# SOLIDWORKS vs Shapr3D Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Shapr3D excels in **user experience** , with many users praising its intuitive design and ease of use. One user highlighted how the software allows for quick 3D creation without unnecessary complexity, making it ideal for automation tasks.
- **Users say** that SOLIDWORKS offers a robust set of features for **parametric modeling** and simulations, which many find essential for complex designs. Reviewers appreciate its ability to handle intricate tasks, such as designing metallic structures and machine movements, showcasing its versatility.
- **According to verified reviews** , Shapr3D stands out for its **ease of setup** , with users noting a quick onboarding process and helpful intuitive guidance for various design situations. This makes it particularly appealing for small businesses looking for a straightforward CAD solution.
- **Reviewers mention** that while SOLIDWORKS has a strong feature set, it can sometimes be challenging to adapt to specific workflows, with some users experiencing configuration difficulties. However, its file conversion capabilities are frequently praised for enhancing productivity.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that Shapr3D's **support quality** is exceptional, with many users appreciating the responsive assistance they receive. This is a significant advantage for those who may need help navigating the software's features.
- **Users report** that SOLIDWORKS maintains a solid reputation in the industry, particularly among small businesses, but it faces challenges in **user satisfaction** compared to Shapr3D. While both products have their strengths, Shapr3D's higher ratings in user experience and support make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing ease of use.



| | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.8 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 645 | 174 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (44.3% of reviews) | Small-Business (85.0% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | Free | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### SOLIDWORKS

Pros:
- Ease of Use (37 reviews)
- Features (29 reviews)

Cons:
- Performance Issues (17 reviews)
- Slow Performance (15 reviews)

### Shapr3D

Pros:
- Ease of Use (7 reviews)
- Easy Learning (5 reviews)

Cons:
- Expensive (2 reviews)
- Learning Curve (2 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (536 reviews) | 9.0 (120 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (541 reviews) | 9.4 (121 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.2 (113 reviews) | 9.1 (40 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 7.9 (46 reviews) | 9.9 (13 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.2 (476 reviews) | 9.2 (85 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.3 (46 reviews) | 9.7 (13 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.6 (530 reviews) | 8.9 (98 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### SOLIDWORKS

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### Shapr3D

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Free

Price: Free

Description: Try Shapr3D for free for an unlimited period

Key Features:
- 2 designs
- Access Shapr3D on iPad, Mac, and Windows
- Import - X_T, X_B, IGES, STEP, STL, SLDPRT, SLDASM, SHAPR, DXF, DWG, Image

[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/shapr3d/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.7/10 | 53 |
| **Shapr3D** | N/A | N/A |

#### CAD to CAM

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **CAD-CAM Import** | 9.0 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAM Data Exchange** | 8.8 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAD/CAM Compatibility** | 8.9 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### CNC Programming

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **CNC Workflows** | 8.7 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CNC Feature Recognition** | 8.6 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Programming Control** | 8.4 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Machining

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Job Set-up** | 8.6 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Operations** | 8.7 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Tooling and Toolpaths** | 8.8 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 113 |
| **Shapr3D** | 8.7/10 | 92 |

#### Design

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.5 (108 reviews) | 9.5 (88 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 9.4 (108 reviews) | 9.4 (88 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 9.2 (104 reviews) | 9.3 (87 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 8.1 (101 reviews) | 8.3 (73 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.5 (99 reviews) | 8.3 (81 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 8.3 (91 reviews) | 9.3 (76 reviews) | 
| **Views** | 9.3 (102 reviews) | 9.3 (82 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 8.3 (86 reviews) | 8.7 (69 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.6 (95 reviews) | 7.5 (49 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 9.0 (97 reviews) | 8.3 (57 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.4 (91 reviews) | 7.6 (51 reviews) | 

### CAD Libraries

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.9/10 | 35 |
| **Shapr3D** | N/A | N/A |

#### Library

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Categorize** | 8.9 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Search** | 8.6 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Deduplication** | 8.4 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Feedback** | 8.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### CAD

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Types** | 8.8 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Models** | 9.4 (30 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Compatibility** | 9.1 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Integration

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Catalogs** | 8.5 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAD & PLM** | 9.6 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **ERP** | 8.6 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### CAD Data Exchange

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 34 |
| **Shapr3D** | N/A | N/A |

#### Data

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D Format** | 9.3 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Quality** | 8.8 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Extra Information** | 8.3 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Standard Format** | 9.0 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Translate** | 8.3 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Validation** | 8.7 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Logistics

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integrate** | 9.1 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Additive Manufacturing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 7.9/10 | 66 |
| **Shapr3D** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Support - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **STL Compatible** | 8.7 (61 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3MF Compatible** | 8.5 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **OBJ Compatible** | 8.4 (52 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mesh Repair** | 7.5 (55 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Editing** | 8.6 (60 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Standalone Slicer** | 7.6 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | 8.8 (58 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cloud-based Platform** | 7.7 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Downloadable Application** | 8.6 (53 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | 6.0 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | 6.1 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Material Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Building Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Slicing Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### CAD Viewers

