Alternatives to hamwiCAD
Compare hamwiCAD alternatives for your business or organization using the curated list below. SourceForge ranks the best alternatives to hamwiCAD in 2026. Compare features, ratings, user reviews, pricing, and more from hamwiCAD competitors and alternatives in order to make an informed decision for your business.
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1
MicroStation
Bentley Systems
MicroStation is the trusted CAD software purpose-built for the design, modeling, and management of global infrastructure projects. Known for its extreme scalability, MicroStation empowers engineering professionals to deliver precise 2D and 3D deliverables for projects of any size or complexity. A key differentiator is its industry-leading interoperability; users can integrate a massive variety of data types, including DWG, IFC, and SHP, without the need for risky data conversions or translations. By providing a single environment for various project elements, it ensures secure and effective deliverables across the entire project lifecycle. Whether you are an engineer, architect, or GIS professional, MicroStation provides the flexibility and power needed to turn a vision into a sustainable reality while maintaining the highest standards of data integrity. -
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,Automotive -
3
SOLIDWORKS
Dassault Systèmes
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. -
4
AutoCAD
Autodesk
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.Starting Price: $1,268 per user per year -
5
ProtaSteel
Prota Software
ProtaSteel allows structural engineers and detailers to perform automated steel connection design and produce high quality steel detail drawings in minutes. Take models designed in ProtaStructure directly into ProtaSteel and save hours with automated design of a comprehensive range of bolted and welded steel connections of your choice. Visualize and coordinate your models in 3D, add ancillary steelwork, and fully quantify and value engineer your projects. Significantly reduce design and detailing time by automatically producing high quality engineering drawings for all steelwork and connection details. Increase your design teams productivity and business project profitability. Save valuable project management time by coordinating your projects with other leading BIM platforms including Tekla Structures and Revit. -
6
Caddie
Caddie Limited
2D draughting and 3D modelling software for the construction and engineering industries. Caddie combines accurate drawing with GIS information (SG Diagrams, Satellite Imagery, ArcGIS content, Open Streetmap information etc.) in many different projections allowing users to create working drawings, 3D models and photo-realistic renders of their schemes. Caddie uses the industry standard .DWG format for storing drawings and can be licenced for single user, multiple user or cloud licenced. Caddie includes vertical applications for Architecture (2D and 3D), Civils, Digital Terrain Modelling, GIS, Landscape Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Photo-realistic rendering, Steelwork, Surveying, and Town Planning. Caddie outputs to printers and plotters, PDF, 3D printers and many other formats. In addition to normal image formats Caddie also supports MrSID and ECW formats for imagery. A 14 Day trial version with full functionality allows potential users to evaluate the software at no cost.Starting Price: $30 per month per licence -
7
Autodesk Advance Steel
GRAITEC
Advance Steel is a Dedicated Steel detailing package, the Software tool is a 3D modelling environment that then translates into a document management system. The 3D model consists of intelligent structural objects such as Beams, Plates, Bolts and Welds, with these combined together using the Parametric Connection tools that can be propagated within the model via connection copying tools, the model then becomes the hub for the creation of General Arrangements, Shop Assembly and Part drawings to allow for fabrication. These tools also extend into platework with ability to create complex folded plate details for flat pattern development drawings for shop use. Tools for creating steel frameworks from intelligent macros that allow for adjustments to the overall frame dimensions, section profile selection, this combined with the Parametric connection’s tools for standard connections types, with the ability to create custom connection details for bespoke situations. -
8
Designcenter Solid Edge
Siemens
Designcenter Solid Edge is a Siemens product development portfolio that provides tools for mechanical design, electrical design, simulation, manufacturing, technical publications, data management, and collaboration. It combines the speed of direct modeling with the control of parametric design through synchronous technology. The software helps teams create 2D drawings, 3D models, electrical systems, simulations, manufacturing outputs, 3D printing workflows, and technical documentation. Designcenter Solid Edge is designed to be affordable, easy to learn, and scalable for different product development needs. It supports faster design changes, reuse of supplier CAD parts, realistic 3D modeling, and collaboration across engineering and manufacturing teams. With its complete portfolio of connected tools, Designcenter Solid Edge helps companies bring better products to market more efficiently.Starting Price: $75/month/user -
