Shapr3D Blog

CAD news, 3D modeling and manufacturing tips, and stories from the Shapr3D community.

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From mental models to 3D models

From mental models to 3D models

Learn how Wurtec's team transformed their workflow by replacing confusing sketches and lengthy explanations with clear 3D models, cutting project times from weeks to days with Shapr3D.

By

Shapr3D

Jul 27, 2025

Bridging design and maintenance: How 3M’s Kempten team streamlined prototyping and production with Shapr3D

Bridging design and maintenance: How 3M’s Kempten team streamlined prototyping and production with Shapr3D

Discover how 3M's technical team transformed their workflow from hand sketches to precise 3D models, reducing prototype times from 4-8 weeks to same-day delivery with Shapr3D's intuitive design tools

By

Shapr3D

Jul 4, 2025

From Static to Interactive

From Static to Interactive

Discover how to modernize cross-functional team alignment by moving from static screenshots and meetings to interactive 3D model reviews that accelerate decision-making and reduce miscommunication.

By

Shapr3D

Jul 1, 2025

From first success to full transformation: how Sohbi Craft upskilled its workforce with Shapr3D

From first success to full transformation: how Sohbi Craft upskilled its workforce with Shapr3D

Discover how Sohbi Craft Poland empowered engineers and technicians with Shapr3D, reducing equipment design time by up to 90%, saving €56,000 in internal costs, and unlocking €24,000 in new revenue—while transforming company-wide collaboration and innovation.

By

Shapr3D

May 8, 2025

How manufacturing teams are closing the communication gap with 3D design

How manufacturing teams are closing the communication gap with 3D design

Shapr3D empowers teams in manufacturing and product development to bridge communication gaps with intuitive CAD tools that streamline collaboration from concept to production.

By

Shapr3D

Apr 24, 2025

Introducing fully-defined sketches

Introducing fully-defined sketches

With 5.810, we’ve enhanced how sketches convey information through color and icon changes. Here’s a quick rundown of what changed and why. In essence, sketches are now smarter, signaling when they’re complete—so you can capture precise design intent.

By

Shapr3D

Mar 2, 2025

Rewriting automotive design: One German OEM’s success in shaving weeks off prototyping with Shapr3D

Rewriting automotive design: One German OEM’s success in shaving weeks off prototyping with Shapr3D

By taking a hard look at each stage, from early ideation to prototype finalization, the OEM successfully reengineered its design approach and set a new standard for efficiency and collaboration.

By

Shapr3D

Feb 28, 2025

How Shapr3D helped a European OEM slash equipment design time from 12 to 6 weeks

How Shapr3D helped a European OEM slash equipment design time from 12 to 6 weeks

Discover how a leading European OEM cut equipment design timelines by 50% using Shapr3D, driving cost savings, faster production, and cross-department collaboration.

By

Shapr3D

Jan 31, 2025

2024 Wrapped: What’s new in Shapr3D

2024 Wrapped: What’s new in Shapr3D

This year, we focused on making teams more efficient and connected. Our new features helped cut down on PowerPoint engineering, speed up design reviews, and streamline workflows across devices. By solving real-world challenges, we made it easier for teams to iterate, make decisions, and stay aligned throughout the design process.

By

Shapr3D

Dec 19, 2024

Working Fast: Shapr3D’s Cross-Device Editing and Collaboration for CATIA/NX users

Working Fast: Shapr3D’s Cross-Device Editing and Collaboration for CATIA/NX users

Introducing native file imports, like CATPART, PRT to augment CATIA and NX workflows with easy to use, mobile CAD. Enabling collaboration in 3D across devices and departments.

By

Dalma Szabo

Oct 16, 2024

How History-Based Parametric Modeling will help you design better

How History-Based Parametric Modeling will help you design better

Shapr3D’s Adaptive Parametric Modeling comes with an enhanced modeling experiencing. Find pointers here for faster concepting and more precise documentation.

By

Shapr3D

Apr 15, 2024

Introducing Shapr3D for Apple Vision Pro

Introducing Shapr3D for Apple Vision Pro

Enterprise teams build better together with real-time 3D design and editing in the immersive environment of Spatial Computer-Aided Design in Shapr3D for Vision Pro.

By

Shapr3D

Mar 27, 2024

Prototypes next-day: Kenwood leverages real-time concepting to iterate results instantly

Prototypes next-day: Kenwood leverages real-time concepting to iterate results instantly

Kenwood Limited leverages real-time concepting via a Siemens Parasolid kernel. Combined with multidevice visual communication, teams align with real-time concepting. Learn more.

