CAD Exchanger
cadexchanger.com
What it is
CAD Exchanger provides tools to view, convert, analyze and work with 3D CAD data. CAD Exchanger Lab exchanges data in more than 30 CAD and BIM formats. It can inspect assembly structure, geometry, properties and PMI, measure models, create sectioned or exploded views, and edit models. For software development, the SDK provides C++, Python, C#, Java and JavaScript libraries to add CAD and BIM data access to web, server or desktop applications. Supported integrations include Unity, Three.js, UNIGINE, Parasolid, Open CASCADE, C3D, ACIS and Rhino/OpenNURBS. The SDK uses parallel computing for import, export, healing, meshing, visualization and simplification. It is presented for web applications, backend processing and engineering applications. Lab offers perpetual or subscription licensing, with node-locked or floating options; floating licenses require a license server in the user's environment. Lab subscriptions stop working at the end of their term. Pricing is available on request, and a free evaluation trial can be requested.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- CAD Exchanger provides tools to view, inspect, convert and collaborate on 3D CAD, BIM and mesh data.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Product
- CAD Exchanger provides tools to view, convert, analyze, and work with 3D CAD data.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Audience
- The SDK is described for 3D web, AR/VR and Unity, manufacturing-as-a-service, and engineering applications.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Platforms
- CAD Exchanger Lab lists Windows 11, 10, and 8, macOS 10.14 and above, and Linux distributions compatible with glibc 2.29 among its system requirements.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Deployment
- The SDK is presented for use in web applications, backend processing, and engineering applications.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Trial
- CAD Exchanger describes a free trial available by requesting an evaluation and selecting a product.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Support
- The company provides a technical support route for technical issues and questions through its contact page.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Headquarters
- Ahtri 12, Tallinn, 15551 EstoniaRead 28 Sep 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Founded
- 2014Read 28 Sep 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- API documentation
- The maker publishes user guides, API references, examples, tutorials and interactive documentation for the SDK.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Company founding
- CADEX was founded in 2014 by Roman Lygin and describes itself as self-funded.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Company history
- CADEX says CAD Exchanger was founded in 2014 by Roman Lygin.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Company size
- The maker reports a team of more than 55 employees and users in over 110 countries.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Conversion fidelity
- Lab conversion is designed to preserve model structure, geometry, metadata and appearances.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- File formats
- CAD Exchanger Lab supports exchange in more than 30 CAD and BIM formats.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- File-size limit
- The support center says Lab has no fixed file-size limit, although practical limits depend on computer hardware.Read 15 Oct 2026 · support.cadexchanger.com
- Format coverage
- The product reads and writes more than 30 CAD, BIM and mesh formats, including CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, Creo, NX, STEP, JT, IFC, STL and glTF.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Graphics requirement
- The desktop application requires a 64-bit processor and graphics drivers supporting OpenGL 2.1 or later.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Headquarters and legal name
- The legal entity is CADEX-SOFT OÜ, headquartered at Ahtri 12 in Tallinn, Estonia.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Lab features
- Lab can inspect assembly structure, geometry, properties, and PMI, measure models, create sectioned and exploded views, and edit models.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- License choices
- Lab offers node-locked or floating licensing and subscription or perpetual terms; floating use requires a license server and limits simultaneous users.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- License model
- CAD Exchanger is proprietary software governed by an end-user license agreement, while SDK licensing uses a separate agreement.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- License term
- A Lab subscription stops working when its subscription period ends, while a perpetual license continues to function after maintenance lapses but no longer receives new releases.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Licensing limit
- A floating license allows simultaneous use up to the number of purchased licenses and requires a license server installed in the user's environment.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Limit: basic feature set
- The Gartner review title identifies limited features and a basic user interface as drawbacks.Read 15 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
- Limit: customization complexity
- A G2 reviewer says the BIM structure can be difficult to customize and the product feels less focused on end users.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Limit: mobile activation and maintenance
- A Google Play review questioned whether the Android app is still actively developed and said activation of full features was unclear.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Limit: perpetual-license reassignment
- A Trustpilot reviewer complained that a perpetual license allowed only one further use after a computer crash before another purchase was required.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
