MediBang Paint is a great drawing program and is considered as one of the best free drawing software due to the exclusive features available in the app. The application offers different devices including more than 800 tones/foundations, brushes which are more than 50 brushes, and 20 textual styles style. Engineering Visualized for Electrical, Mechanical, and Architectural Designs SmartDraw gives you the power to create engineering drawings of all kinds more easily and more affordably than any other engineering design software on the market. With SmartDraw, you'll always start with a relevant template.

1. Free Engineering Drawing Software Mac 2017

If you’re looking for CAD software for Mac, you’re not without options. We’ve found some standout Mac and cloud-based CAD platforms for you.

You’re likely to hit a wall if you’re searching for computer-aided design (CAD) software designed for Mac. There are plenty of CAD software options for Windows—you’ll see many of them in our list of the top AutoCAD alternatives—but only a handful offer support for Mac.

And, if you think you’ll bypass the issue by using a cloud-based CAD tool, you’ll quickly find that CAD vendors haven’t embraced the cloud as much as other types of software vendors have, so the offerings are still largely on-premise. According to Gartner’s Hype Cycle for IT Evolution (full content available to Gartner clients), cloud-native CAD applications still have five to 10 years before they reach mainstream adoption.

But fear not, Mac users. We’ve done some digging and have put together this list of the top-rated CAD software for Mac. Read more about our methodology at the bottom of this article.

5 Best CAD Software for Mac (presented alphabetically)

Jump to:

• 
  CorelCAD
• 
  FreeCAD
• 
  Fusion 360
• 
  LibreCAD
• 
  Onshape

1. CorelCAD

CorelCAD offers 2D drafting and 3D design capabilities, such as the drawing constraints feature for creating different geometric shapes faster and the push and pull feature for 3D direct modeling.

3D modeling in CorelCAD (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analyses of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of CorelCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

• The short learning curve: Users mention that the tool is easy to use and beginners don’t have to spend a lot of time learning it.
• Compatibility with multiple file types: Users like the fact that the tool is compatible with DWG, PDF, ACIS, DXF, STL, CDR, and other file formats.

What users think could be improved:

• Software reliability issues: Some users mention that the software tends to crash at times.
• Better dimension functionality: Some users would like a better dimensioning feature for more accurate drawings of angles and proportions.

Who can use CorelCAD

CorelCAD can be used by construction businesses for collaborative editing on multiple devices. It offers native iOS applications, which makes it easy for field crews to add annotations in graphics and share files using their iPhones and iPads. Additionally, the tool allows team members to leave recorded messages and instructions for colleagues embedded in the graphics using a voice note tool.

2. FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open source CAD tool that works on Mac as well as Windows and Linux. It reads many common file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE.

It offers different modules, including a drawing sheets module that converts 3D models into 2D views, a rendering module that can export 3D objects, and an architecture module for a BIM-like workflow.

3D model of a building in FreeCAD (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of FreeCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

• Feature-richness for a free tool: Users mention that, although it’s free, the tool comes with a full set of features.
• Reliability: Users mention that the tool does not demand a lot of CPU power and works well on devices with low RAM.

What users think could be improved:

• Steep learning curve: Users mention that the tool is not the most user-friendly solution and can be difficult for beginners to learn.
• Dependent on community for updates: Users mention that modules ignored by the community tend to become outdated quickly.

Who can use FreeCAD

FreeCAD appears to be best for hobbyists and home users. It’s also good for users who don’t have a high budget for software but still want to tinker with CAD modeling.

FreeCAD could also be a good choice for businesses on a budget looking for a free and open-source option.

3. Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a CAD tool from Autodesk with design functionalities such as sketching and 3D modeling. It also supports project management with features such as task management, document management, and collaborative image editing.

Document management in Fusion 360 (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of Fusion 360 they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

• Comprehensive design features: User mention that the tool offers all the functionalities necessary for 2D and 3D designing.
• Availability of training resources: Users like the fact that the tool comes with ample documentation and tutorials.

What users think could be improved:

• System crashes: Users mention that the tool tends to crash, especially when designing and rendering large files.
• Steep learning curve: Users mention that it can take a lot of time to learn the advanced functionalities of the tool.

Who can use Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is part of the Autodesk ecosystem designed for the AEC industry. This makes the tool suitable for construction businesses that are already using, or intend to use, other Autodesk solutions. Using a software vendor that offers multiple solutions will especially benefit larger businesses that invariably need software that can scale with their growing requirements.

