The user interface of Vectorworks Architect
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 9:55 am
The best thing about SketchUp Pro is the great 3D display of your drawings. Check out these pictures:
CAD programs for your MacCAD programs for your Mac
CAD programs for your Mac
3D display of drawings in SketchUp Pro
A small warning before you buy SketchUp does not have a tool for walls, which shouldn't be a big problem for architects, but it's something you should know.
Price : $695 for a single user, including one year of support. Volume discounts are available.
7. TurboCAD Pro Platinum
CAD programs for your Mac
The user interface of TurboCAD Pro Platinum
TurboCAD Pro Platinum is an excellent choice for advanced drafters looking for Mac-compatible CAD software. The software is especially ideal for those working in the construction industry, as it has been designed with the needs of the industry in mind.
For example, you have 500 pre-designed floor plans and a huge object library at your disposal, as well as settings for adjusting details such as light, shadows and environmental effects. Architects will appreciate the variety of advanced features in TurboCAD Pro Platinum.
One interesting tool is the “ House Wizard ” tool, which allows you to create floor plans room by room using an automated process. You can not only measure and place the rooms in the building, but also closets, garages, entrances and passageways.
If you've learned to use other CAD programs, you'll quickly get the hang of TurboCAD Pro Platinum - and if not, you'll learn a lot by experimenting. The program supports a variety of save files including DWG, DXF, SKP, IFC for BIM, #D, PDF and STYLE for 3D printing.
Price: $1,499.99 (one-time fee)
8. TurboFloorPlan 3D Home & Landscape Pro Mac
CAD programs for your Mac
Rendering of a house in TurboFloorPlan 3D
TurboFloorPlan is advertised as a solution for users without prior CAD experience. The website states: "No prior knowledge is required. With a simple drag-and-drop approach, you can plan every phase of the interior and exterior design of your dream home, including cost estimates."
Most users start with a house template that they customize to their needs.
The program is especially well-suited to interior and landscape designers who want to present plans for a home remodel. As a built-in bonus, the program offers eco-friendly tips on home energy efficiency and materials.
Price : $149.99 (one-time fee)
9. Vectorworks Architect
CAD programs for your Mac
Vectorworks Architect is designed specifically for civil engineers, offering BIM singapore telegram data capabilities, graphical scripting tools, subdivided surface modeling, cloud storage, and intelligent objects.
Architect Magazine wrote about the first release of the program and called the version a turning point.
Vectorworks Architect is visually impressive. The rendered images appear lifelike and glass even reflects the surroundings.
A rendered image in Vectorworks
The design process in Vectorworks
Even the design process is beautiful.
Just one thing to keep in mind: Vectorworks requires a powerful computer to work, so don't try to use it on your Macbook Air!
Price : New licenses cost $2,945 one-time. Upgrades from Vectorworks 2017 cost $1,031.
CAD programs for your MacCAD programs for your Mac
CAD programs for your Mac
3D display of drawings in SketchUp Pro
A small warning before you buy SketchUp does not have a tool for walls, which shouldn't be a big problem for architects, but it's something you should know.
Price : $695 for a single user, including one year of support. Volume discounts are available.
7. TurboCAD Pro Platinum
CAD programs for your Mac
The user interface of TurboCAD Pro Platinum
TurboCAD Pro Platinum is an excellent choice for advanced drafters looking for Mac-compatible CAD software. The software is especially ideal for those working in the construction industry, as it has been designed with the needs of the industry in mind.
For example, you have 500 pre-designed floor plans and a huge object library at your disposal, as well as settings for adjusting details such as light, shadows and environmental effects. Architects will appreciate the variety of advanced features in TurboCAD Pro Platinum.
One interesting tool is the “ House Wizard ” tool, which allows you to create floor plans room by room using an automated process. You can not only measure and place the rooms in the building, but also closets, garages, entrances and passageways.
If you've learned to use other CAD programs, you'll quickly get the hang of TurboCAD Pro Platinum - and if not, you'll learn a lot by experimenting. The program supports a variety of save files including DWG, DXF, SKP, IFC for BIM, #D, PDF and STYLE for 3D printing.
Price: $1,499.99 (one-time fee)
8. TurboFloorPlan 3D Home & Landscape Pro Mac
CAD programs for your Mac
Rendering of a house in TurboFloorPlan 3D
TurboFloorPlan is advertised as a solution for users without prior CAD experience. The website states: "No prior knowledge is required. With a simple drag-and-drop approach, you can plan every phase of the interior and exterior design of your dream home, including cost estimates."
Most users start with a house template that they customize to their needs.
The program is especially well-suited to interior and landscape designers who want to present plans for a home remodel. As a built-in bonus, the program offers eco-friendly tips on home energy efficiency and materials.
Price : $149.99 (one-time fee)
9. Vectorworks Architect
CAD programs for your Mac
Vectorworks Architect is designed specifically for civil engineers, offering BIM singapore telegram data capabilities, graphical scripting tools, subdivided surface modeling, cloud storage, and intelligent objects.
Architect Magazine wrote about the first release of the program and called the version a turning point.
Vectorworks Architect is visually impressive. The rendered images appear lifelike and glass even reflects the surroundings.
A rendered image in Vectorworks
The design process in Vectorworks
Even the design process is beautiful.
Just one thing to keep in mind: Vectorworks requires a powerful computer to work, so don't try to use it on your Macbook Air!
Price : New licenses cost $2,945 one-time. Upgrades from Vectorworks 2017 cost $1,031.