9
FRILO
ALLPLAN
FRILO is a structural analysis and design suite for civil and structural engineers that delivers a wide range of calculation, verification, and modelling tools to assess the load-bearing capacity, stability, and serviceability of components and full structures in concrete, steel, timber, masonry, foundation, and geotechnical engineering according to Eurocodes and applicable standards. It is modular and includes specialized programs (for beams, columns, plates, foundations, soil mechanics, and more) that support component-oriented calculations with intuitive inputs and verifiable results, helping engineers handle everyday structural tasks efficiently and with clear documentation. FRILO integrates tools like BIM-Connector interfaces for importing analytical models from IFC/SAF formats, a Document Designer for generating standard-compliant reports, and continuous updates to standards, workflows, and material libraries.Starting Price: €244 per month -
10
ProStructures
Bentley
ProStructures is a comprehensive steel and concrete design application used to increase your productivity and profitability. With ProStructures, you can create and automatically update 3D models that include structural steel and reinforced concrete structures. ProSteel is a comprehensive application that allows you to model and detail steel structures for a variety of industries. Develop models and documentation for steel structures efficiently. Confidently deliver an accurate 3D model for steel structures and extract engineering, fabrication, and erection drawings. Leverage automatic updates whenever the 3D model is changed. Produce drawings for every steel shape, connection, and plate work from the 3D model. Generate and update in-drawing, external reports, and bills of material. Create 3D models and design drawings, fabrication details, and schedules that automatically update whenever you change the 3D model.Starting Price: $7,162 per year -
11
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 -
12
SteelTally
SteelTally
SteelTally is Windows software for structural steel takeoff and estimating, designed for fabricators, estimators and detailers. It reads PDF and DXF drawings, scans member schedules to find beam and column marks on framing plans, and flags marks missing from plans. Measurement tools record straight, curved and polyline beam lengths. Column diagrams support welded cap, connection and base plates; truss tools break assemblies into chords, verticals and diagonals. Estimators can apply their steel, galvanizing and paint rates, create stock-length cut lists using offcuts first, and check crane reach. Revision comparison places drawing versions side by side and identifies new, removed, renamed or resized members. Member lists, cut lists and revision summaries export to Excel or PDF. SteelTally includes Australian section sizes and weights and runs locally on Windows, including offline, without drawing uploads or cloud AI. A 30-day full-feature trial requires no credit card.Starting Price: AU$29/month -
13
BentStudio
BentStudio
BentStudio is a browser-based design studio for timber and log buildings, from garden sheds and pergolas to cabins, larger sheds and timber barns. - Design the structure: start from a timber-frame, post-and-beam or dovetail log-wall layout. Set dimensions, bays, roof form, trusses, dormers and lean-tos; the model updates as you go. - Inspect the work: move between 3D, plans and elevations. Look closely at corners, notches, braces and individual members. - Take it to the shop: save a revision and export a PDF drawing package with timber sheets, cut coordinates and an editable project file. Runs in a desktop browser, with an offline HTML download included. Pricing: one Studio licence is CAD $199, paid once. No subscription. BentStudio is a design and layout tool, not a structural engineering service.Starting Price: $199 CAD one-time -
14
SolidCraft
Tangency Labs
SolidCraft is an open-source parametric 3D CAD application for designing and revising parts and assemblies. Users create dimensioned, constrained sketches, add features such as extrusions, revolutions, fillets, shells, holes, and patterns, and edit designs through a feature timeline with parameters and configurations. It includes component assemblies, joints, motion studies, sheet-metal workflows, and plastic-part tools. Desktop and browser editors, command-line tools, and a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server support interactive, scripted, and agent-assisted modeling. SolidCraft imports and exports formats including STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ, and 3MF, with format-specific limits; assemblies can also be exported as URDF. The software serves people who design, inspect, edit, or exchange mechanical parts and assemblies.Starting Price: Free -