- Measurements
- Users can measure vertices, edge lengths, distances and radii and choose measurement units.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Model editing
- Lab can split and merge models, rename and recolor objects, move or rotate components and generate meshes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Model inspection
- The viewer exposes B-Rep and polygonal geometry, assembly structure, validation data, custom properties and PMI annotations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Performance
- The SDK uses parallel computing for tasks including import, export, healing, meshing, visualization, and simplification.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Praise: collaboration and formats
- G2 reviewers praise reading BIM and mechanical data in one place and transferring models across formats.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Praise: mobile conversion
- A Google Play reviewer praised quick offline conversion and straightforward operation.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Praise: practical and easy
- Gartner reviewers describe CAD Exchanger as practical, efficient, lightweight and easy to use for CAD exchange.Read 15 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
- Rating on Capterra
- 0.0 out of 5 from 0 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
- Rating on G2
- 4.5 out of 5 from 3 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Rating on Gartner Peer Insights
- 4.2 out of 5 from 2 ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
- Rating on GetApp
- 0.0 out of 5 from 0 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
- Rating on Google Play
- 3.6 out of 5 from 795 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Rating on Trustpilot
- 3.2 out of 5 from 1 reviewRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
- Rating on TrustRadius
- No overall rating from 0 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
- Release cadence
- The maker says Lab releases arrive about four to eight times per year and SDK public releases at least four times annually.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- SDK
- The SDK provides libraries for C++, Python, C#, Java, and JavaScript to add CAD and BIM data access to web, server, or desktop applications.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- SDK capabilities
- SDK libraries support CAD reading, writing, visualization, geometry analysis, PMI handling, mesh generation and modeling.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- SDK integrations
- The SDK supports integrations with Unity, Three.js, UNIGINE, Parasolid, Open CASCADE, C3D, ACIS, and Rhino/OpenNURBS.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- SDK languages
- The SDK supplies libraries and bindings for C++, C#, Java, JavaScript and Python.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Sectioning and exploding
- Lab supports sectioned views and exploded views for examining internal model details and subassemblies.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Security disclosure
- Google Play's developer disclosure says the Android app shares no data with third parties, encrypts data in transit and may collect files, documents and app activity.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
- Self-hosting
- Native SDK libraries can run in Docker, enabling deployment on a customer's own infrastructure.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Support response
- Support terms target replies within three business days for standard cases and one business day for priority cases.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- System requirements
- Lab supports Windows 11/10/8 and Server, macOS 10.14 or newer, and Linux distributions such as RHEL 9, Ubuntu 20.04 and Debian 11 with glibc 2.29.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Visualization integrations
- Documented integrations include Unity, Three.js, UNIGINE, Open CASCADE, Rhino, C3D, ACIS, Eyeshot, Qt, WPF and Windows Forms.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
- Web deployment
- Web Toolkit can run in cloud or on-premises environments and supports React, Angular and Vue applications.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
Plans and prices
Rhino plugin free trial Free $0 for 14 days Single-user MAC-address seat · all formats and features Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
Subscription $590 a year $590.00 flat rate per year Per seat · all supported formats · updates during subscription Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Perpetual $990, paid once $990.00 one-time fee Per seat · lifetime access · first 12 months of updates · later updates optional Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Rhino plugin perpetual $1,290, paid once $1,290 one-time fee Single-user MAC-address seat · everlasting access · new versions for 12 months Read 15 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
CAD Exchanger Lab Priced on request Perpetual or subscription licensing; node-locked or floating license options Read 2 Oct 2026 · cadexchanger.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Lab supports more than 30 CAD and BIM formats.
- SDK libraries cover five programming languages.
- SDK supports parallel computing for data-processing tasks.
- Free evaluation trial available by request.
Limits
- Pricing is available on request.
- Floating licenses require a license server in your environment.
- Lab subscriptions stop working when their term ends.
Who it suits
CAD Exchanger suits people who need to inspect or convert CAD and BIM data, and developers adding data access to applications. The SDK is described for 3D web, AR/VR, Unity, manufacturing-as-a-service and engineering work.
CAD Exchanger in depth
Read the full write-up
CAD Exchanger combines a model workbench with a developer SDK for CAD and BIM data. It best suits engineering users who inspect and convert models, and software teams embedding model access in their products. Its range is substantial, but custom pricing and license-term differences warrant care.