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 9.0/10 | 49 |
| **Shapr3D** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Options

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Import files** | 8.9 (44 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Export files** | 9.1 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **View 2D files** | 9.1 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **View 3D files** | 9.3 (44 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Batch convert files** | 8.3 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 8.3 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Dimensioning tools** | 9.5 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Change units** | 9.1 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3D/solid modeling tools** | 9.2 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Design

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.4 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 15 |
| **Shapr3D** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | 7.9 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Schematic editor** | 7.8 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | 9.2 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Component placement** | 8.7 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Library

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | 8.2 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | 8.6 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Layers** | 8.1 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Customization

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | 7.8 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom interface** | 8.3 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 65 |
| **Shapr3D** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 9.2 (63 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 9.0 (63 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 8.8 (63 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering tools** | 7.7 (61 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | 7.8 (55 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Finite element analysis** | 7.8 (57 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | 7.3 (50 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Work

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | 7.4 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | 7.6 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | 8.3 (52 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | 8.1 (45 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Integrate** | 8.4 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Environment

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.3 (54 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task** | 8.3 (52 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.1 (50 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 8.6 (54 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.4/10 | 46 |
| **Shapr3D** | N/A | N/A |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 9.5 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering Tools** | 8.7 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 9.2 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 9.1 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | 7.7 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | 8.6 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Import Files** | 8.6 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Interoperability** | 8.3 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | 8.0 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 7.3 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | 8.4 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Scripts** | 8.4 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Menus** | 7.6 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Interface** | 8.2 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.0 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | 8.4 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 7.9 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 9.0 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)

**Unique to SOLIDWORKS (9):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [CAD Data Exchange Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-data-exchange), [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | SOLIDWORKS | Shapr3D | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 44.3% | 85.0% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 33.9% | 10.2% | 
| **Enterprise** | 21.8% | 4.8% | 

### By Industry

#### SOLIDWORKS

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 23.0%
- **Design:** 11.7%
- **Automotive:** 6.6%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 5.9%
- **Medical Devices:** 5.8%
- **Machinery:** 5.6%
- **Higher Education:** 4.6%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 4.5%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.0%
- **Consumer Goods:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 27.0%

#### Shapr3D

- **Design:** 15.0%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 8.4%
- **Furniture:** 6.6%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 6.0%
- **Higher Education:** 5.4%
- **Construction:** 4.8%
- **Automotive:** 3.6%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 3.0%
- **Primary/Secondary Education:** 3.0%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 3.0%
- **Other:** 41.3%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS

- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (520 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (725 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (623 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (201 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1936 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1327 reviews)
- [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (628 reviews)
- [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (43 reviews)
- [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (255 reviews)

### Alternatives to Shapr3D

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1327 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (520 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [AutoCAD LT](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (287 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (725 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (192 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1936 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (623 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (353 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1050 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### SOLIDWORKS

- Title: [What is SOLIDWORKS used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-solidworks-used-for) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "A person can use SolidWorks for many things, Part modeling, Assembly Testing, rendering, Creating working animation of any machine or product. Start..."
- Title: [How to stop or cancel a ongoing command.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-to-stop-or-cancel-a-ongoing-command) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "By pressing escape key."
- Title: [best use o this software](https://www.g2.com/discussions/35425-best-use-o-this-software) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Making 2D sketches and extruding them to make 3d sketches."
- Title: [Where is the Features toolbar in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/where-is-the-features-toolbar-in-solidworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Right-click in the window border, click Toolbars, and select or clear a toolbar name.
Click Tools > Customize. On the Toolbars tab, select the toolbars to..."
- Title: [What are features in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-features-in-solidworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Solidworks have so many feature like sketch tool, Part modeling, Assembly modeling, Drawing Tool, Sheet metal, weldments, Surface modeling, Rendering Tool,..."

### Shapr3D

- Title: [What can you do with Shapr3D?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-can-you-do-with-shapr3d) — 9 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Due to the short learning curve and ability to create quick and dimension-accurate designs, Shapr3D becomes an extension of your imagination."
- Title: [What can you do with Shapr3D free version?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-can-you-do-with-shapr3d-free-version) — 6 comments
  > **Top comment:** "The limit is your imagination. "
- Title: [Is Shapr3D any good?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-shapr3d-any-good) — 4 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Sure. Now define what you mean by ‘any good’. Not really a useful question without far better context. "
- Title: [iPad files to computer](https://www.g2.com/discussions/ipad-files-to-computer) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "It's not an available feature as of today but coming very-very soon! "
- Title: [Can you 3D print from Shapr3D?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-you-3d-print-from-shapr3d) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Not directly. 3D printing requires to export in a format supported by slicers such as STL or 3MF. The slicer converts the shape into g-code which a 3D..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-shapr3d)