Cobalt
by Cobalt
What Cobalt is
Cobalt is a 3D modeling application for Windows and macOS that uses a hybrid modeling method. It supports assembly design and surface modeling, but sheet-metal tools are not included. Supported systems are Windows x64 10 and 11, plus macOS 12, 13, 14, 15, and 26. The application imports and exports many design and graphics formats, including ACIS SAT, PDF, DWG/DXF, IGES, STEP, Rhino 3DM, and STL. Pro/E and SolidWorks files are supported via SAT. Other listed formats include Catia v4, 3D Studio, Adobe Illustrator, EPS, CGM, VRML, ShockWave 3D, BMP, JPEG, PNG, and GIF, along with additional image, spline, and surface formats. Cobalt is paid software with no free plan, and a 14-day trial is offered. Cobalt Solo Monthly costs $69.95 a month for a commercial single-user license, includes major upgrades, and can be canceled at any time. Cobalt Solo Annual costs $695 a year for a commercial single-user license and includes major upgrades. Cobalt is headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, and was founded in 1988.
Who it suits
Cobalt may suit individual designers who need hybrid 3D modeling, assembly design, and surface modeling on Windows or macOS.
What it does well
- Supports assembly design and surface modeling.
- Imports and exports STEP, IGES, DWG/DXF, and STL.
- Major upgrades are included in both listed plans.
- Monthly plan can be canceled at any time.
What to know first
- Sheet-metal tools are not included.
- There is no free plan.
- Annual plan costs $695 a year.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cobalt Solo Monthly | billed monthly · Commercial single-user license · Major upgrades included · Cancel any time | $69.95 a month |
| Cobalt Solo Annual | billed annually · Commercial single-user license · Major upgrades included · Electronic download | $695 a year |
As ashlar.com lists them, read 19 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Cobalt supports hybrid modeling, assembly work, and surface modeling, with a broad list of import and export formats. It is paid software, and sheet-metal tools are not included.
Facts from Cobalt's own pages
- Assembly design
- Yes · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- File import and export
- ACIS SAT, PDF, DWG/DXF, IGES, STEP, Pro/E via SAT, SolidWorks via SAT, Catia v4, 3D Studio, Rhino 3DM, Facet, STL, Adobe Illustrator, EPS, CGM, VRML, ShockWave 3D, BMP, JPEG, PNG, PPM, XPM, XBM, GIF, PICT, Spline, RAW Triangle, ASCII Text, Grid Surface, SIM · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Founded
- 1988 · ashlar.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- No · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Austin, Texas, USA · ashlar.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Modeling method
- hybrid · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Sheet-metal tools
- No · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Paid from
- 69.95 · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows x64 10/11 and macOS 12, 13, 14, 15 and 26 · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Surface modeling
- Yes · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
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