Is Shapr3D the Easiest CAD for 3d Printing Product Design? (2024)

You make extremely simple to understand enjoyable content. Thank you for your time and effort. Your video’s are inspiring me to get back into CAD.

First of all thank you for a simple down to the earth class on shaper 3D. Your video is the best one I have watched that has finally let me finally get the hang of Shaper 3D. You are naturally instructor. Please do more Shaper 3D Videos. Shaper 3D should hire you to do their how to class.

The risk with subscription models is that you may need to suddenly change your workflow if the vendor no longer accepts payments and shuts down. You also assume the risk that the price of services can change at any point. Sometimes changing the workflow is not significant, so a subscription model is not bad in all cases.

New Subscriber... and I am thrilled to have found your video on Shapr3D. Although it is now (5) cups of coffee a month, it's still as great as you describe. This has been the absolute best description and example I have seen and I come away with more knowledge and confidence I have chosen the right program. Thanks and I look forward to many more of your videos.

Thanks for a great demo on this program 👍😎 that I just learned about today (Dec 19 2022) I want to let people know the price change on Pro is $25/mo which is billed annually at $299.
Shapr3d must like your presentation because I got several ads of thier product while on this video. Way to go!!!

I agree on your assessment of Shapr3D. I have it on my iPad Pro, and it has the greatest UI of any CAD program I've ever used. But the subscription format kind of kills it for me. If there was a larger one-time purchase, and then occasional paid updates, that would be ideal. Also, it's currently not parametric which is another big minus. I kept on wishing that someone make a version of FreeCAD with Shapr3D's UI! Even though I know FreeCAD quite well nowadays and know that it's amazingly powerful, I think we can all admit that it has a lot to learn from programs like Shapr3D.

Lack of parameterization, for me, is a show stopper. I design things which have to fit
together with other parts, and I also have some dimensions which are functions of other dimensions. OpenSCAD may be ancient, but it still provides maximum flexibility in design. You design, you print, you come back and change one or two parameters (10 seconds work), and you're ready for the next print cycle.

Thanks for taking a look at Shapr3D. Being new to CAD I found it very easy to learn. F360 seems to have a steep learning curve.

I started using Shapr3D and UMake on my personal iPad about a year ago and really fell in love with the app to the point that I decided to invest in the subscription. Strangely, the cost of the subscription through their website is less than purchasing the subscription through the iPad. The difference in cost is likely the cut that Apple takes if purchased through the App Store. I love the focused nature of the app and decided that I'd rather use this for work instead of Fusion 360 which has a ton of features that I don't use. Thankfully the company I work for now pays for the business subscription thought I still retain my own personal subscription. I'm glad you took a look at this program as I think it's really brilliant. Yes, I wish it were parametric but it's still exceptionally useful and fits with my own personal workflow and way of thinking.

Thank you. I am new to 3D printing and have been looking for a CAD program to design replacement parts for the older telescopes that I rebuild. Repair parts for armature telescopes are almost impossible to source. I have tried others CAD programs, but they were either too simplistic for what needed or too mind numbingly difficult to learn. It has been over 50 years since I studied engineering in college, so I'm looking for something a little easier to learn. I think this will work for me. Thanks again, Jim

Great video! Thanks for the information.

I got Shapr3d a year ago at an introductory 18$ a month, I integrated it into my workflow very well. After the year I was at crossroads, I'd invested much time getting the most out of Shapr3d at work and personal. My boss saw how much I'd been using it for things here at work, including a full mock up of the shop to manage equipment placement.
The videos Shapr has are immensely helpful, and the ability to chamfer any edge with a tap and a drag is Amazing. My boss just bought me a year because after the sub runs out they LOCK your models, you can only manage two most recents. The models produced by the free version are really shoddy, so it's pretty much only useful with paid sub.
And even though it all, I feel it is worth it, for me at least

Wonderful overview of Shapr3D. I’d heard good things about it, but hadn’t looked at it. I understand developers need to make money, but, for me, for the few hours a month I do CAD things - price just isn’t there. FreeCAD has a bit of a learning curve, but I’m over the hump, and really pleased to send them donations of ~ $60/year, which is where I’d value a CAD package (again, for my meager hobbyist needs).

Thx, Dr. VAX. Nice presentation, as always. Though I've seen impressive things done in Shapr3D, and it may be "easy" in some regards, it's just too limited for my case. P.S. I did not know we now have to do "Shaving for 3d Printing"! I usually just 3D print if scruffy, or not :D

Dude, I love your Channel!

