Best CAD Software
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What is CAD Software?
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is software used by engineers, architects, and designers to create precise 2D and 3D models. It enables users to design, visualize, and simulate their projects with high accuracy, facilitating efficient prototyping and problem-solving. CAD software supports a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and product design, by offering features like parametric modeling, rendering, and automated drafting. Its intuitive interfaces and integration with other engineering tools make it a cornerstone of modern design workflows. By streamlining the design process, CAD software helps reduce development time, improve collaboration, and bring innovative ideas to life. Compare and read user reviews of the best CAD software currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.
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1
Altium Develop
Altium
Altium Develop is a multidisciplinary product creation platform that breaks down silos and empowers teams to design collaboratively without limits. Built on Altium Designer and Altium 365, it unifies electrical, mechanical, software, sourcing, and manufacturing teams in a shared environment. Every comment, change, and decision is captured in real time, giving collaborators visibility without the need for constant check-ins. The platform enhances project outcomes by aligning requirements, supply chain data, and design context in one ecosystem. Manufacturing engineers and suppliers can provide feedback early, avoiding costly rework and delays. By transforming collaboration into true co-creation, Altium Develop helps organizations innovate faster, smarter, and with greater alignment across disciplines.Starting Price: $995/year/author -
2
ActCAD Software
Jytra Technology Solutions
ActCAD is a native dwg/dxf cad software suitable for professional 2D drafting and 3D modeling projects. ActCAD is trusted by over 30000 users in over 103 countries for more than 10 years. The interface, commands, icons, dialogs, shortcuts etc. are very much similar to other popular cad software tools available in market. Flexible license types available even for single license. There is no learning for existing cad users while saving 80% of the costs. ActCAD offers free email technical support without any limitations. ActCAD can be fully customized and programs can be developed using our free API toolkit. It supports popular programming languages like , lisp dcl, .net, C++ etc. Apart from all regular commands, ActCAD offers many productive tools like pdf to cad converter, Block libraries, Image to Cad converter, handling point sets between Cad and Excel and many more. ActCAD is suitable for any high end professional projects in the domains of Architecture, Civil, Mechanical,AutomotiveStarting Price: $249.00/one-time/user -
3
CMS IntelliCAD
CAD-MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS INC
CMS IntelliCAD® is the intelligent, powerful and affordable full-featured CAD Software and is fully programmable with hundreds of third party solutions. CMS IntelliCAD also offers a full suite of 2D and 3D AutoCAD® compatible drawing tools! It is the smartest choice for engineers, architects and consultants, or anyone who communicates using CAD drawings. It is designed to give you the best unrivaled compatibility and a true CAD Software alternative to Autodesk® AutoCAD® software and is fully programmable with hundreds of third party solutions. CMS IntelliCAD also offers DWG file extension native support! And now also with Microstation DGN file support.Starting Price: $149.95/one-time/user -
4
CADhobby
CAD-MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS INC.
