With its powerful graphics capabilities, the iPad has always been an amazing tool for designers and artists. You can now do 3D modeling on the iPad that was previously limited to Mac CAD software. So, if you want to do 3D modeling on iPad, here is a list of the best 3D modeling apps for iPad.
- Shapr 3D CAD Modeling
- Tinkercad
- sketch up
- uMake
- Sculpture of a nomad
- Sculpture
- Putty 3D
- Morphy
- Onshape
1. Shapr 3D CAD Modeling – Editors’ Choice
- Requirements: iPadOS 14.0 and above
Shapr 3D, winner of the 2020 Apple Design Award, is a 3D design desktop application for the iPad with a full range of 3D modeling features. This application uses the Simens Parasolid engine to create 3D models. As a result, it has become the most powerful CAD application for the iPad. You can use 2D and 3D modeling tools, export 3D manufacturing models, and more.
Thus, the app is a great alternative for engineers and industrial designers. In addition, it allows you to connect to desktop CAD software such as NX, Creo, Catia, etc. for more precise formatting and editing. In a recent update, the app received some notable visualization tweaks, including additional materials, lighting, and environment settings. I was put off by the fact that the app only works with Apple Pencil compatible iPads.
pros
- Advanced Simulation Engine
- Suitable for parametric modeling
- Create 3D projects without internet
Minuses
- Only compatible with iPads that support Apple Pencil.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $29.99)
2. Tinkercad – for beginners
- Requirements: iPadOS 12.0 and above
There are very few free 3D modeling apps for the iPad, and Autodesk’s Tinkercad is one of them. It retains several popular Autodesk design features, such as the user-friendly interface and Tinkercad syllabuses. So you can start learning the basics of innovation including 3D modeling, electronics and coding in this app.
You can use the Arduino and micro:bit microcontrollers when creating circuits. Plus, Apple Pencil compatibility makes it easy to draw. And the augmented reality viewer overlays your 3D model to test its use cases in a physical environment. The best part is that the app is ad-free and kidSAFE certified. Therefore, people of any age can use it.
In addition, Tinkercad offers Codeblocks for creating 3D designs from code. It supports multiple file types such as STL, OBJ and SVG to import or export projects. But in my experience it’s not very good for professional design or advanced modeling. Also, I ran into some errors while registering as the app sometimes automatically logs out.
pros
- Unique CodeBlocks support
- certified kidSAFE
- Ads for free
- Compatible with Google Classroom
Minuses
- Not for advanced 3D designs
- UX needs improvement
Price: Free
3. SketchUp – With unlimited cloud storage
- Requirements: iPadOS 15 and later.
SketchUp is a handy 3D design app for architects, interior designers, builders, and creatives. The only thing is, the free version is limited to browsing features. You can take advantage of the seven-day free trial to test all the features. And if you want, pay $119 a year for an app membership to get access to premium options.
It is compatible with Apple Pencil, mouse, keyboard, and multi-touch gestures. In addition, the Autoshape feature turns your sketches into 3D models. In addition, you can add handwritten notes to 3D models using markup mode. I loved the 3D Warehouse with millions of pre-made parts, materials and programmable objects for free download.
You can see your designs in the real world using ARKit, an augmented reality (AR) viewing tool. The app allows you to import location data, 3D terrain and satellite photos to get accurate shadow studies. You can also sync files across all your devices with unlimited cloud storage. In addition, by turning tags on or off, you can change the visibility of certain model components.
pros
- Cloud backup
- Adding Photo Textures
- Multi-touch gestures
Minuses
- Expensive subscription
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $119.99)
4. uMake – Render Like a Pro
- Requirements: iPadOS 13.0 and above
uMake is packed with features and easy to use, empowering 3D CAD experts and novices alike. You can sketch, edit, export, render, render and share your ideas in 3D designs. I found drag and drop functionality for 3D models and simple lighting and rendering settings. The best part is that it supports pressure sensitivity for Apple Pencil.
You can create precise, smooth vector curves and NURBS surfaces. You can also use the mass modeling features, including push and pull, sweep extrusion, revolve, array, layers, and geometry grouping. The unique rendering engine quickly creates stunning images and exports them to STL, OBJ, STEP and IGES formats. But I feel that the free version is very limited.
pros
- User Forum
- Amazing Presentations
- One minute video tutorials
Minuses
- The free version has less features
- iCloud sync has errors
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $2.99)
- Requirements: iPadOS 12.0 and above
Nomad Sculpt boasts some great sculpting tools and brushes. As such, it is an alternative to Mac 3D modeling programs such as Zbrush or Blender. Its user-friendly user interface has been created with mobile usage in mind and you can change the interface as you wish. In addition, you can use several sculpting tools including Clay, Flatten, Smooth, etc. and adjust strokes.
