Cheetah3D for Mac

Used Cheetah3D for Mac?

Cheetah3D Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

Cheetah3D is a powerful animation software designed for Mac users, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for 3D modeling, rendering, and animation. With its intuitive interface, users can easily create complex animations and detailed 3D models without extensive prior experience. Key features include a wide range of modeling tools, support for various file formats, and advanced rendering capabilities that allow for high-quality visuals.

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Trial version

In addition to its modeling and rendering functionalities, Cheetah3D provides support for animation rigging and keyframe animation, enabling users to bring their creations to life. The software also includes a physics engine for realistic motion and collision detection, enhancing the overall animation experience. This trial version allows users to explore the full potential of Cheetah3D, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced animators looking for a robust solution on the Mac platform.

Cheetah3D for Mac

Used Cheetah3D for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: January 13, 2020

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 7.4.2

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System: Mac OS X

Additional Requirements

macOS Mojave
macOS High Sierra
macOS Sierra
OS X El Capitan
OS X Yosemite
OS X Mavericks
OS X Mountain Lion

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 16,367

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.2/5

6 User Votes

Great 3D software,powerful yet simple & easy to use!
Lin YongYue WilsonAugust 8, 2015
Pros
Simple, intuitive and easy to use. Very affordable. Powerful rendering, producing great looking image /scenes. Good tools & features to create models. Many file formats for import & export. Good lighting features. Friendly user interface.
Cons
Can have more effects / plugins / tools to make creation process simpler & intuitive.
Summary
Very satisfied with software. Great 3D software for beginners and intermediates. Very affordable pricing.
Very good renders,that's about it!
WowzaworksFebruary 13, 2014
Pros
Capable of excellent renders...
Cons
...but, 5000 pixel limit on size. I haven't found anything anywhere on the materials nodes. I still haven't a clue what some of the nodes are for! I have spent days trying to create the proper texture material for an obj. You can't have a bump map with an obj that wasn't created in Cheetah! Hexagon and Wings are much easier to use for modeling. You can not "aim" at the obj you are working on like you can in Hex. and Wings. I don't find it to be Mac-like, and don't like the extra steps (m clicks) to select obj's, or areas.
Summary
What good is a great render if you don't have the right materials or textures. If there were some tutorials on the material nodes, then I would say buy it. Not until then.
Good tool for the price.
ThomasHarteMarch 16, 2011
Pros
Good 3d editing, proper Mac interface.
Cons
File format support lacking; especially Collada and slightly odd OBJ treatment.
Summary
Highly recommended.
Very user friendly for budding 3D artist
dnightartistMarch 7, 2007
Pros
The explanation of the various functions of the menu are well defined. Very easy to relate without getting too technical. Some of the icon are hilarious.
Cons
Summary
Useful
mutantkeyboardJuly 25, 2006
Pros
Compact, nice and easy to use
Cons
Not for huge projects
Summary
Inexpensive and Powerful
VersionTrackerUserOpinionApril 5, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I recently decided I wanted to try making a 3D game, so the first thing I needed to find was a 3D modeling program. After trying a few (very expensive) programs, I stumbled across this one. It's amazing how many useful features there are! Almost everytime I need a specific feature, I can whip out the in-depth documentation and find exactly what I want. When I first started using version 2.1, I was experiencing intermittent crashes using the point slide and scalpel tools. Fortunately the developer was VERY responsive to my problem and sent me a new version which works perfectly! My only complaints are that Cheetah 3D seems to be missing a way to "unwrap" selected polygons (for easier texturing), and any support for bones (although technically it isn't vital for what I'm making). Overall I am VERY satisfied with Cheetah 3D. I use it all the time!

Developer’s Description

By Martin Wengenmyer

Create 3D models, renders and animation.

Cheetah3D is a lean, fast and elegant 3D modeling, rendering and animation package for Mac OS X with an easy learning curve. It offers many tools from polygon editing over advanced subdivision modeling to boolean operations and Beziere splines. The Javascript support allows you to extend Cheetah3D by yourself with custom file loaders, exporters, tools and so on. It also offers many common file loaders and exportes like fbx, 3ds, dxf, obj, 3dmf.