimum CDE Attributes: AEC Stakeholders

A strength of Newforma Project Cloud for architects is that the user can cross-reference documents to meeting minutes. There is also a message forum to move dialog about the project into centralized forum message threads and away from email.

06 – Newforma Tasks is a mobile solution that connects into the tasks management system.

Newforma Project Cloud is stronger on the construction administration (CA) side of the delivery cycle than on the earlier phases for architects. It lacks a BIM model viewer. And therefore it lacks tools that help architects collaborate with their partner engineers in the SD-CD phases of the work.

Minimum CDE Attributes: Architects

PlanGrid 

PlanGrid is an AEC cloud-app darling and initially had some innovative features that others have now copied. For example, detail bubbles are auto highlighted creating clickable links that take you to the sheet the detail lives on. This applies to sections or interior elevations as well.

Its mobile version, particularly iOS in the United States, is a prime factor in its appeal, enabling easy to use tools for carrying all document plans on the job site. Architects we know here at Architosh love PlanGrid for its simplicity and attractive pricing.

07 – PlanGrid offers version control that works automatically.

In terms of meeting a CDE specification? PlanGrid doesn’t offer BS 1192 compliance mechanisms and its document management capabilities are less than other rivals. It does offer version control and Sheet Compare is a change management feature.

Minimum CDE Attributes: AEC Stakeholders

Like Newforma it doesn’t have an integrated BIM model viewing environment. So there are no CAD/BIM integrations and no model section, class detection, and BCF support. On the flipside, the app products interactive as-builts, forming an “archive” for CDE BS 1192 compliance at least for that one container in the standard.

08 – PlanGrid offers markup tools via its excellent mobile app.

You can neatly mention teammates in comments which will automatically notify them as well as sheets or documents and these can be jumped to instantly. PlanGrid integrates with Dropbox, Google Drive and Box—large vendor cloud storage—and also to key industry players like Egnyte.

Minimum CDE Attributes: Architects

While these five have been selected for special attention, please read the full list below to learn about other CDEs. Also to understand CDE’s more deeply and the developed standard, read our feature here (see, Architosh, “A Primer on CDEs (Common Data Environments) for Architects,” 14 January 2018).

INDEX 06: Ultimate List of CDE Apps for Architects

This is a complete list of CDEs—or apps that are close to meeting the definition of a CDE. The five apps highlighted above are all already popular with architects but they are not the only ones in this CDE list that are popular with architects. Key larger CDE solutions popular with architects include Bentley’s ProjectWise, Asite, and Bluebeam Revu Studio. On this last mention, please see our exclusive feature on the evolving CDE story on Bluebeam technology. (see, “Architosh Exclusive—Nemetschek Group Unveils Its CDE Strategy with Bluebeam Technology at its Core,” 13 Dec 2017)

• AEC Hub — one of the only CDE solutions that boast of its BS 1192 compliance features. Like Aconex, the company is based out of Australia. It is based on Autodesk Forge, meaning it is relatively young.
• Aconex — the global leader in CDEs for the AEC industry. See our profile of it above.
• Asite — the Adoddle platform is a major rival to Aconex in some parts of the world. The CDE features native BIM model viewer, document viewer,  project and document management. Asite counts SKANSKA, one of the world’s largest builders, as one of its customers.
• Autodesk BIM 360 — the design software giant has a very solid CDE developing in BIM 360, with favorable features for AE pros who are, especially, on Autodesk platforms. See profile above.
• Bentley ProjectWise — ProjectWise is a global leader in CDE space, particularly for the largest construction projects in the world. For architects, there are essentially four projects to be aware of, ProjectWise Design Integration, ProjectWise Connection Services, ProjectWise ProcureWare, and ProjectWise Construction Management.
• Bluebeam Revu Studio — Bluebeam Revu is the most popular war room and document review software in the AEC industry and only recently has its parent company, the Nemetschek Group, communicated its CDE ambitions, which are discussed here in this exclusive Architosh feature.
• Bricsys 24/7 — formerly known as Chapoo, 24/7 is a robust CDE offering with integrated BIM model viewing, document management, workflow automation, collaboration markup tools and more.
• conjectPM — this CDE from Germany was a major competitor to Aconex until the latter acquired the company recently. Its sister app is conjectFM for facilities management.
• GroupBC — one of the UK’s biggest BIM leaders has been at the forefront and has a next-generation CDE called BC Enterprise for the AEC industry. BS 1192 compliance features.
• Newforma — The Manchester, New Hampshire based tech company has offices all over the world and is one of the global AEC software leaders. We profile the company above.
• PlanGrid — a cloud or SaaS darling in the AEC software space, PlanGrid as a CDE is growing despite stiff competition from the likes of Procore in particular. It will be hosting its first PlanGrid Construction Summit this coming June. PlanGrid’s appeal is its simplicity and UI/UX, which are considered superb. PlanGrid counts Granger and DPR amount is contractor customers.
• Procore — touted as a “Construction OS,” Procore is growing at an incredible pace, though it is small much smaller than Aconex. Procore has taken a lower-market first strategy, targeting initially contractors doing high-end residential (the founder’s core problem) and light commercial. Procore has a robust market-place of integration apps, including big names like QuickBooks, Bluebeam and Asta Powerproject.
• ProjectMates — a cloud-based CDE solution for owners in particular. While it supports the viewing of drawings online, like others on this list, it doesn’t include BIM model viewing for BIM collaboration.
• StratusVue — a cloud-based CDE solution that includes an integration of three apps, BidVue, PlansandSpecs, and BIMfx. StratusVue is headquartered in Chicago. The award-winning Aqua Building in Chicago, by Studio Gang, was a project that went through its system.
• ThinkProject — this CDE is from Germany and services the building, infrastructure, and civil markets, along with engineering and industrial construction. Customers include SIGNA.
• Trimble Connect — Trimble’s innovative online CDE was an early system with an integrated BIM and model viewer with sectioning and clash detection. See our profile above.
• Viewpoint — the UK based company is a leader with an enterprise-class CDE with fully integrated ERP (enterprise resource planning). They have five products just for contractors, including estimation software.

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.

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

Listing of Updates by Date

26 Feb 2019 — Updated correction on Clash Detection, not “class”.

15 Jan 2018 — Last update of this page

15 Jan 2018 — Page created on this date

The post Ultimate List of CDE (Common Data Environment) Apps for Architects appeared first on Architosh.

When it comes to many of the best macOS apps on the planet, much of what makes them truly special is the way in which they embody everything that is wonderful about working on the macOS platform to begin with. Their “mac-ness” shines!

The 5 Best Native Mac CAD Apps

Here are the top five Mac CAD apps that really shine when it comes to embodying the best of Apple’s beloved platform. They also happen to be great CAD apps as well.

Number 1 — ARCHICAD

01 – The toolbar icons embody the essence of the new “flat look” in ArchiCAD 20’s new UI.

GRAPHISOFT in Hungary is the only software company in the world with its own Steve Jobs bronze statue. This company was born on the Mac (actually it was born on the Lisa). From the beginning ARCHICAD embraced classic Mac user-interface design while it innovated the principle of the “virtual building” a concept that eventually came to be known as BIM.

The latest version eschews older Mac UI concepts for brand new Apple UI concepts that tie both its macOS and iOS platforms looks together. A new “flat look” makes ARCHICAD’s interface look very clean and reflects its BIMx iOS app which is innovative in its own right. The company also supports the new Touch Bar in the MacBook Pro.

Number 2 — AutoCAD for Mac

05 – Autodesk supports the Apple Touch Bar in AutoCAD 2018 for Mac and AutoCAD LT for Mac.

Autodesk has been one of the CAD/3D industry’s strongest proponents of Apple since the later part of the last decade, following successful Mac products in Maya and Alias. When it comes to Apple goodies in the UX (user experience) and UI (user-interface) Autodesk delivers. They completely re-architected AutoCAD’s interface when they introduced their Mac version—intro’ing the dark theme—and later added macOS features like Coverflow navigation, Multitouch gestures, and Multiview split screen.

