3Design CAD vs Carveco

3Design CAD is desktop CAD/CAM software for professional jewelry design, available on macOS and Windows. Its parametric construction tree lets users revise designs after creating them. Jewelry-specific tools include custom stone building, advanced pavé, and microsetting; the software also has sculpting and animation tools, parametric modeling, a built-in render engine, and 3D print export. The maker describes Version 13 as adding over 400 fixes and 50 new features across stone setting, curves, interface, and performance. Version 13's rendering engine includes reflections, ambient occlusion, bloom effects, and refined materials. Installers are available for both operating systems, with separate downloads for the software, model libraries, and Swarovski stone libraries. Files can be shared between Mac and Windows, and the maker lists compatibility with 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse. A 30-day Version 13 trial includes access to experts for questions and guidance. Recommended specifications are 16 GB RAM and a dedicated graphics card for Windows, or Apple Silicon with 16 GB RAM for Mac. Pricing and license details are available from a sales representative.

Carveco is Windows CAD and CNC machining software for designing and manufacturing artistic 2D and 3D products. Maker targets hobbyists, woodworkers, sign-makers, and small businesses using CNC routers or engravers; it includes vector editing, bitmap-to-vector conversion, relief design, machining strategies, toolpath simulation, and export. Maker Plus adds relief sculpting, nesting, drill banks, batch calculations, and toolpath operations. Pro is for professional decorative work from individual pieces to production at scale. Carveco says it directly supports over 300 CNC machine tools and has dedicated post-processors for many machines. It exports formats including G-Code, STL, AI, DXF, SVG, PDF, OBJ, IGES, STEP, and 3DM. It does not include CNC controller or G-Code sending and streaming software, so a separate compatible controller application is needed. Maker subscriptions start at $17.50 a month, with a 30-day trial for new customers that converts to paid unless cancelled. Subscription software requires internet for activation and must reconnect to its licensing server at least once every 21 days.