ViewCAD vs STEP Viewer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
ViewCAD
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ViewCAD β The Ultimate CAD Viewer for iPhone & iPad ViewCAD by Tensile3D is a powerful CAD model viewer app that empowers engineers, architects, designers, and professionals to view, inspect, and share 2D and 3D CAD files directly from their mobile device. Whether you are on-site, traveling, or in meetings, ViewCAD makes your models accessible anytime, anywhere. Key Features View 40+ CAD Formats β¨Supports industry-standard formats including: β’ AutoCAD (DWG, DXF) β’ Revit (RVT, RFA) β’ Navisworks (NWD) β’ Inventor (IPT, IAM) β’ SolidWorks (SLDPRT, SLDASM) β’ CATIA V4/V5/V6 (3DXML) β’ Rhino (3DM) β’ STEP, STP, STPX β’ IGES (IGS, IGES) β’ STL, OBJ, FBX β’ IFC, DGN, JT, VRML, U3D, PDF, and many more Open files created in AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Inventor, SolidWorks, CATIA, Rhino3D, Creo, Microstation, Siemens NX, Solid Edge, and other leading CAD software effortlessly on your mobile device. Explode Viewβ¨ Disassemble complex assemblies to inspect individual components. Adjust explosion distances with a smooth slider for better understanding. Walk & Fly Modeβ¨ Experience your designs from a first-person perspective. Navigate using on-screen joysticks β ideal for walkthroughs, design reviews, and client presentations. Cut Planesβ¨ Slice models along any axis to reveal internal geometry and hidden details for precise inspection. Offline Access β¨Download processed models for reliable offline viewing β essential for field engineers, site supervisors, and traveling professionals. Fast Cloud Processing β¨Large and complex files are optimized quickly on our secure cloud engine for smooth performance on your device. How to Use ViewCAD 1 Sign In/Up: Create your free Tensile3D account. 2 Upload: Tap "Upload" in the Library tab to select your CAD file. 3 Process: Our cloud engine optimizes your file for mobile viewing. 4 Download: Save the processed model for offline access. 5 View & Inspect: Explore using Explode, Walk/Fly, Cut Planes, and more. New users receive free credits to process files. Need additional credits? Visit our pricing page anytime. Why Choose ViewCAD? β’ Supports 40+ CAD file formats β’ View 2D and 3D CAD models offline β’ Optimized for large assemblies and complex models β’ Immersive Walk/Fly mode for design walkthroughs β’ Intuitive UI with smooth navigation controls β’ Built for engineers, architects, mechanical designers, civil professionals, and product designers Use Cases β’ View AutoCAD DWG and DXF files on-site without carrying a laptop β’ Inspect Revit models (RVT, RFA) during construction meetings β’ Review Navisworks (NWD) coordination models for clash detection and site planning β’ Examine Inventor parts and assemblies (IPT, IAM) for mechanical design validation β’ Analyze SolidWorks models (SLDPRT, SLDASM) during manufacturing reviews β’ Explore CATIA V4, V5, V6 designs for automotive and aerospace projects β’ Open Rhino3D (3DM) files for product and architectural concept presentations β’ Review STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ, FBX files across disciplines β’ Inspect IFC models for BIM coordination and construction planning β’ View Microstation DGN files for infrastructure projects β’ Open Siemens NX and Solid Edge files for mechanical and assembly analysis Download ViewCAD today β your CAD models, anywhere. Subscription Information ViewCAD offers auto-renewable subscriptions to access premium features and additional processing credits. β’ Subscription duration and pricing are shown at the time of purchase β’ Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase β’ Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period β’ You can manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple ID account settings Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://tensile3d.com/privacy-policy
STEP Viewer
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STEP Viewer opens STEP (.step, .stp) CAD files in 3D on your phone. No desktop CAD software needed. Everything is free. There are no in-app purchases. Credits only skip the ad; without credits you can still open every file after watching a short ad. Key features * Open .step and .stp files straight from your file manager - just tap the file * Measure your model: a bounding box with all three side lengths, in mm or m * Six fixed views (front, right, back, left, top, bottom), plus pinch to zoom, pan and rotate * Save the converted model as GLB whenever you need it * Large files show the estimated time and memory before conversion starts, and progress while it runs * If a file cannot be opened, the app tells you why instead of failing silently * Available in 12 languages, following your device settings Supported formats * Input: .stp, .step (STEP AP203, AP214) * Output: .glb (glTF Binary) How to use 1. Tap a .step file in your file manager, or open the app and tap the folder icon 2. Wait for the conversion - large files show progress and an estimate 3. Drag to rotate, pinch to zoom, tap the view button to switch sides License This app uses Open CASCADE Technology (LGPL-2.1). https://www.opencascade.com For questions or bug reports, please contact us by email.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: STEP Viewer at none against ViewCAD's 2. STEP Viewer also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. ViewCAD sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $35.00 per month. STEP Viewer asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | ViewCAD | STEP Viewer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | β | Every 5 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No β better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 13.0 β better |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 24 MB | 61 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sahdev Joshi | Smart Cube Labs Co., Ltd. |
In-app purchases
ViewCAD
- 35 Credits (30 Days)$35.001 Month
- 85 Credits (60 Days)$75.002 Months
STEP Viewer
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is ViewCAD free?
Is STEP Viewer free?
Do ViewCAD or STEP Viewer have ads?
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