Hi I've recently started using this program and I've got to say its absolutely awesome, the easiest I've used and its quite powerful, its more than capable of producing the kind of stuff that fusion360 can but without the steep learning curve and long winded-ness............regarding your box and lid design, it would've been quicker to have extruded the bottom of the box first, then offset the edges twice then extruded those edges, think of it like building a house, start with the foundations first then build up, as always love your channel and the content and advice you provide

Great Video!!! as always... The cost of $20 a month may not sounds like much, but that is $240 a year, and the full version is $45 a month / $540 per year and I doubt it comes anywhere near the functionality of Fusion 360. How much was Fusion 360 again?

I agree it's a very easy to use interface and program. However - There are two things that hold me back using this program.
First of all - It's not parametric. That means the more complex your design becomes, the less easy it becomes to change dimensions. Certainly in a design phase where things are not set in stone (yet) the process will become clunky to use very fast. It's perfect if you already have designed stuff on paper and just have to model it, but if you need a lot of tweaking as you progress it becomes time consuming very fast.
The second point is the subscription model. I don't mind paying for programs, but if I pay I want the full version that I can use any time I want without having to pay the monthly subscription. I have full programs that I use on a daily base (Bitwig, Cubase), and I really like the fact that I can use them without a "phone-home" internet connection. That means I can use them anywhere I want, even if there is no internet connection in sight. I can also use them as long as I want (years if I would like) without any additional cost and only upgrade whenever I feel like it. And lastly - I never loose those programs if the creator goes out of business.
To resume - While I really like the way Shapr3D works, the two things above keeps me back on using it. For now I still stay with FreeCAD (thunder branch). I feel very comfortable with that program now (and I can say your "getting started" video's helped a lot with that), and designing with it has become a second nature for me.

Thanks Irv great video I learnt a lot more watching this about shapr3d than I did in a 1hour tutorial from a so called expert user. For me you connected the dots that I didn't we before. I've come from Tinkercad after a couple if tears on that because I needed more flexibility than Tinkercad has and with recent upgrades to it I have found it becoming dimensionally inaccurate many times after a grouping process.
While this is not free it doesn't seem to have the very steep learning curve that Fusion 360 does for part time use. Seems a shame that they don't include the 3d plans option as standard really. Thanks

I would say for beginner, hobbyist that never use the CAD before, the Shapr3d is amazing you can learn basic steps first day and print same day. Im trying to learn Fusion360 but like photoshop there is too many options (that make program rich but harder for beginners ). The Shapr3d is made to predict what would you need from selected part and the option on side they change that way, showing you only available option. Im not sure how professional is the program because im not professional designer but is perfect for hobby and kids. Same as playing Lego. Thanks Jim!

this is very good ty

Super ❤

That initial tutorial opening looks very similar to how I first learned to use SketchUp, which was brilliant, and my modeller of choice for ages till they went browser-based.

I just subscribed after buying and Ender 3 V2, enjoying our channel. Quick question: can you export from Shapr to FreeCad and carry on workimg with a design? I like the idea of starting on an iPad and refining on the Mac. Also does Shapr handle svg imports well? I'm assuming the Shapr business plan is where you get updated sketches as you work, and I like the idea that you can upgrade later if youneed to, and have not wasted time learning software that is limited. thanks for your excellent teaching!

I have been using Shapr3D and just love it. This is quality software and it shows. I use it exclusively on Ipad. Would love to see a good Ipad slicer (or perhaps octoprint?) so the complete workflow of designing to print could be done wirelessly via the Ipad. Am I the only one wishing for something like this?

Thank you

Sort of looks like a stripped down freecad. I found frrecad rapidly gets complicated tree type structure, not knowing where to change a value/whatever, and found i was jumping around between windows, typing in values, viewing image to see the effect. As you mentioned, this is easier to start with. Personally, I now do everything with openscad. My source code is a text file, you just need to learn a few prime shapes and moves, and provided you are precise wrt []{}; etc, you can do amazing things with it, sometimes amazingly quick, too. But you know that. I just wish newbies did not panic at first sight, thinking it is complicated sums - it is not. You just describe what you want - in words, instead of poking things around with a mouse.

Wow! Where do you get your coffee from (at $5 a cup!) 🙂 Agree with your assessment, the cost kills all it’s plus points, especially on iPad, would be a whole lot more attractive to have a hobbyist price plan

I am not a fan of subscription services, but I appreciate the ease of use of Shapr3D. I would love to use Blender, but I want measurements and FreeCAD looks too complicated.

You could have selected the whole sketch using the lasso function select a direction arrow and pulled a complete duplicate of the original sketch and made your lid from that.

I give it an A+ for ease of use for the beginner. As a home woodshop DIY type, the annual cost is way out of range for me - an F-. $99.00 perpetual license max would be acceptable. A smart marketing strategy would be to offer a DIY License for Woodworker's non-profit organizations AND for Woodworking Shops associated with educational institutions. (lots of retired folks (DIY Woodworkers, mentor there)

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phần mềm này quá dễ sử dụng, rất ok

Is it possible to print each model on a 3d printer

Appears that Shapr3d just received a big update which includes parametric capabilities. Maybe worth an update to this video?

