Autodesk 3ds Max AlternativesOnly apps categorised as CAD Software

The best CAD alternative to Autodesk 3ds Max is SketchUp. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try K-3D or Gmsh. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Autodesk 3ds Max and five of them are CAD Software so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting CAD Software alternatives to Autodesk 3ds Max are Rhinoceros and BricsCAD Shape.

filter to find the best alternatives

Most Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives are CAD Software, but you can also narrow the list to 3D Modelers or 3D Printing Tools. Other popular filters are Android, Open Source, Mac, iPad and Linux. You can also filter for EU-based alternatives if you prefer software from the European Union.
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Alternatives
Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. SketchUp icon
     556 likes

    Comprehensive 3D modeling software ideal for architecture, engineering, film, and gaming. It includes features like easy-to-use interface, sun and shadow analysis, color experimenting, and mock-up creation. Available in freeware and professional versions for diverse needs.

    193 SketchUp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    Good alternative?
     
  2. Rhinoceros icon
     33 likes

    Rhino can create, edit, analyze, document, render, animate, and translate NURBS* curves, surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes. There are no limits on complexity, degree, or size beyond those of your hardware.

    66 Rhinoceros alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Good alternative?
     
  3. K-3D icon
     31 likes

    K-3D is free-as-in-freedom 3D modeling and animation software. It features a plugin-oriented procedural engine for all of its content, making K-3D a very versatile and powerful package.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    Good alternative?
     
  4. Gmsh icon
     15 likes

    Gmsh is a 3D finite element grid generator with a build-in CAD engine and post-processor. Its design goal is to provide a fast, light and user-friendly meshing tool with parametric input and advanced visualization capabilities.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  5. BricsCAD Shape lets you create without limits. Sculpt your ideas in solids from the start. It’s the power of free-form modeling with full CAD accuracy.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
5 of 5 Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives