Fret not, there is a good SketchUp alternative for iPad out there.
SketchUp is one of the best 3D design programs out there; however, it isn’t available for iPad.
Fortunately, there are loads of alternatives to choose from for the iPad.
They are just as good and have a range of impressive features.
Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, there’s sure to be an app for you.
Here’s a list of five options for the best SketchUp alternative for iPad.
Table of Contents
Shapr3D
It’s no surprise that Shapr3D is one of the leading 3D design programs for the iPad and a Sketchup alternative for iPad.
It’s professional, sleek, and user-friendly as well as being portable and manufacture grade.
You can design anywhere with the offline feature, and there are hundreds of tools to help you create a 3D masterpiece.
Another great feature is the easy-to-follow tutorials to ensure that you get the most out of the app and all its features.
However, the application does require an Apple Pencil for designing and drawing.
Well, this is a substantial investment at $129!
It doesn’t mean though that it isn’t beginner-friendly.
There are forums and a manual (as well as tutorials) to help those with little to no experience in 3D design.
Shapr3d was even awarded editors’ choice on the AppStore.
There is a free version of Shapr3D.
This allows you to work on two drawings at a time in low quality which is perfect for those who are hobbyists.
For professionals or those with some experience in 3D design, Shapr3D pro is priced at $20 a month.
Moreover, it also offers free use for educational purposes and therefore is an excellent option for 3D design students.
With this in mind, It’s very much safe to say that Shapr3D is an excellent iPad-friendly alternative to SketchUp.
Pros & Benefits
- Portable-you can design anywhere, anytime, anyplace as the program can run offline; all you need is an iPad.
- Tutorials- easy-to-follow step-by-step design tutorial
- Quick and straightforward- create amazing, high-quality designs in minutes as it’s easy to use and beginner-friendly
Shapr3D at a Glance
It is an award-winning 3D design app with hundreds of tools to help you create a 3D masterpiece.
It’s great for beginners and experienced designers alike.
However, it does require an Apple Pencil.
There is a monthly fee of 20 dollars in the US, which is a considerable investment for someone who just designs as a hobby.
Despite this, Shapr3D is an impeccable program that delivers a fantastic experience.
I would say that it’s worth the expense.
This tool is one of the best on the market for functionality and creativity, as well as ease of use.
Rhinoceros 3D: Rhino
Here’s another great Sketchup alternative for iPad.
Rhinoceros 3D (also known as Rhino) is a powerful 3D modeling software.
It is used by professionals in a variety of industries.
They include architecture, product design, and engineering.
It is known for its advanced modeling tools.
It offers the NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) technology.
This technology allows for the creation of very smooth and accurate 3D shapes.
One of the key features of Rhino is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for users to learn and use the software.
It has a range of helpful tutorials and a large community of users who are willing to share tips and tricks.
In addition to its modeling capabilities, Rhino also has a range of tools for rendering and visualization, making it easy to create high-quality images and animations of 3D models.
It is also compatible with a range of file formats, allowing users to easily import and export models to other software.
Overall, Rhino is a versatile and powerful 3D modeling software that is used by professionals around the world.
It is a great option for anyone who needs to create accurate and detailed 3D models.
Pros & Benefits
It is a good alternative to Sketchup for several reasons.
First, Rhino has a wide range of advanced modeling tools like the NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) technology.
This is especially useful for architects and product designers who need to create precise models.
Second, Rhino has a user-friendly interface that is easy to learn and use.
It has a range of helpful tutorials and a large community of users who are willing to share tips and tricks.
Third, Rhino offers lower prices for students, faculty, and schools.
Overall, Rhino is a good alternative to Sketchup for the iPad because it offers advanced modeling capabilities, a user-friendly interface, and an affordable price.
It is a great option for professionals and enthusiasts who want to create high-quality 3D models on their iPad.
Rhinoceros 3D at a Glance
Rhinoceros 3D is a 3D modeling software that is used by professionals in a variety of industries.
