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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    ActCAD Software

    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,Automotive
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    Starting Price: $249.00/one-time/user
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  • 2
    4MCAD
    4MCAD is a 2D drafting and 3D modelling CAD software. It is a reliable and low-cost AutoCAD like software platform. More specifically, it is powered by IntelliCAD and ODA, providing 2D/3D CAD Complete Design, Raster Image support, Rendering, BIM/IFC import, AEC objects modelling, VBA support, PDF 2 DWG conversion, rich block libraries and a lot of other advanced key features.
    Starting Price: $60 per user
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    BricsCAD

    BricsCAD

    Bricsys

    BricsCAD the first all-in-one CAD design solution in .dwg that answers all your needs; 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and BIM. The BricsCAD® family of products brings a cost-effective, multi-platform CAD solution to Windows, macOS, and Linux. BricsCAD is available as a permanent/perpetual license, for networked or stand-alone computers. You can also add All-In Maintenance for ease of keeping up-to-date. • BricsCAD® is available on a rental (a.k.a. “Subscription”) plan if you wish. • Familiarity for other CAD users and full LISP support can help reduce a new BricsCAD® users’ learning curve to a day or less. • Advanced multi-threading takes advantage of today’s high-performance processor chips • Innovative machine learning tools increase drawing accuracy while saving time • The small install footprint and high performance of BricsCAD® point to our constant focus on quality and modern software design.
    Starting Price: $330/user/year
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    ARES Commander
    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
  • 5
    Alibre Design
    Alibre Design is a 3D modeling, analysis, manufacturing documentation, rendering, and publishing platform. It is used in every industry to take products from idea to revision to production. It can help your business to design everything from consumer products to wind turbines. An efficient and customizable user interface that lets you work like you want with helpful hints. A fast and precise sketching environment that captures design intent and makes changes easy. Robust and fully parametric 3D modeling tools and easy workflows speed up part creation. A dedicated sheet metal environment with tools just for sheet good design and easy flat pattern creation. A dedicated sheet metal environment with tools just for sheet good design and easy flat pattern creation. An automatically generated bill of materials that supports design data, physical properties, and dimensions.
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    VisualARQ
    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
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    ArCADia BIM

    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
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    HydroMan

    HydroMan

    Paro Software

    We aim to be the #1 of design software solutions in the world of hydraulics. We create hydraulic design software products and services that are easy to use, efficient, and of the highest quality, leaving 100% of our customers satisfied with the design of their hydraulic system. HydroMan is a complete 3D hydraulic manifold design software package for the rapid design of complex hydraulic manifolds, and is equally effective for simpler designs. HydroMan is well-organized, efficient and extremely easy to use. With HydroMan, you can quickly and easily produce an error-free manifold design. HydroMan is intended for the 3D design of your hydraulic manifold. It is a dedicated, stand-alone software solution with all the tools to help you to draw a flawless hydraulic manifold, however complex or simple the manifold. Design your hydraulic manifold in no time. You do not need training or extensive knowledge of CAD-type software to use HydroMan.
    Starting Price: $325 per user, per month
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