JacqCAD MASTER is Macintosh textile design software from JacqCAD International. It is not positioned as a general-purpose graphic design tool, but as a specialized CAD application for jacquard fabrics, loom control files, and punching workflows. The page states that the software is now free and available to everyone, making it suitable for users who still need to work with legacy weaving equipment, textile CAD files, and jacquard control formats.
The software supports creating and editing textile designs, generating loom control files, and handling punch-related workflows. Its specialization is most evident in its support for textile structures: designs can be displayed according to their actual weaving aspect ratio, with support for up to 16,000 Ends Γ 32,000 Picks. It can also open up to 20 image windows at the same time, making it easier to copy and paste elements between different design or draft windows. Expanded Images can also include information such as Pick, Shuttles, regulators, and shuttle box assignments, with up to 32 logical shuttles assigned per Pick.
JacqCAD MASTER offers strong compatibility with traditional textile production workflows. It supports TIFF and PICT, and is also compatible with image and weaving formats such as EAT, Grosse, Nedgraphics, Muller, Sophis, and Weavette. For loom control, it covers a range of equipment and file types, including Bonas, StaΓΌbli, Schleicher, Socos, TIS, and AVL .J1P. In terms of pricing, the page clearly states that the software is now free, but it does not disclose an open-source license, commercial-use terms, redistribution restrictions, or maintenance service conditions.
Its advantages are that it is free, highly specialized, and broadly compatible with legacy formats. It is especially suitable for jacquard weaving studios, textile schools, legacy equipment maintenance scenarios, and users who need to read or convert historical CAD or loom files. The drawbacks are also clear: its native environment is very old, requiring a PowerPC Mac, Mac OS 9, or Mac OS X 10.4 and earlier with Classic. Modern Intel Macs, Windows, or Linux systems need to rely on the SheepShaver emulator, so stability and support should be evaluated carefully. The webpage also does not mention cloud collaboration, asset libraries, online support, or payment methods.
Access from mainland China cannot be determined from the page content alone, and payment is not relevant because the software is free. If access or the runtime environment is limited, alternatives to consider include NedGraphics, EAT DesignScope, Pointcarre, ArahWeave, or using Photoshop/Illustrator together with textile plugins and local textile CAD solutions. Overall, this is not a modern SaaS design platform, but a specialized tool that can still be valuable for traditional jacquard production.
β This review is compiled from public sources and does not constitute a purchase recommendation. Verify all facts on the vendor's official site. Verify on jacqcad.com official site.
jacqcad.com is an Unknown Design & Creative provider. TG4G tracks its product information, an overall rating of 5.0/10, and a China-accessibility score of Workable. Click "Visit Official Site" to reach jacqcad.com directly.