If you’re an engineer or designer looking to create, edit, modify, and optimize drawings, then computer-aided design (CAD) software may be just what you need. CAD technology is designed to improve design quality, increase productivity, and overall automatize the design process. With a wide range of applications, including project development, prototyping, layouts and renders, simulations, and animations, CAD software allows you to create real projects and prototypes in a digital space.
In this article, we’ll explore the best CAD programs by industry, including options for architecture, construction, mechanical engineering and 3D printing, jewelry and other industrial design, and the aerospace and automotive industries. We’ll also break down the best CAD programs based on experience level and provide pricing information for the most popular CAD programs on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, we’ll help you find the right CAD software for your needs.
Best CAD Program by Industry
CAD Programs for Architecture
If you are an architect or interior designer, SketchUp is a great CAD tool for you. It offers specific 2D and 3D features and a vast design library. With its designing and rendering tools, SketchUp provides professional-level drawings and models. Its library includes realistic representations of interiors, furniture, patterns, pre-designed structures, and landscapes for all types of constructions. You can share designs with your peers and colleagues to plan and coordinate construction projects in detail, including all the needed construction materials. SketchUp is not only user-friendly but also one of the most affordable professional CAD programs on the market.
AutoCAD is another great CAD program for architects and professionals in the construction field. Developed by industry leader Autodesk, AutoCAD can create, modify, and draw 2D and 3D models using graphic commands and controllers. It enables the creation of highly detailed 2D drawings such as piping circuits, floor plans, object sectioning, electric circuits, manufacturing layouts, and other flat representations. At the same time, it aids users in the CNC machining processes, the creation of 3D models and prototypes, and rendering, all of which offer comprehensive tools for designers.
CAD Programs for Construction
Civil 3D, also developed by Autodesk, lets professionals in the construction industry design and manage documentation related to construction projects using the Building Information Modeling (BIM) method to coordinate and plan projects. Civil 3D was specially developed to perform geospatial analysis on infrastructures, design railroads, bridges and highways, carry topographic analyses, and manage streamlined documentation that allows designers to update and share information.
CAD Programs for Mechanical Engineering and 3D Printing
SolidWorks is one of the most widely used CAD solutions on the market due to its user-friendly interface, its advanced design tools, and its versatility. This software is preferred by engineers in the industrial and mechanical fields, although it could also be helpful for construction professionals in some cases. SolidWorks offers a variety of tools in the 3D space, enabling users to simulate the stress of objects, study the mechanics of fluids, create realistic renderings, and animate designs to evaluate their functions.
Inventor, owned by Autodesk, was developed as a CAD software for creating professional mechanical designs, 3D models, and product simulations. It’s a strong competitor of SolidWorks and provides a parametric design option with specialized tools for sheet metal, plastic tubes and pipes, ceramic materials, wood machining, rendering, simulation, prototyping, and more.
Fusion 360, yet another Autodesk program, is a CAD/CAM/CAE cloud solution that combines dynamic and simple modeling options with high versatility to create prototypes, machinery, and solids. It also offers simulation tools and CAM options, making Fusion 360 a unique software in the CAD market.
CAD Programs for Jewelry and Other Industrial Design
Rhino 3D is mostly used for jewelry and industrial design. It’s a 3D modeler that uses the curve technique (NURBS or Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline) to create 3D objects. NURBS is a mathematical model that allows the program to render curves and surfaces using computer graphics. This technique offers great precision and detailed drawings that jewelry and other intricate models require.
Tinkercad is an open-source, cloud-based software used for 3D modeling and 3D printing. This software uses a simplified constructive solid geometry method for constructing 3D models with a highly dynamic and user-friendly interface. It’s popular for bringing to life electric circuits, toys, jewelry, and small prototypes.
Best CAD Programs Based on Experience Level
Beginners
If you’re just starting with CAD, it’s best to begin with affordable and user-friendly software that allows you to improve your spatial reasoning and creative skills. Tinkercad and FreeCAD are two CAD software programs we recommend for beginners.
- Tinkercad: This free online platform is one of the best options for beginners to start creating their first 3D models. However, it does not include 2D tools or parametric modeling.
- FreeCAD: This open-source, 3D parametric modeling software is accessible and compatible with all operating systems such as Linux, Mac, and Windows. It also offers 2D sketching, allowing users to constrain shapes and geometries and adjust or extract details from 3D models to create highly professional drawings. FreeCAD can be a useful tool for professionals and students in engineering and architectural fields, and includes simulation and analysis tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), stress analysis of elements, and CAM/CNC workbenches.
Intermediate
Intermediate CAD users have experience with basic design, drawing, and spatial reasoning, and often choose software that contains a broad set of design tools. Here’s a short list of the CAD programs recommended for intermediate users.
- AutoCAD: Considered one of the most versatile CAD programs on the market, AutoCAD has a steep learning curve, making it a little bit harder for beginners to master the designing tools.
