Lightweight, offline 3D CAD for iPad. Create and edit models in a modern UI with a direct modelling workflow. Affordable one-time purchase with no subscriptions.
PaliCAD is a lightweight 3D CAD app for iPad.
Create, edit, and refine 3D models with a straightforward direct-modeling workflow. PaliCAD combines 2D sketching, solid modeling, analysis tools, and support for common CAD file formats in an interface designed to work naturally with touch and supports the Apple Pencil.
PaliCAD is actively developed and growing. Version 1.0 is aimed at makers, hobbyists, and CAD enthusiasts who value an affordable lightweight, offline modelling tool capable of managing simple to moderately complex designs.
PaliCAD is built around a simple idea: CAD software should be capable, cross-platform, lightweight, offline, and financially accessible without requiring an ongoing subscription.
KEY FEATURES
• Non-parametric direct 3D modeling
• 2D sketching with a straightforward sketch-to-extrude workflow
• 3D Boolean operations for combining, subtracting, and intersecting solids
• Fillets and chamfers for refining edges
• Import of image references
• Joints for visualizing basic part movement
• Section analysis for inspecting internal geometry
• Import and export support for common CAD file formats
• Save projects in PaliCAD's native cross-platform .pali project format
• Customizable light and dark themes
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts for faster workflows
One time purchase. No subscriptions.
Models you create with PaliCAD are yours to use, including for personal and commercial purposes. PaliCAD places no additional licensing restrictions on the models you create. As always, third-party files, images, designs, or other material you import remain subject to their respective rights and licenses.
PaliCAD and it’s underlying CAD kernel are actively evolving projects. New modelling tools, workflow improvements, and compatibility enhancements will continue to be developed over time.
OPEN DEVELOPMENT
At its core is Pali Ijo, an open-source CAD kernel released under the permissive MIT License. Pali Ijo is developed as a separate project so its geometry and modelling tools can be shared with everyone.
I acknowledge that this is in development, but the direction it is taking is great. I'm still new to the app and learning how to use it efficiently, but so far so good! I mostly want to use this for 3D printing what I create and since I'm in the US, I'd like to set my defaults to inches rather than mm. My other complaints (like apple pencil support being rough) are actively being worked on so I'll be patient on that front. Keep up the good work!
Developer Response
Thank you so much for the kind words! I am actively working to make it better and better, I hope you continue to enjoy using the app and making cool projects. I'm interested to hear more about your experiences with the Apple Pencil support and any other feedback you can provide, if you want to contact me at support@palicad.com.
CAD, on an iPad no less, for <$7?!
pinkyCrook
it’s one thing to write the software, and offer it at such an incredibly affordable price with such generous licensing…but it’s a whole ‘nother thing to support your users with documentation on how to use it 🙏BTW when i search “palicad” on the app store i don’t see the app…only when i search “pali cad” does it appear.
Developer Response
Thank you for the kind words! I am blown away by the initial response to the release of PaliCAD and hope you continue to enjoy it as I work to improve and add features to the software.
Perfect for those exploring
Haloman363
This app is exactly what I have been wanting in a CAD app for iPad. The pricing is very reasonable and perfect for those looking to learn and do basic CAD for projects. Well done!
Developer Response
Thank you so much for the kind words! I am actively working to make it better and better, I hope you continue to enjoy using the app and making cool projects.
Better pencil support please
Solodobo
In sketch, if I select what I want to add, it doesn’t really work well with Apple Pencil. I can go to the canvas and place the pencil where I want the point to be, but it doesn’t add it, instead an add icon flashes off to the side. Which means I have to react quickly to tap it, but then the point moves. So instead, if I could suggest, automatically add if the pencil touches. I think it would be more intuitive that way.
Developer Response
Thank you for your support and feedback! I am actively working to improve PaliCAD's user experience, and your experience helps a lot in how I improve the app moving forward. I have received much feedback that the issues with Apple Pencil have been resolved in version 1.0.4, if you are still experience technical difficulties or want to provide any more feedback or feature requests, please contact me at support@palicad.com as it is of a high priority to make sure that Apple Pencil support works as intended.
1.0.4 (iPad)
- Added an alignment submenu to the move tool. You can now centre objects at their origin, or align a flat face to a plane selected in the scene
- Improved loft compatibility checks to ensure sketches are parallel
- Ease of use updates to sketch tool
- Added offset distance and draggable arrow to construction plane creation
- Continued improvements to Apple Pencil support
Version 1.0.4
The developer, Brayden Nilsen, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
