ViaCAD
by ViaCAD
What ViaCAD is
ViaCAD is desktop CAD software for Windows and macOS covering 2D drafting, 3D modeling, rendering, and 3D-print preparation. Its 2D editions include more than 250 drafting tools, 26 dimension types, constraints, bills of materials, and cut lists, with DWG and DXF import and export. ViaCAD 2D/3D adds ACIS solid modeling, NURBS surfaces, subdivision mesh, and push-pull, shell, blend, and chamfer operations. It reads and writes formats including STL, 3MF, SAT, OBJ, SKP, SVG, and 3DS, and can check printability before STL or 3MF export. Animation and parametric modeling are listed capabilities. ViaCAD Pro adds advanced surfaces and physically based rendering with HDRI lighting, ray-traced shadows, materials, decals, and KeyShot LiveLinking. Prices include $59.99 a year for ViaCAD 17 2D and $119.99 a year for ViaCAD 17 2D/3D. A free 15-day trial is available, and each licence includes twelve months of technical support and maintenance.
Who it suits
ViaCAD is aimed at beginning to intermediate users, including hobbyists, inventors, classrooms, and 3D-printing enthusiasts. It also suits users needing Windows or macOS desktop drafting and modeling.
What it does well
- Supports Windows and macOS
- Includes extensive 2D drafting tools
- Provides ACIS solid modeling
- Exports STL and 3MF for printing
- Offers a 15-day free trial
What to know first
- No free plan
- Separate platform licences are listed
- Own it plans show monthly prices
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ViaCAD 17 2D — Own it | yours to keep · 2D drafting · Windows and macOS editions · DWG/DXF import and export · Architectural drawing tools | $129.99 a month |
| ViaCAD 17 2D — 1-year term | renews annually · 2D drafting · Windows and macOS editions · Annual term licence | $59.99 a year |
| ViaCAD 17 2D — 3-year term | 3-year term · 2D drafting · Windows and macOS editions · Three-year term licence | $159.99 a year |
| ViaCAD 17 2D/3D — Own it | yours to keep · ACIS solid modeling · Mesh and surface tools · Animation tools · 3D-print preparation | $279.99 a month |
| ViaCAD 17 2D/3D — 1-year term | renews annually · ACIS solid modeling · Mesh and surface tools · Animation tools · 3D-print preparation | $119.99 a year |
| ViaCAD 17 2D/3D — 3-year term | 3-year term · ACIS solid modeling · Mesh and surface tools · Animation tools · 3D-print preparation | $339.99 a year |
| ViaCAD 17 Pro — Own it | yours to keep · Advanced surface tools · Photorealistic rendering · Professional drafting and modeling · 3D-print preparation | $599.99 a month |
| ViaCAD 17 Pro — 1-year term | Advanced surface tools · Photorealistic rendering · Professional drafting and modeling · 3D-print preparation | On request |
The first 8 of 15 plans, as punchcad.com lists them, read 22 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word. Every plan
Verdict
ViaCAD offers a broad progression from 2D drafting to 2D/3D modeling and Pro rendering. Compare edition capabilities, platform licensing, and term choices before selecting a plan.
Facts from ViaCAD's own pages
- 2D drafting
- ViaCAD editions include more than 250 drafting tools, 26 dimension types, 2D constraints, bills of materials, and cut lists. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- 3D modeling
- ViaCAD 2D/3D includes ACIS solid modeling, NURBS surfaces, subdivision mesh, and tools such as push-pull, shell, blend, and chamfer. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- 3D printing
- ViaCAD 2D/3D includes tools to check printability and export models as STL or 3MF. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Animation tools
- Yes · punchcad.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Audience
- ViaCAD 2D/3D is aimed at beginning to intermediate users, including hobbyists, inventors, classrooms, and 3D-printing fans. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- File formats
- The product reads and writes current AutoCAD DWG and DXF; the site also lists formats including STL, 3MF, SAT, OBJ, SKP, SVG, and 3DS. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- No · punchcad.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Novato, California, United States · punchcad.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The site lists KeyShot LiveLinking for rendering and native SolidWorks, Inventor, NX, and CATIA file exchange for SharkCAD Pro, rather than ViaCAD. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Punch! Software is part of Encore Software, LLC, and lists its address in Novato, California. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Parametric modeling
- Yes · punchcad.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Platform access
- desktop · punchcad.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Platforms
- ViaCAD is offered for Windows and Mac, with Windows 11 and macOS Tahoe support listed for version 17. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- 3D print export
- Yes · punchcad.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- ViaCAD is 2D/3D CAD software for drafting, modeling, rendering, and preparing designs for 3D printing. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Refunds and delivery
- The maker says orders are delivered by download with a licence key by email and offers a 30-day refund on licences that have not been activated. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Render engine
- both · punchcad.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Rendering
- ViaCAD Pro includes physically based rendering, HDRI lighting, ray-traced shadows, a material and decal library, and KeyShot LiveLinking. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- The opened maker pages describe software features and licensing but do not state a security or compliance certification. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Every licence includes twelve months of technical support and maintenance, and the maker provides tutorials and a user forum. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Trial
- The maker offers a free 15-day trial. · punchcad.com, 11 Oct 2026
Where ViaCAD stands on Freedom251
- 3D CAD Software#57 of 79
- 3D modeling software#121 of 147