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CrossWorks for ARM

rowley.co.uk

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Spec score 8.2 #4 of 29 in Embedded Development IDEs

What it is

CrossWorks for ARM is a C/C++ and assembly development system for ARM and Cortex microcontrollers. Its CrossStudio IDE brings editing, building, downloading and SWD/JTAG debugging into one environment. The package includes GNU GCC and Clang/LLVM toolchains, and its multi-core debugger also works with applications built using external toolchains. Supported cores range from Cortex-M, Cortex-A and Cortex-R to ARM7, ARM9, ARM11, Feroceon and XScale. Supported connections include CrossConnect Neo, SEGGER J-Link, CMSIS-DAP, ST-LINK and FTDI-based JTAG devices. It also includes an embedded C runtime library that is neither GPL nor LGPL, and a royalty-free tasking library for pre-emptive task switching and synchronization. Downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux include x64 and ARM64 or Apple Silicon builds. The evaluation can remain active with a 16KB code-size limit or be unlocked for 30 days. A Named Developer License is $2,500 as a one-time purchase; a Shared Developer License is $3,750 as a one-time purchase. Both include commercial use, 12 months of support and 12 months of software assurance.

Spec sheet

Product
CrossWorks for ARM is a C/C++ and assembly language development system for ARM and Cortex microcontrollers.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
Support
The company accepts pre-sales and technical questions through its CrossWorks Helpdesk.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
Headquarters
Dursley, Gloucestershire, United KingdomRead 28 Sep 2026 · rowley.co.uk
C library
The CrossWorks C Library is a non-GPL and non-LGPL C runtime library designed for embedded processors.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
Company location
Rowley Associates Limited lists its office in Dursley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
Debug probes
Supported target connections include CrossConnect Neo, SEGGER J-Link, CMSIS-DAP devices, ST-LINK, and FTDI-based JTAG devices.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
Debugger
The CrossWorks multi-core debugger can debug applications built in the IDE or with external toolchains.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
Desktop platforms
Version 5.5.0 downloads are listed for Windows x64 and arm64, macOS x64 and Apple Silicon, and Linux x64 and arm64.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
Evaluation
The ARM evaluation can be used indefinitely with a 16KB code-size limit, or activated to evaluate the full version for 30 days.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
IDE
CrossStudio IDE handles editing, building, downloading, and debugging over SWD/JTAG.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
Security and privacy
The privacy policy says sensitive data is transported using SSL encryption and access to information is password- and/or secure-key-restricted.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
Supported cores
Supported cores include Cortex-M, Cortex-A, Cortex-R, ARM11, ARM9, ARM7, Feroceon, and XScale.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
Tasking
The royalty-free CrossWorks Tasking Library provides multi-priority pre-emptive task switching and synchronization.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
Toolchains
The product includes GNU GCC and Clang/LLVM C/C++ toolchains.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk

Plans and prices

Named Developer License $2,500, paid once commercial use · 12 months support · 12 months software assurance Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk
Shared Developer License $3,750, paid once commercial use · 12 months support · 12 months software assurance Read 4 Oct 2026 · rowley.co.uk

Every CrossWorks for ARM plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Includes GNU GCC and Clang/LLVM toolchains
  • Multi-core debugging supports external-toolchain applications
  • Works with a range of listed debug probes
  • Indefinite evaluation has a 16KB code-size limit

Limits

  • Named license costs $2,500 as a one-time purchase
  • Shared license costs $3,750 as a one-time purchase
  • Full-version evaluation lasts 30 days

Who it suits

It suits developers building for supported ARM and Cortex microcontrollers who want an IDE, toolchains and debugging in one system. Its supported probes and multi-core debugger also fit setups using external toolchains.

Verdict

CrossWorks for ARM combines editing, building, flashing and debugging with a broad list of supported cores and probes. The 16KB evaluation limit and 30-day full-version evaluation give two ways to assess it before choosing a paid license.

Where Specifiction places it

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