# Design Materials vs 3D Model Viewer

The clearest difference is ads: Design Materials at none against 3D Model Viewer's shown. Design Materials also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.2). 3D Model Viewer's advantage is review sentiment (59% vs 33%) and ratings volume (328 vs 2). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Design Materials sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and 3D Model Viewer sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Design Materials holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 3D Model Viewer has 328 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 33% of Design Materials's written reviews are positive against 59% of 3D Model Viewer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Design Materials ships an update every 3 months, 3D Model Viewer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on July 23, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Design Materials | 3D Model Viewer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/design-materials/id975764691/reviews)** | [4.2 (328 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-model-viewer-ar-view/id1105242878/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **328** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **59.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 28 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chrystian Enriquez](https://appshunter.io/developer/428286625) | [健 钟](https://appshunter.io/developer/1051588602) |

## What reviewers say

### Design Materials

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/design-materials/id975764691)

This app serves as an offline reference guide for various design materials, including polymers and metals. It allows users to manage their own material data, view 3D models, and capture objects with their device's camera. Ideal for professionals and hobbyists involved in product design and 3D printing.

**Highlights:** Offline material reference guide, Custom material and resin management, 3D model viewer and import/export, Object capture via device camera, Favorites and notes section, Cross-device compatibility (iOS, macOS)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bronze member | $7.99 | per month |
| Silver member | $17.99 | per 3 months |
| Gold member | $49.99 | per year |


### 3D Model Viewer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-model-viewer-ar-view/id1105242878)

View and interact with various 3D model formats in both AR and 3D modes. This intuitive tool supports local and cloud documents, custom backgrounds, and shadow casting. Easily import models via multiple methods and share your creations.

**Highlights:** AR and 3D viewing modes, Supports numerous 3D file formats, Local and cloud document integration, Customizable backgrounds and shadows, Model information display (size, volume, etc.), Multiple import and sharing options

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Model & Screenshot Output | $1.99 | one-time |
| Background from Album | $1.99 | one-time |
| Large File Model | $1.99 | one-time |
| All Features | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for viewing 3D models
- 🚀 Fast model loading
- 🔒 Supports many file formats

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and errors
- 💸 Intrusive ads and paywalls
- 🤯 Difficult to use interface
- 🚫 Cannot open large files without paying

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to delete models
- Cannot open .3mf and .glb files
- Texture and shading issues with some models

**Requested features**

- Add support for more 3D file formats
- Improve model rendering quality
- Implement better file management options
- Provide more customization and control over model view


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Design Materials free?

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

### Is 3D Model Viewer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Design Materials or 3D Model Viewer?

Design Materials is rated higher. Design Materials averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while 3D Model Viewer averages 4.2 from 328 ratings.

### Do Design Materials or 3D Model Viewer have ads?

3D Model Viewer shows ads; Design Materials does not.

### Which is updated more often, Design Materials or 3D Model Viewer?

Design Materials ships an update every 3 months, and 3D Model Viewer every 3 weeks. Most recently, Design Materials was updated on July 23, 2026 and 3D Model Viewer on September 21, 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.*