Some of its key features include:
- Advanced modeling tools
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent rendering and visualization
- Wide range of file compatibility
Overall, Rhino is a powerful and versatile 3D modeling software that is used by professionals around the world. It is a great option for anyone who needs to create accurate and detailed 3D models.
uMake
uMake is another fantastic program and has received many awards and lots of praise for its many useful and easy-to-use tools and tutorials.
It boasts AR and pressure sensitivity controls for the Apple Pencil as well as many other high-tech features.
The App is continually being tweaked and adjusted to make it the best App possible.
Furthermore, hundreds of tutorials on the uMake YouTube channel can help you understand how to use some of the many amazing features the App has to offer.
uMake is $15.99 a month for those looking to use the App professionally.
However, there are educational licenses for students studying 3D design.
Unlike Shapr3D, an Apple Pencil is not required for uMake, making it slightly more cost-effective.
So, if you love Shapr3D but are looking for a cheaper app, then uMake is one of the best options for you.
The AR feature makes this App stand out as you can view your designs in augmented reality and experience them in a new way.
The tools are easy to get to grips with and can be used by anyone.
This is whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer.
There are hundreds of unique features which make this App one of the best alternatives for SketchUp.
Pros & Benefits
- SketchUp compatible- you can import SketchUp files from a desktop or even from the 3D warehouse on safari
- AR- you can review your designs in state-of-the-art augmented reality- a unique feature that no other 3D design platform offers
- Tutorials- like Shapr3D, uMake has in-app guides to help you utilize all the fantastic tools that Umake has to offer
uMake at a Glance
UMake is one of the leading design programs out there.
It boasts hundreds of fantastic reviews.
Moreover, you can create a variety of projects with it using its many incredible design tools.
It’s not hard to see why.
The App is $15.99 a month, so once again, it is a significant investment for those new to 3D design.
It’s definitely worth the price with all its fantastic features.
One of the most exciting of these features (in my opinion) is that you can view your designs using augmented reality to experience your creations in a whole new way.
Sketch 3D
This program is a viable SketchUp replacement that is available for iPad with many similar features and a few unique ones.
The App also supports Airdrop, but it can also import 3D content directly from email or browser.
Sketch 3D has tons of useful design features; however, it may be more suited to those with design experience as there are no tutorials.
Despite this, Sketch 3D is great for getting ideas down fast, and it has hundreds of tools to help you create amazing designs.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective program, this App may be for you as it is entirely free to use!
Although this is a lesser-known program, it is worth a download as there are constant updates and bug fixes to make your user experience an amazing one.
This app’s 3D animation software is especially useful if you’re looking to animate 3D models.
This app has hundreds of tools to help you animate extraordinary characters or useful 3D machine parts.
Sketch 3D is simple to operate, and you can pick up how it works in no time, so if you have experience with a 3D design, using this application will be a walk in the park.
Many would agree that although simple and easy to use Sketch 3D has a variety of useful tools that allow you to get your 3D models just right.
This App makes it easy to bring your design ideas to life and for free as well!
If you’re trying to look for a cost-effective and quick design tool, then Sketch 3D is for you.
Pros & Benefits
- Model texture- You can now use videos as model textures for 3D animation and skeleton structure. Perfect for anyone looking for an app for animation.
- Pricing- the App offers so much for a program that is free to use and design, so it’s an excellent option for hobbyists and beginners.
- Constant work- Sketch 3D is continuously being improved and tweaked to give the user the best experience possible.
Sketch 3D at a Glance
Sketch 3D is a relatively new app that is in its early stages.
It’s still an outstanding app that is perfect for those who live fast-paced lives and looking to get ideas down on the go.
One of these apps’ many highlights is its fabulous 3D animation software.
This feature makes it easy for those looking to create stunning animations in 3D form quickly, easily, and affordably.
This is because this app is entirely free.
Unlike the previous applications, this App does not have any design tutorials available in App.
So if you’re looking to learn 3D from scratch, then this may not be the App for you.
However, this is an excellent alternative to more expensive apps for 3D design and animation beginners.
XYZmaker 3D Kit
This App is perfect for beginners looking to create colorful 3D creations easily and quickly as you will be able to print directly to a 3D printer or share your work with others.