- Fusion 360: This affordable CAD program is popular among intermediate designers and professionals due to its user-friendly interface and compatibility with 3D printing and mechanical design.
- SolidWorks: A strong competitor of Fusion 360 and Inventor in terms of 3D modeling, SolidWorks requires a certain amount of experience to master the designing tools.
Professional
Professional users prefer CAD programs with specific functions and features according to the field or industry they work in (mechanical, automotive, construction, etc.), and choose a version that provides more design tools and options tailored to their needs. This usually makes the software expensive to maintain, hence licenses are purchased by large companies or high-paying professionals.
- CATIA: The most expensive CAD solution on the market, CATIA is also the most field-oriented software, and is often used by professional designers and engineers.
- Inventor: Although similar to Fusion 360, Inventor is considerably more expensive but includes more functions and features specifically developed for mechanical design.
- Civil 3D: This software’s use is strictly limited to infrastructure and construction, so it requires previous knowledge in the field to use it appropriately.
Pricing for the Most Popular CAD Programs on the Market
When it comes to choosing a CAD program, pricing is an important factor to consider. Here is a breakdown of the cost of the most popular CAD programs on the market:
- Fusion 360: Offers a 30-day free trial and a free student version for one year. The standard version costs $545 per year.
- SketchUp: Offers a limited cloud storage and functionality with the free version. SketchUp Shop costs $119 per year and includes 3D modeling tools. SketchUp Pro costs $299 per year and includes all 2D and 3D tools. SketchUp Studio costs $699 per year and includes advanced workflows.
- AutoCAD: Offers a 30-day free trial and a free student version for one year. The standard version costs $1,865 per year.
- Inventor: Offers a 30-day free trial and a free student version for one year. The standard version costs $2,300 per year.
- Civil 3D: Offers a 30-day free trial and a free student version for one year. The standard version costs $2,550 per year.
- Solid Edge: The basic version costs $987 per year. The complete version costs $2,406 per year, the advanced version costs $3,012 per year, and the ultimate version costs $4,327 per year.
- Rhino 3D: The commercial version costs $595 for the single-user “older” version and $995 for the upgraded version. Students and faculty can purchase the single-user “older” version for $95 and the upgraded version for $195.
- SolidWorks: Offers a 30-day free trial. Subscription prices range from $2,800 to $4,850 per year.
- CATIA: Offers a free 30-day cloud-based demo. The one-time charge is $11,200 with an annual maintenance fee of $2,000.
It’s important to note that the prices listed above are subject to change and may vary depending on the region and licensing options. When selecting a CAD program, it’s important to consider not only the initial cost but also the long-term costs associated with maintenance and upgrades.
Where to Start Learning CAD?
If you are looking to master AutoCAD, CADLabWorld’s unique AutoCAD Online Training Course is an excellent place to start. This course provides eight hours of intensive lessons divided into 11 chapters, allowing you to master all AutoCAD tools and become a skilled CAD designer.
One of the most significant advantages of this course is the live webinars, where you can interact with instructors who are Certified AutoCAD Professionals. You can solve any doubts in real-time within the 120 hours’ time frame where the course takes place.
All the information given throughout the course is explained in very straightforward language, making it easy for anyone to understand it. Additionally, participants receive an original Complete AutoCAD Strategy Guide, providing valuable information that you can refer to long after you have completed the course. You will have lifetime access to detailed information regarding the software, tips, and more.
Overall, CADLabWorld’s AutoCAD Online Training Course is an excellent option for beginners looking to learn CAD software.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of AutoCAD available?
AutoCAD is available in several different versions, including AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD 360, and AutoCAD Architecture. AutoCAD LT is a more affordable option with limited features, while AutoCAD 360 is a cloud-based version that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. AutoCAD Architecture is specifically designed for architectural drafting and includes specialized tools and features.
Which software is considered the best for CAD design?
The best CAD software for design depends on the specific needs of the user. However, AutoCAD is a widely used and respected software for CAD design, with a long history of development and a variety of features for 2D and 3D design.
Is there a way to access CAD software at no cost?
There are several options for accessing CAD software at no cost, including free trials of paid software and open-source CAD software such as LibreCAD and FreeCAD. Additionally, some universities and educational institutions may offer access to CAD software for students at no cost.
What are the options for students to get AutoCAD?
AutoCAD offers a student version of their software that can be downloaded for free with a valid educational email address. Additionally, some universities and educational institutions may offer access to AutoCAD for students at no cost.
How does the pricing for CAD software typically range?
The pricing for CAD software can vary widely depending on the specific software and the intended use. Some software, such as AutoCAD LT, may be more affordable with limited features, while other software, such as SolidWorks, may be more expensive but offer more advanced features and capabilities.
Where can I find a comprehensive list of CAD software?
A comprehensive list of CAD software can be found on various websites, such as Capterra and G2 Crowd, which offer reviews and comparisons of different CAD software options. Additionally, industry-specific websites and forums may offer recommendations for CAD software based on specific needs and use cases.