Top MatrixGold Alternatives for Jewelry Design and Beyond
MatrixGold® 2019 is a powerful CAD solution for jewelry design, merging the best of Matrix® and RhinoGold with an intuitive, customizable interface. Its parametric history, dynamic Booleans, and extensive content libraries significantly enhance productivity, allowing for flexible design edits at every stage. However, even with its robust features, designers often seek MatrixGold alternative options for various reasons, including specific workflow needs, pricing, or platform compatibility. This article explores leading alternatives that offer similar capabilities and unique advantages.
Top MatrixGold Alternatives
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in jewelry CAD, finding the right software is crucial. Here are some of the best MatrixGold alternative solutions that cater to diverse design requirements and budgets.
Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros, commonly known as Rhino, is a versatile 3D modeling software capable of creating, editing, analyzing, documenting, rendering, animating, and translating NURBS* curves, surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes. It's a commercial software available on Mac and Windows, offering features like Nurb Surfacing, 3D modeling, Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), Parametric Modeling, and Procedural modeling, making it a strong MatrixGold alternative for general 3D design with a wide range of applications beyond jewelry.
MoI - Moment of Inspiration
MoI - Moment of Inspiration offers a sleek and intuitive UI, blending a fluid workflow with powerful tools. This commercial software is available on Mac and Windows, focusing primarily on 3D modeling. It's an excellent MatrixGold alternative for users who have been frustrated with the complexity of other CAD software, providing a more approachable entry point into precise 3D design.
Vectric Aspire
Vectric Aspire is a comprehensive software solution for CNC Routing, Sign Making, Wood Carving & Engraving. Built on the same platform as other Vectric products, this commercial Windows-based software features robust Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) capabilities. While not solely focused on jewelry, its CAM features make it a viable MatrixGold alternative for those needing to translate designs into physical objects using CNC machinery.
Jewelry CAD Dream
Jewelry CAD Dream (JCD) is a powerful and robust jewelry design solution built on the ZW3D engine. This commercial Windows software boasts dynamic history, extensive jewelry-specific tools, and an expanding component library. With features like mood tracking, it stands out as a dedicated MatrixGold alternative for jewelers seeking specialized functionalities tailored to their craft.
3Design CAD
3Design CAD is a 3D CAD computer software solution specifically for creative 3D design and modeling in jewelry, accessories, and watchmaking. Available commercially on both Mac and Windows, it features Parametric Modeling and Real-time rendering. This makes it an excellent MatrixGold alternative for jewelers who prioritize intuitive design, precise parametric control, and immediate visual feedback.
Carveco
Carveco™ software is a trusted 2D/3D CAD modeling and CNC machining solution used across various industries worldwide. Built on the same ArtCAM™ codebase, this commercial Windows software focuses on Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). For designers who need to translate their jewelry models into physical prototypes or finished pieces via CNC, Carveco offers a strong CAM-centric MatrixGold alternative.
Autodesk Alias Design
Autodesk® Alias® Design is purpose-built for industrial designers, creative professionals, digital modelers/sculptors, and automotive/transportation designers. This commercial software, available on Mac and Windows, emphasizes sketching capabilities. While broader in scope than jewelry-specific CAD, its advanced surfacing tools make it a powerful MatrixGold alternative for designers who demand high-quality, free-form modeling and conceptual sketching.
RhinoGold
RhinoGold is widely recognized as a preferred software for jewelry design and manufacturing, allowing designers and manufacturers to fully modify and create jewelry. This commercial Windows software features Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and Prototyping functionalities. Given that MatrixGold combines many RhinoGold features, RhinoGold itself remains a highly relevant MatrixGold alternative for those seeking a dedicated, feature-rich jewelry CAD experience.
Rhinojewel
Rhinojewel is a specialized Jewelry Design Software that enables users to create 3D models of jewelry and other luxury items with ease, precision, and speed. This commercial Windows software provides dedicated Jewelry Modeling Tools for Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). For jewelers looking for a precise and efficient MatrixGold alternative built specifically for their industry, Rhinojewel is an excellent choice.
JewelCAD Pro
JewelCAD Pro is the next generation of jewelry designing and modeling software, offering enhanced power and efficiency over its predecessor. This commercial Windows software features a completely new interface and includes robust 3D modeling and Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) capabilities. As a dedicated and modern solution, JewelCAD Pro serves as a strong MatrixGold alternative for professional jewelers.
The world of CAD software for jewelry and general design is rich with options. While MatrixGold offers a powerful suite of tools, exploring these alternatives can help you find a solution that aligns perfectly with your specific design needs, workflow preferences, and budget. Consider their platform compatibility, specialized features, and ease of use to determine the best fit for your creative endeavors.