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CAD · head to head

IronCAD vs Shapr3D

IronCAD logo

IronCAD

CAD

Innovative 3D design software with drag-and-drop simplicity

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Shapr3D logo

Shapr3D

CAD

CAD software for iPad and Mac

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Shapr3D has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: IronCAD pricing page not found; Shapr3D the free Basic plan is limited to 2 projects
  • They diverge on capability: IronCAD covers Hybrid parametric/direct modeling, Shapr3D covers Direct modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which IronCAD and Shapr3D actually diverge.

Attributes where IronCAD and Shapr3D differ
AttributeIronCADShapr3D
Starting price$3500/one-timeFree
Pricing modelone-timefreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindowsIPadOS, MacOS, Windows
Founded19982015

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (CAD).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in IronCAD

  • Hybrid parametric/direct modeling
  • Drag-and-drop design
  • Multi-body assemblies
  • Sheet metal tools
  • 2D drafting
  • STEP
  • IGES
  • Parasolid

Only in Shapr3D

  • Direct modeling
  • Parametric history
  • Visualization
  • 2D drawings
  • Apple Pencil support
  • Import/export
  • Annotations
  • Fusion 360

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

IronCAD

  • Product developmentnot Shapr3D
  • Machine designnot Shapr3D
  • Tooling designnot Shapr3D
  • Rapid prototypingnot Shapr3D

Shapr3D

  • Direct modelling CAD on iPad with Apple Pencilnot IronCAD
  • Producing manufacturable solid models and technical drawingsnot IronCAD
  • Sharing CAD projects with collaborators on desktop and tabletnot IronCAD

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

IronCAD

  • pricing page not found

Shapr3D

  • The free Basic plan is limited to 2 projects
  • Free plan exports only basic resolution 3MF and STL, so no STEP or IGES output
  • Free plan caps generative renders at 3 per day; Pro raises this to 50 per day and only Enterprise is unlimited
  • Importing SLDPRT and SLDASM SolidWorks files requires Pro
  • Importing NX, JT, CREO, Solid Edge and Rhino files requires Enterprise
  • Exporting ACIS, FBX, Parasolid and PRC requires Enterprise
  • On premises and single tenant data storage is Enterprise only
  • Enterprise pricing is by quote with no published rate

Pricing, plan by plan

IronCAD

$3500/one-time
  • IronCAD Design Collaboration Suite$3500/one-time
    • Full parametric and direct modeling
    • Drag-and-drop design
    • Multi-format CAD import/export
  • IronCAD Ultimate$6000/one-time
    • All Design Suite features
    • Advanced simulation
    • Rendering tools

Shapr3D

Free
  • BasicFree
    • 2 projects
    • cloud storage
    • basic import/export (XT, STEP, IGES, DWG, STL)
  • Pro$299/year
    • unlimited shared team projects
    • up to 2 contributors
    • high-resolution exports
  • Enterprise$null/custom
    • granular access control
    • flexible data storage (single tenant/private cloud/on-premises)
    • unlimited renders

Which should you pick?

Choose IronCAD if

  • You need hybrid parametric/direct modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want drag-and-drop design.
IronCAD review

Choose Shapr3D if

  • You need direct modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on IPadOS, MacOS, Windows.
  • You also want parametric history.
Shapr3D review

Questions people ask

Is IronCAD or Shapr3D better?
Neither clearly leads. IronCAD starts at $3500/one-time and Shapr3D at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, IronCAD or Shapr3D?
Shapr3D has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $3500/one-time for IronCAD and Free for Shapr3D.
Does IronCAD or Shapr3D run on more platforms?
IronCAD runs on Windows. Shapr3D runs on IPadOS, MacOS, Windows.
Can I use Shapr3D for free?
Yes. Shapr3D has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IronCAD starts at $3500/one-time.
What is IronCAD best used for?
IronCAD is most often used for product development, machine design, tooling design, rapid prototyping. Of those, product development and machine design are not what Shapr3D is typically brought in for.
What can IronCAD do that Shapr3D cannot?
IronCAD covers Hybrid parametric/direct modeling, Drag-and-drop design, Multi-body assemblies, Sheet metal tools. Shapr3D covers Direct modeling, Parametric history, Visualization, 2D drawings. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

IronCAD: Where can I find IronCAD pricing?

IronCAD's pricing page is not available. Contact IronCAD directly through their website for CAD software licensing and pricing information.

Source
Shapr3D: How much does Shapr3D cost?

Shapr3D Basic tier is free. Pro tier is $299 per year or available monthly with price not specified on the pricing page. Enterprise pricing is custom and requires contacting sales.

Source
Shapr3D: Is there a free trial for Shapr3D Pro?

Yes, Shapr3D offers a 14-day free trial for Pro tier that requires a credit card, plus a 14-day money-back guarantee on purchases.

Source
Shapr3D: What is the difference between Shapr3D Pro and Enterprise?

Pro tier includes up to 2 contributors on unlimited shared team projects, 50 renders daily, technical drawings, and AR on iPad. Enterprise provides granular access control, flexible data storage options (single tenant, private cloud, on-premises, or cloud off), unlimited renders, extended import/export formats, and dedicated account management.

Source
Shapr3D: Does Shapr3D offer educational pricing?

Yes, Shapr3D is free for students and educators with annual license renewal through an in-app application form.

Source
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