Best CAD Software no matter experience

3D CAD software is such an important tool for anyone that wants to visualize on their computers and make them into reality. Everyone from engineers, animators, graphic designers to architects. There are many types of CAD software out there and we have looked at them to give you an idea of what is best.

Our listing incudes software for those just becoming familiar with CAD and looking for a cost-effective option. All the way to professional users who will live day in and day out inside of the CAD software making the best products in the world.

The Best CAD for every type of user

Rank	Cost	Best For	Rating
TinkerCAD	Free	Beginners	8.7
Solidworks	$12,500	Professionals	9.4
AutoCAD	$1,690/year	Professionals	8.9
CATIA	$8,500	Professionals	9.1
Siemens NX	$,5,900	Professionals	9.3
Rhino3D	$850	Professionals & Beginners	8.9
On Shape	Free-$200 per moth	Professionals & Beginners	8.9
3ds Max	$1,470/year	Professionals & Beginners	9.3
Sketchup	Free-$$XX	Professionals & Beginners	9.2

1. TinkerCAD

FREE

Best for Beginners

An online 3D CAD software from Autodesk made for total beginners. To make parts inside of the program you need to use simple shapes and blocks which are predefined to make models. There are millions of files users can leverage to come up with the best possible model. There is the ability to 3D print directly from the site via a 3rd party. This is one of the simplest CAD programs and is honestly best suited for those who are just learning how to model or for students to get the basics of 3D CAD. Think geometry and math all rolled into one easy to use program.

2. Solidworks

$3,995

Best for Professionals

SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) computer program that runs primarily on Microsoft Windows. While it is possible to run SolidWorks on MacOS, It is not supported by SolidWorks.^[2] SolidWorks is published by Dassault Systèmes. According to the publisher, over two million engineers and designers at more than 165,000 companies were using SolidWorks as of 2013 Solidworks utilizes a parametric feature-based approach. Parameters refer to constraints whose values determine the shape or geometry of the model or assembly. Parameters can be either numeric parameters, such as line lengths or circle diameters, or geometric parameters, such as tangent, parallel, concentric, horizontal or vertical, etc. Numeric parameters can be associated with each other through the use of relations, which allows them to capture design intent.

Design intent is how the creator of the part wants it to respond to changes and updates. For example, you would want the hole at the top of a beverage can to stay at the top surface, regardless of the height or size of the can. SolidWorks allows the user to specify that the hole is a feature on the top surface, and will then honor their design intent no matter what height they later assign to the can. Solidworks also offers suites of simulation for flow, electrical, fatigue, and much more. This is one of the most robust platforms out there for CAD modeling.

3. AutoCAD

$1,690/year

Best for Professionals

AutoCAD was derived from a program that began in 1977, and then released in 1979^[4] called Interact CAD,^[5][6][7] also referred to in early Autodesk documents as MicroCAD, which was written prior to Autodesk’s (then Marinchip Software Partners) formation by Autodesk cofounder Michael Riddle.^[8][9] Many users cite that although it is ideal for 2D drafting, it is not the easiest to use for 3D modeling. Indeed, the learning curve to master macros and scripts is steep for moving beyond simple parts. The software is aimed at professionals with experience in programming models algorithmically. Since 2010, AutoCAD was released on a mobile and web-app as well, called AutoCAD 360. The 3D models can readily be converted to STL files for 3D printing.

4. CATIA

$8,500

Best for Professionals

Commonly referred to as a 3D Product Lifecycle Management software suite, CATIA supports multiple stages of product development (CAx), including conceptualization, design (CAD), engineering (CAE) and manufacturing (CAM). CATIA facilitates collaborative engineering across disciplines around its 3DEXPERIENCE platform, including surfacing & shape design, electrical, fluid and electronic systems design, mechanical engineering and systems engineering. CATIA facilitates the design of electronic, electrical, and distributed systems such as fluid and HVAC systems, all the way to the production of documentation for manufacturing. CATIA provides a 3D design environment that enables online people and stakeholders to share product designs and collaborate on product modeling.

