ActCAD 2020 Professional
- Windows deployment option
- Webinar and documentation training
- Support available online and during business hours
Developed by Jytra Technology Solutions, ActCAD 2020 Professional is a 2D drafting and 3D modeling CAD software. The software is suitable for a range of engineers, architects and technical consultants. Its features include:
- Native support for PDFs (opening and editing)
- Block Editor for simplified block editing
- Built-in System Variable Manager
- Tool palettes
- Batch file converter, units converter and image to DXF converter
ActCAD 2020 Professional has add-ons and productivity tools that can be used across technical domains, such as Block Libraries for civil, mechanical, electrical and other types of engineers. It supports common file formats, such as STL, OBJ, 2D PDF, 3D PDF and SVG.
There are three licensing options available: key-based, dongle-based and network-floating. Users who purchase a key-based license for $299 instantly receive their license key via email, while users who purchase a dongle-based license for $349 are sent a USB drive by mail. Both can be activated online or offline. The network-floating license for $399 allows multiple computers to use ActCAD at one time over a LAN connection.
Pros & Cons
ActCAD boasts a comparable feature set to some bigger name CAD systems at an affordable price. However, the software lacks third-party integrations, which may be crucial in specialized industries that rely on external platforms.
Pros
- Broad feature set
- Affordable
Cons
- Lacks third-party integrations
What Customers Are Saying
ActCAD has earned praise for being cost-effective but not too lean on features. One user says, “It offers everything that is much more expensive [from competitors]. Working with drawings is efficient thanks to additional applications or proprietary commands.”
Summary
Features
- Windows deployment option
- Webinar and documentation training
- Support available online and during business hours
Altium Designer
- Web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- Webinar and documentation training
- Chat support available
Backed by over 30 years of R&D experience, Altium offers tools that help designers manage complex projects and create functional final products. Its printed circuit board (PCB) design software, Altium Designer, includes features such as:
- Altium 365 cloud services
- Assignable user roles and permissions
- Component library with real-time data
- Interoperability with leading MCAD suites, including SOLIDWORKS, Inventor and Creo
- Annual updates
Altium Designer contains all necessary functions to design a PCB, including running simulations. The software has a hierarchical navigation system, with nested levels to navigate through all components. Users can create detailed 3D models and control variables such as surface roughness, etch factor and flex zones.
Altium offers two buying options: a limited-time license for $250 per month/$2,995 per year (one year minimum) and a perpetual license for $9,890 (or 12 installments of $745). A free trial is also available.
Pros & Cons
Altium Designer contains a multitude of PCB and electronics design features, allowing high-quality visualizations of circuit boards and their components that makes library and project management simple. However, the software has a considerable learning curve, and it doesn’t provide some of the in-depth reports found in other CAD software.
Pros
- Feature-rich
- High-quality visualizations
- Intuitive library and project management
Cons
- Learning curve
- Limited analytics/reporting
What Customers Are Saying
Altium Designer’s feature set has been a game changer for some, with one user saying, “The 3D CAD integration has been an absolutely killer feature for my company. Several projects literally could not have gone to market without it.”
Summary
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Free Trial/Demo
Six months free trial
-
Analytics Reporting
no
-
3rd Party Integrations
no
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- Webinar and documentation training
- Chat support available
Ansys Discovery SpaceClaim
- Windows deployment option
- Live online, webinar, documentation and in-person training
- Support available online and during business hours
Founded in 1970, Ansys develops world-class simulation technology to help users turn design concepts into successful products. Ansys SpaceClaim is a multipurpose modeling software geared toward engineers seeking a more intuitive tool than traditional CAD systems. Its features include:
- Design and concept modeling
- Reverse engineering tools
- Advanced simulation and analysis
- Model prep for manufacturing
- 3D printing-optimized files
Designers can create parts, assemblies and drawings to a precise set of technical specifications, and the software has tools to automatically construct surfaces as well as modify and recreate complex geometry. Simplified model simulations allow engineers to quickly validate and analyze design concepts. It also allows them to create, edit and optimize models for 3D printers.