AutoCAD is a namesake in the CAD world and its version on Mac has pushed the boundaries of Apple UI for CAD tools.

Number 3 — HighDesign

03 – HighDesign was an Apple Developer Award winner when it came out.

HighDesign was founded in Italy and that Italian quality design ethos is every in this program. Created exclusively for macOS and the winner of an Apple Design Award, HighDesign features a stunning light or dark them user-interface. It also features elegant icons and a classic mac UI design layout. Part of its beauty is it took some risks to create unique UI features, like its beautifully crafted Radial Menu.

HighDesign is an entry-level professional 2D CAD system that enables architecture professionals, in particular, to create stunning drawings (like the one image above).

Number 4 — Graphite

01 – Ashlar-Vellum’s Graphite is a legend in the Mac CAD industry and one with staying power.

Ashlar-Vellum’s Graphite was originally called Vellum back in the day. The CAD program stands apart from the pack due to its very simplified classic MacDraw-like user-interface layout. Aside from its deep reflection of Mac design principles echoing the days of old, its Drafting Assistant technology makes working in Graphite highly effective. We would love to see this company add support for the Apple Touch Bar and its version 11 coming soon may indeed bring that feature.

Number 5 — Vectorworks

05 – Vectorworks 2018 doesn’t just support the Touch Bar, it breaks new ground in UI windowing.

Vectorworks 2018 not only supports the Apple MacBook Touch Bar, the venerable macOS market share CAD leader has broken new ground lately in crafting multiviews technology on a CAD application on the Mac. As the image shows above, you can spawn all kinds of viewports in this flexible multiview context—as many monitors and what your GPU can handle.

Vectorworks has always stayed true to its Mac roots (it used to be called MiniCAD) but it has learned it can do that while innovating UI at the same time.

Comments?

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.

The post INDEX 04: 5 Best Native Mac CAD Apps appeared first on Architosh.

A Primer on MCAD for Mac

With the exception of the early 1990’s period, the mechanical CAD industry has largely avoided the macOS platform until the latter half of the last decade, when Autodesk signed renewed interest in the platform. This brought about some big announcements, most notably Siemens’ PLM software for OS X. When Apple faulted with the new 2013 Mac Pro, some of these big MCAD players faulted on their Mac plans due to a poor showing of interest with a lack of ideal Mac hardware. But that hasn’t stopped continued growth in smaller players. While the Catia, Creo, and SolidWorks of the world continue to eschew the platform (though many run those apps on Mac hardware in a virtualized environment or under Boot Camp) smaller players have emerged to fill the void.

One such group is actually a family of rivals, consisting of AutoCAD enemies in Dassault Systemes with DraftSight, Graebert’s ARES Commander (which is the engine in DraftSight), and Bricsys with its BricsCAD platform products. These are all DWG-based solutions and rival AutoCAD, which itself came back to the Mac platform at the end of the last decade.

The other set of MCAD products include web-based solutions or hybrid desktop-web solutions, in products Onshape and Autodesk Fusion 360, respectively.

We spotlight three MCAD apps for Mac below.

Mac MCAD Industry Notable Apps

The first one is BricsCAD Sheet Metal, a dedicated focused mechanical CAD application that is fully macOS native (as is the whole Bricsys family of products which support all three main platforms.). Certainly, BricsCAD itself—which comes in Classic, Pro, and Platinum versions is well suited for mechanical CAD. A comparison of AutoCAD shows it has more features in this department, like “assembly viewing,” and “assembly constraints,” and “assembly modeling” things that AutoCAD does not have on either PC or Mac. The Sheet Metal version adds more mechanical capacity to this Belgium-based application.

Moving away from the DWG-based new upstarts who are delivering powerful competitive pressures to Autodesk, new companies like Onshape are disrupting the biggest MCAD players due to the fact that the whole product is delivered through the web browser on any modern platform. They even have an iOS version that is exceptional. Onshape is aiming its arrow directly at Solidworks but from a disruptive position under the latter’s market. Onshape features ARES technology in its new drafting engine, and while Graebert is making an ARES Mechanical product, that product isn’t quite out on the market yet and may not be macOS compatible. Onshape has had a competitive influence on Autodesk’s similarly aimed product in Autodesk Fusion 360.

01 – BricsCAD features an extensive mechanical design feature set and a dedicated product devoted to sheet metal design.

02 – Onshape is the CAD industry darling at the moment with its fully web-based platform.

03 – IMSI/Design’s TurboCAD Pro Mac is fully ACIS based and punches way above its weight for a entry-level MCAD on the Mac platform.

IMSI/Design’s TurboCAD Mac Pro, which has been reviewed here on Architosh, is an ACIS based multi-disciplinary CAD system but one that is much stronger on the MCAD side. It’s PC sister app actually utilizes a different CAD engine and is not a one-to-one version of the Mac app. TurboCAD Mac Pro has sophisticated rendering built in and overall delivers a lot of bang for the buck.

When Architosh published its first Digital Practice Guide (Architosh DPG) back in 2000, the list of MCAD products was pretty slim. It has grown tremendously in rich options, even greater than the Mac side of the AEC market, where two sister (Nemetschek) companies dominate that market at a tremendous level. Of course, those sister companies, given their size, have grown their add-on application market tremendously on the global scale.

One thing that happens when a CAD platform gets really large is you get a whole family of third-party add-on applications sprouting up. We could see that happening to some of the leaders in the MCAD market that are new and still growing.

INDEX 02: A complete listing of Mac MCAD Apps

The list of MCAD apps for Mac has grown substantially since Architosh first launched in 1999. Below you will find….