15
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 -
16
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 -
17
Shapr3D
Shapr3D
Shapr3D is an intuitive, cross-platform 3D modeling app for iPadOS and macOS that is compatible with all major desktop CAD software. You can import projects and export work directly to your rendering, manufacturing, drafting, or splicing tools. Shapr3D’s tech stack and software combine the industrial power of desktop CAD tools and intuitive user experience. Shapr3D users get battle-tested Siemens™ geometric Parasolid™ modeling kernel and D-Cubed™ sketch engine. CAD-compatibility with hi-res X_T, STEP, STL, OBJ, 2D DXF, 2D DWG, USDZ export support. SLDPRT, SLDASM, STL, STEP, IGES, X_T, 2D DWG, 2D DXF, JPG, PNG import support. Offline functionality and local storage with all officially supported Macs running on Big Sur (11.0) or later. A modeling experience designed for fluid mouse and keyboard input. Get tangible results with 2D Drawings: prepare your models’ technical drawings, and start prototyping right away.Starting Price: $25/month/user -
18
Fabora RAMS
Fabora Platform Ltd
Fabora RAMS is editable RAMS software for UK steel fabricators, site welders, steel erectors and related site-working metal trades. It helps teams create site and workshop RAMS faster using reusable company details, saved hazards, PPE, COSHH items, equipment, method steps, revision control, branded PDF export and share links. Fabora RAMS is built for businesses that regularly prepare RAMS for workshop fabrication, site welding, steel erection, installation, repairs, remedial work and related steelwork tasks. Fabora Platform Ltd also offers LEV Ready, LEV records software for extraction assets, plus free steelwork calculators, generators and downloadable RAMS and method statement templates on the Fabora website. The software supports faster drafting and better document organisation, but it does not guarantee legal compliance. Final review, suitability and approval stay with the business.Starting Price: £24.99 -
19
SwiftComp
AnalySwift
SwiftComp is a revolutionary multiscale, multiphysics composite simulation code that quickly and easily delivers the accuracy of 3D FEA at the efficiency of simple engineering models. In doing so, SwiftComp reduces barriers for engineers by enabling them to model composites as easily as metals using conventional structural elements in their FEA codes (without losing accuracy while capturing all the microstructural details). SwiftComp provides unified modeling for 1D (beams), 2D (plates/shells), or 3D structures, calculating all the effective properties. Use SwiftComp either independently for virtual testing of composites or as a plug-in to power your conventional structural tools with high-fidelity composites modeling. SwiftComp can compute the best structural model for use in macroscopic structural analysis, as well as perform dehomogenization to compute the pointwise stresses in the microstructure. SwiftComp directly interfaces with ABAQUS, ANSYS. -
20
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 -
21
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. -
22
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 -
23
Modo
Foundry
3D modeling and rendering platform designed to help businesses create 3D drawings and configure UV mapping and texturing workflows. Modo’s powerful and flexible 3D modeling, animation, texturing and rendering toolset empowers artists to explore and develop ideas without jumping through technical hoops. Modo® is your starting point for creative exploration. With fast direct modeling, flexible procedural modeling, the award-winning MeshFusion Boolean toolset and built-in sculpting tools all working together, Modo’s modeling moxie is unmatched. Free yourself from creativity-killing constraints, with Modo’s intuitive, artist-friendly toolset. From roughing out volumes to creating highly detailed forms, Modo lets you focus on creation, not construction. Build your own kit of specialized tools by combining different operations, with Modo’s flexible tool assembly system. With Modo, every job you do becomes easier, as you continually develop new efficiencies.Starting Price: $65 per month -
24
ShopData
ShopData
ShopData is a suite of specialized fabrication CAD/CAM solutions designed to help metal fabricators, HVAC shops, structural steel processors, and industrial manufacturers streamline design, nesting, cutting, and production workflows by maximizing material yield, improving precision, and reducing setup and programming time; the system includes advanced nesting and cutting algorithms that automate layout planning for sheet, plate, and custom parts to minimize waste and accelerate throughput on CNC cutting systems. It supports diverse solutions tailored to specific fabrication sectors, such as general fabrication, HVAC ductwork, and structural steel plate processing, so teams can apply optimized CAM strategies that reflect real shop needs, improve consistency, and drive productivity gains across varied jobs. Key capabilities include QuickCAM and QuickCAM-Pro modules, intelligent part nesting that adapts to material constraints and job requirements. -
