CAD software is an indispensable tool that product design engineers use to develop new products and improve existing ones. As a product design engineer, you might be constantly looking for the best CAD software for better efficiency and to produce your best work.Ā 

With so many options out there, it can be hard to pick a good CAD software, especially if you usually make things work with outdated software that doesn’t support the latest features and functionalities. To help you, we’ve come up with a comprehensive list of the best CAD software available today, so you can pick the right tool for you! Ā 

What Is Computed-Aided Design (CAD)?Ā 

The acronym CAD actually refers to two different but related things: Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. In both cases, computers work together with humans to create objects and perform tasks that would be difficult or impossible for people to do without assistance from technology.Ā 

CAD Software Top Picks for 2022Ā 

Here’s a list of the best CAD software for specific functions on the market today.Ā Ā 

Best CAD Software for 2D and 3D Modeling and PrintingĀ 

  1. Autodesk Fusion 360Ā 

Fusion 360 is one of only a few products that support both 2D and 3D modeling. It allows you to get even more out of your investment in any 3D printer. Plus, if you have experience with Inventor or Solidworks, you can use your files seamlessly in Fusion 360. If you don’t, no worries because Fusion 360 includes tons of industry-standard templates that industry leaders created.Ā 

Features:Ā Ā 

  • Accelerated 2D drawingsĀ 
  • Flexibility for effortless design and 3D modelingĀ 
  • Integrated CAD+CAM softwareĀ 
  • Full-featured printed circuit board (PCB) design software
  • Single product data management software
  • Real-time collaboration with other designers
  • Ability to set up manufacturing and material constraintsĀ 

Pricing:Ā Ā 

  • Monthly Plan – USD 60
  • *Yearly Plan – USD 495 (USD 42 / month)
  • *Three-Year Plan – USD 1,335 (USD 38 / month)Ā 

*Fusion 360 offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.Ā 

  1. Autodesk AutoCADĀ 

AutoCAD is a trusted software for both 2D and 3D printing. Its connected design experience makes it so great, with all of its features and tools applicable on any device. You just need to download AutoCAD mobile app or go use a desktop web browser.Ā 

Features:Ā 

  • Add-on apps and application programming interface (API) for customizationĀ 
  • Direct feedback to a drawing (DWG) fileĀ 
  • Automates counting blocksĀ 
  • 3D navigation and rendering
  • 2D drafting, annotation, and drawingĀ 

Pricing:Ā Ā 

  • Monthly Plan – USD 220Ā Ā 
  • *Yearly Plan – USD 1,775 (USD 148 / month)Ā 
  • *Three-Year Plan – USD 5,060 (USD 141 / month)Ā 

*AutoCAD offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.Ā 

  1. Rhino 7Ā 

Rhino 7 is a versatile CAD software for 3D modeling since it works on Mac, Windows, and iOS. It is good as well for iPad, Wacom, and other design tablets. You can create curved lines and organic shapes in this powerful modeler for accurate graphical representations. It also comes with better presentation tools to stream the workflow. You can also utilize the history recording feature to edit and update the curves and product.Ā 

Features:Ā Ā 

  • Can add dimensions at the viewpoint
  • Importing of files from various sources, including SketchUp, STL, and AutoCAD
  • 3D model control points display
  • Workflow documentation
  • API refinementĀ 

Pricing:Ā Ā 

  • Commercial Use – USD 995Ā 
  • Student or Faculty Use – USD 195Ā 
  • School Use – USD 975Ā 

Best CAD Software for Beginner EngineersĀ 

  1. TinkerCADĀ 

TinkerCAD is an online tool that lets you create 3D models using a drag-and-drop interface. It is simple enough to learn even if you’ve never used CAD software before. Educators use TinkerCAD widely to teach students because it is intuitive, fast, and easy to use.Ā 

Features:Ā Ā 

  • 3D printing servicesĀ 
  • Easy tutorial videos
  • Can add light and movement to design with electric circuits
  • Drag-and-drop for code blockingĀ 

Pricing: FREEĀ 

Best CAD Software for Designing Real-Life ProductsĀ 

  1. FreeCADĀ 

Though FreeCAD is relatively new on the scene, it has quickly become one of our favorite pieces of computer-assisted drafting software. It is designed for three-dimensional modeling in mind. It has a ton of features that help product design engineers create and modify products with high accuracy.Ā 

FreeCAD is a flexible and extensible multi-platform software that works well with Mac, Linux, and Windows. It can also seamlessly integrate open file formats, such as DAE, STEP, DXF, SVG, into your workflow.Ā 

Features:Ā Ā 

  • Boundary Representation (BRep) objects
  • C++ coded core functionality
  • Add-on workbenches
  • 2D CAD drafting
  • Architectural or BIM modeling
  • Robot simulation modelĀ 

Pricing: FREEĀ 

Best CAD Software for Professional UseĀ 

  1. SolidworksĀ 

Solidworks is a three-dimensional CAD software program. Designers, engineers, and manufacturers use it because of its range of mechanical design validations and reverse engineering. So, if you need something that can produce models for both the planning and production phases of a project, Solidworks is your best CAD software choice.Ā Ā 

