CAD Software Reviews and Ratings

This is for better or worse the industry standard of Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, and for good reasons. It's the most widely used and best CAD tool there is. The software improves slightly with each new version, though files and designs made are mostly backwards compatible. However, I find that in each new version, the improvements and new features are not that important any more, i.e. the developers are running out of new really useful ideas with a few exceptions (for example, in the 2024 version, the Hatch command works much better, there are new useful feautres such as Smatblocks which are AI assisted, a new File tab and an updated trace palette and there are also performance improvements in file opening and when for example when hovering over complicated designs there are no more freezes. The software is still probably the most feature rich in the market, anything from the most minute detail of an automotive component can be designed, to a complete 5 star hotel design (even though there are much better tools for building design). I have mostly used it personally for 2D design but it can also be used for 3D design. These days, there are also apps available for Android and IOS based phones and tablets which can be really useful for professionals on the go, on job sites, client meetings, presentations etc. Industry support is also the best both from official sources and from forums (used by professionals of each sector but also amateurs). Furthermore, the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence in the assistant improves practical support. Certain designs can be obtained for free online from different sites by downloading .dwg file formats (there are also more complex / specific paid designs).

Catia is a great product. Models we receive from it work seamlessly across all other non-Catia users.

SketchUp is such a powerful product. This is the best software for 3D modelling, it is also too much time saving for Engineers, architects & interior designers. We can work very precisely and smoothly. the interface is also pretty cool and easy to understand & handle, light size. New professionals can also be perfect in a short period of time. we can import various types of files. the service and support are also very helpful.

The overall experience is exceptional as it helps in creating and working on complex to complex 3D CAD models and also for creating the 2D drawings for those complex assemblies much efficiently without any major lag or hanging up of the computer system.

For over 13 years, I have relied on Solid Edge throughout my career, finding its user-friendly interface very useful in creating 3D models for new parts, sheet metal components, assembly of complex structures, welments and drafting. Solid edge delivers consistently on the functionality I need.

AutoCAD LT is the best 2D design software in the market. It is easy to teach AutoCAD LT and learn it as it is very user friendly as it comes with online documentation. Those who know this software get placements quickly as they stand out from others.

We use the product to introduce our students to the world of CAD. The product has a plethora of options and applicability to a variety of majors on our campus.

Working with OnShape is a great experience. The client can use fluid ,not something I could say about Solidworks or AutoCAD. It is completely included and not stressing over records, utilizing the built-in cloud integration is extraordinary. I would not spare a moment to prescribe OnShape to anybody keen on getting CAD or even little CAD shops.

Siemens NX is the one of the powerful products for CAD, CAM CAE analysis. I have been using this software for the last 1 year. There are a wide range of tools for 3D modeling, like prometric, synchronous & freedom surface modeling. we can also perform various types of simulation and analysis through this product like structural analysis, thermal analysis, fluid flow simulation etc. this product is also allowing us to work on the same project simultaneously so we can ensure that we securely manage and control throughout the project lifecycle.

Fusion 360 is one of the best CAD design & modelling software on the cloud. Rendering is great. Possible to also do unified PCB designs.

Autodesk Inventor is a great 3D parametric modelling CAD software. It is a great software for complex assembly files that have multiple components.

BricsCAD is a very good program alternative, easy to use, easy to learn and also costs a lot less than the other CAD software's.

I had to deploy this software. The licensing is straight forward and scalable. However the only thing is you have to renew every year.

I work as a research and development manager in the design team, this is the best tool to convert the file from one software to another software, I develop the frame into solid work and for the surface modeling I use the catia, so I need to convert the file from SLDprt to Catpart and for the simulation I use Ansys. so the same 3D model converts into the 3 different file formats at that time CAD Exchanger works well.

As far as it goes for 3D modelling and drawing creation this is program is the best as it has advanced capabilities for creating very accurate designs and high quality 2D drawings