25
Autodesk Fusion
Autodesk
Autodesk Fusion is a cloud-based product design and manufacturing platform that combines CAD, CAM, CAE, PCB, and data management in one solution. It helps teams connect design, engineering, manufacturing, electronics, and collaboration workflows in a unified workspace. The software supports product development from concept to production with tools for modeling, simulation, machining, PCB design, and drawing automation. Autodesk Fusion also includes built-in PDM and PLM capabilities to reduce version conflicts, improve collaboration, and keep project data secure and up to date. Teams can choose from Fusion, Fusion for Manufacturing, and Fusion for Design depending on their needs for advanced manufacturing, simulation, generative design, and data management. With cloud collaboration, integrated workflows, and AI-powered assistance, Autodesk Fusion helps companies bring products to market faster.Starting Price: $495 per year -
26
Ansys BladeModeler
ANSYS
Ansys BladeModeler software is a specialized, easy-to-use tool for the rapid 3D design of rotating machinery components. Ansys BladeModeler is used to design axial, mixed-flow and radial blade components in applications such as pumps, compressors, fans, blowers, turbines, expanders, turbochargers, inducers and more. Ansys BladeModeler is integrated with Ansys DesignModeler to deliver complete 3D geometry modeling capabilities and allow any number of geometric features, such as hub metal, blade fillets, and cut-offs and trims to be added. Blade designs can be combined with other non-bladed components, like housings, blade roots or complex 3D tip regions. These non-bladed components can be created directly or imported using CAD connections to all major CAD vendors without limits on the designs that can assembled and assessed. You can choose the level of geometric detail for your analysis. -
27
MecAgent
MecAgent
MecAgent is an AI-powered copilot designed to enhance productivity within mechanical CAD software. It automates repetitive and time-consuming CAD tasks, allowing engineers to focus on real mechanical design work. MecAgent operates directly inside existing CAD environments, transforming complex multi-click workflows into simple, one-click or prompt-based actions. The platform supports task automation for assemblies, drawings, sheet metal exports, sketch edits, appearance changes, and more. Engineers can build custom automations without coding, adapting MecAgent to their specific workflows and standards. Experimental AI features also enable CAD part generation, standard component searches, and mechanical engineering knowledge assistance. Overall, MecAgent modernizes mechanical CAD by reducing manual effort and significantly accelerating design workflows. -
28
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 -
29
SolveSpace
SolveSpace
SOLVESPACE is a free (GPLv3) parametric 3d CAD tool. Modeling 3d parts, drawing with extrudes, revolves, helixes and Boolean (union/difference/intersection) operations. Modeling 2d parts, draw the part as a single section, and export DXF, PDF, SVG; use 3d assembly to verify fit. 3D-printed parts, export the STL or other triangle mesh expected by most 3d printers. Preparing CAM data, export 2d vector art for a waterjet machine or laser cutter; or generate STEP or STL, for import into third-party CAM software for machining. Mechanism design, use the constraint solver to simulate planar or spatial linkages, with pin, ball, or slide joints. Plane and solid geometry, replace hand-solved trigonometry and spreadsheets with a live dimensioned drawing. Sketch sections using lines, rectangles, datum lines and points. Sketch circles, arcs of a circle, datum circles, cubic Bezier segments, C2 interpolating splines, and more. -
30
CADCraft
ArtCraft
CADCraft is an open-source computer-aided design and drafting application for creating and editing technical drawings. Its interface pairs a command line with a graphical drawing area and tools for 2D geometry, object snaps, layers, properties, dimensions, hatches, blocks, layouts, and plotting. The software reads and writes DXF and DWG files and exports PDF, SVG, and PNG. Users can create floor plans, mechanical part drawings, and other 2D designs, then arrange sheets with paper-space layouts and viewports. CADCraft runs as a native desktop app on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with an additional WebAssembly browser build. A command-line utility, JSON control protocol, and Model Context Protocol server support scripted drawing, inspection, and rendering. The project is under active development.Starting Price: $0 -
31
CADdy++
DataSolid
