Softwr

CAD · head to head

Shapr3D vs Solid Edge

Shapr3D logo

Shapr3D

CAD

CAD software for iPad and Mac

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Solid Edge logo

Solid Edge

CAD

Next-generation 3D CAD with synchronous technology

From
$1/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; Solid Edge candidate list contains only one genuine competitor (Siemens NX from same vendor); very limited competing options in the provided list
  • They diverge on capability: Shapr3D covers Direct modeling, Solid Edge covers Synchronous technology.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Shapr3D and Solid Edge actually diverge.

Attributes where Shapr3D and Solid Edge differ
AttributeShapr3DSolid Edge
Starting priceFree$1/month
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsIPadOS, MacOS, WindowsWindows
Founded20151995

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 Shapr3D

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

Only in Solid Edge

  • Synchronous technology
  • Parametric modeling
  • Sheet metal
  • Simulation
  • Rendering
  • Technical publications
  • Additive manufacturing
  • 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 Solid Edge
  • Producing manufacturable solid models and technical drawingsnot Solid Edge
  • Sharing CAD projects with collaborators on desktop and tabletnot Solid Edge

Solid Edge

  • Product designnot Shapr3D
  • Sheet metal designnot Shapr3D
  • Technical documentationnot 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

Solid Edge

  • Candidate list contains only one genuine competitor (Siemens NX from same vendor); very limited competing options in the provided list
  • Cloud-only platform with no traditional desktop licensing option; requires constant internet connectivity
  • Limited third-party plugin ecosystem compared to standalone CAD tools
  • Advanced simulation and generative design features require separate subscriptions, increasing total cost
  • Smaller user community compared to AutoCAD or other mainstream CAD platforms

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Solid Edge

$1/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Solid Edge review.

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 Solid Edge if

  • You need synchronous technology.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want parametric modeling.
Solid Edge review

Questions people ask

Is Shapr3D or Solid Edge better?
Neither clearly leads. Shapr3D starts at Free and Solid Edge at $1/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Shapr3D or Solid Edge?
Shapr3D has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Shapr3D and $1/month for Solid Edge.
Does Shapr3D or Solid Edge run on more platforms?
Shapr3D runs on IPadOS, MacOS, Windows. Solid Edge runs on Windows.
Can I use Shapr3D for free?
Yes. Shapr3D has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Solid Edge starts at $1/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 Solid Edge is typically brought in for.
What can Shapr3D do that Solid Edge cannot?
Shapr3D covers Direct modeling, Parametric history, Visualization, 2D drawings. Solid Edge covers Synchronous technology, Parametric modeling, Sheet metal, Simulation. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Solid Edge: What is Solid Edge's pricing model?

Solid Edge uses a flexible, usage-based subscription model. New customers can get their first month for $1 and cancel anytime, with pay-as-you-go pricing for additional capabilities without complex upgrades or procurement delays.

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
Solid Edge: What platforms does Solid Edge run on?

Solid Edge is a cloud-based 3D CAD software accessed through the Designcenter platform. It supports web browsers and can be accessed from any device with cloud synchronization.

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
Solid Edge: What are Solid Edge's core CAD features?

Solid Edge includes part and assembly design, automated drawings, basic animation, rendering, comprehensive sheet metal design, model-based definition (MBD), and simulation tools. Advanced features like generative design and AI-powered drawing creation are available as add-ons.

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
Solid Edge: Does Solid Edge support augmented reality?

Yes, Solid Edge allows designers to review designs in augmented reality (AR) on phones and tablets. Users can view, measure, and markup CAD files on any device.

Source
Solid Edge: How does Solid Edge integrate with other Siemens products?

Designcenter Solid Edge has out-of-the-box integrations with Teamcenter and Teamcenter X for lifecycle management. CAM XaaS products work with Solid Edge, and it provides secure data management and seamless integration with third-party applications.

Source
Solid Edge: What are the key differences between Solid Edge and Siemens NX?

Solid Edge is Siemens' mid-range 3D CAD solution positioned for smaller teams and general mechanical design. Siemens NX is the advanced PLM system for complex manufacturing and enterprise design workflows.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Shapr3D

More on Solid Edge

Keep looking

Other head to heads