By

Dalma Szabo

Jan 15, 2024

Product updates: History-Based Parametric Modeling Progress

Product updates: History-Based Parametric Modeling Progress

Product updates: History-Based Parametric Modeling Progress

By

Seb Cachia

Dec 20, 2023

Designing 250% faster. How Percy Lau redefines eyewear fashion norms

Designing 250% faster. How Percy Lau redefines eyewear fashion norms

Percy Lau harnesses the Apple ecosystem and Shapr3D to redefine eyewear fashion norms. Discover how the eyewear fashion designer pushes limits to make her ideas a reality.

By

Dalma Szabo

Dec 14, 2023

Built for more: Introducing the upgraded Shapr3D brand

Built for more: Introducing the upgraded Shapr3D brand

We follow a series of product launches with an updated brand identity. Learn more about how the changes better reflect our mission to serve design and manufacturing workflows.

By

Seb Cachia

Nov 20, 2023

Topping DFM competitors. How Get It Made delivers more with accessible CAD.

Topping DFM competitors. How Get It Made delivers more with accessible CAD.

Explore how Get It Made does away with the standard steep learning curve, difficult retention, and limited accessibility of CAD to slash costs and deliver more using Shapr3D.

By

Dalma Szabo

Nov 14, 2023

October updates: Folders are here

October updates: Folders are here

Create folders. Add and move projects into folders. And nest multiple levels of folders. Simply tap on the new sidebar to navigate. Then quickly access any folder or project.

By

Seb Cachia

Nov 7, 2023

An overview of the 2D Drawings overhaul: What’s done and what’s to come

An overview of the 2D Drawings overhaul: What’s done and what’s to come

Building rigorous products takes communication that is just as strong. This is where adaptive CAD plays a part. Making sure you have all the tools you need to convey design intent fluently is a driving force behind our roadmap. Every aspect of your design should speak for itself - so you can beat production cycle deadlines and funnel your focus into innovating. This requires as precise 2D Drawings as communicating with 3D modeling, with fluid switches in between. With this in mind, we tackled the common language of manufacturing: 2D Drawings.

By

Alexander Pavlov

Oct 16, 2023

September updates: 2D Drawings and Parametric Beta updates

September updates: 2D Drawings and Parametric Beta updates

Improvements to 2D Drawings gain speed while Parametric Beta builds on your feedback. Get an inside look at all our September updates here.

By

Seb Cachia

Oct 6, 2023

3Dsystec team breaks down communication & workflow barriers with Shapr3D

3Dsystec team breaks down communication & workflow barriers with Shapr3D

Learn how the 3Dsystec team breaks down communication and workflow barriers using the easy adoptability, mobility, and multi-device support of Shapr3D.

By

Dalma Szabo

Sep 11, 2023

August updates: Parametric Beta, undo-redo, and more

August updates: Parametric Beta, undo-redo, and more

From the unveiling of Parametric Beta to our visual refresh, you got more space and tools to speed up and round out your workflow. Let’s dive into the details here.

By

Seb Cachia

Sep 5, 2023

Northwestern Cathodic slashes costs by 70% while manufacturing 60% faster

Northwestern Cathodic slashes costs by 70% while manufacturing 60% faster

By equipping their team with Shapr3D, Northwestern Cathodic transforms operations. The result is 60% faster manufacturing and a surplus of $750,000 in profit.

By

Dalma Szabo

Sep 1, 2023

July updates: Base plane selection and new in 2D Drawings

July updates: Base plane selection and new in 2D Drawings

July updates bring you quick hacks for 2D Drawing and Sketches. Want to make your 2D Drawings cleaner or mirror a body in one simple step? Read here to learn how.

By

Seb Cachia

Aug 3, 2023

June updates: Manual material orientation in Visualization

June updates: Manual material orientation in Visualization

June updates in Shapr3D brought manual material orientation to Visualization and Detail Views in Section View for 2D Drawings. Get the full breakdown.

By

Seb Cachia

Jul 19, 2023

How does Direct Modeling actually work?

How does Direct Modeling actually work?

Our CEO, Istvan Csanady, is back with an in-depth piece on the ins and outs of Direct Modeling.

