Side by side
LeoCAD vs Shapeyard
Both stand on 3d modeling software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
LeoCAD provides a free desktop workflow for virtual brick design, instructions, rendering, and exports. Its reliance on LDraw and POV-Ray for ray tracing are important considerations.
Visit LeoCAD Free plan iPhoneMac
Shapeyard provides an accessible modeling workflow with print and game-engine exports. Its free app is suited to personal projects, while optional purchases and the non-commercial restriction define important boundaries.
Visit ShapeyardThe facts
| LeoCAD | Shapeyard | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | iPhone, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | leocad.org | shapeyard.org |
| On 3d modeling software | #77 of 147 | #81 of 147 |
LeoCAD: what it does well
- Free and open source under GPL version 2
- Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS
- LDraw library has over 10,000 parts
- Creates multi-step building instructions
- Exports OBJ, 3DS, and COLLADA
What to know first
- Ray-traced images require POV-Ray
- Desktop access only
- LEGO does not sponsor or endorse LeoCAD
- No security certifications stated
Shapeyard: what it does well
- Free app available
- OBJ and STL export
- Layer, stencil, and PBR tools
- Compatible with named 3D slicers
- Exports for major game tools
What to know first
- Personal, non-commercial use only
- Complete security cannot be guaranteed
- Data may be stored outside the user’s country
Alternatives to LeoCAD Alternatives to Shapeyard The whole list