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Software · head to head

Shapr3D vs ZBrush

Shapr3D logo

Shapr3D

Software

CAD software for iPad and Mac

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ZBrush logo

ZBrush

Software

Industry standard for digital sculpting

From
On request
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; ZBrush subscription model required; no perpetual licence option available
  • They diverge on capability: Shapr3D covers Direct modeling, ZBrush covers Digital sculpting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Shapr3D and ZBrush actually diverge.

Attributes where Shapr3D and ZBrush differ
AttributeShapr3DZBrush
Starting priceFreeOn request
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsIPadOS, MacOS, WindowsWindows, macOS, iPadOS
Founded20151986

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 ZBrush

  • Digital sculpting
  • Dynamesh
  • ZRemesher
  • PolyPaint
  • Live Boolean
  • Sculptris Pro
  • UV Master
  • High polygon handling

Both cover

  • MacOS support
  • 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 ZBrush
  • Producing manufacturable solid models and technical drawingsnot ZBrush
  • Sharing CAD projects with collaborators on desktop and tabletnot ZBrush

ZBrush

  • Digital character and creature sculptingnot Shapr3D
  • High-polygon organic form designnot Shapr3D
  • Texture painting and PolyPaint worknot Shapr3D
  • Game asset creation and 3D modellingnot 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

ZBrush

  • Subscription model required; no perpetual licence option available
  • iPad version requires separate subscription to ZBrush for iPad

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

ZBrush

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the ZBrush 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 ZBrush if

  • You need digital sculpting.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iPadOS.
  • You also want dynamesh.
ZBrush review

Questions people ask

Is Shapr3D or ZBrush better?
Neither clearly leads. Shapr3D starts at Free and ZBrush at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Shapr3D or ZBrush?
Shapr3D has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Shapr3D and On request for ZBrush.
Does Shapr3D or ZBrush run on more platforms?
Shapr3D runs on IPadOS, MacOS, Windows. ZBrush runs on Windows, macOS, iPadOS.
Can I use Shapr3D for free?
Yes. Shapr3D has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. ZBrush starts at On request.
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 ZBrush is typically brought in for.
What can Shapr3D do that ZBrush cannot?
Shapr3D covers Direct modeling, Parametric history, Visualization, 2D drawings. ZBrush covers Digital sculpting, Dynamesh, ZRemesher, PolyPaint. Both handle MacOS support, Windows support.
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