By

Istvan Csanady

Jul 18, 2023

Tidy, clean, and fast: Multidevice CAD with Folders

Tidy, clean, and fast: Multidevice CAD with Folders

Create, move, nest, and sort: Store projects exactly how you like with the upcoming rollout of Folders in Shapr3D. Showcase designs, keep private, or just keep modeling - faster.

By

Seb Cachia

Jul 6, 2023

Eclipse Furniture delivers custom furniture 60% faster than competitors

Eclipse Furniture delivers custom furniture 60% faster than competitors

Traditional furniture design company levels up with Shapr3D

By

Dalma Szabo

Jun 30, 2023

May updates: Detail Views for 2D Drawings

May updates: Detail Views for 2D Drawings

With Shapr3D May updates, you can now add Detailed Views and get more granular control with your 2D Drawings. Upgrades in Visualization give you faster rendering speed for a smoother experience.

By

Seb Cachia

Jun 21, 2023

Behind the Shapr3D user interface refresh

Behind the Shapr3D user interface refresh

How did our Design Team tackle the Shapr3D user interface refresh? Alex, Product Designer, shares how we remove CAD barriers to deliver a multidevice workflow.

By

Alex Marton

Jun 15, 2023

How Sohbi Craft implemented a production line in under 4 months

How Sohbi Craft implemented a production line in under 4 months

This is how you get a full production line ready in record time with Shapr3D.

By

Dalma Szabo

May 31, 2023

Product update: Refreshing the Shapr3D User Interface

Product update: Refreshing the Shapr3D User Interface

Seb is back to tell you about Shapr3D's visual refresh.

By

Seb Cachia

May 24, 2023

April updates: 2D Drawings Title Block layouts

April updates: 2D Drawings Title Block layouts

Tag along with Seb as he introduces the freshest updates in Shapr3D.

By

Seb Cachia

May 10, 2023

Hubbardton Forge Senior designer achieves 30% time savings getting product to market

Hubbardton Forge Senior designer achieves 30% time savings getting product to market

After switching from AutoCAD and hand-built models to Shapr3D, designer at Hubbardton Forge drastically decreased concepting and production speed.

By

Dalma Szabo

May 2, 2023

Rapid prototyping evolves into multiple processes

Rapid prototyping evolves into multiple processes

How does your design get from CAD to your hand? Read this comprehensive guide to learn about prototyping, its various techniques, and more.

By

Matt Lombard

Apr 17, 2023

Selecting the best CAD for your requirements

Selecting the best CAD for your requirements

Make the right call and pick the CAD software best suited for your individual and business needs.

By

Matt Lombard

Apr 17, 2023

Rev Limit Customs delivers faster custom hot rod design & manufacturing with fewer people

Rev Limit Customs delivers faster custom hot rod design & manufacturing with fewer people

Rev Limit Customs beats industry-wide shortages by boosting team communication and speeding up production using Shapr3D. Here’s how.

By

Dalma Szabo

Apr 11, 2023

March updates: Add images to 2D Drawings

March updates: Add images to 2D Drawings

Seb is here to break down the latest and greatest additions brought by version 5.340

By

Seb Cachia

Apr 3, 2023

The untapped benefits of Augmented Reality for business

The untapped benefits of Augmented Reality for business

From reduced costs to increased sales, AR is changing the world. We examine the benefits of Augmented Reality and how it can help your business perform better.

By

Rebekah Hanks

Mar 28, 2023

What is CAD: the technological foundations of CAD software

What is CAD: the technological foundations of CAD software

Get a full grasp of how CAD software are built up, narrated by our CEO, István Csanády.

By

István Csanády

Mar 21, 2023

How Buckeye Metal Works cut part design time by 50%

How Buckeye Metal Works cut part design time by 50%

Learn how Buckeye Metal Works utilized the mobile and multidevice benefits of Shapr3D to be able to reduce their part design time by 50%

By

Dalma Szabo

Mar 13, 2023

Prototype modeling methods

Prototype modeling methods

6 methods for developing your concept and minimizing production costs from pen and paper to digital and even creating full scale models

By

Adam Miklosi

Mar 1, 2023

3D printed jigs and fixtures

3D printed jigs and fixtures

Learn about the pros and cons of 3D printed jigs and fixtures and how they can help your manufacturing process

By

Dalma Szabo

Dec 16, 2022

History of CAD

History of CAD

The People, Companies and Computer Systems That Changed Forever the Practice of Engineering and Manufacturing. A "Brief" History of CAD by David E. Weisberg

By

David Weisberg

Dec 12, 2022

Fusion 360 alternatives

Fusion 360 alternatives

Fusion 360 is an amazing in piece of software, but it's not for everyone. Browse our recommendations for alternatives to try out.