CADhobby Student - free version for Academic use only. CADhobby IntelliCAD is a powerful and affordable computer-aided design (CAD) software application that is perfect for both hobbyists and professionals. It offers a wide range of features, including 2D and 3D modeling, rendering, and animation. CADhobby IntelliCAD is also compatible with a variety of file formats, including DWG, DXF, DGN, and STL. CADhobby IntelliCAD is a great choice for anyone who wants to create high-quality CAD designs without breaking the bank. It is easy to learn and use, and it has a large and active community of users who can provide support and help.Starting Price: $0.00/one-time/user -
5
OrCAD X
Cadence Design Systems
OrCAD® X is a unified PCB design software platform that offers significant improvements in ease of use, performance, automation, data management, and collaboration. Our cloud-enabled product suite contains applications for schematic, simulation, and PCB layout. OrCAD X Capture is one of the most widely used schematic design solutions for the creation and documentation of electrical circuits. PSpice® is our virtual SPICE simulation environment integrated within Capture that allows you to prototype your designs using the industry-leading, native analog, mixed-signal, and advanced analysis engines to deliver a complete circuit simulation and verification solution. Our two PCB layout environments, OrCAD X PCB Editor and OrCAD X Presto, allow designers to easily collaborate between ECAD/MCAD teams and build better PCBs faster. OrCAD X Presto is a new user-friendly option offering a simpler interface for quick-turn PCB design.Starting Price: $107 USD/month -
6
CAD6studio
Malz++Kassner GmbH
CAD6studio is the professional 2D/3D CAD program of the CAD6 series with all functions for planning, construction, and visualization. Apart from a 2D drawing area, the program provides 3D spaces to create and edit 3D components. Supported file formats: MKD, DWG, DXF, HP-GL/2, SHP, SVG, STL, WMF, EMF, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, GIF, BMP, TVG, T2G, T3G, T4G, VEK, BLD Contains SMART2D Technology plus many highly effective functions for the comfortable creation of drawing objects, working with curves and surfaces, as well as automatic trimming commands, equidistants, clippings, mappings, multiple lines, archiving of drawings, automatic saving, parts lists creation, etc. Use DirectPDF to create professional, ultra-high-resolution PDF files with Unicode texts, layers, transparencies, hyperlinks, and RGB/CMYK/CIElab colors. On demand, you can directly create PDF/A-1b and PDF/A-2b files. All programs of the CAD6 series are 100% data-compatible.Starting Price: 55 EUR per month -
7
CAD6starter
Malz++Kassner GmbH
CAD6starter is the free entry to the CAD6 series and contains basic drawing and labeling functions. It can open, edit, save, and print all drawings created by any CAD6 edition. Use CAD6starter to create elaborate technical drawings with the highest accuracy and all important structural elements such as layers, pens, pages, groups, and blocks. For simple scaled drawing, you can work in the model space at a scale of 1:1 and then generate different scales using mappings. A drawing can contain multiple pages. Hatchings and dimensions automatically adapt to changes in the drawing. CAD6starter may be used free of charge and unconditionally for private use, educational purposes, as well as commercial use. All programs of the CAD6 series are 100% data-compatible.Starting Price: 0 EUR -
8
CAD6industrie
Malz++Kassner GmbH
CAD6industrie is the comprehensive 2D/3D CAD/CAM solution for industrial use. In addition to to the full range of functions of CAD6studio, including SMART2D Technology, it also contains a CAM plug-in and a universal, script-based post-processor for the flexible and efficient generation of CNC data for machine controllers. The CAM plug-in supports the following machining procedures: milling, drilling, turning, water jet cutting, laser cutting, as well as cutting, plotting, and positioning. Commands like milling cutter compensation, pocket milling, milling order control, milling time calculation and a graphical 3D preview let you create drawings that are directly milled later. Extensive tool and machine settings, plus output of custom commands (such as cycles or sub-programs) by means of symbols, give you the complete control over what the post-processors finally output to the machine. All programs of the CAD6 series are 100% data-compatible.Starting Price: 74.17 EUR per month -
9
WSCAD
WSCAD