• Argon — CAD and 3D precision modeling software for Mac and Windows. It offers wireframe, solid and surface history-free modeling with precision drawings, photo-realistic renderings, and animation. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• ARES Commander — powerful CAD software for day-to-day work as well as complex projects. Leverage the productive tools and intelligent features for drafting and design that you’ve come to expect from top CAD products plus some exclusive productivity features, at significant cost savings. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• AutoCAD LT for Mac — the fully macOS native version of AutoCAD LT offers near feature parity with its Windows version and delivers it in a superior user-interface than its Windows version, taking advantage of unique Apple Mac user-interface features and integration, like support for the Apple Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro. (Mac OS X)
• Autodesk Fusion 360 — a modern web-based 3D CAD, CAM and CAE tool aimed at product development and engineering and simulation. It features a modern development model and includes simulation tools. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• AutoCAD for Mac — this is the complete professional CAD package for AutoCAD on the macOS platform and has all the features of LT above plus a whole lot more in the form of 3D. (Mac OS X)
• BricsCAD — offers all the familiar .dwg 2D CAD features, yet it adds time-saving tools and 3D Direct Modeling. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• BricsCAD Sheet Metal — this innovative product offering adds specific feature sets for the sheet metal industry to the base BricsCAD product offering. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• BricsCAD Communicator — a high-quality 3D data exchange between major MCAD formats. This optional module to BricsCAD Pro or Platinum users can import and export 3D CAD data with all the major MCAD programs.
• BRL CAD — BRL-CAD is a powerful open source cross-platform solid modeling system that includes interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, a system performance analysis benchmark suite, geometry libraries for application developers, and more than 30 years of active development. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• Cobalt — the premier parametric 3D modeling and CAD program from Ashlar-Vellum. This application includes 2D and 3D production drafting along with advanced parametric modeling with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• CorelCAD — an ARES-based DWG-native 2/3D CAD program that has unique ties to CorelDraw useful to manufacturers with extensive CAD and technical illustration workflows. (Mac OX and Windows)
• DraftSight Professional — an ARES-based native DWG 2D CAD system by industry giant, Dassault Systèmes. In terms of CAD usage, DraftSight has one of the largest user-bases in the world, with over 2 million downloads and counting. It comes with its own API and Dassault has largely used this platform to thwart Autodesk’s dominance in the CAD market.
• DraftSigth Enterprise — this version is just like the version above but for large organizations, NGOs, governments, who want full DWG native 2D CAD but with network licensing and built-in technical support plans.
• DesignFreeQ — is a drafting program is used in CAD/CAM to produce high precision drawings, but also in areas like technical illustration, documentation and education. Due to DesignFreeQ’s unique Inference Engine, drafting is made as easy as sketching on a piece of paper. (Mac OS X)
• DeltaCAD for Mac — is a fully-featured CAD application specially designed for architects and engineers that need an easy-to-use yet powerful drawing app. It features a distraction-free interface.
• Graphite — When you want 2D and 3D CAD software that’s easy to use, yet absolutely precise, that’s Graphite. Formerly known as Vellum®, Graphite offers extremely powerful, precision wire-frame drafting with the elegant ease-of-use that makes it productive even when only used occasionally.
• HighDesign — award-winning 2D CAD program originally made exclusively for Mac OS X, it ships in LT and Pro versions. The Windows version is currently in Beta.
• LibreCAD —  free Open Source CAD application. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• MacDraft — UK-based native Mac OS X CAD program comes in both Professional and PE (Personal Learning) editions, while Professional can open and edit AutoCAD DWG files. (Mac OS X)
• Onshape — Design, version, and share parts, assemblies, and drawings from anywhere for less than your legacy CAD maintenance fees. (web-based)
• OpenSCAD — a programmer’s solid 3D CAD modeller available for Linux, UNIX, Windows and Mac OS X. Its free open source software.
• SharkCAD — SharkCAD is a comprehensive 2D/3D CAD program that ships an entry and pro versions. It features KeyShot Live Linking and advanced NURBS surface modeling. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• TurboCAD Mac Designer — IMSI/Design’s entry-level 2D drafting CAD program is a well-regarded stable in the Mac CAD community aimed at the prosumer market. (Mac OS X)
• TurboCAD Mac Deluxe 2D/3D — IMSI/Design’s mid-level CAD package for Mac features ACIS modeling tools along with strong 2D drafting CAD features, including support for 3D printing and both AEC and MCAD tools. (Mac OS X)
• TurboCAD Mac Pro — is IMSI/Design’s professional mid-level 2D/3D CAD package and includes both ACIS modeling, AutoCAD DWG compatibility and powerful rendering tools along with 3D printing support. (Mac OS X)
• Vectorworks Designer — The complete package of all vertical industry series solutions of the Vectorworks product line. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Vectorworks Fundamentals — the entry-level version of the Vectorworks product line, focused on general CAD and modeling needs across various industries. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• ViaCAD — like SharkCAD made by PunchCAD and aimed at the prosumer or consumer CAD market, ViaCAD ships in 2D, 2D/3D versions and ViaCAD Pro. Taken together the PunchCAD product line ranges in price from $40USD – $1895USD. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Xenon — this is a full-featured 3D modeling and production drafting (2D/3D) application by Ashlar-Vellum similar to Cobalt but without parametric modeling. It has associative 3D modeling instead which is not as powerful. This is Ashlar Vellum’s mid-range product. (Mac OS X and Windows)

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.

The post INDEX 02: CAD: MCAD (Mechanical Computer-Aided Design) appeared first on Architosh.

Geographically, Vectorworks dominates a limited set of countries, Switzerland being one of them. It has often boasted of being the number one leading CAD application in Japan, the second largest AEC industry in the world behind the United States, and it is also particularly strong in Germany, UK, and Benelux countries.

In the United States, the largest global economy and the largest AEC industry, Vectorworks has an estimated market share of between 15-20% of architectural firms. This market share is approximate to other rivals, including its sister company, GRAPHISOFT, who all vie for the remaining market share after Autodesk takes the majority of it.

Vectorworks Add-Ons—Notable Items

There are 31 interesting and powerful add-on applications and plugins for Vectorworks below but here are three notable items every Vectorworks user should know about.

The first of these is SmartPaste, developed by G.P.Works in the UK. SmartPaste solves the problem unwanted class proliferation when importing objects or content from other CAD files into your files. You can merge classes associated with the incoming content with your particular in-file class setup. You can also save settings so every time you import your structural engineer’s plans into your plans her classes merge intelligently into your class system setup.

01 – SmartPaste is a powerful and useful plugin app for Vectorworks.

02 – AnimationWorks is a must-have plugin for Vectorworks users needed complex animation controls.

03 – Modelo is a stand-out cloud app that supplies a Vectorworks plugin for its innovative solution.

Another useful plugin is AnimationWorks by OzCAD of Australia. This brings more complex animation options to Vectorworks’ built-in animation features, such as defining camera paths, class visibility animation, which helps set up a sophisticated appearance or “move in” movies, sophisticated camera setups that can be aimed at fixed or moving objects, object animation and much more. The third notable plugin is for Modelo, which as a cloud-based model viewing, annotation, collaboration and 360-degree experience platform offers Vectorworks users powerful options for their clients and teams.

INDEX 03:  Vectorworks Workflows and Add-Ons

Here we have listed all Vectorworks Add-on Applications and Plugins that support the Mac OS X platform, along with Windows in most cases. There are 31 apps in this list.

Here we have listed all Vectorworks Add-on Applications and Plugins that support the Mac OS X platform, along with Windows in most cases.

• 3D Dimension Converter — Converts Dimensions into 3D objects ready for your Isometric dimensioned view.
• AnimationWorks — Add-on for creating complex camera animations.
• Audio Toolset 2 — a suite of tools used to create loudspeaker 3d models in various arrays. Can be useful for checking basic audio coverage.
• Beam Draw 4 — another plugin aimed at the entertainment industry, it helps visualize lighting angles and coverage. There are numerous other plugins for this industry here by this same developer.
• Calendar + Event Label — An easy-to-use pair of plug-ins for creating fully customizable calendars, retro-plans, or project schedules with event labels directly within Vectorworks.
• connectCAD — Software add-on that lets you design and keep track of cables in connected systems. Used in audio-visual, broadcast, lighting, and IT the world over.
• Custom Beams — A plug-in tool for creating wooden and extruded beams.
• DeckWorks Plugin by Trex® — A plug-in tool for designing outdoor living spaces in 2D and 3D.
• Baseboard v1 — a plugin for creating baseboard profiles more quickly than the common extrude methods, with ready-to-use profiles, editability, and more.
• Downspouts — easily add gutter and downspout designs to your BIM models.
• Elements — a flexible plugin for creating repeating extruded elements for uses like sun shades, claddings, weatherboards and more.
• ElementsCAD for Vectorworks — another powerful plugin add-on for the creation of cabinetry developed in Germany.
• Furniture v2 — an advanced plugin for creating furniture 3D models quickly using a notation code system that drives parametric-generated objects.
• Frames v1 — a plugin that allows the parametric creation of framed mirrors or pictures, with 16 ready-to-use profiles with parametric dimensions.
• interiorcad for Vectorworks — based on Vectorworks this product is aimed at detailed cabinet and kitchen design, built to high standards the software is made in Germany and distributed to many countries, the US not being one of them however.
• iSymbol Vectorworks — less a plugin and more a collection of elaborate landscape design symbols for use in Vectorworks. The company makes extensive symbols for Vectorworks and other CAD programs.
• interiors xs — similar to the full-featured interiorcad for Vectorworks but with less features.
• Intuitive Tools — a free collection of Vectorworks plugins from the folks behind SmartPaste.
• Lightwright 6 — The Lightwright to Vectorworks data exchange helps users better manage their professional lighting documents. Lightwright is a Mac and Windows application and a gold standard in the entertainment industry.
• MiniCAD Translater — An Australia users only conversion application.
• Modelo — a plugin for Vectorworks that enables users to upload their 3D models directly into Modelo’s web browser-based presentation and collaboration platform. Modelo is used by some leading architecture firms, like Vinoly, KPF, LMN, and others.
• Panel Wizard — originally used to create complicated grids on the fly, this plugin is excellent for spacing items across complicated grid arrangements and will save you time.
• Ribbon Tools — this plugin is an excellent tool for drawing double-wall sections like those used for alum. windows. Superior to the double-line poly tool because it can provide radii for corners.
• Progressive — a plugin that converts a string of comma-separated progressive dimensions into a graphical element. This is pretty useful in many situations.
• SimTread — this is a powerful simulation and analysis program for doing pedestrian simulation inside of Vectorworks. It assists in life safety design for architects and was originally developed in a Japanese University.
• SmartPaste — this plugin app smartly manages the copy and paste function when content is exchanged across different files, merging any incoming class with existing classes so that they are not “automatically” added to your file. But the plugin can do even more when importing objects from external consultants.
• topeScope 2.3 — this little app is useful for viewing solid models created on Vectorworks and saved to the STL format for 3D printing, for example. In the app, the user can find errors and then correct them back in Vectorworks. (Mac OS X)
• TouchCAD — like topeScope 2.3, this program too is a stand-alone software that works in VW workflows, users can unfold complex model shapes in TouchCAD. Not just for that, TouchCAD is useful for more complex modeling, sheet-metal unfolding, and reverse-engineering. (Mac OS X)
• WinDoor — An add-on plugin for handling complex design of doors and windows in Vectorworks. Ships for free in Australia and New Zealand Vectorworks distributions.
• VectorMEP 2018 — formerly Extensio, this powerful plugin is to design and model duct and piping systems within Vectorworks. It comes in VectorMEP Basic and VectorMEP Premium versions.
• Vectorworks 3D Printing Plugin — plugin from German 3YOURMIND, it takes your model and analyzes it, repairs it, and can scale it in preparation for 3D printing.