All the needs of professional designers. A professional 2D/3D-Mechanical Design solution for the highest requirements. All basics for the CAD-beginner or semi-professional user for an unbeatable price. All three performance levels are based on the identical data structure and so the user is certain that there will always be an unbroken link between 3D models and 2D drawings when they are worked on and processed. Even at the lowest performance level CADdy++ Mechanical Design basic the further processing of fully parametric 3D models and 2D drawings completed either with the economy or the professional version, is guaranteed without loss of data or information. Shaded 3D models can be displayed more quickly in CADdy++ Mechanical Design by using a high-performance graphics card with Open GL interface 1280 x 1024 pixels and 32768 colours, for example the PNY graphic boards. -
32
Revit MEP
Autodesk
Revit Building Information Modelling software helps engineers, designers and contractors across the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) disciplines model to a high level of detail and co-ordinate with building project contributors. Streamline the engineering design process with Revit. Use a single model to enhance the communication of design intent, before construction begins. Conduct simulations and interference detection earlier in the design process. Use conceptual energy analysis data for engineering-driven calculations. Design, model and document building systems in the context of a full building information model, including architectural and structural components. Model for MEP fabrication with tools that automate the fabrication model layout. Prepare a model for detailed co-ordination of fabrication and installation. Revit helps team improve accuracy, and speed delivery.Starting Price: $1,503 per year -
33
ProSteel
Bentley
With ProSteel software you can efficiently create accurate 3D models for structural steel, metal work, and steel assemblies. You can then quickly generate design drawings, fabrication details, and schedules that automatically update whenever the 3D model changes. Additionally, detailed output to CNC machines automates the steel fabrication process. ProSteel fully supports your construction and planning tasks for structural steel and metal work in a 3D modeling environment. Working with AutoCAD or MicroStation, you get an intuitive and integrated multi-material modeler perfectly suited to layout complex structures, produce shop drawings, assemble all your connections, and manage your bills of materials. Quickly extract 2D drawings that automatically update when the 3D model changes. Easily exchange information with other disciplines thanks to interoperability with other Bentley and third-party applications.Starting Price: $4,193 per year -
34
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 -
35
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 -
36
VABS
AnalySwift
VABS is a popular general-purpose cross-sectional analysis tool for quickly and easily computing beam properties and recovering 3D fields of composite beams, including helicopter and wind turbine blades. It is the only tool capable of rigorously decoupling an original 3D slender solid with complex microstructure into a simple engineering beam model. AnalySwift’s roots are in the aerospace industry, where its tools have been used for composite beams (helicopter rotor blades, propellers, high aspect ratio wings, wing section design), plates/shells, and 3D structures. Used for several years in the wind turbine industry, VABS delivers rapid, rigorous results when modeling wind turbine blades. SwiftComp provides additional solutions for plates/shells, and 3D structures manufactured from composites. As the automobile industry adopts a higher use of composites, opportunities increase to leverage SwiftComp and VABS to model a wide variety of structures, including beams, plates, shells, etc. -
37
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 -
38
ConstruSteel
ConstruSteel
Easily generate scribing lines/layout marking on steel profiles and plates for quick & easy assembly in the workshop. Advanced bar nesting software to optimize material use (such as steel beams and flat bars) for less waste and efficient production. To reduce failure costs, improve quality and speed up production, ConstruSteel provides Advanced Scribing software for steel fabricators, steel suppliers and steel service centers. Advanced Scribing is a unique Tekla Structures plug-in for scribing steel/layout marking steel beams and plates for the structural steel industry. By adding your own defined scribing/layout marking on selected or all steel profiles in your 3D BIM model, the production data (.nc1 files) for CNC machines is updated automatically. -
39
BeckerCAD
SoftMaker