By

Peter Selmeczy

Dec 5, 2022

How to design for 3D printing

How to design for 3D printing

Whether you're a beginner of a professional these tips and tricks will help you optimize your designs for 3D Printing. With a finetuned model you'll be able to save both time and money.

By

Reka Forgach

Oct 17, 2022

Conceptual solid modeling for design teams

Conceptual solid modeling for design teams

As head of product design, Samuele leads a team of 6 designers. He uses Shapr3D to develop and maintain Dometic's design language and work with his team.

By

Daniel Rosner

Aug 1, 2022

Designing bottles for big brand beverages

Designing bottles for big brand beverages

SIPA is the leading bottle manufacturing company in the world. Packaging design and development manager Cheng Feng designs model concepts in Shapr3D.

By

Reka Forgach

Aug 1, 2022

Building a movement for electric vehicles

Building a movement for electric vehicles

The Jaunt team is reimagining classic Land Rovers and converting them into fun and sustainable electric vehicles. See how they rebuild a handmade classic.

By

Reka Forgach

Aug 1, 2022

10 furniture design software to try in 2022

10 furniture design software to try in 2022

We asked our CAD (computer-aided design) experts at Shapr3D to review existing furniture design programs and handpick the ten best 3D software for furniture design for woodworkers.

By

Victoria Kurichenko

Jun 29, 2022

Apple Silicon launch features Shapr3D as next-gen CAD tool

Apple Silicon launch features Shapr3D as next-gen CAD tool

Shapr3D, the world’s first professional CAD (computer-aided design) tool designed specifically for iPad Pro and the first CAD app ever to receive the Apple Design Award, is coming soon to Apple Silicon M1-powered Macs.

By

Dalma Szabo

Jan 1, 2021

Unveiling: Mouse and Keyboard Support for Shapr3D

Unveiling: Mouse and Keyboard Support for Shapr3D

The choice is yours: design the way that suits your workflow

By

Dalma Szabo

Jan 1, 2021

Shapr3D AR support is here

Shapr3D AR support is here

Here’s the thing. 3D modeling is supposed to visualize the future, light up imaginations, and open up new possibilities. There are millions of different use cases for 3D models, and part of our mission is to create a million more by making 3D design intuitive, flexible, and on the cutting edge of 21st century technology. Our latest release rides the AR wave of Apple’s latest built-in solutions, so that you can put your models into play.

By

Dalma Szabo

Nov 4, 2020

Shapr3D reaches 20k PRO users

Shapr3D reaches 20k PRO users

28 October 2020, Budapest, Hungary – Shapr3D, the world’s first professional CAD (computer-aided design) tool for the iPad and recent winner of Apple’s Design Award, today celebrates reaching their 20,000th iPad PRO user. Launched in 2016 as a disruptor of the CAD industry with their mobile-first, intuitive solution for 3D modeling, this milestone represents a huge achievement for the company and the CAD industry.

By

Dalma Szabo

Oct 28, 2020

Introducing 3D Alignment

Introducing 3D Alignment

At Shapr3D, we’re obsessed with creating the most intuitive and fluid 3D design experience in the world. Our users love being able to quickly bring their ideas to life, and we love being the platform they do it on. Over half of Shapr3D designers have expressed a need to be able to connect two bodies together instantly - so we took the hint and let it drive our next feature release.

By

Dalma Szabo

Oct 21, 2020

Shapr3D wins the Apple Design Award

Shapr3D wins the Apple Design Award

This Summer, Shapr3D was recognized with Apple's most prestigious app designation - an Apple Design Award. Here's a little insight into the values and focus that got us there by the team's CEO, István Csanády.

By

Dalma Szabo

Jun 20, 2020

Putting the pedal to the metal on modeling UX

Putting the pedal to the metal on modeling UX

Our users often describe 3D modeling in Shapr3D as an experience that unleashes their creativity, free from the friction of their typical toolset. Shapr3D’s use of direct modeling—accessed through a touch interface and built on the industry-leading Parasolid modeling kernel—literally puts the tools to visualize ideas at their fingertips.

By

Dalma Szabo

Jun 1, 2020

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