At WSCAD, we have been developing electrical CAD solutions for over 30 years. Customers include small to medium-sized companies, international corporations, and engineering service providers in the machine-building, panel manufacturing, and building automation industries. WSCAD software is used by over 40,000 electrical engineers as their electrical CAD solution. WSCAD ELECTRIX – our most powerful electrical CAD – is our brand-new offering. No matter if you are designing piping & instrumentation diagrams, fluid power or electrical schematics, cabinet engineering, building automation or electrical installation – WSCAD is the right tool for you. The new ELECTRIX comes with a completely new design engine (editor) and embedded compatibility to standard formats like DXF/DWG and uses modern technologies such as augmented reality, multi-threading and automation.Starting Price: $84/month -
10
SilicaCAD
FSC
SilicaCAD Professional is a 2D/3D DWG-native CAD for general-purpose drafting. The program is original and based on 22 years’ of CAD experience (since 1999), SilicaCAD offers very high compatibility with AutoCAD® offers more advanced features and exclusive tools essential. The best solution for AEC, and MCAD in all sectors of CAD use. SilicaCAD is the best economic solution, it is a perpetual licensing with more Extra CAD functions at a fraction of the cost of other CADs software. DWG is the same AutoCAD’s file format, so when you open an existing DWG file with SilicaCAD, there’s no file conversion and no data loss. We provide industry-standard compatibility with AutoCAD®, which means you can get to work immediately using DWG files, commands, fonts, blocks, hatches, and Linetypes. You can finally buy a DWG-compatible ACAD at an extremely affordable price.Starting Price: $350 per user -
11
ARES Commander
Graebert
2D & 3D CAD software to create & modify technical drawings in DWG format with choice between Perpetual, Network or Annual licenses. Experience the agility of the n°1 alternative to AutoCAD. Cost-effective, ARES Commander offers a full replacement and an easy switch, at a fraction of the cost. With Graebert's ARES CAD software you will enjoy a 3-in-1 license, including ARES Commander (for Windows, macOS and Linux computers) + ARES Kudo (Cloud) + ARES Touch (iOS + Android). These 3 products work in synergy to synchronize the work across users and devices. Create and modify DWG drawings locally, with files stored on your computer, or in sync with Google Drive, Box, OneDrive, Dropbox, Onshape, Trimble Connect. Alternatively, you can also store files in a private Cloud server (via WebDAV). Some our advanced CAD features include the support for Dynamic blocks, PDF to DWG conversion, Drawing comparison, IFC & Revit import, 3D solid modeling, satellite images and street maps.Starting Price: $350.00/year -
12
Canvas
Occipital
The new power tool for home improvement. Fast, easy, mobile 3D scanning for home service pros and DIY warriors. Powered by the world’s first mobile depth sensor, the Structure Sensor, Canvas makes capturing a 3D model of a room delightfully easy. Simply tap scan, walk around the room, and watch as a scale-accurate model is built in real-time, right on your iPad. No more busting out the measuring tape and converting scribbles into floor plans later – Canvas captures tens of thousands of measurements all at once, and then pieces it together into an interactive 3D model. Your 3D model is saved on your iPad, so you can go back and revisit any space, at any time. Whether you just need to refresh your memory of a given viewpoint or capture a forgotten measurement, you're never more than a few taps away. Save hours with professional-grade CAD output. With our Scan To CAD service, we’ll convert your scan into an editable, professional-grade, CAD file.Starting Price: $10 -
13
TopSolid
TopSolid
TopSolid is an integrated CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing) software, developed by the French company TOPSOLID SAS. It is aimed at professionals in the mechanical, woodworking, and sheet metal industries, providing a comprehensive suite of solutions for design, simulation, and production. Thanks to its intuitive user interface and powerful features, TopSolid enables engineers, designers, and manufacturers to create complex 3D models, perform analyses and simulations of manufacturing processes, and generate efficient toolpaths for CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines. The software stands out for its ability to manage highly complex projects with its advanced integrated Product Data Management (PDM), thereby facilitating collaboration within teams and between different departments of a company. TopSolid is also known for its extensive compatibility with other CAD and CAM software, allowing for smooth integration into existing workflows.Starting Price: $7000 -
14
CorelDRAW Technical Suite
Alludo
