SOLIDWORKS vs Shapr3D:
The affordable, professional-grade SOLIDWORKS alternative
Shapr3D has the precision of SOLIDWORKS, with a user experience that makes design intuitive, fast, and cost-effective. See how these two CAD platforms compare.
What are the main differences between Shapr3D and SOLIDWORKS?
Shapr3D and SOLIDWORKS are CAD software programs used by engineers, industrial designers, and manufacturers in professional and personal settings.
Both offer features like parametric modeling, visualization tools, and cloud collaboration, but they have different strengths. Choosing which is best for you depends on several factors, including how you plan to use it.
Comparing Shapr3D and SOLIDWORKS at a glance
| Shapr3D | SOLIDWORKS | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Fast concepting, rapid prototypes, mobile workflows, beginner CAD users | Complex assemblies, manufacturing-ready engineering |
| Platforms | Native apps for Windows, Mac, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro | Windows desktop, web |
| Offline capability | Works offline | Works offline |
| Modeling approach | Hybrid direct and history-based parametric modeling | Parametric history-based |
| Collaboration | Versioning, comments, browser-based review links | 3DEXPERIENCE add-on for sharing |
| Rendering | Real-time visualization and AI generative render | Integrated rendering/visualization |
| XR/AR support | Native Apple Vision Pro VR support, integrated AR on iPad and web viewer | Requires third-party applications |
| Mobile experience | Native iPad app with Apple Pencil | Not available |
| Assembly handling | Moderate complexity | Heavy assemblies, thousands of components |
Note: Not all features listed are included with all pricing tiers. See product pricing page for the latest info regarding included features.
Shapr3D is easy to learn and use for 3D printing, woodworking, and furniture design hobbyists. It offers professional-grade CAD capabilities at an affordable price point, making it a great SOLIDWORKS alternative for professional design teams and small businesses.
SOLIDWORKS’ strengths and price point make it ideal for more mature small and midsize manufacturing businesses that want an all-in-one CAD, CAM, and CAE ecosystem.
When to use Shapr3D
Rapid prototyping and ideation
If you need to quickly model a concept for prototyping, Shapr3D is the tool to use. Its powerful iPad app with the Apple Pencil allows you to create and edit designs faster than ever, without waiting to get back to your desktop workstation. Shapr3D allows you to use direct modeling while recording your design history, while SOLIDWORKS requires precise parametric workflows from the start, making it unsuitable for quick ideation.
Export manufacturing-ready files straight to your 3D print slicer for rapid prototyping, or view a digital prototype in your environment with our integrated AR viewer.
| Shapr3D | SOLIDWORKS | |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile workflow | Yes, full modeling on iPad with Apple Pencil | No native tablet app |
| AR viewer | Yes, integrated | Requires third-party app |
| Exports common manufacturing formats | Yes, 3MF, STL, OBJ, IGES, and STEP supported (among others) | Yes, 3MF, STL, OBJ, IGES, and STEP supported (among others) |
| Exports watertight models | Yes | Yes |
| Performance speed | Opens in seconds, no performance issues noted | Users note long load times and slow performance |
Designing simple parts
When you’re on the shop floor and need to design a simple jig or fixture, fire up Shapr3D on your iPad. With a mobile workflow and push-pull modeling using the Apple Pencil, you can model custom parts that fit precisely where you need them. Use our AR viewer to instantly validate your full-scale design in context, and export STEP files for CNC machining.
| Shapr3D | SOLIDWORKS | |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile workflow | Yes, full modeling on iPad with Apple Pencil | No native tablet app |
| AR viewer | Yes, integrated | Requires third-party app |
| Performance speed | Opens in seconds, no performance issues noted | Users note long load times and slow performance |
| Drawings | Limited drawing toolset | Full drawing package |
Beginner CAD users
Traditional CAD software has a steep learning curve. If you've tried SOLIDWORKS and are looking for something easier to use with the same level of precision, check out Shapr3D.
Shapr3D’s built-in tutorials and adaptive user interface make it simple to learn. Push-pull modeling gives you an intuitive way to design, but you still have a history-based feature tree for precise parametric modeling.
Ease of use
“I just hand over the iPad and say, ‘Do the clamp holder tutorial.’ In 20 minutes, they’re up and running.” - Marcel Waibel, maintenance supervisor, 3M (Kempten, Germany)
Source: G2 ratings
When to use SOLIDWORKS
Integrated manufacturing workflows
As an integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE platform, SOLIDWORKS offers full workflows for complex manufacturing operations. Design 3D models, run simulations, and generate CNC toolpaths from one platform.
| Shapr3D | SOLIDWORKS | |
|---|---|---|
| CAD/CAM/CAE | No built-in integration; manufacturing exports like STEP, DXF, and IGES available | Fully integrated CAD/CAM/CAE |
| Surface modeling | Not available | Yes, available |
| Mesh modeling | Import mesh files; limited editing capabilities | Full mesh handling capabilities |
Large assemblies
SOLIDWORKS has features and settings that support large assemblies with many parametric components.
| Shapr3D | SOLIDWORKS | |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly workspace | Supports static multi-body positioning and align, but no true assembly environment exists | Full assembly workspace |
| Supports components, joints, mates, motion simulation, part relationships | No, not supported | Yes, supported |
A cost-effective alternative to SOLIDWORKS for professionals
Here’s how free and paid plans for SOLIDWORKS and Shapr3D compare:
| Shapr3D Basic | SOLIDWORKS Maker | Shapr3D Pro | SOLIDWORKS Design | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $4/month (billed annually at $48) | $25/month (billed annually at $299) | $235/month (billed annually at $2,820) | |
| Limited visualization and export options | Limited functionality; no commercial use; license includes desktop OR browser-based experience (not both) | Full modeling and visualization tools; high-res exports | Full CAD/CAM functionality; additional features available with higher tiers | |
| License works across multiple devices on iPad, Windows, Mac | License includes Windows desktop version or browser (not both) | License works across multiple devices on iPad, Windows, Mac | License includes Windows desktop version or browser (not both) | |
| Best for: Testing Shapr3D’s capabilities; designs that don’t need to be exported | Best for: Hobbyist makers not looking to profit off their creations; professionals familiar with SOLIDWORKS who want a personal license | Best for: Solopreneurs or small shops; hobbyists; design and manufacturing teams within larger companies | Best for: Small to midsize manufacturing businesses; design and manufacturing teams within larger companies |