This iPad design app is unique because it can sculpt complex polygons smoothly. I liked his Vertex painting technique with multiple layers of resolution. The app has PBR rendering by default to preview how your models will look in an HDRI environment.
pros
- Sculpting tools with different resolutions
- Stroke setting
- Dynamic topology
Minuses
- Not suitable for animation
- Drains battery quickly
Price: $14.99
6. Sculptura – The Easiest 3D Sculpting App
- Requirements: iPadOS 15.2 and later.
Sculptura is one of the most user-friendly and powerful 3D modeling apps for the iPad. It features an innovative clay engine with exceptional resolution and tools to create stunning abstract art and 3D models. Also, I liked the GPU acceleration using Metal to speed up the whole sculpting process. If you want to return any past stocks, you can do so with a long undo history.
In addition, exquisite real-time rendering makes your sculpture look fantastic. The app supports Files, iCloud backup, Alembic, OBJ, STL and USD file types. You can draw ideas and inspiration from the built-in templates and sculpt symmetrically. The best part is that your projects are not exported to large files, so you can save space. But I feel like the app should have offered more sculpting options at this price point.
pros
- Full GPU acceleration
- Templates created by the artist
- Long history of cancellation
Minuses
- Limited opportunities for professional work
Price: $9.99
7. Putty 3D is the best on the budget
- Requirements: iPadOS 11.0 and later.
Putty is more like a 3D album. It uses your iPad’s powerful graphics processing to provide a smooth and understandable sculpting experience. So you can create large volumes of sculpture and even smoother work with your Apple Pencil. In addition, 3D Touch support ensures precision and pressure sensitivity.
You can export your creations to your preferred modeling, animation and 3D printing software for Mac. This is possible thanks to built-in support for OBJ and STL export. Also, you can use 3D printing to bring your designs to life. I liked his physics based rendering method which makes the materials look real. But I think if the app had a layer option, the 3D models would look more alive.
pros
- Export support for 3D printing
- 3D Touch support
- Record videos of your work
Minuses
- No layer option for modeling
- Complex navigation and controls
Price: $4.99
8. Morphi – create your own NFT model
- Requirements: iPadOS 12.0 and above
Morphi is an iPad design app for creating and editing 3D models for augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D printing, animation, game creation, prototyping, and NFT. It’s efficient and easy to understand. Its free version offers decent features so you can test every 3D design tool, including AR+3D Render, before you buy.
Your iPad must support ARKit to experience immersive augmented reality and tethering. In addition, additional features include importing and exporting 3D models in STL and OBJ file formats to other AR/VR platforms. So you can render your 3D models in the highest resolution possible without being connected to Wi-Fi or logging in. Powerful CAD tools help create more complex designs.
The 3D lithophane tool allows for 3D printing. I mainly used it to create editable 3D designs from high contrast photos. In addition, you can add textures to your models and type 3D text. The best part is that it supports backing up to iCloud, Google Drive, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more. Plus, you can explore and showcase your designs to an amazing community.
pros
- 3D text input tools
- Requires no login or WiFi connection
- Incredible Community
Minuses
- No autosave option
- Application may crash when changing views
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
9. Onshape 3D – CAD Free
- Requirements: iPadOS 14.0 and above
Onshape is a mechanical CAD app for iPad designed for advanced users and large teams. With a secure cloud workspace, you can create, edit, and collaborate with others in real time. You can also work on the same project from multiple devices. But you must have an internet connection. In addition, the application offers a complete set of parametric modeling tools.
You can use the built-in commenting feature in Onshape Follow mode. Plus, Apple Pencil compatibility makes it easy to draw, navigate, and make precise selections. I recommend this app as it is a public and open source workspace for free support for teachers and students. The app updates dozens of new features and user-requested improvements every few weeks.
pros
- Fully mechanical CAD platform
- Collaborate with the team
- Easy data management
Minuses
- No dark mode
- Hard to find teams
Price: Free
So that’s all for today, friends!
All these 3D modeling apps for iPad are reliable, practical and creative. These applications allow you to work with CAD anywhere. Pairing it with the Apple Pencil increases efficiency and design possibilities. There is an app for everyone, whether you are a student, a professional or an amateur. So, choose the application that best suits your design requirements.