Expand what’s possible in visual communication with CorelDRAW® Technical Suite 2021, a comprehensive collection of applications for high-impact technical design and documentation. Experience a seriously streamlined workflow with professional tools that accelerate productivity and deliver precision results. Import 3D data or start from scratch to create accurate product drawings, schematics, and interactive spare parts pages with specialized technical illustration tools. When it’s time for feedback and approval, next-generation collaboration features keep everyone on the same page in real-time, and publishing couldn’t be more confident, thanks to industry-standard compliant output. From manufacturing and engineering to architecture and high tech, CorelDRAW Technical Suite is the ultimate hub for designing detailed technical illustrations, documentation, marketing, and more, with total control and incredible efficiency. -
15
ALPHACAM
Hexagon
Ease-of-use is just one of the reasons that ALPHACAM is the industry standard and system of choice for programming CNC routers. Tooling and machining techniques unique to this industry are accommodated by ALPHACAM’s dedicated Router modules. Horizontal aggregates for machining parts such as hinge reliefs and lock mortices, are easy to control using ALPHACAM. Standard fixtures can be created and saved within the system and inserted on to work planes when required, providing significant time savings. ALPHACAM is leading CAM software for milling from 2-Axis through to 5-Axis programming. The emphasis behind the development of ALPHACAM is to provide our customers with productivity, reliability and flexibility. ALPHACAM is one of the leading and most established suppliers of CAD CAM software for the stone industry. ALPHACAM Stone has been specifically developed to address the unique challenges encountered when machining marble and stone. -
16
Creo Parametric
PTC
Creo Parametric has the core 3D modeling software strengths you’d expect from the industry leader, along with breakthrough capabilities in additive manufacturing, model based definition (MBD) , generative design, augmented reality, and smart connected design. Streamlined workflows and an intuitive user interface complete the picture. PTC’s developers created Creo Parametric as a sound foundation software that allows users the ability to expand deeper functionality with each component. As your products become more complex in its engineering, Creo offers expanded capabilities to meet your requirements. Every product isn’t made equal and your 3D CAD solution shouldn’t be either. Creo Parametric provides the broadest range of powerful yet flexible CAD 3D modeling software capabilities to accelerate the design of parts and assemblies. -
17
JTS IntelliCAD
JYTRA TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED
JTS IntelliCAD 11.1 is an economical 2D Drafting and 3D Wireframe Modeling CAD software meant for Engineers, Architects, and other technical consultants. JTS IntelliCAD 11.1 works in native DWG & DXF CAD software to create and edit drawings.TrueCAD works in native DWG & DXF CAD software to create and edit drawings. JTS IntelliCAD 11.1 uses IntelliCAD 11.1 Engine. If you need only the 32bit version you need to choose TrueCAD 2021 Premium. JTS IntelliCAD 11.1 offers all CAD features needed for Professional designers with native DWG & DXF support. Directly edit existing drawings. Suitable to create Professional drawings easily just like other expensive CAD software available in the market. No learning is needed for existing CAD users. Interface, commands, icons, and shortcuts are similar to other CAD. Complete help and user guide available.Starting Price: $149 per license -
18
Revizto
Revizto
Revizto unifies BIM intelligence and makes it immediately accessible and actionable for the entire project team. With Revizto’s advanced Issue Tracker predefined workflows project team members can identify and manage model-based issues in the 3D space and 2D sheets, including addressing clash groups. Revizto provides unified access to a project’s data both for 2D and 3D workflows, so anyone can use it depending on project requirements.Starting Price: $600.00/year/user -
19
VisualARQ
ASUNI
VisualARQ is a Flexible BIM solution powered by McNeel’s Rhinoceros 3D. VisualARQ enhances Rhino by adding powerful associative object styling and dynamic documentation tools which adapt to fit the professional’s workflow. VisualARQ allows you to with parametric architectural objects, produce 2D drawings from the 3D model, generate dynamic BIM objects driven by Grasshopper, automate many modeling tasks through the VisualARQ components built for Grasshopper, add custom data to geometry and list in schedules and finally deliver BIM models and collaborate with other tools through the IFC import/export capabilities.Starting Price: $95-795 one-time payment -