Ansys offers both a free trial and demo of SpaceClaim. For specific pricing, new customers can request a quote.
Pros & Cons
Ansys SpaceClaim provides a more streamlined work experience for designers who aren’t as technically knowledgeable about CAD systems, making it useful for quick, effective modeling. The software struggles with certain complex functions, such as importing large assemblies and numbers of parts.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quick designing
What Customers Are Saying
SpaceClaim’s combined ease of use and functionality have earned praise from several users, including one who said, “I use SpaceClaim to design everything from simple plastic parts to highly complex mechanical systems. I still consider myself an intermediate user as there is much functionality that I have yet to utilize.”
Summary
Ansys Discovery SpaceClaim
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Free Trial/Demo
Free trial
-
Analytics Reporting
no
-
3rd Party Integrations
no
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Windows deployment option
- Live online, webinar, documentation and in-person training
- Support available online and during business hours
BricsCAD
- Mac, Windows, web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- Documentation and in-person training
- Support available online and during business hours
Created by Bricsys NV, BricsCAD is a CAD program that employs modern technologies to make 2D drafting and 3D modeling faster and easier. Its features include:
- 800 standard 3D model parts
- 2D and 3D parametric constraints
- Customizable menus and toolbars
- In-session collaborative tools, file sharing and change tracking
- WYSIWYG text editor
- Ability to export PDF, DWF and SVG files
BricsCAD is powered by machine learning technologies that speed up and automate workflows. BricsCAD AI tools can recognize patterns of user behavior and adjust to optimize 2D drawings and 3D models. The software also integrates with over 400 third-party applications for data exchange, GIS, HVAC design, landscaping and other technical areas.
BricsCAD’s pricing structure is highly flexible. There are six plans — Classic, Pro, Platinum, Mechanical, BIM and Ultimate. The final price of each depends on the subscription length. One-year plans range from $410-$1,500, three-year plans range from $1,100-$4,180 and lifetime plans range from $845-$2,665. The company offers single, volume and network licenses.
Pros & Cons
With hundreds of third-party integrations, BricsCAD boasts a constantly expanding feature set backed by a receptive customer support team. The software can perform large-scale analyses at blazing fast speeds. It lacks a product data management API, and former AutoCAD users may struggle to break old habits where interface similarities exist.
Pros
- Fast
- Full-featured
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- No API for product data management
- Adjustment period for AutoCAD users
What Customers Are Saying
BricsCAD receives glowing reviews for its continuous development. One user reports, “In 2005 I found the program lacking many features, but the development rate is so fast that every day that goes by I find it harder to find something missing that I would need, hundreds of new things get added in every release.”
Summary
-
Free Trial/Demo
30-day free trial
-
Analytics Reporting
yes
-
3rd Party Integrations
no
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Mac, Windows, web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- Documentation and in-person training
- Support available online and during business hours
CADMATE
- Web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- In-person training
- Support available online and during business hours
Hexagon’s CADWorx is a product family of 3D design and visualization solutions for structural modeling and technical analysis. CADWorx Structure is the most design-oriented software option. Its features include:
- Native support for dimensioning and annotations
- Industry-standard import/export formats
- Component libraries in both imperial and metric units
- Accurate, user-configurable bills for project materials
CADWorx Structure can be run alongside CADWorx Plant, a software solution for plant design and automation. Structure is also compatible with other products in the CADWorx family, such as CAESAR II for piping models, and it provides analytical tools like clash detection to ensure structurally sound models.
Hexagon does not offer a free trial or demo. New customers must request a quote for specific pricing information.
Pros & Cons
CADWorx offers scalability and piping spec accuracy, making it useful for a variety of industrial applications. Generating reports can be more time-consuming than with other CAD systems.
What Customers Are Saying
CADWorx has earned a positive reputation for plant design. One user says that it’s “a proven platform with dedicated support and Coade/Hexagon have invested to ensure the piping specs are accurate.”