This App is also free to use, which is useful to those looking to get into 3D design as a hobby, especially those who make character art or 3D model toys.
A well-known 3D printer company makes it, so you know that the App has been made by people who really know what they are doing.
There are many exciting tutorials on the XYZ printing YouTube channel to help you get to grips with the App’s many amazing functions and tools.
This application is an excellent program for those who are new to 3D design.
Furthermore, it’s also good for those who want to have fun with it.
This app is affordable, simple to use, and full of useful tools.
Pros & Benefits
- Model packs- offers multiple 3D model packs to add diversity to your creation
- Tutorials- in-app tutorials to help you learn the skills you need to create impeccable 3D designs
- Colour- this program makes it easy to add color to any of your designs, making it an excellent choice for those who use 3D design for art
XYZmaker 3D Kit at a Glance
XYZmaker 3D kit is a simple yet effective app.
It is sleek and easy to use.
Furthermore, this app is affordable yet high-quality.
This App is completely free and made by a well-known 3D printing company, so you know an experienced designer has developed the App.
It has a range of helpful tutorials on the XYZprinting YouTube channel to help you understand all of the app’s essential and easy-to-use tools.
Equally Noteworthy: Autodesk Sketchbook
Autodesk SketchBook is a flawless drawing program with hundreds of tools to help you bring your vision to life.
SketchBook makes it easy to create colorful and functional 3D designs for free.
Not only this, but it also has many essential features, such as a curved ruler and constrained grid tools to help you get the best out of your designs.
There is also a YouTube channel full of tutorials on how to use certain features, tools, and functions.
It also provides support videos on how to use a tool.
In addition, it also has many helpful tutorial videos from other app users.
This app is most suited for those who enjoy the creative aspect of 3D design.
This is because it is more of a drawing app.
The 3D design options it offers are exceptional and deserve recognition.
This program is worth considering if you are an artist who needs to create with a 3D design element to it.
Therefore, it is a viable option to try when looking for a 3D design tool.
Pros & Benefits
- Perspective Guides- this App has both 1,2 and 3 perspective guides for enhanced performance
- Grid tools- you can customize infinite and constrained grid tools
- Technology- can support the Apple Pencil and its double-tap functionality
Autodesk SketchBook at a Glance
Autodesk SketchBook is more commonly used as a drawing app.
However, it has some great 3D features that are perfect for artists, cartoonists, speed painters, etc. who are dabbling in 3D design also.
It’s got a great, user-friend layout as well as many perfect tools and brushes to make your 3D design creativity blossom.
This app is ideal for art students who need an affordable drawing app with a 3D design feature for future projects.
Final Thoughts
Overall, many amazing apps support an iPad that you can use as a Sketchup alternative for the iPad to create your 3D masterpiece.
There are hundreds of 3D design applications out there.
So, you have to find the best one for you.
Whether you are an experienced designer looking for a professional program or a beginner looking to go into design as a hobby.
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FAQs
Is there an app like SketchUp for iPad? ›
Other interesting iPad alternatives to SketchUp are Onshape, AutoQ3D CAD, uMake and Autodesk Formit. SketchUp alternatives are mainly 3D Modelers but may also be CAD Software or Interior Design Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of SketchUp.
Is there a free app like SketchUp? ›Blender. Blender is a well-known 3D modeling and animation software used by a wide range of professionals worldwide. It's entirely free and open source, but don't let that fool you. It's one of the most powerful 3D sculpting tools available and used for different applications, from 3D art to animation and game design.
What is the Apple version of Google SketchUp? ›SketchUp is not available for iPhone but there are some alternatives with similar functionality. The best iPhone alternative is Autodesk AutoCAD. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Ecogarden Design.
Can I design in SketchUp on iPad? ›Create, edit, and mark up 3D projects anywhere with SketchUp for iPad. What You Need: SketchUp for iPad works with a wide range of iPad models and requires at least iPadOS 15 or higher.
What drawing app does everyone use on iPad? ›Autodesk Sketchbook
SketchBook by Autodesk is one of the most popular drawing apps for iPad among digital artists.