Side by side

3Design CAD vs Carveco

Both stand on jewelry design software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

3Design CAD

Free trial MacWindows

3Design CAD combines jewelry-focused construction tools with parametric editing and rendering. Check the system recommendations and older-key compatibility before choosing a version.

Visit 3Design CAD

CNC users designing artistic 2D or 3D products should choose among Maker, Maker Plus, and Pro according to their workflow and production needs. Look elsewhere if you need software that runs on another operating system or includes CNC controller and G-Code sending tools.

Visit Carveco

The facts

	3Design CAD	Carveco
Free plan	Not published	A free trial
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Mac, Windows	Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Carveco Maker 12-month subscription: $180 a year
Plans published	1	8
Maker	3Design CAD	Not published
Website	3design.com	carveco.com
On jewelry design software	#10 of 21	#14 of 21

3Design CAD: what it does well

Jewelry tools include custom stones, pavé, and microsetting.
Parametric construction tree supports later design changes.
Built-in rendering and 3D print export are included.
A 30-day Version 13 trial is available.
Files can be shared between macOS and Windows.

What to know first

Pricing is available only on request.
V13 requires replacement of some older HASP keys.
V11 and earlier no longer receive technical support.

Carveco: what it does well

Maker combines vector editing, relief design, machining strategies, and simulation.
Maker Plus adds relief sculpting, nesting, and batch calculations.
Supports over 300 CNC machine tools, according to Carveco.
Exports G-Code, STL, vector, image, and 3D formats.
A 30-day trial is available for new customers on eligible subscriptions.

What to know first

Runs on Windows; other platforms are not officially supported.
A separate compatible controller application is needed to send or stream G-Code.
Subscriptions need internet access and licensing-server reconnection at least every 21 days.
Carveco has no free plan.

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