4. LibreCAD

LibreCAD is an open source CAD tool that supports Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. The tool comes with 2D drawing features such as a snap tool, dimensioning, and annotations. It also supports multiple file imports and exports.

2D drawing in LibreCAD (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of LibreCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

• Ease of use: Users mention that the tool offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
• Lots of tutorials: Users like the fact that there are ample video tutorials that help them get started with the tool.

What users think could be improved:

Free Engineering Drawing Software Mac 2017

• Software speed: Users mention that the software tends to lag, especially when trying to print designs.
• Add support for 3D design: Users would like to see functionalities for creating 3D designs.

Who can use LibreCAD

LibreCAD is an exclusively 2D CAD tool for drawing and designing blueprints of buildings, layouts of parks, and the like. As a free tool, the solution can be used by small and midsize businesses across different industries, including manufacturing, engineering, architecture, and construction.

5. Onshape

Onshape is a cloud-only CAD solution that comes with features such as document management with version control, collaborative design creation/editing capabilities, and reporting dashboards to understand project status.

Importing documents in Onshape (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of Onshape they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

• Document version control: Users like the document management features of the tool, such as version history.
• Intuitive interface: Users mention that the tool comes with an intuitive interface for easy image editing.

What users think could be improved:

• Performance issues: Some users mention that the tool does not function well on non-Chrome browsers and has file loading issues.
• Lack of features: Users mention that the tool should improve certain features such as 2D drawing and 3D surfacing.

Who can use Onshape

As a fully-cloud based tool, Onshape is ideal for businesses that need to manage design documents collaboratively with multiple stakeholders. The tool’s collaboration functionalities include document sharing, document editing, comments, and file downloads in multiple CAD formats, such as Parasolid, ACIS, STEP, and IGES.

Next steps

This report offers a mix of Mac CAD solutions—from free tools that can help you with basic 2D drawing to advanced solutions offering extensive 3D modeling functionalities.

If these tools don’t meet your needs, expand your search and check out more options. To help you, we’ve created a CAD software comparison page where you can explore products using different filters, such as features offered and pricing options.

Methodology

To be shortlisted, products had to fulfill the following criteria:

• Products had to be compatible with Mac and offer core CAD software capabilities, such as:
  • 2D drawing or 3D modeling features
  • Collaborative editing of drawings
• Products needed a minimum of 20 user reviews on Capterra (published in the last two years).
• Products had to have a high overall rating (an average of at least 4 out of 5 on Capterra).

Note: The content in this piece that provides opinions and points of view expressed by users. It does not represent the views of Capterra.

Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.

Having artistic skills is nothing more than a gift, some are talented and have an art sense right from the beginning and some tends to harness their ability to do art by doing lots of hard work. Either way around they both tend to be an artist. Apart from that, in today’s time, digital art is becoming a thing, since it helps an artist to create a bit more good looking artworks and that too with ease because of the advanced computer drawing software. Well, you don’t have to worry about that, since there are many free drawing software for Mac available.

Although, if you have a Mac, then you might be wondering what you may have to buy such drawing software in order to pursue such talent and hard work digitally. In this article, we will explain some of these free drawing programs available for Macbook, which tend to provide similar features as the ones in Adobe Suite. Whereas, based on the information about the free drawing software available for Macbook one can choose to download the drawing software which suits their needs in the best way possible.

So, Let’s get started.

Contents

• 1 Top Free Drawing Software for Mac

Top Free Drawing Software for Mac

Drawing software, programs that are capable of taking your drawing skills to the next level and helps you achieve that next level with ease. These programs help users create professional-grade sketches, vectors, and concept art and that too with pretty ease. Although, one still would require artistic skills. Apart from that, these drawing programs also require you to pay a set amount in order to attain its subscription, and mainly it is experienced by Mac users. Adobe Suite is one such software which offers almost every feature but in order to access all those on your Mac, you will be required to pay a particular amount.

Although, listed below are some of the free drawing software which you can download on your Mac. As they can help you save a lot of money which you can later use to buy better drawing equipment like a good drawing tablet. Therefore these free drawings programs are as follows:

1. Krita

Kritais a well-known software created by digital artists for digital artists. The developers of this software wanted to share their tools with everyone. It is a perfect practice software and can be used by you, even if you are just beginning your career as a professional digital artist. Apart from that, this particular application website also features free learning resources for you to understand the software a lot better.

The app is a full-fledged package of everything that a digital artist requires. It consists of a highly customizable UI followed by various brush engines and stabilizers, pop-up colour pallets, and advanced resources management, And the thing worth considering is that it is a software which is available on Windows, Mac OS and even on Linux.