Have you tried Design Spark Mechanical (DSM)? Not parametric but full program for free. And easy to learn.

I am using my iPad with this software, can I take a file from my iPad and go straight to my 3D printer, if so how?

I think after after reserching Shapr3D, easy to get started, but with licens and what seems to soon get into limitations, the few extra hours of freeCAD and blender is the way to go to learn and have good potensial to develop one self. Reserching alternatives for lerning for my 10 year old son who doesn't now english at the moment, so program needs to be mouth icon based. For my personal use FreeCAD and blender along with Inkscape and Gimp is first choice, even thou I can enjoy high end of CAD and Revit I would never pay for licenses my self, and o good the studie hours for these programs. Sketchup was my favorite until they changed licenses, but I can thank Trimble to make change, otherwise I wouldn't make the discovery of parametric design. Apresiate any sugestions of programs that isn't a dead end in learning and kids can continue develop in same platform, haven't found it yet, so it may not exist, hehehehe. Enjoyed this tube thou, good information on workflow and capabilities, best regards from sweden.

Coffe seems to be quite expensive in your area. 😉

bonjour , pouvez vous montrer comment le placer en francais . Merci d'avance , je ne trouve pas les parametres !!

Great video! Adding text has been added very recently. I use it on my iPad and love it for drafting up ideas when they hit. I grabbed a annual license pretty heavily discounted during a sale on their website and use is almost daily now as a non-professional. I generally hate subscription but am able to swallow this one because of the constant updates taking place. I do wish they would offer a lower hobby tier for those who use it like I and many other wish to.

Huh, never heard of this CAD program until today. I am late to the party it seems. I've used quite a few CAD packages professionally and Shapr3D really is just much of the same thing. I might even test drive it here soon, I am not certain that I can go back to something as simplistic as this is though. The power afforded by other software such as Fusion 360 or even BobCAD is next level (like adding vector art and surfacing tools). Plus if I get stuck on trying to model something complex I know many professionals that can give me a few tips and tricks. I might use Shapr3D just for knocking up simple stuff though, who knows. The current $25 a month is very cheap indeed.

Have you tried Design Spark Mechanical, it is also free

Have to zero out a dimension before using that keypad to enter a new value? Funky.

How do I 3d print my design

Hi Dr Vax Have you tried Plasticity ?

pricing of Shapr3d has changed, now is 20 dollars for full program. Btw you made lid allooot more complicated then it should be :D before making all body united, just double tap on bottom, make copy of it and take to top. then mark walls and new top , klick on substracte tool and it will automaticaly make a grooves on lid and that it. no thinking :D

I love how you measured the worth of Shapr3D in cups of coffee lol.

I love Shapr3D. So easy even I can use it to make just about anything and that's saying something because my intelligence level is nearly in the negatives.

I personally swear by 3d builder absolutely love it .

Looks nice but surely SketchUp beats it hands down? Price wise as well as functionality.

Silly question perhaps, why wouldn't you just clone the sketch and use that as basis for the lid and get all the dimensions automatically, no need to do any maths?

20 bucks? It's 30 + local VAT in April 2022, so over 35 bucks for me. And that's a no-go for a hobbyist like me. Shapr3D should really introduce a hobbyist tier at around a tenner a month, then I would consider subscribing. And I imagine, more hobbyist would be willing to pay the dough.

The maker edition of solidworks is less than $10/month. If you're going to pay for a cad subscription there's just no question.

I would pay for the yearly price, but with the option to own it. Then again it is tax deductible depending where you live in the world. Great software tool.

Really wanted it but is too much expensive

Sir octoprint powerloss recovery works or not ?

The problem with free cad software I find , it’s buggy and hard to learn. I want to learn the software and move on to get something tangible from my efforts rather than learning and hunting down solutions to tools that will not function as expected.

The subscription business model is dead to me! I don't even bother looking at them anymore.

Is Shapr3D the Easiest CAD for 3d Printing Product Design?
So, all your work (IP) is on the internet. Can you purchase a 'stand alone' version where you are not hooked-up to the internet?

Very disappointed by the fact this is not a fully parametric CAD.
Sorry but OnShape, which I discovered a couple of months ago and now I'm a big fan of, is truly parametric, has a free license (public designs) for hobbyists and is also web based, so you always use the most recent version and you can use it also on Linux (like I do). And it has most (if not more) of the graphical facilities I can see in this video, I'm thinking just about auto-constraints and mate connectors, not to mention the assembly capabilities.
I don't come from a CAD background, I tried to use FreeCAD but unfortunately I find it overcomplicated for most things. But I learned most of OnShape in 2 days... So I use it and OpenSCAD, depending on the design.
I can't understand why you did mention it but not recommended it in the other video, from my point of view as long as you accept your designs to be public and you don't use them for commercial purposes (like most hobbyists do), you will have no problems.

