3D CAD Programs for the Mac
Prices last checked October 2026.
Most programs on Windows have an alternative available on the Mac with the notable exception of CAD/CAM programs. There are relatively few popular CAD/CAM programs that run on macOS.
The list below is a good starting point for Mac-friendly 3D CAD programs. If you’re on Windows, see our list of free and affordable CAD software for Windows.
Shapr3D
Shapr3D Free (limited) or $299/year- Shapr3D started as a dedicated iPad app and then moved to Mac and Windows. Because of its start on the iPad, it’s got an intuitive pen-first user interface. Shapr3D is built on a high-end CAD kernel so you can expect your output files to be correct and trouble-free (which cannot be said of all CAD programs). If you’re already a Mac user, you might also enjoy the ability to move seamlessly from your desktop to your iPad to design your parts. The free version is limited to two projects and basic-resolution STL export; you’ll need Pro for STEP files. Learn more about Shapr3D for CNC here.
Autodesk Fusion
Autodesk Fusion Free for personal use, or paid subscription- Fusion (formerly Fusion 360) is a parametric CAD program that runs natively on the Mac and is very popular with hobbyists. The free personal-use license is for non-commercial use and has limits, including a cap on the number of editable documents. Commercial use requires a paid subscription.
Rhino 3D
Rhino $995- Rhino is one of the most powerful and flexible CAD programs anywhere. It has every kind of tool you could need and is equally well-suited to organic or mechanical shapes. It isn’t inexpensive but it’s a permanent license with no subscription, and it does almost anything you could need. Students and faculty can get it for $195.
MoI 3D
MoI $295- MoI (Moment of Inspiration) is a 3D CAD program that was designed to be usable on tablet or pen computers. Because of this, the user interface is simple and doesn’t require a lot of typing. It was written by a single guy, who was one of the original developers of Rhino, so it’s powerful without being bloated. It is equally well-suited to organic or mechanical shapes. One license covers both Mac and Windows, and it’s a great value either way.
Onshape
Onshape Free - $1,500/year- Onshape is a cloud-based CAD program from the same team that created Solidworks. It runs completely in the browser so it runs on your Mac, PC, or even an iPad. The free plan is for non-commercial use, and every document you create on it is public. Paid plans keep your designs private.
ViaCAD
ViaCAD 2D/3D $279.99- ViaCAD is a very capable 2D/3D CAD program that uses a “real” CAD kernel and is capable of creating good parts for relatively little money. It’s a one-time purchase. It exports STL; STEP export requires ViaCAD Pro.
SketchUp
SketchUp Free or $399/year SketchUp is a very easy-to-use CAD program that scales well from tiny parts up to complete buildings. If you don’t have a lot of CAD experience, then you may find this to be a gentle introduction to the whole process. The free version runs in your web browser and can export STL files; SketchUp Pro adds the desktop app for Mac.
Blender
Blender Free- Blender is a free, open-source 3D modeling program. It’s better suited to organic, sculpted shapes than to parts with exact dimensions, and the interface takes some getting used to. Current versions of Blender for Mac require an Apple Silicon Mac.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD Free FreeCAD is a totally free and open-source parametric CAD package. Open-source CAD programs have historically been a little rough around the edges, but FreeCAD reached version 1.0 in 2024 and has improved a lot.
FreeCAD is worth a look if you want a parametric CAD program that doesn’t have subscription fees or risk having the price terms changed in the future.