Features:Ā Ā 

  • Stress analysis and data management toolsĀ 
  • Cloud-connected CADĀ 
  • Cost estimation toolsĀ 
  • View of product performance
  • Real-time product development information for the marketing team
  • Cross-team collaborationĀ 

Packages:Ā 

  • Commercial – for companies of different sizesĀ 
  • Academia – an all-inclusive resource for teaching 3D CAD and data managementĀ 
  • Research – an all-in-one solution for research projectsĀ 
  • Students – to help students kickstart their CAD careersĀ 
  • Entrepreneurs and Startups – offers training and co-marketing resources for freeĀ 

Best CAD Software for Efficient Product DevelopmentĀ 

  1. CreoĀ 

With Creo, you can create and modify your design in a step-by-step process. Each stage is reviewed before they get simulated. There’s also an integrated visual 3D render and simulation reports for energy efficiency, cost, and performance analysis. Overall, Creo is a complete package equipped with the tools for accelerating quality product design.Ā 

Features:Ā Ā 

  • 3D parametric solid modeling
  • Technical illustrations
  • Generative design extension for high-quality, low-cost products
  • Finite element analysis and simulation
  • Schematic design and functionality
  • Topology optimization technologiesĀ 

Pricing:Ā Ā 

Packages start at USD 2,480. You may choose to get started with Creo’s 30-day trial plan, and then, upgrade to any one of the following plans:Ā 

  • Design EssentialsĀ 
  • Design AdvancedĀ 
  • Design Advanced Plus
  • Design Premium
  • Design Premium PlusĀ 

Best CAD Software for Multi-Platform Product DevelopmentĀ 

  1. CatiaĀ 

Catia is a leading multi-platform product design software that caters to CAM, CAD, or CAE in the automotive and aerospace industries. Its interface is easy to use and serves as an excellent springboard for modeling everyday products according to real-time behavior. Catia comprises 3D modeling, simulation, social, collaborative, and information intelligence applications, among others.Ā 

Features:Ā Ā 

  • Online collaboration for 3D modeling and designsĀ 
  • Data efficiently during product developmentĀ 
  • A toolset to meet the needs of different companies
  • 3D model change trackingĀ 

Pricing:Ā Ā 

You get a free demo with Catia’s free trial plan option. You may also browse Catia’s portfolio online to buy roles and get started straight away. However, due to Catia’s multi-platform use, you will have to contact their sales team to request a quote to meet your requirements.Ā 

Best CAD Software for Intuitive Mechanical and Electrical DesignĀ 

  1. Solid EdgeĀ 

Solid Edge enables engineers and designers to collaborate on 3D mechanical designs with 3D electrical systems. It includes mechanical and electrical design options integrated with 2D DWG drafting. Additionally, Solid Edge’s synchronous technology can help you design products more accurately, intelligently, and efficiently.Ā Ā 

Features:Ā Ā 

  • Designs with flow and structural simulation integrationĀ 
  • High-quality illustrations
  • AI-powered user interface
  • Lightning-fast reverse engineering
  • Cloud-based collaborationĀ 
  • 2D layout of industrial control panelsĀ 
  • Searchable post processor databaseĀ 

Pricing:Ā Ā 

  • Solid Edge Design and Drafting – USD 75 / monthĀ 
  • Solid Edge Foundation – USD 185 / monthĀ 
  • Solid Edge Classic – USD 230 / monthĀ 
  • Solid Edge Premium – USD 329 / monthĀ 

Best CAD Software for Real-Time Product DesignĀ 

  1. OnShapeĀ 

OnShape completely changes how you interact with your computer, as you can create your design and share it instantly. Being the next-generation cloud-based software, it’s been aptly named the ā€œGoogle doc file for CAD.ā€ This revolutionary software turns your computer into a 3D platform that is intuitive, instant, and flexible — all while running in your web browser without installing any software on your hard drive.Ā 

Features:Ā Ā 

  • Business and engineering integrationsĀ 
  • Data access control and monitoringĀ 
  • Notifications and alerts for workflowĀ 
  • Auditable and revertible change logs and historyĀ 
  • Simultaneous sheet metal toolsĀ 
  • Simultaneous editing with secure sharingĀ 

Pricing:Ā Ā 

  • Standard Plan – USD 1,500 / yearĀ 
  • Professional Plan – USD 2,100 / yearĀ 
  • Enterprise Plan – contact OnShape sales teamĀ 

GET THE BEST PRODUCT DESIGN ENGINEERS ON YOUR TEAM TODAYĀ 

To drive innovation, solve problems, and ensure the best user experience for your customers, you’ll need the best product design engineers on your side. Agile WorkPlace Staffing can make that happen for you. Our sourcing capabilities build bridges that connect you with the best engineers in any industry for any of your job vacancies.Ā Ā 

Contact us today, and let’s start designing and building your organization’s future!Ā