# TrainDesign vs Shapr 3D CAD modeling

The clearest difference is price: Shapr 3D CAD modeling at Free against TrainDesign's $1.99. Shapr 3D CAD modeling also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.3) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 4 months). TrainDesign's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6). On ads there is nothing between them.

Shapr 3D CAD modeling is free to download; TrainDesign costs $1.99 up front. Shapr 3D CAD modeling sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $32.99 per month. TrainDesign asks for nothing beyond the download.

Shapr 3D CAD modeling holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shapr 3D CAD modeling has 34K ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of TrainDesign's written reviews are positive against 50% of Shapr 3D CAD modeling's.

TrainDesign ships an update every 4 months, Shapr 3D CAD modeling every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TrainDesign | Shapr 3D CAD modeling |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.3 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/traindesign/id820553356/reviews) | **[4.7 (34K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapr-3d-cad-modeling/id1091675654/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 15 | **34K** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 16 MB | 1.7 GB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPad, Mac, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kind of Blue](https://appshunter.io/developer/456377317) | [Shapr3D Zrt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1091675653) |

## What reviewers say

### TrainDesign

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/traindesign/id820553356)

Design and plan your model railroad tracks with ease. This app allows you to create custom layouts, modify track segments, and adjust curves to your specifications. Unleash your creativity and build intricate routes with intuitive touch controls.

**Highlights:** Plan model railroad tracks, Create custom track lines, Modify track segments (orient, stretch, shrink), Adjust curve width, angle, and radius, Determine track altitude, Intuitive touch controls

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💰 Great value for the price
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use (initially)
- 💡 Customizable track designs
- ✅ Useful for planning layouts
- 🌍 Supports various gauges/scales and manufacturers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent bugs and glitches
- ❌ Unstable and crashes often
- 🚫 Editor not working properly
- 🪲 Track pieces not connecting/aligning
- 🔧 Difficult to rotate/move track pieces

**Reported bugs**

- App locks up after selecting first track
- Saving changes to existing layouts results in original disappearing
- Cannot move selected track
- Rotate icon greys out after one rotation
- App crashes on load

**Requested features**

- Add more track libraries (e.g., Rokuhan Z, Hornby, Lionel Fastrack, Realtrax, Fleishmann profi ho)
- Improve track connection and alignment
- Fix rotation and movement issues for track pieces
- Add a 'save as' function for layouts
- Include inch/feet measurement options


### Shapr 3D CAD modeling

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapr-3d-cad-modeling/id1091675654)

Design and manufacture 3D models with an intuitive, multidevice CAD tool. Collaborate with teams, visualize designs in AR, and export to various formats. Work from anywhere, online or offline, with an adaptive interface that keeps your focus on creating.

**Highlights:** Multidevice CAD workflow, Adaptive user interface, Design-driven collaboration, Real-time AR renders, Extensive export/import support, 2D drawing output

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Solo Subscription | $32.99 | per month |
| Pro Subscription | $37.99 | per month |
| Business Subscription | $59.99 | per month |
| Solo Subscription | $249.99 | per year |
| Pro Subscription | $299.99 | per year |
| Business Subscription | $499.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Super easy to use
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 🚀 Powerful features
- 👍 Great for beginners
- 👍 Excellent tutorials

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 💰 Pricing not suitable for hobbyists
- 🔒 Limited free version
- 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
- 👎 Navigation and controls could be improved

**Reported bugs**

- Unreliable performance after recent updates
- Difficulty deleting or modifying existing designs
- Inconsistent behavior when using the Apple Pencil

**Requested features**

- Add more affordable pricing tiers for hobbyists
- Improve undo/redo functionality
- Implement better file management and organization
- Add support for importing/exporting more file formats
- Enhance parametric modeling capabilities


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TrainDesign free?

TrainDesign costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Shapr 3D CAD modeling free?

Shapr 3D CAD modeling is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, TrainDesign or Shapr 3D CAD modeling?

Shapr 3D CAD modeling is rated higher. TrainDesign averages 2.3 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Shapr 3D CAD modeling averages 4.7 from 34K ratings.

### Do TrainDesign or Shapr 3D CAD modeling have ads?

Neither TrainDesign nor Shapr 3D CAD modeling shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TrainDesign or Shapr 3D CAD modeling?

TrainDesign ships an update every 4 months, and Shapr 3D CAD modeling every 5 days. Most recently, TrainDesign was updated on October 21, 2026 and Shapr 3D CAD modeling on October 28, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*