OwlCAD vs ZW3D
OwlCAD
owlcad.comZW3D
zwsoft.comSide by side
| Figure | OwlCAD | ZW3D |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $3,000/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 14 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.6 (#9) | 7.3 (#63) |
| Assembly design | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| File import and export | Import/export: STL, 3MF, OBJ, GLB, STEP, SVG and DXF; OpenSCAD .scad and .csg import | Import/export converter formats include IGES, Parasolid, STEP, DWG/DXF, VDA, and STL; direct open/save/edit is listed for CATIA, Inventor, NX, SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge, Creo/ProE, and ACIS. |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Modeling method | parametric | hybrid |
| Supported platforms | Web browser; Windows, macOS and Linux | Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11; browser-based viewing and collaboration are documented. |
Plans
ZW3D
- Lite$3,000 a month
- Lite$3,000, paid once
- Standard$4,500 a month
- Standard$4,500, paid once
- Professional$7,000 a month
- Professional$7,000, paid once
- Advanced$7,500 a month
- Advanced$7,500, paid once
- 2-Axis Machining$3,500 a month
- 2-Axis Machining$3,500, paid once
In their own words
OwlCAD
OwlCAD is a parametric CAD tool for modeling 3D objects and assemblies in a browser or on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its editor, modeling features, customizer, and file import and export are free forever, and every plan includes commercial rights to sell prints and files. The browser version requires no installation and can be opened without an account. OwlCAD imports and exports STL, 3MF, OBJ, GLB, STEP, SVG, and DXF files, and imports OpenSCAD SCAD and CSG files. Cloud projects autosave and keep version histories that can be rolled back. Projects are private by default; read-only share links, embeds, and comments can be enabled. Print preparation tools check mesh watertightness, repair geometry, estimate filament cost, and split oversized parts, with profiles for Ender 3, Prusa, and Bambu Lab. Published models can expose dimensions, counts, and text as browser sliders for downloadable print-ready versions. Pro adds AI generation and editing, monthly credits, and MCP access for use with Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, and other MCP clients.