Summary
-
Free Trial/Demo
30-day free trial
-
Analytics Reporting
no
-
3rd Party Integrations
no
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- In-person training
- Support available online and during business hours
CATIA
- Windows, Mac, web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- Webinar, live online and documentation training
- Support available online and during business hours
CATIA is a product-oriented CAD program offered by Dassault Systèmes. Its features include:
- 3DEXPERIENCE advanced modeling and simulation
- Accessible dashboards and collaboration options
- Integrations with popular design tools and processes
CATIA is designed for use in industries such as construction, systems engineering and product development. Its product styling capabilities include 3D sketching, Class-A modeling to 3D printing, reverse engineering and visualizations. Mechanical engineers can evaluate products in the development phase with insights from digital prototyping, analysis and simulation.
For specific pricing information, prospective customers can contact the sales department or request a quote.
Pros & Cons
Few CAD systems have as robust 3D modeling and 2D drawing capabilities as CATIA, and it also works well with assemblies for highly detailed projects. Unfortunately, the software may be difficult to use compared to other CAD programs.
Pros
- Extensive 3D design tools
- Precise 2D drawing tools
- Works well for assemblies
What Customers Are Saying
CATIA’s 3D modeling frequently receives positive mention. “If one wants to develop 3D models at a rapid pace along with illustrations, then CATIA is a good option,” writes one user. According to another, “CATIA is probably the most preferred 3D modeling tool in the automotive and aerospace industries.”
Summary
-
Free Trial/Demo
Not available
-
Analytics Reporting
no
-
3rd Party Integrations
no
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Windows, Mac, web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- Webinar, live online and documentation training
- Support available online and during business hours
CorelCAD
- Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad and Android deployment options
- Webinar and documentation training
- Support available online and during business hours
Corel’s CorelCAD 2020 software is a professional yet simplified CAD solution. Its features include:
- Industry-standard compatibility with DWG, STL, PDF and CDR file formats
- Collaboration and project-sharing tools
- Compatibility with major CAD programs
- CorelCAD Mobile for iOS and Android devices
CorelCAD 2020 contains both 2D drafting and 3D modeling tools. Adaptable 2D drafts enable custom block building using the Block Editor, dimensional constraint creation and object duplication along a specified path. Users can manage components like blocks, styles and images to construct 3D models for specific technological, engineering and manufacturing applications. They can also add annotations, messages or instructions to projects.
CorelCAD 2020 costs $699 to own indefinitely, and owners of previous versions can upgrade for $199. Corel offers a 30-day, fully functional free trial.
Pros & Cons
CorelCAD boasts a high degree of interoperability with major CAD programs such as AutoCAD, and it simplifies the process of creating technical sheets and drawings. On the other hand, 3D modeling functionality is somewhat limited.
Pros
- Highly interoperable
- Easy creation of technical sheets and drawings
What Customers Are Saying
CorelCAD’s 2D drawing functionality is highlighted often, with one user saying, “CorelCAD is ideally suited for creating mechanical 2D drawings for metal parts and assemblies. It is equally suited for architectural drawings.”
Summary
-
Free Trial/Demo
15-day free trial
-
Analytics Reporting
no
-
3rd Party Integrations
no
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad and Android deployment options
- Webinar and documentation training
- Support available online and during business hours
Creo
- Windows, web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- Live online, webinar, documentation and in-person training
- Support available during business hours
Created by PTC, Creo 7.0 is an innovative CAD solution for product design and development. Its features include:
- Sheet metal, mechanism and plastic part design tools
- Parametric and freestyle surfacing
- Multi-CAD collaboration
- Legacy data migration
Creo’s generative design capability can improve the quality of designs by optimizing output based on the user’s engineering and manufacturing criteria, such as weight and durability. The software enables real-time computational fluid dynamics simulations without exiting the Creo environment.
PTC offers five different software packages: Design Essentials, Design Advanced, Design Advanced Plus, Design Premium and Design Premium Plus. Design packages start at $2,430 and can be upgraded at any time. The company offers a 30-day, fully functional free trial.
