Comparison

Shade3D mobile vs Patchwork Explorer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Shade3D mobile

View and present your 3D models on the go with intuitive multi-touch gestures. Easily manage and transfer files from various sources, and even set up automated rotations for dynamic presentations.

Highlights
  • 3D model viewing with multi-touch gestures
  • File transfer and management
  • Automated model rotation
  • Capture model positions as photos
  • Supports .shd files from Shade3D
  • Cloud service integration
Features
Read full description

Show Your 3D Work Wherever You Go! Using iPad’s 360 degree multi-touch gestures, it’s possible to view your 3D models in Shade3D mobile, from any and every side! Use Shade3D mobile to display your 3D projects for work, or for pleasure. 100% free Shade3D mobile turns your iPad into your 3D presentation tool. Includes 5 Shade3D scene models and 5 sample images! You can do it with Shade 3D mobile: ◆Presentations in 3D With the flick and pinch functions, 3D configurations can be viewed quickly through Shade3D mobile. Shade3D mobile supports flick and pinch gestures for rapid manipulation of 3D files. With iPad, use Shade3D mobile to video mirror onto monitors or HD television for impressive presentations. Set automated rotation for a complete, turn table view of your models from all angles. Set up Shade3D mobile to capture model positions as photos. ◆Easily Transfer Your 3D Models Shade3D mobile makes file transfer and management a snap! ・manage multiple files from within the iTunes document folder ・open and read .shd files attached to email ・read files saved in cloud services such as the Dropbox ◆Expand Possibilities with Shade3D and iPad/iPhone Shade3D mobile supports the Shade scene (.shd) file format created with Shade3D, the most popular 3D software product from Japan. Shade3D allows easy file exchange with Wavefront OBJ, DXF and SKP (SketchUp). Find Shade3D today on shade3d.jp/en site! You don’t need Shade3D to use Shade3D mobile though.

About

Patchwork Explorer

Features
Read full description

With Patchwork Explorer, use your device to explore your photorealistic 3D models, all of their functions, and the rendering quality. Lumiscaphe’s photorealistic 3D models are trusted by leading industry designers and engineers from many sectors: automotive, aeronautics, transportation, lifestyle & luxury goods, industrial equipment, consumer goods, architecture & construction, design & studio work, and emerging industries. - Photorealistic real-time rendering - Augmented reality - UHD/Retina resolutions supported natively This app requires a preexisting Lumiscaphe account.

Screenshots

Shade3D mobile4 screens
Patchwork Explorer1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Shade3D mobile at 9.0 against Patchwork Explorer's 12.0. On price, update cadence, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Shade3D mobile ships an update every 7 months, Patchwork Explorer every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Shade3D mobile versus Patchwork Explorer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShade3D mobilePatchwork Explorer
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.7 (10 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews25.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings10 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 6 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size110 MB331 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperShade3d Co.,Ltd.Lumiscaphe

In-app purchases

None

Shade3D mobile

No in-app purchases

None

Patchwork Explorer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Shade3D mobile free?
Shade3D mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Patchwork Explorer free?
Patchwork Explorer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Shade3D mobile or Patchwork Explorer have ads?
Neither Shade3D mobile nor Patchwork Explorer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Shade3D mobile or Patchwork Explorer?
Shade3D mobile ships an update every 7 months, and Patchwork Explorer every 6 months. Most recently, Shade3D mobile was updated on November 1, 2026 and Patchwork Explorer on November 11, 2026.

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