Growing This List

Have we missed a key Vectorworks Add-On software package or plugin? 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.

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

List Update Log

25 Nov 2017 — Creation Date

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The post INDEX 03: Vectorworks Workflows and Add-Ons appeared first on Architosh.

With strategic and marketing assistance from Apple, GRAPHISOFT had an early start on the notion of the “virtual building” which would later become termed as Building Information Modeling (BIM). Headquartered in Budapest, Hungary, and owned by the Nemetschek Group in Germany, GRAPHISOFT’s programmers have been writing some of the most efficient lines of code in the world in the AEC market. The BIM leader is widely regarded as having the fastest BIM technology in the world, particularly at scale on super large structures.

ARCHICAD’s technical leadership was not lost on Japan’s big five AEC companies. Three of the big five companies have standardized on ARCHICAD as their BIM platform of choice. One company, the architectural office of Nikken Sekkei Co. Ltd., the fourth largest architectural firm in the world, recently announced an online AC learning site titled ARCHICAD-Learning.com. For those who know Japanese, this is a superb free learning resource for ARCHICAD.

ARCHICAD Add-Ons—Notable Items

There are nearly 50 interesting and powerful add-on applications and plugins for ARCHICAD that extend the AC workflow. Many add-ons empower AC to perform better in certain countries and are therefore country or region specific. For example, SmartCON Planner is specifically created for the Japanese AEC industry and leverages ARCHICAD for visualization and planning of construction work. We have written about the app here.

01 – SmartCON Planner is a Japan-only add-on for ARCHICAD that plans and visualizes construction.

02 – BIMcollab ZOOM shown here, the AC add-on ties to two software systems together.

01 – The Rhino-Grasshopper-ArchiCAD connection links AC to the world’s most popular advanced algorithmic modeling design tool.

BIMcollab BCF Manager is an excellent add-on that leverages the buildingSMART file format BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) inside of AC to tie into the BIMcollab system for cloud-driven comprehensive issue management. Well there are numerous country-based add-ons, like SS3 Converter for ARCHICAD, a structural solution for the Japan AEC industry, or ArchiSuite, a suite of add-ons that provide value to AC in the Italian AEC industry, perhaps the most important add-on that bears mentioning is GRAPHISOFT’s own Rhino-Grasshopper-ARCHICAD (RGA) that ties McNeel’s Grasshopper algorithmic modeling environment to AC enabling designers to power their early design work with algorithms.

INDEX 03: ARCHICAD Workflows and Add-Ons

Here we have listed all ARCHICAD Add-on Applications and Plugins that in most cases support Mac OS X platform along with Windows platforms.