Note:

Krita is software which strictly designed to meet the needs of a concept as well as comic book artists, rather than illustrators.

2. Inkscape

Well, if you are an artist who generally works on the vector form of the digital art then you should check what Inkscape has to offer. Inkscape is an open-source software which is created to full fill the needs of a vector-based artist, web designers and illustrators. If we compare it to the famous Adobe Illustrator, it can give a tough competition to it based on the price tag the Adobe Illustrator hold for it, and that too, if we look on the plus side, it also offers almost similar UI layout as that of an older iteration of Adobe Illustrator.

Apart from the looks and comparison, the Inkscape offers its users with enough amount of features and tools by using which one can create professional vectors. Other than that, the software also provides its users with the ability to supports multi-line text and a bunch of file formats which one might need based on the project he/she is working on. There is also a colour selector tool at the bottom which is pretty small as well as a handy and useful feature highlight of the application.

3. Autodesk SketchBook

Another, one of the best free drawing app available for Mac is “Autodesk Sketchbook“. As of the name, the company did maintain it since the software by far has been one of the best drawings software available for Mac and that too for quite a long time and it still remains the same. Whereas if talk about it now, the software in the current time is set to be completely free, meaning that you can use the full version of the software without even paying anything for it. Hence, now making it one of the best free drawing software.

Features like minimalistic UI which tends to adjust itself to not interfere while you work to create an artwork making it a pretty easy to create artwork without any disturbance meaning that it dissolves itself in such a way that user won’t have any distraction because of the UI. Whereas if we talk about other features, the software offers almost 140+ brushes, various blending modes, and an unlimited number of layers which you can choose to group as well. As for the addition, the software also supports rulers, perspective strokes as well as predictive strokes.

Therefore the above features explain why the Autodesk Sketchbook is one of the best free drawing software for Mac available in the market.

4. FireAlpaca

Known as one of the lightest free drawing software, FireAlpacais a pretty great free drawing software if you tend to use an older Mac. Although, FireAlpaca is not as great as the other free drawing software but tends to offer enough brushes, colour pallets, layers option and ability to create really cool vector art. Apart from that, it also features a 3D perspective tool which grants you the ability to snap different objects in the grid.

Hence, due to its impressive lightweight, it is a pretty good learning tool for beginner artists who simply can’t afford to buy a pretty High-end Mac system. Since it was designed and created to work seamlessly on older generations of Mac systems.

Note:

Keep in mind that the software is capable to run on Mac OS X 10.7 or later.

5. MediBang Paint

Mediabang Paint also one of the best free drawing software for Mac which in general focuses over the creation of manga and comic art. Artists who tend to create artworks for comics and manga have a great time working with this free drawing software. As for the features of this software, it tends to provide the users with various types of tools including over 800 tones/backgrounds, over 50 brushes as well as 20 fonts style, which helps create pretty impressive manga as well as comic artwork.

Also, because of its ease of use, it is a perfect tool for the artist who is just beginning their career as an artist in manga and comic creation industries and as for a plus moment, the app is completely free, despite you owning a Mac. Apart from that, the software also features a cross-platform integration via the cloud. This particular feature grants you the freedom to start off a work on a Mac and later on lets you pick it up on iPad or iPhone itself. Making it pretty easy for you, if you seem to travel a lot since you won’t have to carry your Mac here and there.

Note:

Although, the UI on the iPhone might seem a bit congested and cluttered it is pretty responsive and simply performs as per the expectations.

Final Words

As for the new artist or the old ones who just simply don’t want to invest their money in buying the drawing software rather invest their money to buy a better drawing tab which may help them in creating artworks with ease. The software listed above is some of the best free drawing programs one can download on their Mac systems. They tend to provide users with similar features which Adobe suite has to offer whereas in some cases free programs excel in the feature category as compared to the one present in Adobe suite.

Oct 10, 2019  Really liked the software. Lightening fast and works as advertised. If you’re trying to add a number and other info it can make you do two steps to change the file with can be a little hassle, but it’s not too bad. Make sure you hide the.jpg or.tiff or.docx or whatever so you don’t mess up you file. Thanks guys, nice work. Mac program files. In situations like this, you need a file renaming software that can help you rename multiple files at one go. Luckily, there are some best free file rename software for Mac that can help you to modify the name of the files. Best Batch File Renaming Software For Mac 1.

Therefore, based on the knowledge about different free drawing software, a Mac user can simply choose to download the one which suits his/her needs in the best way possible.