CLO 3D vs PatternMaker
CLO 3D
clo3d.comPatternMaker
patternmakersoftware.comSide by side
| Figure | CLO 3D | PatternMaker |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 10 | 5 |
| Spec score · Fashion Design Software | 8.4 (#3) | 8.5 (#2) |
| File compatibility | CLO supports importing and exporting FBX and OBJ files and supports DXF-AAMA pattern files for import and export. | The FAQ says PatternMaker supports AutoCAD DXF format and its proprietary format is not readable by cutting-machine software. |
| Purpose | CLO is 3D fashion design software for garment design and visualization. | PatternMaker is CAD software for viewing, generating, editing, drafting, and grading garment patterns. |
| Support | CLO provides general support for account and billing matters and technical support through an AI chatbot, and it offers a user community and Discord. | The support center directs users to downloads, questions, problem reports, videos, a forum and contact channels. |
| System requirements | The listed minimum requirements include Windows 11 64-bit or macOS Sonoma 14, 16 GB memory, and 10 GB of SSD space. | Legacy official FAQs describe native Windows support from Windows 98 through Windows 8, with about 25 MB for the engine and 3–5 MB per collection. |
Plans
CLO 3D
- StudentPrice not published
- IndividualPrice not published
- EnterprisePrice not published
- AcademicPrice not published
- CLO student discount — monthly$25 a month
- CLO for Individuals — monthly$50 a month
- CLO student discount — yearly$225 a year
- CLO for Individuals — yearly$450 a year
- CLO for AcademicPriced on request
- CLO for BusinessPriced on request
PatternMaker
- Basic ViewerFree
- Deluxe Editor$110, paid once
- Professional Studio$420, paid once
- MacroGenerator$450, paid once
- Grading Studio$1,250, paid once
In their own words
CLO 3D
CLO 3D is fashion design software for designing garments and visualizing how they drape. In Simulation mode, users edit patterns in a 2D window while arranging garments or poses in 3D. Print Layout mode places patterns on prints, calculates fabric consumption, and creates layouts for printing. The software includes a V-Ray renderer; GPU-accelerated V-Ray rendering through Metal is supported on Apple Silicon Macs starting with CLO v2025.0. In the 2026.0 Pattern Information window, users can inspect pattern details and switch between revisions. CLO supports importing and exporting FBX and OBJ files, and DXF-AAMA pattern files. Its API allows customized features through plugins registered from DLL or DYLIB files. CLO runs on Windows and macOS, with listed minimum requirements of Windows 11 64-bit or macOS Sonoma 14, 16 GB memory, and 10 GB SSD space. The Individual plan costs $50 a month or $450 a year; student pricing is $25 a month or $225 a year. A 14-day trial is listed, but there is no free plan.
PatternMaker
PatternMaker is Windows CAD software for viewing, generating, editing, drafting and grading garment patterns. Its maker describes versions for home sewers, professional pattern makers and designers. Pattern macros can generate patterns from body measurements and style selections, while Grading Studio creates graded patterns and lets users save and reuse grading data. The Basic Viewer opens, views and prints pre-made patterns and includes three custom-fit patterns; on Windows-compatible printers or plotters, it can print full-size patterns with alignment marks for multi-page output. Professional Studio can save files as .dxf, and the FAQ says the software supports AutoCAD DXF as well as its own format, which cutting-machine software cannot read. PatternMaker is strictly 2-D CAD, not intended for 3-D fitting or draping. A free Basic Viewer is available. Paid versions listed include Deluxe Editor at 110.00 USD once, Professional Studio at 420.00 USD once, MacroGenerator at 450.00 USD once and Grading Studio at 1250.00 USD once. The FAQ says only CAD tools programs have a 30-day limit; free patterns can remain on the user's computer indefinitely.