• ADS-BT for ARCHICAD — designed for the Japanese building industry, this add-on application addresses complex height and building envelop restrictions enforced in Japan only. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• ADS Converter — add-on software for the Japanese market that can convert AC file information for site and building to native ADS-win file format family of applications for the study of sky-rate simulations and calculations. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• archifm.net — ARCHICAD’s BIM Facility Management Module. Built on the traditions of ArchiFM the new archifm.net BIM FM system provides comprehensive CAFM functionality utilizing ARCHICAD’s BIM model. Archifm.net uses all FM related data from the BIM model including MEP and also supports ARCHICAD’s COBIe compliant models even for building maintenance. (Windows)
• BIMobject — The BIMobject App allows you, as an ARCHICAD user to browse and download manufacturer specific content from the BIMobject.com cloud directly into any ARCHICAD 15, 16 or 17 project. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Artlantis — The Artlantis export plug-in is installed by default in ARCHICAD. The plug-in offers you the possibility to update your second Artlantis file and take over the settings from the first one in case you need to change anything in the ARCHICAD model. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• ArchiFrame — ArchiFrame is an add-on that extends AC into a complete design tool for wooden structures. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• ArchiSuite — this long-time add-on suite extends AC with powerful features in discreet modules including ArchiTerraPlus, ArchiForma 2, ArchiTile 2, ArchiTime, ArchiPanel, ArchiMap, ArchiQuant 2, ArchiGiallieRossi, and ArchiTools. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• ARCHICAD Connection for Revit — this connection add-on by Graphisoft isn’t something you add onto AC but instead its a plugin for Autodesk Revit itself. The plugin improves bi-directional exchange with Revit. (Windows)
• BIMcollab BCF Manager — Complete Issue Management Ecosystem. It provides the ability to create and modify issues and communicate these through BIMcollab or via BCF files (supports version 1.0 and 2.x) directly from within ARCHICAD. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Cadimage Tools — A collection of add-on tools for AC that includes Cadimage Cabinets, Coverings, Doors+Windows, Electrical, Keynotes, Stairs, Objective and more, including the second edition of the GDL Handbook by Andrew Watson. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Cadimage FrameWright — A tool developed to help heavy wood timber framers harness the power of ARCHICAD, with technology for timber joints, timber and steel framing libraries, and more. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Cadys II — Japanese market proprietary BIMCAD system designed specifically for designing steel stairs. The app is based on ARCHICAD and makes an unprecedented connection between the fields of construction and manufacturing. Yokomori Seisakusho CO. Ltd.
• Ceiling Grid-USA — Slab accessory that applies 3D & 2D grid lines to the surface of a slab that can be snapped to and centered in a ceiling area. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• CostX — the CostX translator is a specific XML file that enables optimized auto-quantity takeoff from ARCHICAD IFC files that feeds into the Exactal estimating software series (CostX).
• e-SPECS — The e-SPECS Specification Management product suite serves to automate the preparation of construction specifications and selection of products and materials that are incorporated into construction projects. With e-SPECS for ARCHICAD, users have truly integrated and coordinated construction documents. (Windows)
• Eptar Reinforcement Tool — Eptar Reinforcement tool opens up the world of ARCHICAD towards civil engineers who work closely with fellow architects. The solution provides a helpful tool that enables civil engineers and architects to work on the same BIM model, without leaving the ARCHICAD environment, making this an ideal add-on for medium-sized architecture firms.
• Eptar Tiling 2.0 — A wall and floor tiling application add-on for AC that simplifies the process of designing tiling and the calculations work that goes along with tiling. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• EcoDesigner STAR — this add-on by GRAPHISOFT aimed at energy conscious design of structures, it is available in certain countries, including Brazil, Australia, Canada, South Africa, among others but not the United States. No separate download is necessary but a license is required to unlock the features. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Exit SIgn USA 20 — adds and shows exit signs in 3D and adds the 2D symbol on the electrical plan. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Goodies — Goodies are free Add-Ons developed by GRAPHISOFT to complete ARCHICAD with specific abilities and features, such as 3D Studio In, Interior Wizard, Mesh to Roof Tool. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Google Earth Connection — a seamless integration of ARCHICAD and Google Earth. For the Japanese market for AC. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• HKLSE Modeller — This German-based MEP BIM tool integrates seamlessly with ARCHICAD providing full 3D capabilities directly in AC for MEP disciplines, including providing collision detection automatically. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• MassPlan for ARCHICAD — This add-on app is for doing volume studies and perform area tabulations, among other tabulation work. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• MEP Label USA — Label for MEP elements in the BIM model. The dimensions of a pipe or duct are automatically indicated. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• MEP Modeler — This GRAPHISOFT application is a key add-on for AC and brings in a full suite of MEP BIM capabilities for ductwork, piping, cabling and more. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• MESH Label USA 20 — shows the area of a mesh on a plan.
• MODELPORT — 3D model and object importer for AC that expands content for users. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• OrthoGraph — a building survey measurement mobile app for iOS and Android that seamlessly passes its CAD and BIM data to native AC file format. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• RENDERLights — RENDERLights provides architects, visualization pros, designers and other professionals with a powerful virtual reality tool.
• Rhino-Grasshopper-ARCHICAD Toolset — this key add-on links Grasshopper to AC in order to create algorithmic BIM models. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Roof Slope Label — A label for roofs that show automatically the slope on plan or section and adds the Slope Triangle to sections and elevations. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• SmartCON Planner — developed by the Kajima Corporation in Japan, the application visualizes the construction process to solve for and eliminate errors. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Solibri Model Checker — Solibri Model Checker is a BIM quality assurance software solution that analyzes Building Information Models and architectural and engineering designs for integrity, quality and physical safety. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• SimpleAddon: Design — add-on app that helps design and model gutters, roof supports and place ridge tile.
• SimpleAddon: Section View — add-on that assists with section copy, dimensioning and zone name.
• SimpleAddon: Document — add-on can help change layer of selected elements in a single step, as well as measure travel distance of polyline in a single step.
• SimpleAddon: Edit — contains an add-on that places door or windows at a given position from the corner or middle of a room.
• Shadow-Planner — an add-on for the Japanese market that studies sun and shadow conditions to meet Japanese market building regulations. Provided by the Lifestyle Industries Research Institute, Co., Ltd.
• SMART-XA — A South African country native solution that integrates with ARCHICAD in that country.
• SS3 Converter for ARCHICAD — this is an add-on software for exporting the BIM model created by AC to the integrated structural calculation software Super Build / SS3, provided by Union Systems Co., Ltd.
• Tekla BIMsight — Tekla BIMsight is a free application that improves design, construction, and maintenance workflow processes.
• Terrain Tool — an add-on that creates flat surfaces on a topo mesh and eventually calculates the fill/excavations. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Travel Distance USA — an add-on that calculates the total length of a polyline to show travel distance to meet the IBC 2015 section 1017 Exit Access Travel Distance Chapter 10 Means of Egress code requirements.
• Trelligence Affinity — Affinity is a flexible software tool that enables users to begin anywhere in the programming & design process.
• Twinmotion — Award-winning Twinmotion is a real-time 3D immersion software that is changing the way designers and engineers interact with their models. The add-on is installed by default in ARCHICAD. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• vintoCON — The proven BIM-based solutions of vintoCON, in seamless integration with ARCHICAD, open new dimensions for building professionals throughout the entire building lifecycle – from the design process through the construction stages till the facility operation/maintenance management is established. (Windows)
• WinDoorBuilder for ARCHICAD — A native Australia-only add-on for AC that complements the BIM program’s native windows and doors functions with expanded features.
• Zone Tag USA — A zone stamp developed to enhance the appearance of Room/Zone Names but mostly to assist in the definition of Means of Egress to meet IBC 2006/2012. (Mac OS X and Windows)

Growing This List

Have we missed a key ARCHICAD Add-On software package or plugin? 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.

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

List Update Log

26 Dec 2017 — Page last modified.

26 Nov 2017 — Creation Date

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The post INDEX 03: ARCHICAD Workflows and Add-Ons appeared first on Architosh.

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!