Overview
CAD Exchanger Lab handles models directly; the SDK puts CAD and BIM data access into applications. Lab supports exchange across more than 30 CAD and BIM formats and offers inspection, measurement, viewing, editing, and batch conversion. That scope makes it more than a file converter, though buyers should distinguish between a ready-to-use workbench and tools intended for developers.
Founded in 2014 by Roman Lygin, CAD Exchanger is headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia.
Key features
Inspect and work with models
Lab exposes assembly structure, geometry, properties, and PMI, with tools to measure models and create sectioned or exploded views. Editing is useful when inspection needs to lead to a change rather than stop at review. Batch conversion supports repeated file handling; animation conversion is not supported, so animation-dependent exchange is outside its remit.
SDK for application development
Libraries for C++, Python, C#, Java, and JavaScript let developers add CAD and BIM access to web, backend, desktop, or engineering applications. Integrations include Unity, Three.js, UNIGINE, Parasolid, Open CASCADE, C3D, ACIS, and Rhino/OpenNURBS. Parallel computing covers tasks including import, export, healing, meshing, visualization, and simplification. This is the stronger fit for teams building data workflows into software, not for users simply seeking a standalone viewer.
Pricing
CAD Exchanger is paid, with custom pricing. CAD Exchanger Lab offers perpetual or subscription licensing, with node-locked or floating options; pricing is on request. A floating license permits simultaneous use up to the number purchased and requires a license server in the user's environment, a practical consideration for deployment and administration.
Lab subscriptions stop working when their term ends. A perpetual license continues to work after maintenance lapses, but receives no new releases. That distinction matters: subscription users need to renew for continued use, while perpetual-license buyers trade ongoing updates for continued operation. A free trial is available by requesting an evaluation and selecting a product.
Platforms
Lab is supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux. CAD Exchanger's broader platform coverage also includes Android, iOS, and web, alongside API access; those options reflect the wider product offering rather than a claim that Lab runs on every platform.
Who it's for
Lab suits engineering and CAD users who need to inspect, edit, measure, or convert models across varied formats. The SDK is aimed at developers working on 3D web, AR/VR and Unity, manufacturing-as-a-service, and engineering applications. If the need is only occasional viewing or conversion, a free alternative may be a better starting point.
Pros and cons
Broad format reach: Lab exchanges more than 30 CAD and BIM formats, useful for teams handling mixed files.
More than conversion: Inspection, measurement, section and explode views, and editing support deeper model work.
Developer flexibility: Five language libraries and numerous integrations support embedding data access in different application contexts.
Licensing needs planning: Pricing is custom, floating use requires a license server, and subscription expiry disables Lab.
No animation conversion: Workflows that require animation to survive conversion need another solution.
Alternatives
For a broader shortlist, see 3D File Converter Software.
HOOPS Exchange is worth considering when a 60-day evaluation with full access and technical expert support is the priority; it is paid and has no free plan.
Convert3D suits readers seeking a free API tier or priced conversion quotas: its Free API includes 10 conversions per month, while Starter costs $899 a year for 5,000 conversions.
CAD Assistant is a free option for personal and commercial use, though commercial import components restrict model export and conversion.
ODA File Converter is another free alternative.
Spin 3D may suit non-commercial users looking for a free version.
Open Asset Import Library (Assimp) is a free library under a modified three-clause BSD license, requiring inclusion of the license text with a product.
3D-Tool offers a free Windows viewer for DDD, STL, and 3MF, but it cannot export CAD files.
3D InterOp is another paid alternative with a free trial.
Verdict
Choose CAD Exchanger when engineering teams need broad CAD/BIM format exchange plus model inspection, editing, or an SDK for embedding data access in applications. Its strongest advantage is the combination of workbench and developer tooling; its main drawback is the need to assess custom cost, floating-license infrastructure, and what happens when a subscription or maintenance term ends. For a simple free viewer or limited conversion need, start with a narrower alternative.
Verdict
CAD Exchanger offers both a model-inspection product and a developer SDK, with broad format and integration coverage. Review the license type and term carefully, since subscription and perpetual licenses behave differently after expiry or maintenance ends.
Where Specifiction places it
- 3D File Converter Software#1 of 319.1
Alternatives to CAD ExchangerAll alternatives →
3D-Tool Free plan 8.9 Visit 
Convert3D From $74.92/mo · Free plan 8.4 Visit 
3D Model Converter From $9.90/mo · Free plan 8.1 Visit