Jewelery CAD software for mac?

[sushi]

Hi all,

I want to design a ring, and would like to try use a 3d cad program. I don't want to use windows parallels, (unless I have to) but anyone pro know of a suitable mac jewellery design software?

Thank you
Sushi xoxo

 

[yssie]

One of DH's friends has solidworks on a win partition and juggles OSs... which is exactly what you don't want to do.
I'm curious to see what others think - I've only ever used windows, but macs are designed for creative pursuit, right? So there must be something (good) out there!

 

[sushi]

hi yssie.

Well im not sure why i dont want to, but i already have so many software programs on my mac, that im worried that a whole new operating system will break it.

I have heard in the past that CAD designers and architects etc always use PCS, and that graphic designers use macs.. mmm

any others have any thoughts on this?

Thank you

sushi xoxo

 

[0-0-0]

Perhaps try DraftSight? http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/overview/

I think traditionally CAD designers use PCs as it's easier and cheaper to upgrade the graphics card for faster 3D rendering. Whereas graphic designers prefer MACs for the more accurate factory calibrated displays for color. I think the line is starting to blur though.

 

[Hera]

They make Autocad for Mac and you can download a 30 day free trial here:http://usa.autodesk.com/autocad/trial/

If you have a Windows partition, you could try 3ds Max. I don't know if they have a free trial but you can check.

Word of caution: These programs have a fairly steep learning curve. You generally need to have a good knowledge of 2d in order to start getting involved in 3d programs.

As far as computers, graphic designers are notorious Mac users and CAD users are more Windows users. Although Autocad for Mac is now out there, it's a little bit unstable (more crashing) but I imagine that will improve with time. If you'll be using Cad programs a lot, I would advise Windows. For intermittent use or smaller scale usage, I wouldn't shy away from Mac.

Maybe someone who works in the jewelry field can advise (I'm an Interior Designer).