Thanks to HOOPS Exchange, the list of supported file types is long. Siemens commented when Shapr3D was released that “working closely with Shapr3D accelerated our release of Parasolid on iOS.” Under the hood, Shapr3D uses components including Siemens D-Cubed for constraint management Siemens Parasolid for 3D modeling and TechSoft 3D HOOPS Exchange for file interoperability. There is a clever bit of artificial intelligence behind the scenes to make Shapr3D adaptive and predictive, so it always displaying the next logical step. To start with a sketch, use either a 3D primitive or create a 2D outline shape, then sweep, revolve or pull to create the 3D shape. Constraints are available, but they are used to aid modeling, not control the geometry. Shapr3D creates solids but uses direct modeling instead of parametrics to create and display geometry. Shapr3D uses HOOPS Exchange from TechSoft 3D for file import/export, allowing for a long list of supported formats. Once you are hooked, you can upgrade in the app to the full version ($239 per year). Follow the guided, industry-specific tutorials and sketch an idea or two for yourself. To get started takes only a little longer than installing a social media app. Yes, you can draw in any MCAD, but only Shapr3D makes it feel pencil-and-paper natural to do it in 3D.

Pairing the simple Apple Pencil with Shapr3D’s intuitive approach to solid modeling offers a singularly unique mechanical design experience. Shapr3D waited until the release of the first MacBook running Apple’s new M1 CPU.

Digital Engineering considers the MacOS version adequate and useful, but once you’ve experienced Shapr3D with Apple Pencil on the iPad Pro, it is less likely someone would also want the Mac version, with the possible exception of using Mac-based Shapr3D to touch up a model created on the iPad or in another CAD product. These models can then be exported into a standard MCAD tool for a full engineering workup.

This 3D modeling app for iPad and MacOS offers quick, precise solid model sketching. Shapr3D offers a unique value position, something every vendor wants to proclaim but few really deliver.

Shapr3d reviews