ToyCAD vs DrawInstead
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ToyCAD
Easily create 3D models from 2D sketches with intuitive tools and step-by-step tutorials. Perfect for beginners, families, and educators to design and print custom toys and creations.
- Easy 3D design from 2D sketches
- Interactive step-by-step tutorials
- 3D printer export support
- Interlocking and articulated parts
- Library of ready-to-print designs
- Save and download creations
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ToyCAD is the ultimate tool for unleashing creativity and bringing your ideas to life in 3D. Designed for beginners of all ages—whether you're a curious kid, a parent, an educator, or a hobbyist—ToyCAD makes the complex world of 3D design and printing fun, accessible, and exciting. With ToyCAD, anyone can build intricate 3D toys from simple sketches. By drawing from multiple angles, you can create freeform shapes and turn imaginative ideas into tangible designs. The app is packed with user-friendly features like step-by-step tutorials, a vast and growing library of ready-to-print designs, and easy-to-use editing tools that make the process seamless, even for those new to 3D modeling. Key Features of ToyCAD: - Easy 3D Design: Transform your 2D sketches into detailed 3D models with an intuitive interface designed for simplicity and creativity. - Interactive Tutorials: Learn the basics of 3D design and printing through engaging, step-by-step guides. Perfect for beginners of any age. - 3D Printer Support: Export designs to work with any 3D printer. - Advanced Features for Complex Toys: - Interlocking parts that snap together seamlessly. - Articulated designs for movable action figures, robots, and more. - Replaceable parts for endless customization. Subscription Levels: ToyCAD offers flexible subscription options to suit your needs: - **Free Access**: Try ToyCAD for free to explore its features and try all the drawing tools. Then subscribe to save and download your creations, and to access tutorials and toys library. - **Monthly Subscription**: Perfect for short-term projects or trying out the app. - **Yearly Subscription**: Enjoy significant savings with an annual plan, along with all the benefits of subscription. - **Lifetime License**: A one-time payment gives you unlimited access to ToyCAD forever, with all subscription features included. Subscription Features: - Save and download your drawings to keep your creations secure and accessible. - Access an expanding collection of tutorials and a growing library of ready-to-print toys. A Shared Experience for Everyone: ToyCAD isn’t just a design tool—it’s a platform for connection and collaboration. Families can bond by designing and creating toys together. Educators can inspire their students to explore STEM concepts through hands-on learning. Friends can team up to build something amazing. ToyCAD encourages creativity, fosters problem-solving, and turns 3D design into an enjoyable group activity. Why ToyCAD? Traditional 3D design software can feel intimidating, especially for beginners. ToyCAD bridges this gap with an approachable, beginner-friendly interface that doesn’t compromise on capability. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone curious about 3D design and printing, empowering users to explore their imaginations without the steep learning curve of professional tools. Whether you’re designing your first toy or looking to dive deeper into the world of 3D printing, ToyCAD provides the tools, tutorials, and inspiration you need to succeed. Let your creativity take shape with ToyCAD—the easiest way to design and 3D print your own toys. Privacy Policy: https://toycad.app/privacyPolicy.html Terms of Use: https://toycad.app/appTerms.html
DrawInstead
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**Draw Instead** is a simple, playful app that gives you fun drawing prompts to take a quick break, refresh your mind, and refocus your attention. Think of it as a creative reset button for your day. **How it works:** 1. Get a fun prompt 2. Pick a timer (5, 7, 10 or 15 minutes) — or draw freely without one. 3. Grab your paper and pencil (or any medium you like). 4. Try the weekly challenge — new prompts every Monday. 5. Snap a photo of your drawing to save and share. **Examples of prompts:** - *Simple:* “A hedgehog holding an umbrella” / “A fish reading a book” - *Surreal:* “A rabbit jumping between moons” / “A rainbow wearing sunglasses” **Free to use** Draw Instead is free to download and use, supported by occasional ads.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DrawInstead at none against ToyCAD's 3. ToyCAD's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, ads and device support 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. ToyCAD sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. DrawInstead asks for nothing beyond the download.
ToyCAD ships an update monthly, DrawInstead every 4 months. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.
| Parameter | ToyCAD | DrawInstead |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (45 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 72.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 45 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 4 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 36 MB | 37 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Ammar Hattab | Utensil Design Workshop LLC |
In-app purchases
ToyCAD
- Monthly3 Days trial$6.991 Month
- Yearly3 Days trial$39.991 Year
- Lifetime$89.99
DrawInstead
No in-app purchases