• ARCHICAD — offers computer-aided solutions for handling all common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the whole design process of the built environment — buildings, interiors and urban areas. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• ArchiFacile — free floor or house planner software which allows you to design them in two dimensional. This tool is very beneficial for architects as it allows to export design in PDF format. It can be used to plan floor, house, garage, wooden house, a garden shed or pool. (web-based)
• Argon — CAD and 3D precision modeling software for Mac and Windows. It offers wireframe, solid and surface history-free modeling with precision drawings, photo-realistic renderings, and animation. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• ARES Commander — powerful CAD software for day-to-day work as well as complex projects. Leverage the productive tools and intelligent features for drafting and design that you’ve come to expect from top CAD products plus some exclusive productivity features, at significant cost savings. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• Autodesk Alias — An industrial design software widely used in the auto industry for concept design, surface modeling, and visualization. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Autodesk Fusion 360 — a modern web-based 3D CAD, CAM and CAE tool aimed at product development and engineering and simulation. It features a modern development model and includes simulation tools. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• AutoCAD LT for Mac — the fully macOS native version of AutoCAD LT offers near feature parity with its Windows version and delivers it in a superior user-interface than its Windows version, taking advantage of unique Apple Mac user-interface features and integration, like support for the Apple Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro. (Mac OS X)
• AutoCAD for Mac — this is the complete professional CAD package for AutoCAD on the macOS platform and has all the features of LT above plus a whole lot more in the form of 3D. (Mac OS X)
• AutoQ3D CAD — 2D and 3D CAD application that allows you to create, edit and share your drawings and designs. It is intended for everybody as professionals, sketchers, architects, engineers, designers, students and more. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• BricsCAD — offers all the familiar .dwg 2D CAD features, yet it adds time-saving tools and 3D Direct Modeling. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• BricsCAD BIM — a powerful full-featured and native DWG file 2D/3D CAD and BIM system that features direct-modeling, IFC support and more. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• BricsCAD Sheet Metal — this innovative product offering adds specific feature sets for the sheet metal industry to the base BricsCAD product offering. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• BRL CAD — BRL-CAD is a powerful open source cross-platform solid modeling system that includes interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, a system performance analysis benchmark suite, geometry libraries for application developers, and more than 30 years of active development. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• BricsCAD Communicator — a high-quality 3D data exchange between major MCAD formats. This optional module to BricsCAD Pro or Platinum users can import and export 3D CAD data with all the major MCAD programs.
• CAD File Converter 4 — this is a DWG-DXF-PDF convert, view and print application and also handles conversion of DWF, Autodesk’s PDF competitor format.
• CADtools 11 — brings the power of CAD tools to Adobe Illustrator complete with robust dimensioning, symbols, CAD walls, axon support and much more. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• CADpatterns —  from the same folks at CADtools 11, this app brings 134 editable architectural CAD patterns to Adobe Illustrator and can be used in conjunction with CADtools. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• CADintosh — 2D-CAD software for electrical, mechanical and architectural drawings. it has interactive window redrawing, where the user can work at the same time as the window is redrawing, also easy to Import and export your work into multiple format such as HPGL, DXF, and PICT.(Mac OS X)
• Chief Architect — The industry leader for residential architectural home design software. This program is easy to use for the building professional.
• DraftSight Professional — an ARES-based native DWG 2D CAD system by industry giant, Dassault Systèmes. In terms of CAD usage, DraftSight has one of the largest user-bases in the world, with over 2 million downloads and counting. It comes with its own API and Dassault has largely used this platform to thwart Autodesk’s dominance in the CAD market.
• DraftSigth Enterprise — this version is just like the version above but for large organizations, NGOs, governments, who want full DWG native 2D CAD but with network licensing and built-in technical support plans.
• Cobalt — the premier parametric 3D modeling and CAD program from Ashlar-Vellum. This application includes 2D and 3D production drafting along with advanced parametric modeling with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• CorelCAD — an ARES-based DWG-native 2/3D CAD program that has unique ties to CorelDraw useful to manufacturers with extensive CAD and technical illustration workflows. (Mac OX and Windows)
• DesignFreeQ — is a drafting program is used in CAD/CAM to produce high precision drawings, but also in areas like technical illustration, documentation and education. Due to DesignFreeQ’s unique Inference Engine, drafting is made as easy as sketching on a piece of paper. (Mac OS X)
• DeltaCAD for Mac — is a fully-featured CAD application specially designed for architects and engineers that need an easy-to-use yet powerful drawing app. It features a distraction-free interface.
• DigiCAD 3D — this is a photogrammetry, mapping, and architectural surveys application useful to the CAD processes supporting these applications.
• DomusCAD Pro — You can immediately begin to create three-dimensional elements without needing to start from a two-dimensional plan. Elements such as walls, floors, roofs, and stairs are created from the onset in their full three-dimensional form. Watch the 3D model change in real time as you design in plan. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• DomusTerra — land modeling CAD program for architecture from the same folks behind DomusCAD Pro.  (Mac OS X and Windows)
• DoodleCAD — DoodleCAD is an easy to learn, feature rich and inexpensive vector drawing and 2D CAD tool that gives Mac OS X users the tools they need to do illustrations, diagrams, and mechanical drawings like a pro at a very affordable price. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Eagle — Make anything with EAGLE PCB design software. Powerful, easy-to-use tools for every engineer. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• eDrawings Viewer — CAD viewer for Mac which delivers a premier 3D viewing experience for non CAD professionals. eDrawings Viewer enables anyone to quickly and easily view, print and review native eDrawings and SOLIDWORKS files in addition to AutoCAD DWG and DXF files.
• FreeCAD — FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. FreeCAD is open-source and highly customizable, scriptable and extensible. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• Graphite — When you want 2D and 3D CAD software that’s easy to use, yet absolutely precise, that’s Graphite. Formerly known as Vellum®, Graphite offers extremely powerful, precision wire-frame drafting with the elegant ease-of-use that makes it productive even when only used occasionally.
• HighDesign — award-winning 2D CAD program originally made exclusively for Mac OS X, it ships in LT and Pro versions. The Windows version is currently in Beta.
• Home Sketcher — Thanks to a high-level, intuitive plan drafting tool, you can design your home in just a few clicks!
• iCADMac — made by the same folks behind progeCAD, this is a full CAD alternative to AutoCAD that is DWG native and supports a user-friendly 2D/3D CAD system native to macOS. It is highly customizable and very affordable. progeCAD is one of the several high-quality AutoCAD clone CAD companies and this is their Mac version.
• ImplicitCAD — is a programmatic CAD program, implemented in Haskell. Unlike traditional CAD programs, programmatic CAD programs use text descriptions of objects, as in programming. Concepts like variables, control structures, and abstraction are used, just as in programming.
• Live Home 3D — Live Home 3D, a successor of Live Interior 3D, is the powerful yet intuitive home design software that lets you build the house of your dreams right on your Mac or Windows.
• LibreCAD —  free Open Source CAD application. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• MacDraft — UK-based native Mac OS X CAD program comes in both Professional and PE (Personal Learning) editions, while Professional can open and edit AutoCAD DWG files. (Mac OS X)
• Microspot DWG Viewer — a Mac OS X native DWG file viewer and annotation and printing tool. (Mac OS X)
• Onshape — Design, version, and share parts, assemblies, and drawings from anywhere for less than your legacy CAD maintenance fees. (web-based)
• PLaSM — open source scripting language for solid modeling, a discipline that constitutes the foundation of computer-aided design and CAD systems. In contrast to other CAD programs, PLaSM emphasizes scripting rather than interactive GUI work. (Mac OS X, Linux and Windows)
• PowerCADD — You want drawings that look like those you’ve always done by hand — or better. Exquisitely detailed. Perfect arrows. Crisp lines. Or maybe even a squiggly sketch. You don’t want it to look like it was done on a computer. (Mac OS X)
• Punch Interiors for Mac — Bring the interior design of your home to life with this consumer-oriented 2D/3D easy to use design program focused on home interiors. (Mac OS X)
• PunchCAD Landscape for Mac — Bring your home’s exterior features to their full potential with the all-new Landscape Design for Mac version 19.  A PunchCAD product aimed at the prosumer market. (Mac OS X)
• Sailcut CAD — It is a sail design and plotting software for Architectures. It allows you to design and visualize your own sail and compute the accurate development of all panels in flat sheets.
• SharkCAD — SharkCAD is a comprehensive 2D/3D CAD program that ships an entry and pro versions. It features KeyShot Live Linking and advanced NURBS surface modeling. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• solidThinking Evolve — an industrial design software that competes with Autodesk Alias for advanced surface modeling, concept design, product design, etc. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• topeScope 2.3 — this little app is useful for viewing solid models created on Vectorworks and saved to the STL format for 3D printing, for example. In the app, the user can find errors and then correct them back in Vectorworks. (Mac OS X)
• TouchCAD — like topeScope 2.3, this program too is a stand-alone software that works in VW workflows, users can unfold complex model shapes in TouchCAD. Not just for that, TouchCAD is useful for more complex modeling, sheet-metal unfolding, and reverse-engineering. (Mac OS X)
• TurboCAD Mac Designer — IMSI/Design’s entry-level 2D drafting CAD program is a well-regarded stable in the Mac CAD community aimed at the prosumer market. (Mac OS X)
• TurboCAD Mac Deluxe 2D/3D — IMSI/Design’s mid-level CAD package for Mac features ACIS modeling tools along with strong 2D drafting CAD features, including support for 3D printing and both AEC and MCAD tools. (Mac OS X)
• TurboCAD Mac Pro — is IMSI/Design’s professional mid-level 2D/3D CAD package and includes both ACIS modeling, AutoCAD DWG compatibility and powerful rendering tools along with 3D printing support. (Mac OS X)
• Vectorworks Architect — a full BIM and CAD application oriented at the professional architectural market used for modeling, BIM, and drafting documentation. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Vectorworks Designer — The complete package of all vertical industry series solutions of the Vectorworks product line. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Vectorworks Fundamentals — the entry-level version of the Vectorworks product line, focused on general CAD and modeling needs across various industries. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Vectorworks Landmark — a full BIM and CAD application for landscape architects, urban designers, and other landscape designers. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Vectorworks Spotlight — an industry-leading application for the design of entertainment venues and performance spaces with simulated lighting, rigging, and documentation tools. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• ViaCAD — like SharkCAD made by PunchCAD and aimed at the prosumer or consumer CAD market, ViaCAD ships in 2D, 2D/3D versions and ViaCAD Pro. Taken together the PunchCAD product line ranges in price from $40USD – $1895USD. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Xenon — this is a full-featured 3D modeling and production drafting (2D/3D) application by Ashlar-Vellum similar to Cobalt but without parametric modeling. It has associative 3D modeling instead which is not as powerful. This is Ashlar Vellum’s mid-range product. (Mac OS X and Windows)

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.

The post INDEX 01: All Mac CAD/CAM Apps—Alphabetical Listing appeared first on Architosh.

