ViaCAD 17 2D/3D
What ViaCAD 17 2D/3D is
ViaCAD 17 2D/3D is paid CAD software for Windows and macOS that creates precision 2D drawings and 3D designs. It is described for beginners and intermediate users, with projects including architectural and remodeling plans, mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, furniture, jewelry, musical instruments, invention prototypes, and 3D-printing work. Users can switch between 2D and 3D views and work in metric or imperial units. Its hybrid modeling method includes surface modeling, but not assembly design or sheet-metal tools. Supported formats include DXF/DWG, STL, SVG, 3MF, VRML 2.0, OBJ, Adobe Illustrator, PDF, SketchUp, Collada DAE, and ACIS SAT/SAB, with import or export varying by format. Encore lists current DWG import and export for AutoCAD compatibility. LogiCursor suggests the next drawing move. Purchases include training tutorials, and the software is available in English, French, and German. The term license is $119.99, paid once; the permanent license is $279.99, paid once. A 30-day money-back guarantee applies under stated terms.
Who it suits
ViaCAD suits beginners and intermediate users creating architectural, mechanical, electrical, furniture, artistic, or prototype designs. It fits Windows and macOS users who need 2D and 3D CAD with broad file-format support.
What it does well
- Creates both precision 2D drawings and 3D designs
- Supports metric and imperial units
- Includes surface modeling and many file formats
- Provides current DWG import and export
- Purchases include training tutorials
What to know first
- No free plan is listed
- Assembly design is not included
- Sheet-metal tools are not included
- Term license costs $119.99, paid once
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ViaCAD® 17 2D/3D - Term License | As low as $119.99 · active term includes latest enhancements and new functionality · Windows and macOS | $119.99, paid once |
| ViaCAD® 17 2D/3D permanent license | As low as $279.99 · download once and own it forever · Windows and macOS | $279.99, paid once |
As encore.com lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
ViaCAD 17 2D/3D covers general 2D and 3D design with hybrid modeling, surface tools, and varied project support. Buyers needing assembly or sheet-metal functions should note those listed omissions.
Facts from ViaCAD 17 2D/3D's own pages
- 2D and 3D views
- It offers precision design tools for 2D or 3D creation and lets users quickly toggle between views. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- AutoCAD compatibility
- Encore says ViaCAD supports up-to-date DWG import and export for compatibility with AutoCAD. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Drawing aid
- LogiCursor suggests the user's next move while drawing. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- File compatibility
- The maker lists DXF/DWG, STL, SVG, 3MF, OBJ, SketchUp, Collada, and ACIS SAT/SAB file support, with import or export availability varying by format. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Novato, California, United States · encore.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- The product page describes it as suitable for beginners and intermediate users. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Language
- The product is listed as multilingual in English, French, and German. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Learning resources
- Purchases include access to training tutorials. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Maker history and headquarters
- Encore's about page says Mike Bell and Michael Wegmann founded Encore Software Inc. in 1994; it lists the company's address as Novato, California. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Money-back guarantee
- The product page advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee and says terms apply. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ViaCAD 2D/3D is CAD software for creating 2D drawings and 3D designs, including architectural plans, mechanical plans, electrical schematics, and furniture designs. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Security
- Encore says customer-submitted information is encrypted during transmission and downloadable products are scanned and tested for viruses and spyware. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- Encore provides technical support request submission and an online knowledge base. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Units
- The product supports both metric and imperial units. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- Listed projects include architectural drawings, remodeling plans, invention prototypes, 3D printer projects, mechanical drawings, furniture, jewelry, and musical instruments. · encore.com, 12 Oct 2026
Where ViaCAD 17 2D/3D stands on Freedom251
- 3D CAD Software#79 of 79