5. Siemens NX

$5,900

Best for Professionals

Siemens NX software is a flexible and powerful integrated solution that helps you deliver better products faster and more efficiently. NX delivers the next generation of design, simulation, and manufacturing solutions that enable companies to realize the value of the digital twin. There is also a syncrofit feature which enables companies to validate complex assemblies with the emphasis given to fastening structures This is highly important to complex aerospace and automotive assembly structures.  Lastly, like many of the other software is allows for the creation of animations so stakeholders can better understand and see how parts will interact.

6. Rhino3D

$850

Best for Professionals & Beginners

Rhinoceros geometry is based on the NURBS mathematical model, which focuses on producing mathematically precise representation of curves and freeform surfaces in computer graphics (as opposed to polygon mesh-based applications). Rhinoceros’ application architecture and open SDK makes it modular and enables the user to customize the interface and create custom commands and menus. There are dozens of plug-ins available from both McNeel and other software companies that complement and expand Rhinoceros’ capabilities in specific fields like rendering and animation, architecture, marine, jewelry, engineering, prototyping, and others.^[3]9-

According to many users there is a significant learning curve in using this software and takes quite a bit of time to master. Although it is fairly inexpensive, it is not best suited for detailed modeling which requires precise points.  We find that this software is best suited for industrial design and general shapes as users can simply click on a point and drag the model features around.

So, if you are stuck on on NURBS modeling, Rhino3D is probably the best 3D CAD software tools for you.

7. OnShape

$100-200/month

Best for Beginners & Professionals

We were first introduced to Onshape as one of our employee’s children was assigned a class project to learn how to CAD. We were pleasantly surprised to see the ease and simplicity to which parts can be modeled. But beyond that Onshape is an enterprise-grade CAD software suite that is free for open-source projects. With this in mind, on shape’s paid version is specifically aimed at professional level users, who want version control, and even collaborative tools to work in large teams.

One of the best features is that Onshape is done in the browser and no need to download and install anything. This means that you don’t need to have an incredibly expensive computer to handle large models. It will even work on your phones!

A very awesome feature is that Onshape allows for collaboration. Multiple users working in the same document at the same time is referred to as Simultaneous editing or Collaboration. Any and all features added or changes made are displayed in real time to all collaborators.

8. 3ds Max

$1,470/year

Best for Beginners & Professionals

Autodesk 3ds Max, formerly 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max, is a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment.^[2] It has modeling capabilities and a flexible plugin architecture and must be used on the Microsoft Windows platform. It is frequently used by video game developers, many TV commercial studios, and architectural visualization studios. It is also used for movie effects and movie pre-visualization. For its modeling and animation tools, the latest version^[which?] of 3ds Max also features shaders (such as ambient occlusion and subsurface scattering), dynamic simulation, particle systems, radiosity, normal map creation and rendering, global illumination, a customizable user interface, new icons, and its own scripting language.^[3]

3ds Max allows for parametric, subdivision surface, and spline-based modeling features. Features interesting (for designers in particular) are the NURBS-based modeling tools in this CAD software that allows for both organic and mathematically precise meshes. Lastly, one of the most amazing features is the ability create models from point cloud data such as 3D scans.

9. SketchUp

$Free-$1200/year

Best for Beginners & Professionals

SketchUp is a program used for a wide range of 3D modeling projects like architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, and video game design, to name a few of its uses. The program includes drawing layout functionality, surface rendering, and supports third-party plugins from the Extension Warehouse

Sketchup is now owned by Google and is intuitive easy to use and highly user friendly. We find that students love using this program as it allows for easy entry but has enough features to support working professionals. There is also a huge library of models to be downloaded and more and more every day. There are different pricing tiers depending on the requirements of your needs. Sketchup like other platforms is largely web based which means that you don’t need such an expensive graphic intensive workstation in order to get it to run nicely.

Renderings, technical plans, lists, large user and community base and much more are all possible with Sketchup which is why this is one of our favorite platforms.