20
RFEM
Dlubal Software
The FEA program RFEM allows for quick and easy modeling, structural and dynamic calculation, as well as the design of models with member, plate, wall, folded plate, shell, and solid elements. Due to the modular software concept, you can connect the main program RFEM with the corresponding add‑ons in order to meet your individual requirements. The structural analysis program RFEM provides structural engineers with a 3D FEA program that meets all requirements in modern civil engineering. Efficient data input and intuitive handling facilitate the modeling of simple and complex structures. The structural analysis program RFEM is the basis of a modular software system. The basic program RFEM is used to define structures, materials, and loads for planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells, and members. The program also allows you to create combined structures as well as model solid and contact elements.Starting Price: €697.50 rent 1 month -
21
VariCAD
VariCAD
VariCAD is 3D / 2D CAD software primarily intended for mechanical engineering design. The comprehensive CAD software enables designers to quickly create, evaluate, and modify their models. The software is sold as one "fully loaded" package, with all features and functions, for one affordable price. VariCAD delivers an excellent performance-to-price ratio, making it one of the smartest choices on the market today. VariCAD is compact, fast, easy to use, and provides everything necessary for mechanical design. The system contains: 3D Modeling 2D Drawing and Editing Optional Support of Parameters Optional Support of Geometrical Constraints Shells Modeling, Pipelines, Wires Crash Tests (Interferences) 3D Assemblies and Groups Surface Development (Sheet Metal Unbending) Mechanical Part Libraries and Symbol Libraries Calculations of 3D Objects or 2D Sections BOM and Title BlocksStarting Price: 989 €/user -
22
EngView Suite
EngView Systems
EngView Package & Display Designer Suite is CAD/CAM software for 2D & 3D structural design of packaging and POP displays from folding carton, corrugated boards and rigid board. The Dieboard Calculator is a SaaS solution that helps Diemakers save time by providing their customers with automatic cost estimations for their sideboard designs. caliper is a mobile solution for keeping track of measurements done with a digital caliper, micrometer or any other manual measurement tool. All measurements are stored in the cloud. Scan Fit and Measure is an off-line 2D system for automated measurement and inspection of profile geometry specialized for the aluminum, plastic and medical tube extrusion industries. ALEX Tool Matching is an innovative software solution that saves time and resources of the aluminum extruders who keep an inventory of used backers and boisters with the hope of reusing them.Starting Price: 189 Euro/month -
23
ArCADia BIM
ArCADiasoft
ArCADia is attractively priced, specialized software for the construction industry (ArCADia BIM system) – our programs support the work of construction and installation engineers (AEC) as well as architects and contractors. It allows for the creation of an almost complete digital model of the building with all the installations (water, sewage, electricity, gas, etc) as well as its surroundings. The programs offer collision analysis, calculations, merging of documents, .dwg, IFC, in program libraries and rendering, Support BIM technology, object-oriented architectural design. Ready-made architectural elements: multilayer walls, stairs, bases, columns, chimneys, windows and doors. Comparing and merging documents. Automatic floor entry, support for Teriva ceiling design. Drawing of flat and spatial technical documentation and its writing to the native DWG format characteristic of most CAD applications.Starting Price: $1060/one-time -
24
HiCAD
ISD Group
3D Design and Engineering Software HiCAD is the 2D/3D CAD Software for all-rounders and specialists in the field of engineering and development. The software is adaptable to the needs and size of a company. Small manufacturing companies, medium sized companies with their own product development or large international companies will find the right combination of all necessary functions in one system due to the modular structure of HiCAD. With HiCAD, in addition to industry-relevant functions, you can use both 2D and 3D in a single interface. The use of multiple CAD solutions is a thing of the past. With HiCAD, drawings can be transferred directly to the machine, production, or manufacturing.Starting Price: $4999 -
25
ClearCalcs
ClearCalcs