If they can charge $20 a month, they should also allow people to pay $5 or even $6 a week.
That would bring in people like me, who only need to use it a couple of times a year.
Or they should allow saving at least 4 projects in the free version. That would allow people to use it freely for learning, then pay for a month and print everything out at once.
If it costs people more than £5 to print something, on top of the actual printing costs, it's not worth it.
Been loving the software so far though. Very comfortable to use with a pen and the in-built tutorials are brilliant :)

I would totally support this company if they adopted a better business model like Procreate for the Ipad. Let me purchase this software ($250) and own it. If I want the latest and greatest I can choose to get the new version on annual basis at a discounted rate or not. It's my choice. But I won't support their current business model.

So this is lot like sketch up, then.

This seems like an Apple solution.. Easy to use, has some limitations, but quite expensive (240$/y), and the 'Basic'-version looks a bit pointless to me.

I have tried it but got bamboozled in its pop out menus trying to do a simple block with a Colombian on one corner

A subscription model is an absolute, non-negotiable deal-killer for me. Either I buy the software outright, and use it as I see fit for as long as I care to, or I'm not interested - period.

I use Tinkercad for simple designs. More complicated ones, I just use Blender. Free and easy to use.

This is too basic. Looks like advanced Tinkercad. To pay 45$ per month for that as business client? No thank you.
20$ for the home user version? They think im mad? Even fusion360 is free for home user and offers much more than that crap.
For 3D printing parametric is must. I cant see that even home user, who makes just some brackets or adapters from time to time, can use this normally.
And the price. Wooooooow!! For the home user its 240$ per year. 240!! And you dont even own the product for that money.

Moi 3D

If only they had a linux version or a web version. :o(

I didn’t know coffee was that expensive these days! But then I don’t drink coffee……..

The subscription model on the iPad screams “this is for children and adults that don’t know any better”. I’ll glad play $$$.$$ for Rhino3D and $$$$.$$ for SolidWorks.

free version allows only 2 models a month and low resolution STL export. pass. i will stick to Free CAD

The app is nice, but from a hobbyist pov (monkeying from time to time with designing something) the monthly (38$) price is unjustified. The basic version is a joke taking into account all the limitations it has.

Pass...After web apps there's nothing I loath more than subscriptions.

There's no excuse for there not being an android version available.

Take the $20 per month and buy a Windows PC and then use Design Spark Mechanical for free.

Just ask a friend or use your own University credentials, it's free 🤗

It costs now 40€ per month 😂. This simply too expensive.
I spent many hours to learn shaper3d, but I’m not willing to spend 40 bucks as a hobbyist anymore.
I’m done with shaper3d and other subscription based apps.

When you design a product or service, your employees need to be paid, in this digiworld of human aides, they must be funded, and subscriptions are the ends most companies use.

I am an amateur person who make designs for hoby. I make designs once a week sometime more rare. I don't pay 25 euro per month. I am not making money from it.

If you model constantly, it may be worth $240 a year. That is a lot of coffee.

lol f*ck any software that says its free in the store and isnt actually free.

But it seems to be lacking a lot of abilities!

Shapr3d is essentially useless for free users. You can't export dimensionally accurate files... so what's the point of cad? I can wing it with plywood. Low Res. exports are awful.
I think the program is great, very intuitive. But as a new user in complete information overload between buying my first printer, learning CAD through multiple programs and tutorials, I missed the low res export limitation. Now I feel like my design I poured hours into is being held ransom for $25 a month. Do I pay it because my times more valuable than that? Or do I redesign it in a program that's not adversarial to their clientele?
I feel I will learn more by just using a real CAD program on my PC And calling it quits with Shapr3d. It was a complete waste of time. I love the pencil for design work, but that's got nothing to do with Shapr, that's Apple, even tinkercad works great with a pencil. Makes the experience very intuitive too bad it's limited by Apples store policies and the constant need for subscriptions on their platform. It really stifles good software's acceptance by the masses.

Since coffee seems to be the current metric for cost... maybe the price of everything would come down if people stopped buying overpriced coffee.

Did you change your name because someone thought you knew something about the covid vaccine lol

Nop subscription is bad. I rather use blender CAD on pc.

Become a student at university, it becomes cheap.

It’s overpriced and can’t do of what I want. Cutting a sphere didn’t worked for me.

Shapr3d now costs 30 bucks a month😢

Fusion 360 has a free version. Much better than this. Making changes to the drawing impacts the 3D model, as it should. This is amature software.

tinkercad sucks, its not even for kids, completely out of date

Just found this video where a person that has never see Fusion360 before, but he can judge the full potential of Fusion360 after drowning a circle and a square.
Congratulation! 😂😂😂 You have no idea of what Fusion360 can do.