Shapr3D — The Complete Guide: Solid Modelling With Pen and Touch, and What the Free Plan Includes
Shapr3D is a solid modelling program built on the Parasolid kernel, the same kernel behind professional CAD systems. Its interface was designed for pen and touch on iPad, and it is also available on Windows and macOS. Sketch with constraints, pull to a solid and pass the part on — quickly and without deep menus.
Shapr3D
Shapr3D
Solid 3D modelling on the Parasolid kernel, friendly to touch and pen — a free Basic plan limited to two projects.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Parasolid kernel — exact solid geometry.
- Sketches and constraints — 2D sketches that define the shape of the part.
- Pen, touch and mouse — iPad, Vision Pro, Windows and macOS.
- File import — STEP, IGES, DWG and STL, even on the free plan.
- Augmented reality — showing the model at true scale in the room.
What is free and what is paid
The free Basic plan is limited to two projects, basic-resolution STL and 3MF export, and no technical drawings or team projects — enough to try it and print, not for everyday work. An account is required. Students, teachers and faculty at accredited institutions get a full licence free for one year, renewable on request; everything else is paid.
Related tools
For full open-source parametric design — FreeCAD. For cloud CAD — Onshape Free. For personal use with drawings and manufacturing — Fusion for personal use.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD Project
Open-source parametric 3D modeller with workbenches for solid modelling, FEM, drafting and BIM.
Get it from the vendor
Onshape (free plan)
PTC
Parametric CAD in the browser with version control. On the free plan every document is public.
Get it from the vendor
Autodesk Fusion (personal use licence)
Autodesk
Cloud CAD/CAM. Free personal licence for non-commercial home projects, with reduced capability.
Get it from the vendorDesignSpark Mechanical
RS Group (DesignSpark)
Direct 3D modelling of parts and products, with a free Explorer plan that also allows commercial use.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
The most natural way to model on an iPad, and excellent for students with the free licence. On the Basic plan it is mostly a taster.