Modeler 3D vs CADVault
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Modeler 3D
This app allows users to create 3D models using a programmatic approach with Lua scripting. It supports a wide range of 2D and 3D objects and operations, with export options for common file formats. Designed for powerful iPads, it aims to be a professional CAD tool.
- Lua scripting for 3D modeling
- Extensive 2D and 3D object creation
- CSG operations (union, subtract, etc.)
- 2D to 3D conversion (extrude, loft)
- OBJ and STL export
- Live model updates
- Multi-Window and Drag & Drop support
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Modeler 3D is in the tradition of OpenSCAD and JSCAD a programmatic 3D modeling tool. In contrary to those two, the well known Lua-script language is used. Primary target devices are the latest, powerful M1 iPads, which calls for professional, native CAD tools. This need shall be fulfilled by Modeler 3D. Honestly speaking, Modeler 3D is not there yet, but will quickly evolve. Designs can be exported as OBJ and STL in high quality and full resolution. Features: - 2D objects: Circle, Square, Rectangle, Isogon, Text, Arbitrary Path, Sketch consisting of multiple paths - 2D modifiers: translate, rotate, scale - 2D object operations: union - 3D objects: Cube, Cone, Sphere, Cylinder - 3D modifiers: translate, rotate, scale, center - 3D object operations: union, intersection, subtract, xor - 2D to 3D: extrude, loft - 2D applied to 3D: Pocket - Native CSG engine written in Swift - Export: OBJ, STL, PNG and code - Live updates of computed 3D models - Color support: - Multi-Window Support - Drag And Drop between Projects and from File Manager We are looking forward to your feedback.
CADVault
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CADVault opens STEP files and other 3D models right on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Fast, offline and without your designs ever leaving the device. OWN STEP KERNEL • Reads STEP AP203, AP214 and AP242 with assembly structure, part names, colors, units and tessellated meshes • Built for large assemblies with thousands of parts, smooth on iPhone and iPad • Also opens STL, OBJ, glTF/GLB, PLY and USD/USDZ VIEW AND UNDERSTAND • Assembly tree: show or hide parts and subassemblies, search, zoom to a part • Shaded, shaded with edges or edges only; perspective or orthographic • Standard views, free rotation, pan and zoom • Colors from the file, per part or per part type, plus custom colors • Selectable up axis, saved per file MEASURE • Distance between two points • With Pro: radii, surface areas and edge lengths from the exact STEP geometry CADVAULT PRO • Open large models over 20 MB • Convert to STL, OBJ, PLY and GLB, optionally only visible parts, with colors • Section view along X, Y or Z and exploded view Pro is available as a monthly or yearly subscription. Models up to 20 MB can be opened, viewed and measured for free. PRIVACY FIRST • No upload, no account, no ads, no analytics • The app makes no internet connections of its own • Encrypted library: copies, thumbnails and settings with AES-256-GCM, key only in this device's keychain, excluded from backups • Optional app lock with Face ID, Touch ID or device passcode The subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period in your Apple Account settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Terms: https://joshua-tree-labs.com/legal/cadvault-nutzungsbedingungen.html Privacy: https://joshua-tree-labs.com/legal/cadvault-datenschutz.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: CADVault at 3 against Modeler 3D's 1. Modeler 3D's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | Modeler 3D | CADVault |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 11 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Vicinity International GmbH | Thomas Hoche |
In-app purchases
Modeler 3D
No in-app purchases
CADVault
No in-app purchases









