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Design, Video & Audio

Best CAD Software in 2026

CAD software supports technical drawing and model creation, with different capabilities for different design needs. Compare modeling dimension, direct and parametric modeling, and file format support against your projects.

  1. 01 AutoCAD

    AutoCAD suits people who need 2D and 3D drafting, design, or modeling, including users of its specialized industry toolsets.

    Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · iOS
    9.4 Visit Specs
  2. 02 Rhino 3D

    Rhino 3D suits desktop users who need parametric modeling, animation, rendering, or 3D print export on Windows or macOS.

    From $95/mo Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS
    9.2 Visit Specs
  3. 03 Onshape

    Onshape suits people who need parametric 3D CAD and collaborative design access through a browser or mobile app.

    From $125/mo Free plan Web · iOS · Android
    9.0 Visit Specs
  4. 04 SOLIDWORKS

    SOLIDWORKS suits people and organizations creating 3D product designs, from individual makers and students to commercial design teams.

    From $4/mo Free trial Web · Windows · macOS
    8.9 Visit Specs
  5. 05 Shapr3D

    Shapr3D suits people doing 3D CAD modeling who need direct or history-based parametric tools and CAD file exchange.

    From $24.92/mo Free plan Windows · macOS
    8.7 Visit Specs
  6. 06 Alibre Design
    From $999/mo Free trial Windows · API · Self-hosted
    8.6 Visit Specs
  7. 07 Autodesk Inventor

    Inventor suits mechanical designers who need 3D modeling, assembly, documentation, or simulation tools on Windows.

    Free trial Windows
    8.5 Visit Specs
  8. 08 Siemens NX

    NX suits product development teams that need design, engineering, or manufacturing tools across Windows desktop and browser-based cloud access.

    Free trial Web · Windows
    8.5 Visit Specs
  9. 09 Solid Edge

    Solid Edge suits product development teams working across engineering design and manufacturing.

    Free trial Web · Windows · iOS · Android
    8.5 Visit Specs
  10. 10 Plasticity
    From $175/mo Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.5 Visit Specs
  11. 11 CATIA

    CATIA suits people who need parametric modeling for assemblies, sheet metal, or surfaces.

    From $544.75/mo Web · Windows
    8.4 Visit Specs
  12. 12 GstarCAD

    GstarCAD suits CAD users who need DWG and DXF support, drawing tools, and development interfaces.

    From $19.92/mo Free trial Web · Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.4 Visit Specs
  13. 13 nanoCAD

    It suits engineering, building design, architecture, site design, and landscaping users needing Windows CAD tools.

    From $24.08/mo Free trial Windows
    8.3 Visit Specs
  14. 14 OpenSCAD
    Free plan Open source Web · Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.3 Visit Specs
  15. 15 ZWCAD Professional
    From $1,399/mo Free trial Windows · iOS · Android
    8.2 Visit Specs
  16. 16 MicroStation

    It suits infrastructure design teams working in Windows desktop CAD and BIM workflows.

    From $221.33/mo Free trial Windows
    8.0 Visit Specs
  17. 17 FreeCAD

    FreeCAD suits people needing parametric 3D modeling for design, engineering, architecture, or technical work.

    Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.0 Visit Specs
  18. 18 DraftSight

    It is intended for professionals and teams in architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and design.

    From $24.92/mo Free trial Windows · macOS · API
    8.0 Visit Specs
  19. 19 IRONCAD
    Free trial Windows
    8.0 Visit Specs
  20. 20 DesignSpark Mechanical
    Free plan Windows
    8.0 Visit Specs
  21. 21 SolveSpace
    Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · Linux
    7.9 Visit Specs
  22. 22 LibreCAD

    LibreCAD suits people who need free 2D CAD tools on Linux, macOS or Windows.

    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux
    7.8 Visit Specs
  23. 23 ACTCAD
    From $249/mo Free trial Windows
    7.8 Visit Specs
  24. 24 IntelliCAD

    IntelliCAD suits CAD vendors and developers building commercial solutions, as well as CAD users in architecture, design, engineering, surveying, and related fields.

    From $83.33/mo Free trial Windows · macOS · iOS · Android
    7.8 Visit Specs
  25. 25 QCAD Professional

    It suits people producing 2D plans and technical drawings, including users without prior CAD experience.

    Free trial Windows · macOS · Linux
    7.8 Visit Specs
How this list is ordered. Specifiction scores each tool on how fully its maker documents it, whether its prices are published, where the research puts it, the platforms it runs on and whether it can be tried for free (how we rank). Makers can also buy a numbered place (how Specifiction is paid for).

Cloud collaboration and simulation tools may matter for shared or analysis-oriented work, while supported platforms, free-plan availability, and paid-from pricing offer further points to weigh. AutoCAD, Onshape, and SOLIDWORKS are among the options shown. Consider the modeling approach, compatibility, and collaboration needs relevant to your work as you compare the listed details.

Compare AutoCAD and Rhino 3D Get a place on this list

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