Professional CAD software for architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and much more. Detailed drawing, designing and modeling in 2D and 3D. Powerful, precise and 100% compatible with AutoCAD. May be installed on 3 PCs. Whether you are engaged in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or architecture, BeckerCAD12 3D Pro enables you to design and model detailed 2D and 3D models. The wide range of drawing, editing and labeling tools helps you to accurately create objects ranging from 2D production drawings that are true to size up to rendered 3D visualizations. Complex 3D graphics can be easily imported in order to create impressive presentations. BeckerCAD12 3D Pro has a programming interface with Python and is fully compatible with AutoCAD and CADdy++ Mechanical Design. Realistic scene preview through improved light sources with advanced settings options. Adoption of object colors, material properties, etc., from graphics and saving bills of materials.Starting Price: $12 -
40
SolidFace
SolidFace Technology
Built-in version control and simple management tools solve the costly need for a separate PDM system. Your team and you always on the latest design data. Every modification made by every user is captured and recorded and can be reversed at any time, providing unlimited undo/redo and a documented audit trail. Branching and merging enable many product ideas to be developed in parallel. The parameterization capability is one of the most significant advantages of SolidFace, and it is present in all design steps. 3D Motion simulation is no different; the simulation is updated simultaneously with the movement. Another important capability is the simulation of 2D mechanisms, which can be performed either in 2D drawing or in 3D sketch module. Directly available through SolidFace's software interface, this new online part library features over 100 million part numbers from hundreds of leading component manufacturers and distributors and thousands of ISO, ANSI, DIN, NF, GB, ASME, and more.Starting Price: $89 per quarter -
41
SysQue
Trimble
Trimble SysQue. Trimble® SysQue® empowers detailers, engineers, and fabricators to work in tandem to build constructible, real-world, digitized models in Autodesk Revit. Trimble SysQue Design real-world constructible MEP models in Revit. Overview. Trimble® SysQue® empowers detailers, engineers, and fabricators to work in tandem to build constructible, real-world, digitized models in Autodesk Revit. One Seamless Constructible Workflow. Trimble SysQue - Duct Construct. Stay Current With Managed Content Work from a continually evolving database of over eight million parts, and request additional content. Enhance Your Model. Use materials and sizes based on actual manufacturer products. Easily Collaborate With Project Stakeholders Work from one constructible model, from design through to construction. Improve Your Workflows. Feature-richness to accelerate LOD 400 detailing. Real-Time Accuracy, Real-World Applicability. Detail on Top of a Generic Revit Model. Leverage SysQue -
42
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD
It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OS X. Unlike most free software for creating 3D models (such as Blender) it does not focus on the artistic aspects of 3D modelling but instead on the CAD aspects. Thus it might be the application you are looking for when you are planning to create 3D models of machine parts but pretty sure is not what you are looking for when you are more interested in creating computer-animated movies. OpenSCAD is not an interactive modeller. Instead it is something like a 3D-compiler that reads in a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model from this script file. This gives you (the designer) full control over the modelling process and enables you to easily change any step in the modelling process or make designs that are defined by configurable parameters. -
43
Pi3D
Pivision
Pi3D is a Windows application that turns a 3D model supplied as a STEP file into workshop documentation for manufacturers and engineering teams working with sheet-metal and welded assemblies. It generates bills of materials, detail drawings, ballooned assembly drawings, flat patterns, cutting contours for laser, plasma and waterjet, press-brake bend sequences, weld drawings to ISO 2553 with seam measurements, operation lists, and printable A4–A0 sheets with a custom title block. Pi3D does not replace or modify the originating CAD system; it runs separately without an add-in or extra library. It runs on the user's own machine, keeping models on-site rather than uploading them to the cloud. The product comes with a one-time perpetual license and support, with no monthly or annual fee. Customers can submit a STEP file to receive a sample document set at no charge.Starting Price: $1,881 one-time -
44
SDS2
SDS2
SDS2 is an all-in-one steel detailing and connection-design software platform built to help detailers, fabricators, and structural engineers deliver accurate, fabrication-ready steel models and drawings with speed, automation, and integration. It supports modular packages, from basic 2D drafting to full 3D modeling plus shop-drawing generation, enabling users to create precise shop drawings, erection drawings, or full BIM models depending on their needs. SDS2 features automated connection design calibrated to framing conditions and fabrication preferences, intelligent clash detection, and live multi-user modeling so teams can collaborate in real time without conflicting data. It produces high-quality, code-compliant documentation and delivers production-ready output that can feed fabrication equipment or support CNC/automated workflows. SDS2 also interoperates with major BIM and fabrication-management systems via standard file formats. -
