CADDS 5
by CADDS 5
What CADDS 5 is
CADDS 5 is CAD/CAM software for collaborative engineering and very large, complex products. Its hybrid approach supports parametric, explicit, and derived modeling, plus assembly design, sheet-metal tools, and surface modeling. Derived models can use rules, standards-based inputs, or other databases to set parameters. The software includes electrical, piping, and HVAC systems design, along with shipbuilding capabilities for structural and outfitting work and NURBS hull surfaces. PTC says hundreds of designers can work concurrently across design, documentation, assembly, and machining. EPD.Connect can detect interferences, animate 3D models, and navigate complex product structures. Optegra helps users browse and securely access current CAD and product-development information across an enterprise. CADDS 5 runs on Windows and Solaris SPARC or x86. Supported exchange includes native CADDS 5, Creo CADDS 5 exchange, solids, assemblies, surfaces, wireframe curves, and points. Pricing is available from a PTC representative, and there is no free plan.
Who it suits
CADDS 5 suits engineering organizations handling complex products, collaborative design, manufacturing, systems work, or shipbuilding. It is intended for teams needing Windows or Solaris deployment.
What it does well
- Supports parametric, explicit, and derived modeling
- Includes shipbuilding and NURBS hull capabilities
- Allows concurrent work by hundreds of designers
- Provides electrical, piping, and HVAC design
- Offers enterprise product-data browsing through Optegra
What to know first
- Pricing is available only on request
- No free plan is listed
- Creo exchange requires a separate license
- Creo transfer excludes 2D drawings and feature history
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CADDS 5 | Pricing available from a PTC representative · product options include modeling, drafting, shipbuilding, and extensions | On request |
As ptc.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
CADDS 5 targets large, collaborative engineering programs with broad modeling, systems, and shipbuilding requirements. Buyers must request pricing and account for limits in the optional Creo exchange interface.
Facts from CADDS 5's own pages
- Assembly design
- Yes · ptc.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Concurrent work
- PTC says hundreds of designers can work concurrently on a project, including design, documentation, assembly, and machining. · ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Data exchange
- Creo's optional CADDS 5 interface can import CADDS 5 parts and assemblies and export parts and assemblies in native CADDS 5 format; a license is required for that interface. · support.ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Data exchange limit
- Creo's CADDS 5 interface does not transfer CADDS 5 2D or MEDUSA drawing data, and the transferred 3D geometry does not include feature history or parametric relationships. · support.ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Derived modeling
- Derived modeling can use rules, standards-based inputs, or other databases to drive model parameters. · ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- File import and export
- Native CADDS 5; Creo CADDS 5 exchange; solid models; assembly structures; surfaces; wireframe curves; points · ptc.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Founded
- 1985 · ptc.com, 19 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- No · ptc.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- 121 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, USA · ptc.com, 19 Oct 2026
- Modeling
- It supports parametric, explicit, and derived modeling capabilities. · ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Modeling method
- hybrid · ptc.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Optegra
- CADDS 5 Optegra helps users browse, locate, and securely access up-to-date CAD and other product development information across an enterprise. · ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- CADDS 5 is specialized CAD/CAM software for collaborative engineering and very large, complex products. · ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Security
- PTC describes CADDS 5 as providing a single, centralized, secure, up-to-date CAD dataset. · ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Sheet-metal tools
- Yes · ptc.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Shipbuilding
- The product includes specialized capabilities for naval and commercial ship design, including structural and outfitting work and NURBS hull surfaces. · ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- A CADDS 5 representative can provide pricing, arrange a product demo, answer technical questions, guide software updates, and arrange a software evaluation. · ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows; Solaris SPARC; Solaris x86 · ptc.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Surface modeling
- Yes · ptc.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Systems design
- CADDS 5 supports electrical, piping, and HVAC systems design. · ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Visualization
- PTC says EPD.Connect can detect model interferences, animate 3D product models, and navigate complex product structures. · ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- PTC's CADDS 5 16.1 hardware notes list Windows 10 32-bit Enterprise Edition support from datecode M090 and above. · ptc.com, 11 Oct 2026
Where CADDS 5 stands on Freedom251
- 3D CAD Software#59 of 79