Pros & Cons
Creo boasts a highly functional design package for drawing, modeling and simulation, and the ability to create custom templates makes it flexible enough to use across industries. With so many features, the interface can be difficult to navigate.
Pros
- Modeling functionality
- Custom template creation
What Customers Are Saying
Versatility is one of Creo’s strong points, according to customers like this one: ”PTC Creo is flexible software for part modeling, which helps in solving real-time problems we encounter. Design models can be created more effectively for complex shapes with freestyle capabilities.”
Summary
-
Free Trial/Demo
Not available
-
Analytics Reporting
yes
-
3rd Party Integrations
yes
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Windows, web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- Live online, webinar, documentation and in-person training
- Support available during business hours
DesignSpark
- Windows deployment option
- Live online and documentation training
- Support available online and during business hours
DesignSpark is a global platform providing resources for engineers of all kinds — from financially limited startups to bigger businesses. DesignSpark offers Mechanical CAD, a conceptual design program that’s more accessible than traditional CAD software. Features include:
- Integration with existing workflows
- Access to components library with 3D models from a variety of suppliers
- Industry-standard file formats
- Customizable shortcuts, design views, application color scheme and interface
- Bill-of-Materials generation using live price and stock information
Mechanical CAD’s development environment is suitable for initial design stages as well as final production. Supplementary resources such as a product data library, community website and ECAD part wizard are available to engineers.
Mechanical CAD is free to download and use, but new users must create a DesignSpark account. There are also premium add-on modules available for extended functionality.
Pros & Cons
DesignSpark Mechanical CAD is an easy-to-use, fast design solution, which is great for students or independent designers who need capability more than complexity. Free video tutorials and resources are available online. However, it lacks some features of more powerful CAD software.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Fast run speed
- Video tutorials and resources
What Customers Are Saying
The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of DesignSpark Mechanical CAD are popular with users. One says, “We needed a fast and easy-to-use model-based design system for the early development of an energy storage system. We evaluated a number of products and DesignSpark was the best for our needs.”
Summary
-
Free Trial/Demo
30-day free trial
-
Analytics Reporting
no
-
3rd Party Integrations
no
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Windows deployment option
- Live online and documentation training
- Support available online and during business hours
EnSuite
- Windows deployment option
- Documentation training
- Support available online
Offered by CCE, a provider of advanced CAD interoperability technology, EnSuite makes 3D CAD data accessible to a variety of stakeholders, regardless of the CAD system used to create it. Its features include:
- Viewing support for all major native CAD and standard formats
- Broad organizational access
- No specific CAD authoring system required
EnSuite allows users to measure distances and dimensions, compute masses and volumes, compare parts and assemblies and from CAD files without obtaining a license for — and learning how to use — individual CAD systems. It also includes custom productivity apps that allow users to automate purchasing, manufacturing, engineering and other processes using relevant information extracted from CAD files.
A subscription for EnSuite’s full version costs $3,670 per year, while EnSuite-Lite costs $1,045 per year but has fewer features. EnSuite-Cloud, a cloud-based version, is free but has a significantly limited feature set.
Pros & Cons
EnSuite is a user-friendly program that allows any member of an organization to view and pull data from CAD files, which is useful for managers, executives and personnel unfamiliar with complex CAD software. Beyond the CAD file viewer, much of EnSuite’s functionality is redundant.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Ability to open files regardless of format
What Customers Are Saying
EnSuite has received positive reviews for being layman-friendly, with one user saying, “My overall experience with EnSuite is a good one. … The ease of use for a non-CAD professional and the ability to translate multiple CAD file types makes this program very versatile and an extremely useful tool in my business.”