45
JSCAD
JSCAD
JSCAD is an open-source set of modular, browser, and command line tools for creating parametric 2D and 3D designs with Javascript code. It provides a quick, precise and reproducible method for generating 3D models, and is especially useful for 3D printing applications. There are different 'flavors' of JSCAD that you can use based on your needs. JSCAD is a solids modeling system. It is fundamentally unitless, however, when you export files, typically 1 unit in JSCAD corresponds to 1 millimeter in your model file. Modeling in JSCAD is often a case of building the shape you want out of primitives, but there are often many different options to get the same shape. Check out the examples on the JSCAD app's info menu to learn about the different capabilities. Booleans are one of the most important tools in the solid modeling toolkit. Many of the shapes that you will need to create on your journey can be created by joining, subtracting and intersecting simple shapes.Starting Price: Free -
46
FloCAD
C&R Technologies
FloCAD® is a fluid dynamics software add-on module for Thermal Desktop®, together they provide a complete thermohydraulic software tool for fully integrated fluid flow and heat transfer analysis. With FloCAD, the mechanics of building fluid flow models is very similar to that of building thermal models, with many of the commands applicable to both types of models. FloCAD models can be free-form (non-geometric), sketchpad style flow network modeling for abstraction and simplification, or they can be geometry-based by including objects such as pipe centerlines and cross-sections, complexly shaped vessels, or convection to finite difference of finite element representations of thermal structures. As a generalized pipe flow software tool, FloCAD captures the pressure drops in a piping network due to bends, valves, tees, changes in flow area, etc. -
47
BranchCAD
Manaia Data Analytics Limited
BranchCAD is a browser-based 2D CAD application for engineers, drafters, designers, and students creating technical drawings, plans, schematics, and other line work. It provides drafting tools with grid snapping and coordinate readouts, and supports importing DWG and DXF drawings and exporting DXF, PDF, and SVG files. Version-control features let users create branches, compare changes, merge edits, and restore earlier drawing versions. Teams can collaborate on a shared canvas with live cursors, selections, and comments, and share drawings through links. A free plan includes one active project, limited collaboration and exports, 100 MB of storage, and 30 days of version history. Paid Pro and Team plans add capabilities such as unlimited projects, longer history, branching, advanced visual diff, and additional team seats; Enterprise offers configurable retention, single sign-on, and audit export.Starting Price: $5/month -
48
CalcSteel
CalcSteel
CalcSteel is a web-based structural steel design and analysis platform built to make professional engineering tools affordable and accessible. It features a full 3D browser editor that allows engineers to model structures directly online without downloads or installations. The platform includes a 6 DOF FEM solver and design verification according to major international standards such as AISC 360, Eurocode 3, NBR 8800, AS 4100, and IS 800. With over 640 steel profiles available, users can quickly assign sections and loads to their structural models. CalcSteel enables engineers to analyze, verify, and generate professional documentation and PDF drawings within minutes. Unlike traditional structural software that costs thousands per year, CalcSteel offers a free tier and paid plans starting at accessible monthly pricing. Designed for structural engineers, fabricators, firms, and students, it provides professional-grade tools without enterprise-level costs.Starting Price: $9/month -
49
FreeCAD
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters. FreeCAD allows you to sketch geometry constrained 2D shapes and use them as a base to build other objects. It contains many components to adjust dimensions or extract design details from 3D models to create high quality production ready drawings. FreeCAD is a multiplatfom (Windows, Mac and Linux), highly customizable and extensible software. It reads and writes to many open file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and many others, making it possible to seamlessly integrate it into your workflow. FreeCAD is designed to fit a wide range of uses including product design, mechanical engineering and architecture. Whether you are a hobbyist, a programmer, an experienced CAD user, a student or a teacher, you will feel right at home with FreeCAD. -
50
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
