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Shapr3D vs Siemens NX

Shapr3D logo

Shapr3D

Software

CAD software for iPad and Mac

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
S

Siemens NX

Software

Integrated product design and manufacturing

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Shapr3D has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Shapr3D the free Basic plan is limited to 2 projects; Siemens NX siemens NX offers only a 30-day free trial with no published subscription or perpetual license price; buyers must go through a sales process to get pricing, per the vendor's own product page.
  • They diverge on capability: Shapr3D covers Direct modeling, Siemens NX covers Advanced CAD.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Shapr3D and Siemens NX actually diverge.

Attributes where Shapr3D and Siemens NX differ
AttributeShapr3DSiemens NX
Starting priceFree$29/month
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsIPadOS, MacOS, WindowsWindows, Linux
Founded20151963

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Shapr3D

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

Only in Siemens NX

  • Advanced CAD
  • CAM programming
  • CAE simulation
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Sheet metal
  • Mold design
  • Industrial machinery
  • Teamcenter PLM

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Shapr3D

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

Siemens NX

  • Enterprise product designnot Shapr3D
  • Manufacturingnot Shapr3D
  • Simulationnot Shapr3D

Where each one falls short

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

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

Siemens NX

  • Siemens NX offers only a 30-day free trial with no published subscription or perpetual license price; buyers must go through a sales process to get pricing, per the vendor's own product page.

Pricing, plan by plan

Shapr3D

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 2 active designs
    • Basic features
  • Pro$25/month
    • Unlimited designs
    • All export formats
  • Business$199/month
    • Team features
    • Visualization

Siemens NX

$29/month
  • NX Design$4500/month
    • CAD design
    • Core modeling
  • NX CAM$5500/month
    • Manufacturing programming
  • NX Complete$8500/month
    • Full suite
    • CAD/CAM/CAE

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Siemens NX if

  • You need advanced cad.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want cam programming.
Siemens NX review

Questions people ask

Is Shapr3D or Siemens NX better?
Neither clearly leads. Shapr3D starts at Free and Siemens NX at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Shapr3D or Siemens NX?
Shapr3D has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Shapr3D and $29/month for Siemens NX.
Does Shapr3D or Siemens NX run on more platforms?
Shapr3D runs on IPadOS, MacOS, Windows. Siemens NX runs on Windows, Linux.
Can I use Shapr3D for free?
Yes. Shapr3D has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Siemens NX starts at $29/month.
What is Shapr3D best used for?
Shapr3D is most often used for direct modelling cad on ipad with apple pencil, producing manufacturable solid models and technical drawings, sharing cad projects with collaborators on desktop and tablet. Of those, direct modelling cad on ipad with apple pencil and producing manufacturable solid models and technical drawings are not what Siemens NX is typically brought in for.
What can Shapr3D do that Siemens NX cannot?
Shapr3D covers Direct modeling, Parametric history, Visualization, 2D drawings. Siemens NX covers Advanced CAD, CAM programming, CAE simulation, Additive manufacturing. Both handle Windows support.
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