Civil 3D vs. Xref Comparison Chart

Autodesk AutoCAD is the world’s leading 2D and 3D CAD software, trusted by millions of architects, engineers, and construction professionals. It provides precision tools to design, draft, and document complex projects across industries. The 2026 version introduces Autodesk AI, enabling automated drafting, smart block recognition, and real-time collaboration through Autodesk Docs. With customizable workspaces, AutoLISP automation, and access to over 1,000 apps, users can streamline every stage of their design workflow. AutoCAD also offers seven specialized industry toolsets that boost productivity by up to 63%, from architecture to electrical and mechanical design. Available on desktop, web, and mobile, AutoCAD empowers professionals to design anywhere with confidence and efficiency.

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

SOLIDWORKS is the industry-standard 3D CAD and product development solution, trusted by millions of designers and engineers worldwide. For over 30 years, SOLIDWORKS has empowered innovators to transform ideas into real, manufacturable products through intuitive modeling, simulation, and collaboration tools. The 2026 release introduces groundbreaking capabilities including AI-powered drawing automation, fastener recognition, and the AURA AI virtual companion. Integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it enables seamless cloud collaboration and data-driven decision-making. From startups to global manufacturers, users rely on SOLIDWORKS to accelerate design cycles, improve accuracy, and reduce time to market. It’s the complete ecosystem for taking any product from concept to production.

Ideal for civil construction, heavy/highway, utility, grading, excavating, paving, and pipeline contractors, this comprehensive yet user-friendly program flows like an estimator thinks. Efficient - Flexible - Detailed Estimating with an Ease of Use. Bid the way you want when you want with the SharpeSoft Cloud. Advanced features include Item Masters for saving entire bid items for easy reuse, importing DOT job bid items, the Trench Profiler for quick and accurate underground utility material takeoffs, and Material/Subcontractor Comparison sheets for quick and effortless importing and analyzing vendor pricing. Summary Sheet to easily see cost and apply markup by % or $ amount; our SharpeSoft Estimator has a robust rounding sheet to close out your bid, automatically re-allocate money, or move money where you want. The Estimator offers imports and exports and reports on demand.

HCSS provides easy-to-use software built for construction companies that want to win more work, work smarter, and boost profits. For nearly 40 years, we've helped heavy civil contractors, infrastructure builders, and utility companies improve operations, from estimating and project management to field tracking, equipment maintenance, and safety. Tools like HeavyBid, HeavyJob, and HCSS Safety are built for the field and designed to work together, giving your team real-time visibility, tighter cost control, and better job outcomes. With 45+ accounting integrations and customizable APIs, HCSS fits seamlessly into your tech stack. We regularly update our software based on feedback from real crews, ensuring it fits the way your team works. Backed by award-winning 24/7/365 support and a proven implementation process, HCSS helps reduce risk, cut inefficiencies, and deliver fast ROI. If you're ready to grow your business and gain a competitive edge, HCSS is the partner that gets you there.

Newforma empowers over 4M professionals and 1,500 AECO firms worldwide by revolutionizing Project Information Management. We transform vast amounts of project data into a meticulously organized, easily accessible, and fully searchable resource—all from a single, centralized platform. From pre-construction to years after completion, Newforma ensures you have the critical information you need at every stage of your projects. With over 50 integrations with the industry's most widely used applications and two decades of expertise, Newforma is your trusted partner in elevating project delivery through unparalleled information management.

InEight offers integrated project controls software built for capital construction. The modular platform is integrated to support flexible implementation and is architected for scalability. Purpose-built applications manage all project phases, from accurate pre-planning to predictable execution and completion. By connecting cost, schedule, contracts, and project information in one platform, teams gain real-time visibility and advanced analytics to make smarter decisions. Trusted by 850+ companies and used to manage over $1 trillion in projects worldwide, InEight supports industries including infrastructure, transportation, mining, water, power and renewables, nuclear, oil, gas, and chemical. With InEight, teams can improve project delivery, modernize operations, standardize best practices, manage budgets and forecasts, control scope changes, enhance collaboration, and gain the clarity to keep even the most complex capital projects on track.

Bidtracer has been built specifically for the MEP/BAC industry for both construction and service side including but not limited to CRM, Bid Management, Invitation to Bid, BAC Estimating, BAC Engineering, Project Management, Service Agreement, Service Work Orders, Service Repair, Service Projects all built natively in the cloud. Estimating/engineering established live pricing with numerous manufacturers such as JCI, Distech Controls, ABB, Carrier, ALC and many peripheral distributors such as Kele, Alps, Belimo, Siral, Bray. If you haven’t imported it yet, we can import it multiple times throughout the year. Our system caters to businesses of all sizes and accommodates users from various roles such as: estimators, engineers, PMs, sales, executive, and field workers. It includes rich reporting features with customizable reports, charts, and graphs to enable companies to analyze their data in real-time.

Houzz Pro is the #1 construction management solution for residential contractors and designers. Get an all-in-one solution that spans the full customer lifecycle, including marketing, CRM, estimates, takeoffs, 3D floor plans, project management, selections, online invoicing & payments, QuickBooks integration, and a client portal. Start a free trial today to see why thousands of Pros trust Houzz Pro to grow & manage their business. Plans are available for all business sizes starting at $149/month.

Plexxis serves subcontractors who seek tight team cohesion and high performance backed and fully supported by knowledgeable in-house services. Coupling cloud construction management software, on-premise and hosted solutions, we unite operations, estimating, accounting and field apps on a single technology stack that enables live feedback between bidding, field and finance. With more than 30 years of experience, our solutions have been uniquely shaped to serve subcontractors ONLY. As a result, we have a first-hand understanding that the communications between your systems, spreadsheets, and apps MUST be transparent... and that means moving PAST integration to create a seamless and efficient environment for projects management, accounting, estimating and production. With Plexxis, there are NO “bolt-ons” and no requirement to purchase outside systems. We simply deliver a high-efficiency workflow across all specialty subcontractors’ functions - simply.