ClearCalcs is a cloud structural engineering software that enables engineers and designers to streamline their repetitive calculations with easy-to-use calculators for beams, columns, foundations, and more. With calculators available for the US standards, Eurocode, Australian standards, New Zealand standards, and Canadian standards, ClearCalcs is a one-stop shop for improving your productivity and design capability. Calculations can be linked together with one click, saving on time and errors, copy-pasting loads, and reports print to a simple, one-page PDF for easy checking.Starting Price: $79.00 USD / month -
26
Enscape
Enscape
Enscape™ is a real-time rendering and virtual reality plugin for Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Archicad, and Vectorworks. It plugs directly into your modeling software, giving you an integrated visualization and design workflow. As an intuitive design tool, it requires no prior specialized knowledge to use. You can design, document, and visualize simultaneously from one model. It is the easiest and fastest way to turn your building models into immersive 3D experiences. Bring your designs to life and give your clients a design experience like never before. Used by 85 of the top 100 architecture firms worldwide, Enscape empowers your design workflow.Starting Price: $39.90 per month -
27
Analyzer CAD
3dAnalyzerSoftware
Use our built-in library to drag in cabinets to your desired size or draw your own cabinets using AutoCAD 3D Modelling tools. Our software supports all AutoCAD versions with an autoloader mechanism from 2012 onwards. Analyzer CAD Is fully customizable with all parts being editable. You can create an infinite number of cabinets that are only limited by your hardware. Analyzer CAD is designed to be used for kitchens, wardrobes, wall units, office furniture, and custom cabinets. Get the ability to add or remove machines easily, keep track of your seats, more seats, more savings, cancel when ever you like, and cabinets updated regularly! You can draw your own cabinets in AutoCAD, but you cannot add them to the Analyzer CAD library. We can add custom cabinets for you. You can however add cabinets to your own library in AutoCAD as usual. To modify go to 3D tools, ungroup the cabinets and modify using normal AutoCAD tools.Starting Price: $15.27 per month -
28
uMake
uMake
Create beautiful designs, photos, presentations, or 3D models, using a library of content and easy-to-use tools in uMake app for iPhone and iPad. Designing in 3D is now easier than ever. Drag and drop from the content library, or draw precisely using the precision tool. Everything you need is within reach. Create 3D text in seconds, or drag & drop shapes and objects from our vast content library. Already got something? It's a cinch to import file types like SketchUp or OBJ. Rather draw it yourself? Use the freestyle tool to sketch and doodle rapidly in 3D. Let your ideas flow! When precision matters, uMake puts you in control. Draw perfect lines, arcs, and angles, and specify exact dimensions. Push and pull extrusions or cutouts. Chamfer and fillet corners, and loft or revolve curves to create complex 3D surfaces. With intuitive inputs and powerful features, it's easy to model the shapes you envision.Starting Price: $7.99 per month -
29
AutoCAD Mechanical
Autodesk
Design faster with an industry-specific toolset for mechanical engineering, including 700,000+ intelligent parts and features. Isolate and restore layer groups and specify linetypes and lineweights. Update geometry automatically when changes occur. Minimize manual redraws. Produce accurate drawings with standard components. Efficiently analyze designs, including shaft, spring, belt, chain, and cam generators. Detail native Inventor part and assembly models. Use intelligent drafting tools made for mechanical design. Custom content library and publishing. Create and save custom content. Preview fillet, chamfer, and offset commands. Take the power of AutoCAD® wherever you go. Smart mechanical engineering dimensions. Create dimensions using abbreviated dialog boxes. 2D DWG with a view of the standards tab on the open options panel. Support for international drafting standards. Deliver standards-based design documentation.Starting Price: $220 per month -
30
ConnectCAD
Vectorworks
ConnectCAD is built on Vectorworks Spotlight, you can take advantage of the flexible and robust design and documentation capabilities that make Spotlight the industry standard. With an extensive manufacturer library and a customizable 2D/3D hybrid environment, rest assured you have everything you need to design with confidence. Use ConnectCAD to work seamlessly not only with the rest of your team, but with event planners and other project stakeholders as well. Collaboration has never been easier.Starting Price: $153 per month