Summary
-
Free Trial/Demo
3-day free trial
-
Analytics Reporting
yes
-
3rd Party Integrations
no
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Windows deployment option
- Documentation training
- Support available online
GeoHECRAS
- Windows deployment option
- Documentation, webinar and live online training
- Support available online and during business hours
GeoHECRAS is a hydrologic modeling and visualization program developed by software engineering company CivilGEO, Inc. Its features include:
- AutoCAD, MicroStation and ESRI ArcGIS compatibility
- Existing data import
- Simultaneous project display using the Multiple Document Interface (MDI)
- Unlimited undo and redo
- Integrations with cloud-based mapping services
GeoHECRAS users can click and drag to manipulate all model elements, such as cross sections, roadway crossings and ineffective flow areas. The software works with source material from Google or Bing online maps as well as high-resolution aerial imagery files, and completed HEC-RAS models can be exported to CAD and GIS systems. Cross section plots, cross section tables, profile plots, profile tables, time series graphs and other reporting functions are available and updated with changes to the model.
Customers must request a quote for specific pricing, but the company does provide a downloadable free trial as well as several licensing options: Single, Concurrent and Enterprise.
Pros & Cons
GeoHECRAS saves hydraulic engineers time by allowing them to import maps, photographs and other topographical data from online sources, including Google and Bing. CivilGEO’s customer service is also helpful. Conversely, the software can’t generate a Bill of Materials, and the annual maintenance fee is costly.
Pros
- Time-saving
- Combined GIS and CAD functionality
- Helpful customer support
Cons
- Can't generate a BoM
- High annual maintenance fee
What Customers Are Saying
Many users are satisfied with the time and effort saved by using GeoHECRAS. One notes, “The software has allowed our company to provide more detail data for our clients in a more timely and efficient manner.”
Summary
-
Free Trial/Demo
Not available
-
Analytics Reporting
no
-
3rd Party Integrations
no
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Windows deployment option
- Documentation, webinar and live online training
- Support available online and during business hours
MATLAB
- Windows and Mac deployment options
- Live online, webinar and documentation training
- Support available online and during business hours
MATLAB is provided by MathWorks, an American corporation specializing in mathematical computing software. MATLAB can be used to analyze data, develop algorithms and create models. Features include:
- Professionally developed toolboxes
- Scalable analyses
- Production-ready code output
- Integration with Simulink’s Model-Based Design
For advanced visualizations, MATLAB can be used in conjunction with the Simulink product family, which includes programs like Simscape Multibody, a comprehensive mechanical design environment that enables engineers to model systems using blocks to represent essential components — e.g., bodies, joints and sensors — or import entire CAD assemblies.
MathWorks offers a 30-day free trial of MATLAB as well as its other products. Customers can purchase an annual license for $860 per year or perpetual license for $2,150. They can also request a quote or contact the sales department if unsure which products are appropriate for their needs.
Pros & Cons
MATLAB boasts an extremely high level of functionality — about any mathematical function necessary can be performed using the software, and help documentation outlines how to use these functions correctly. The learning curve is steep, and Simulink products, as well as many downloadable modules, come at an additional cost.
Pros
- Extremely high functionality
- Help documentation
Cons
- Separate licensing fee for Simulink products
What Customers Are Saying
MATLAB users express appreciation for the software’s vast analytical abilities. “MATLAB has a long list of useful commands,” one user says. “With these commands, one can edit text, solve complicated math problems, process images, and many more applications. Basically, any problem that is in some way related to numbers can be implemented in MATLAB.”
Summary
-
Free Trial/Demo
30-day free trial
-
Analytics Reporting
yes
-
3rd Party Integrations
no
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Windows and Mac deployment options
- Live online, webinar and documentation training
- Support available online and during business hours
Onshape
- Web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- Live online, webinar and documentation training
- Support available online and during business hours
Onshape is a web-based CAD software system. It’s optimized for product design and relies on cloud computing technology. Features include:
- Standard content libraries
- Import/export support in industry-standard file formats
- Intelligent customization options
- Product data management
- Multiplatform accessibility
Onshape’s Parametric Modeling 2.0 offers tools like multipart and in-context design absent from older CAD systems. Designers can manage configuration via small separate tables instead of a single one containing all parameter data. The software allows real-time design review, simultaneous editing and other collaboration options, and it can run on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices with a modern browser.
