Wow.
When I first set out to build Part3D, I had a simple belief: creating 3D models on an iPad should be as intuitive as it is when doing in OnShape or Solidworks. I wanted to build a tool that was powerful yet minimalist, getting out of your way so your ideas could come to life quickly.
Today, I'm incredibly humbled and excited to announce that over 1400 makers, hobbyists, and creators have downloaded Part3D!
Thank you for believing in this vision, for sharing your feedback, and for making Part3D a part of your creative process. Seeing the app on your iPads and knowing it's helping you build real-world objects is what drives us every single day.
This first blog post feels like the perfect time to not only celebrate this milestone but also to formally introduce the philosophy behind Part3D.
Right now, most features are completely free as part of our initial phase — I wanted to remove as many barriers as possible so anyone could jump in and start creating.
But just a heads-up: this won’t always be the case. As the app grows and matures, we may introduce paid plans or premium features to help support ongoing development.
CAD, Reimagined for Touch and Pencil
Traditional CAD software is powerful, but it was born on the desktop. It’s often complex, cluttered with menus, and tied to a mouse and keyboard. I love the iPad because it’s a direct, tactile device. With the precision of the Apple Pencil, why shouldn’t 3D modeling feel natural and fluid?
Part3D is focused on a minimal UI and intuitive controls, ensuring that every feature is right where you need it, without overwhelming your screen.
How It Works: From Sketch to Solid
If you're new here, you might be wondering how you go from a blank canvas to a 3D-printable part. The workflow is designed to be simple:
- Create a Sketch: Every great 3D model starts with a 2D sketch. Using your Apple Pencil, you can draw shapes, lines, and arcs on a plane. Our parametric sketching engine means your dimensions are smart; change one, and your sketch intelligently adapts.
- Bring it to Life: This is where the magic happens. With tools like Extrude, you can pull your 2D sketch into the third dimension. With Revolve, you can spin a profile around an axis to create complex, symmetrical shapes. It’s a tangible way to build, like sculpting with digital clay.
- Refine and Finalize: Add professional touches with Fillet to round sharp edges or Chamfer to create clean bevels. Our non-destructive workflow means you can always go back and tweak any step of your design process, from the initial sketch to the final details.
Made for Makers
We know that the model on your screen is just the beginning. The ultimate goal for many of you is a physical object. That's why we've streamlined the process of getting your design ready for the real world. With a one-click export to Cura, you can send your model directly to the most popular slicer for 3D printing. No hassle, no complicated file conversions.
This is Just the Beginning
Reaching over 1.4k downloads isn’t an endpoint; it’s a starting line. We’re committed to making Part3D the best, most intuitive CAD app for hobbyists and makers. We're constantly listening to your feedback and have a long list of features and improvements we can't wait to share with you.
Thank you again for being a part of this journey. You are the reason we build.
Now, let's get back to creating.
Happy Making, Angelo Bartolome