
3Design
3Design is a powerful 3D jewelry design software that allows for full parametric control, meaning you can change any parameter of your jewelry at any time.
Full Pricing Breakdown
Key Capabilities
Technical Audit
The Pros
- Full parametric history
- Mac support
- Specialized jewel tools
The Cons
- Learning curve for parametric
- Very expensive
- Niche user base
CADGuide Verdict
Final Professional Conclusion
"The serious alternative to MatrixGold for those who prefer Mac or true parametric history."

Expert Q&A
?What is 3Design used for?
Parametric 3D CAD for professional jewelry. 3Design is a visualization and rendering solution widely adopted in Jewelry Design.
?How much does 3Design cost?
3Design starts at $6,000 per seat on a perpetual license. Volume, network, and educational tiers are typically available — contact the vendor for an enterprise quote.
?Is there a free version of 3Design?
3Design is a commercial product without a free permanent tier. Most vendors offer a 15-30 day evaluation on request; verified educational seats are typically free for students.
?What operating systems does 3Design support?
3Design runs on Windows and macOS.
?Which file formats does 3Design support?
3Design works with standard visualization and rendering interchange formats including FBX, OBJ, glTF, and USD. Check the vendor's official documentation for the complete list of supported import and export options.
?What are the best alternatives to 3Design?
The closest alternatives within the Specialized space are PC SCHEMATIC Automation, Shoemaster, ICAD3D+. The right fit depends on whether you prioritise file-format compatibility, geometry kernel, ecosystem of plugins, or pricing model — compare them side-by-side using the CADGuide comparison tool.