There are three pricing plans available: Standard, Professional and Enterprise. The Standard and Professional plans cost $1,500 and $2,100 annually per user, respectively. For Enterprise pricing, customers must request a quote. They can also request a free trial of the Professional plan.
Pros & Cons
Onshape boasts a cloud-powered CAD platform that’s accessible by any member of an organization, from anywhere with an internet connection. Its collaborative tools make distributed workflows easy to manage. However, it lacks some of the features of traditional CAD software, and there’s no trial version for Enterprise clients.
Pros
- No installation
- Remote and mobile device access
- Easy collaboration
What Customers Are Saying
Onshape users often cite the benefits of working on a cloud-based platform. “Onshape is very good for collaborating with others outside of your organization,” one user remarks. “If you are a small company, Onshape is about the only game in town for team based development.”
Summary
-
Free Trial/Demo
14-day free trial
-
Analytics Reporting
yes
-
3rd Party Integrations
yes
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- Live online, webinar and documentation training
- Support available online and during business hours
Solidworks
- Windows, Mac, web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- Webinar, documentation and in-person training
- Support available online and during business hours
SOLIDWORKS is a versatile software suite offered by Dassault Systèmes. The 2D and 3D CAD products feature:
- Extensive drafting and modeling capabilities
- Support for any kind of 2D or 3D DWG file
- Familiar interface for transitioning AutoCAD users
- Community resources and learning tools
SOLIDWORKS enables product designers to progress from drafting to modeling using a highly customizable interface. Users can create, share, validate and modify projects to prepare for end-stage production with SOLIDWORKS CAM or another manufacturing solution.
Dassault Systèmes offers a free demo of its software. For specific pricing information, prospective customers can contact the sales department or request a quote.
Pros & Cons
SOLIDWORKS is good for fast, high-quality 3D design creation, with photorealistic rendering of final products. The software is extensible and integrates well with other tools for fluid dynamics, stress testing, 3D printing and other applications. However, there’s no free trial available.
Pros
- Fast 3D design creation
- Excellent photorealistic rendering
- Many third-party integrations
What Customers Are Saying
SOLIDWORKS is recognized as one of the CAD industry’s leading software solutions, and users such as this one agree: “SOLIDWORKS has become the industry standard from what I can tell from the tech jobs I have worked at. It is pretty easy to get acquainted with and has lots of functionality.”
Summary
Features
- Windows, Mac, web-based, cloud and SaaS deployment options
- Webinar, documentation and in-person training
- Support available online and during business hours
TinkerCAD
- Web-based deployment option
- Online training resources
- Email support available
Created with ease of use in mind, Autodesk, Inc.’s Tinkercad is a browser-based CAD program. Its features include:
- Simple web interface
- Drag-and-drop 3D design
- Free classes and lesson plans
Tinkercad users can sign up for an account to access, and add to, its library of community-generated 3D designs. Designers, makers, hobbyists, teachers and kids use the platform to create prototypes, home décor, jewelry, toys and other products. Users can also have their designs manufactured through Tinkercad’s partnership with the 3D printing company Shapeways.
Tinkercad is free to use and works with any modern web browser.
Pros & Cons
Fun, free and sporting an easy-to-use interface, Tinkercad can be used for adults’ creative projects and as a STEM teaching tool for kids. It’s compatible with 3D printing and 3D printing services, allowing designs to be brought to life. As a web-based platform, it lacks much of the functionality of full-fledged CAD software.
Pros
- Free to use
- Compatible with 3D printing
- Good for beginners
What Customers Are Saying
Tinkercad earns praise for being a great introductory tool to 3D design and modeling. “I would recommend the program to anyone who wants an introduction to a simple CAD program,” one user states. “I have had students start with me in Tinkercad and eventually work their way up in skill and purchase other Autodesk products because of the enjoyment and opportunity that Tinkercad provided.”
Summary
-
Free Trial/Demo
Free
-
Analytics Reporting
no
-
3rd Party Integrations
no
-
Collaboration Tools
yes
Features
- Web-based deployment option
- Online training resources
- Email support available
