Feather 3D is one of those apps that feels like magic the first time you try it. It brings the freedom of sketching to the 3D world—without overwhelming you with complex tools or menus. Designed exclusively for iPad, it’s a minimalist, powerful app that lets you draw and paint directly in 3D space, using gestures that feel natural and expressive.
If you’ve ever wished you could just draw your 3D ideas instead of modeling them, Feather 3D might be exactly what you’re looking for.
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Why Feather 3D?
Feather 3D is a sketch-based 3D drawing app that turns your iPad into a space for spatial thinking. Unlike traditional CAD tools, which rely heavily on exact inputs and rigid workflows, Feather is all about freedom. You sketch directly into 3D space using your Apple Pencil or your fingers It’s a tool for architects, designers, concept artists—or anyone who thinks in shapes and volumes.
The Two-Stage Workflow
The app uses a two-stage workflow:
1. Create Guides:
You start by drawing a guide surface—essentially a 3D canvas that defines the form and direction of your object. Think of it like shaping a sheet of paper in space that you can then draw on. These guides can be curved, organic, or geometric depending on your sketch.
2. Draw on Top:
Once your guide is in place, you can sketch directly onto it using brush-like strokes. This lets you “wrap” lines, textures, or forms around your 3D surface, adding depth, complexity, and detail in a really intuitive way.
It feels less like CAD and more like sculptural drawing—which is kind of brilliant.
The Tools
🌀 The Guides
This is the core of your 3D canvas. You can shape freeform planes in space, stretch them, and twist them to follow the flow of your design. These surfaces guide the strokes you’ll draw next.
✏️ The Strokes
Once a guide is created, the stroke tool lets you draw directly onto it.
🎨 Brush Settings
Customize the thickness, opacity, and flow of your strokes to match the material or detail you want to express.
🔁 Mirror Tool
Feather includes a symmetry/mirroring feature—super useful when you’re working on designs that need balance, like chairs, vehicles, or architectural forms. It speeds up ideation and keeps your sketches consistent.
📦 Export Options
Once your sketch is done, you can export images or 3D files to use in other design tools. This makes Feather a great starting point for concept development before moving into apps like Shapr3D or CAD programs.
Why Feather 3D Feels Different ?
Feather is basically a 3D sketchbook—just in three dimensions. That makes it perfect for early-stage design work: ideation, conceptual thinking, quick spatial tests.
For architects, it’s great for shaping massing ideas or experimenting with form. For product designers, it’s ideal for freehand concept sketching before refining in CAD. And for visual thinkers, it’s just fun to play with.
Conclusion
Feather 3D is a refreshing, intuitive way to work in 3D without getting bogged down in menus and measurements. It’s fast, fluid, and creative—letting you sketch and sculpt forms as naturally as you would with pen and paper. If you’re someone who thinks in 3D and loves the freedom of drawing, Feather is definitely worth trying.
Let me know if you have any questions or if there are any other tools you’d like me to review! In the meantime, you can keep up with me on Instagram and if you still have time, check out the other apps I use as an architect here!