Here are three key multi-disciplinary apps we want to draw your attention to.

Some Notable Multi-disciplinary Mac CAD Apps

When it comes to multi-disciplinary CAD apps we mean those that can be used across AEC, MCAD and CAID (computer-aided industrial design) or product design CAD systems. With the emphasis on the way things are being made at the present time, with additive manufacturing, 3D printing and simulation and digital prototyping, there should be a focus on tools that touch these points.

Ashlar-Vellum’s Graphite is one of the more interesting CAD packages in this list. A veteran in the market, it features Ashlar-Vellum’s innovative user-interface, it features advanced equation-driven parametrics, a BOM, output for CAM and 3D printing, and a Smartwall tool for easy floor-plan making. Though its strength is not so much in AEC, the application excels as a versatile generalist CAD package.

It would be remiss to not spotlight Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac. The giant of the global CAD market, its return to the Mac platform was uniquely covered in features in the past. While not a complete parity of features to its Windows sister app, AutoCAD for Mac and the LT version offer a complete professional and versatile environment for all types of CAD projects. And the company has been aggressive in adopting Apple’s macOS updates with unique features like Touch Bar support.

01 – Ashlar-Vellum’s Graphite is a legend in the Mac CAD industry and one with staying power.

02 – AutoCAD for Mac offers diversity in capabilities in full and LT versions.

03 – HighDesign offers a powerful CAD package at entry-level prices wrapped in a gorgeous user-interface.

In a lower edge of the market, HighDesign is a stunningly beautiful application that was created just for Apple’s Mac platform. Recently the developers have started taking the app to Windows because of demand by potential users, who feel the unique feature set is the type of CAD application that is missing in the Windows world. In essence, the very Mac-ness of the app is actually part of the appeal to these users.

These are just three great choices. The list below provides many others at different price points but most capable fo handling multiple generalist needs.

INDEX 02:  CAD: Multi-disciplinary Mac CAD Apps

We have 20 solutions below that constitute rather robust generalist options for CAD on the Mac platform.

• Argon — CAD and 3D precision modeling software for Mac and Windows. It offers wireframe, solid and surface history-free modeling with precision drawings, photo-realistic renderings, and animation. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• ARES Commander — powerful CAD software for day-to-day work as well as complex projects. Leverage the productive tools and intelligent features for drafting and design that you’ve come to expect from top CAD products plus some exclusive productivity features, at significant cost savings. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• AutoCAD LT for Mac — the fully macOS native version of AutoCAD LT offers near feature parity with its Windows version and delivers it in a superior user-interface than its Windows version, taking advantage of unique Apple Mac user-interface features and integration, like support for the Apple Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro. (Mac OS X)
• AutoCAD for Mac — this is the complete professional CAD package for AutoCAD on the macOS platform and has all the features of LT above plus a whole lot more in the form of 3D. (Mac OS X)
• BricsCAD — offers all the familiar .dwg 2D CAD features, yet it adds time-saving tools and 3D Direct Modeling. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• BRL CAD — BRL-CAD is a powerful open source cross-platform solid modeling system that includes interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, a system performance analysis benchmark suite, geometry libraries for application developers, and more than 30 years of active development. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• CADintosh — 2D-CAD software for electrical, mechanical and architectural drawings. it has interactive window redrawing, where the user can work at the same time as the window is redrawing, also easy to Import and export your work into multiple format such as HPGL, DXF, and PICT.(Mac OS X)
• DraftSight Professional — an ARES-based native DWG 2D CAD system by industry giant, Dassault Systèmes. In terms of CAD usage, DraftSight has one of the largest user-bases in the world, with over 2 million downloads and counting. It comes with its own API and Dassault has largely used this platform to thwart Autodesk’s dominance in the CAD market.
• DraftSigth Enterprise — this version is just like the version above but for large organizations, NGOs, governments, who want full DWG native 2D CAD but with network licensing and built-in technical support plans.
• Cobalt — the premier parametric 3D modeling and CAD program from Ashlar Vellum. This application includes 2D and 3D production drafting along with advanced parametric modeling with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• CorelCAD — an ARES-based DWG-native 2/3D CAD program that has unique ties to CorelDraw useful to manufacturers with extensive CAD and technical illustration workflows. (Mac OX and Windows)
• FreeCAD — FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. FreeCAD is open-source and highly customizable, scriptable and extensible. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• Graphite — When you want 2D and 3D CAD software that’s easy to use, yet absolutely precise, that’s Graphite. Formerly known as Vellum®, Graphite offers extremely powerful, precision wire-frame drafting with the elegant ease-of-use that makes it productive even when only used occasionally.
• HighDesign — award-winning 2D CAD program originally made exclusively for Mac OS X, it ships in LT and Pro versions. The Windows version is currently in Beta.
• iCADMac — made by the same folks behind progeCAD, this is a full CAD alternative to AutoCAD that is DWG native and supports a user-friendly 2D/3D CAD system native to macOS. It is highly customizable and very affordable. progeCAD is one of the several high-quality AutoCAD clone CAD companies and this is their Mac version.
• LibreCAD —  free Open Source CAD application. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• MacDraft — UK-based native Mac OS X CAD program comes in both Professional and PE (Personal Learning) editions, while Professional can open and edit AutoCAD DWG files. (Mac OS X)
• SharkCAD — SharkCAD is a comprehensive 2D/3D CAD program that ships an entry and pro versions. It features KeyShot Live Linking and advanced NURBS surface modeling. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• TurboCAD Mac Designer — IMSI/Design’s entry-level 2D drafting CAD program is a well-regarded stable in the Mac CAD community aimed at the prosumer market. (Mac OS X)
• TurboCAD Mac Deluxe 2D/3D — IMSI/Design’s mid-level CAD package for Mac features ACIS modeling tools along with strong 2D drafting CAD features, including support for 3D printing and both AEC and MCAD tools. (Mac OS X)
• TurboCAD Mac Pro — is IMSI/Design’s professional mid-level 2D/3D CAD package and includes both ACIS modeling, AutoCAD DWG compatibility and powerful rendering tools along with 3D printing support. (Mac OS X)
• Vectorworks Designer — The complete package of all vertical industry series solutions of the Vectorworks product line. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Vectorworks Fundamentals — the entry-level version of the Vectorworks product line, focused on general CAD and modeling needs across various industries. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• ViaCAD — like SharkCAD made by PunchCAD and aimed at the prosumer or consumer CAD market, ViaCAD ships in 2D, 2D/3D versions and ViaCAD Pro. Taken together the PunchCAD product line ranges in price from $40USD – $1895USD. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Xenon — this is a full-featured 3D modeling and production drafting (2D/3D) application by Ashlar-Vellum similar to Cobalt but without parametric modeling. It has associative 3D modeling instead which is not as powerful. This is Ashlar Vellum’s mid-range product. (Mac OS X and Windows)

Growing This List

Have we missed any software packages? 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.

List Update Log

15 Dec 2017 — Page last updated on.

25 Nov 2017 — Creation Date

The post INDEX 02: CAD: Multi-disciplinary appeared first on Architosh.

We spotlight three of those apps below. Two of these are dominating forces in the entire AEC community while we focus on another promising software company that aims to be delivering a unique position within the overall AEC BIM market. (Note. We have a BIM-specific apps list in the making here. Much more to come as we develop it further).

Mac CAD AEC Industry Notable Apps

The first AEC industry CAD app of note is GRAPHISOFT’s ARCHICAD, the original first BIM application. In the beginning, prior to the term BIM (Building Information Modeling) the Hungarian company called it Virtual Building software. Today ARCHICAD is arguably the technology and innovation leader in the AEC industry. It has the fastest BIM platform and scales exceptionally well. It is also multi-threaded at the highest level in the industry. Unlike Autodesk’s Revit, which benefits from high-frequency single-core processing, ARCHICAD (aka AC) goes into turbo mode on 6-8 core computers.

