# 3D Scratchpad vs DIY

The clearest difference is rating: DIY at 4.1 against 3D Scratchpad's 2.7. DIY also leads on review sentiment (50% vs 19%) and update cadence (every 5 months vs every 15 months). 3D Scratchpad's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 3D Scratchpad sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and DIY sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $17.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DIY holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 25 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 19% of 3D Scratchpad's written reviews are positive against 50% of DIY's.

3D Scratchpad ships an update every 15 months, DIY every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 3D Scratchpad | DIY |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-scratchpad/id957422439/reviews) | **[4.1 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/diy-cad-designer/id6446179753/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **25** |
| Positive reviews | 18.5% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 7 MB | 242 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Engineered Stuff](https://appshunter.io/developer/383720996) | [Sebastian Kemper](https://appshunter.io/developer/1513694925) |

## What reviewers say

### 3D Scratchpad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-scratchpad/id957422439)

Create 3D models with a user-friendly design tool. Freehand draw in 3D using primitive shapes and gestures. Manipulate objects with augmented reality and share your creations as .usdz files.

**Highlights:** Freehand 3D drawing, Primitive solid shapes, Intuitive gestures, Augmented reality manipulation, Share as .usdz files

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| One Month Subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| Six Month Subscription | $6.99 | per 6 months |
| One Year Subscription | $9.99 | per year |


### DIY

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/diy-cad-designer/id6446179753)

Design and plan your DIY projects in 3D with this intuitive CAD software. Utilize extensive libraries of components, materials, and colors to visualize your creations before you build. Easily import models from other programs and share high-resolution images of your designs.

**Highlights:** 3D project planning and drawing, Extensive component libraries (wood, metal, glass, etc.), Drag-and-drop interface, Import various 3D model formats (FBX, OBJ, STL, etc.), Realistic materials and colors, Imperial and metric measurement systems, High-resolution photo function

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Version | $17.99 | per month |
| Pro Version (year) | $29.99 | per year |
| Pro Version (year) | $49.99 | per year |
| Pro Version | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 3D Scratchpad free?

3D Scratchpad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is DIY free?

DIY is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, 3D Scratchpad or DIY?

DIY is rated higher. 3D Scratchpad averages 2.7 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while DIY averages 4.1 from 25 ratings.

### Do 3D Scratchpad or DIY have ads?

DIY shows ads; 3D Scratchpad does not.

### Which is updated more often, 3D Scratchpad or DIY?

3D Scratchpad ships an update every 15 months, and DIY every 5 months. Most recently, 3D Scratchpad was updated on October 21, 2026 and DIY on October 23, 2026.

---

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