01 – ARCHICAD features a uniquely direct connection to GRASSHOPPER

02 – Vectorworks 2018 has added powerful new SubD modeling features.

03 – BricsCAD BIM 2018 is growing rapidly in features and supports IFC.

The second AEC industry app of note is Vectorworks. Like ARCHICAD, this tool is part of the German software holding company, named Nemetschek Group, so the first two apps of note are sister apps from sister companies. Vectorworks Architect is a full-fledged BIM application, and Vectorworks Landmark is a top-tier CAD/BIM for landscape architects and related professionals. Vectorworks, being a more general app, is the Mac CAD market share leader, with robust users bases in Germany, Switzerland, Japan and the United States, among its key core markets.

Finally, we want to note BricsCAD BIM from Belgium, an emerging Mac, Windows and Linux CAD/BIM application that is DWG native. This means it feels comfortable for AutoCAD users. It features increasingly SketchUp-like modeling tools, is IFC compliant at base levels and is establishing itself within European markets.

A Word About BIM

Not everyone needs a BIM-capable CAD package for AEC. In the list below the reader will find many mid-level to top-tier CAD packages for AEC at both the 2D and 3D level. Standouts include AutoCAD, ARES Commander, Chief Architect, HighDesign, and others.

INDEX 02: A complete listing of Mac AEC CAD/BIM Apps

There are exactly 20 AEC CAD apps listed below and nearly all of these are major solutions with strong user bases.

• ARCHICAD — offers computer-aided solutions for handling all common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the whole design process of the built environment — buildings, interiors and urban areas. ARCHICAD is a BIM industry innovation leader and one of the top global BIM packages around the world. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• ArchiFacile — free floor or house planner software which allows you to design them in two dimensional. This tool is very beneficial for architects as it allows to export design in PDF format. It can be used to plan floor, house, garage, wooden house, a garden shed or pool. (web-based)
• ARES Commander — powerful CAD software for day-to-day work as well as complex projects. Leverage the productive tools and intelligent features for drafting and design that you’ve come to expect from top CAD products plus some exclusive productivity features, at a significant cost-savings. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• AutoCAD LT for Mac — the fully macOS native version of AutoCAD LT offers near feature parity with its Windows version and delivers it in a superior user-interface than its Windows version, taking advantage of unique Apple Mac user-interface features and integration, like support for the Apple Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro. (Mac OS X)
• AutoCAD for Mac — this is the complete professional CAD package for AutoCAD on the macOS platform and has all the features of LT above plus a whole lot more in the form of 3D. (Mac OS X)
• BricsCAD — offers all the familiar .dwg 2D CAD features, yet it adds time-saving tools and 3D Direct Modeling. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• BricsCAD BIM — a powerful full-featured and native DWG file 2D/3D CAD and BIM system that features direct-modeling, IFC support and more. (Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux)
• Chief Architect — The industry leader for residential architectural home design software. This program is easy to use for the building professional.
• DomusCAD Pro — You can immediately begin to create three-dimensional elements without needing to start from a two-dimensional plan. Elements such as walls, floors, roofs, and stairs are created from the onset in their full three-dimensional form. Watch the 3D model change in real time as you design in plan. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• DomusTerra — land modeling CAD program for architecture from the same folks behind DomusCAD Pro.  (Mac OS X and Windows)
• HighDesign — award-winning 2D CAD program originally made exclusively for Mac OS X, it ships in LT and Pro versions. The Windows version is currently in Beta.
• MacDraft — UK-based native Mac OS X CAD program comes in both Professional and PE (Personal Learning) editions, while Professional can open and edit AutoCAD DWG files. (Mac OS X)
• PowerCADD — You want drawings that look like those you’ve always done by hand — or better. Exquisitely detailed. Perfect arrows. Crisp lines. Or maybe even a squiggly sketch. You don’t want it to look like it was done on a computer. (Mac OS X)
• TurboCAD Mac Deluxe 2D/3D — IMSI/Design’s mid-level CAD package for Mac features ACIS modeling tools along with strong 2D drafting CAD features, including support for 3D printing and both AEC and MCAD tools. (Mac OS X)
• TurboCAD Mac Pro — is IMSI/Design’s professional mid-level 2D/3D CAD package and includes both ACIS modeling, AutoCAD DWG compatibility and powerful rendering tools along with 3D printing support. (Mac OS X)
• Vectorworks Architect — a full BIM and CAD application oriented at the professional architectural market used for modeling, BIM, and drafting documentation. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Vectorworks Designer — The complete package of all vertical industry series solutions of the Vectorworks product line. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Vectorworks Fundamentals — the entry-level version of the Vectorworks product line, focused on general CAD and modeling needs across various industries. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Vectorworks Landmark — a full BIM and CAD application for landscape architects, urban designers, and other landscape designers. (Mac OS X and Windows)
• Vectorworks Spotlight — an industry-leading application for the design of entertainment venues and performance spaces with simulated lighting, rigging, and documentation tools. (Mac OS X and Windows)

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

01 Dec 2017 — Creation Date

The post INDEX 02: CAD: AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) appeared first on Architosh.

Introduction

Just like our Ultimate Guides series on iPad Apps for Architects—which is scheduled to be substantially updated in soon—this Ultimate List is focused on providing value to those in search of, researching on, testing, demoing, and implementing Mac CAD/CAM software into various industry software workflows or pipelines. High-value to readers is found herein:

1. Alphabetical-based Lists — complete listings in “alphabetical order” to aid search.
2. Industry-centric Lists — designed to aid research, demonstrate comprehensiveness or lack-thereof.
3. Industry-Leading Workflows — designed to provide details about apps that commonly work together, including extensive “add-on” third-party apps that power major CAD platforms.
4. “Must-Have” Top Apps Lists and Articles — break-down articles that discuss the apps that all users must have in particular industry workflows.
5. Software Portfolio Spec Sheets — a new type of post that provides comprehensive history, details, performance, and interoperability specifications on a specific app.

These five (5) major components will constitute the ultimate information resource for Mac CAD/CAM applications across all types of industries and specialties.

The Indices (WIP Release 1)

The complete Ultimate List of CAD Applications for the Apple Mac Platform will be indexed entirely from this master index page and it is a work in progress (WIP).

This page will be updated periodically. (grey items are forthcoming…)

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

• All Mac CAD/CAM Apps

INDEX 02:  Industry-centric Listing of Mac CAD Apps

• CAD: Multi-disciplinary
• CAD: AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction)
• CAD: MCAD (Mechanical Computer-Aided Design)
• CAM: Multi-disciplinary – (coming…)
• FEA and Engineering Analysis 
• BIM (Building Information Modeling)

INDEX 03:  Industry-leading Workflows

• ARES Commander Workflows and Add-On
• AutoCAD Workflows and Add-Ons
• ARCHICAD Workflows and Add-Ons
• Bricscad Workflows and Add-Ons
• Dassault Draftsight Workflows and Add-Ons
• Vectorworks Workflows and Add-Ons
• BIM/CAD File Formats per App: A Complete Guide

INDEX 04:  “Must-have” top apps lists—a shortcut the best and brightest of the tools

• 5 Best Native Mac CAD Apps
• 12 Must-Have Apps for Mac Architects

INDEX 05:  A listing of Software Portfolio Spec Sheets

• Spec-Sheet:  ArchiCAD
• Spec-Sheet:  AutoCAD for Mac

Growing This List

We will be growing this Ultimate List addressing CAD applications for the Apple Mac platform. If you have any ideas about this list please drop us a note at info@architosh.com

main App Guides page: Architosh App Guides Home Page. 

Architosh will be reviewing and updating all our App Lists on a regular basis. See the List Update Log below for more info.

List Update Log

(latest release dated up top)

11 Dec 2017 — Creation date.

The post Ultimate List of CAD Applications for the Apple Mac Platform appeared first on Architosh.