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Best CAD Software in 2026

CAD software supports the creation of technical drawings and models, with different tools for different design approaches. Compared on modeling dimension, direct modeling, and parametric modeling, the entries give you ways to assess how each may suit your work. File format support and cloud collaboration can matter when sharing designs, while simulation tools and supported platforms add further considerations. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing provide additional context. Onshape, Rhino 3D, and Shapr3D are among the named options; AutoCAD and CATIA offer other choices to consider. Compare the listed modeling and workflow capabilities with the kinds of designs and file exchanges you need to handle.

  1. 1

    OpenSCAD

    Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3

    Choose OpenSCAD for script-driven, parameterized CAD work, particularly designs such as machine parts.

    8.6 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    Solid Edge

    by Solid Edge
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1
    7.5 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
  3. 3

    Rhino 3D

    by Rhino 3D
    Free plan APIiPhoneLinux+3

    Rhino 3D lists modeling and related tools alongside several permanent-license options and a 90-day evaluation.

    7.5 From $995 · 90-day trial Visit site
  4. 4

    Onshape

    by Onshape
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb

    Onshape combines parametric CAD with collaboration and built-in design-data management. Check the plan terms carefully if you need private documents or commercial use.

    7.4 Free plan · paid from $1,500/user/yr Visit site
  5. 5

    SOLIDWORKS

    by SOLIDWORKS
    Free plan MacWebWindows

    SOLIDWORKS combines locally installed design tools with cloud collaboration options and browser-based xDesign tools.

    7.4 Free plan · paid from $2,820/user/yr Visit site
  6. 6

    FreeCAD

    by FreeCAD
    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Choose FreeCAD if you need a free, open-source desktop modeler with parametric editing, broad open-format support, and technical simulation tools. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

    7.3 Free plan Visit site
  7. 7

    LibreCAD

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    LibreCAD offers core 2D drawing tools and a multilingual interface at no listed cost. Its limited DWG support and stated warranty exclusions are worth considering when choosing it for project work.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  8. 8

    Shapr3D

    by Shapr3D
    Free plan MacWindows

    Shapr3D combines 3D CAD modeling, offline work, and broad file-format support. Review the Free plan limit and Pro trial billing terms before choosing a plan.

    7.0 Free plan · paid from $299/user/yr · 14-day trial Visit site
  9. 9

    SolveSpace

    Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

    Choose SolveSpace for free parametric CAD with constrained sketches, associative assemblies, mechanism simulation, and a broad set of export formats.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  10. 10

    QCAD Professional

    by QCAD Professional
    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Choose QCAD Professional for cross-platform 2D drafting with DWG and DXF support, a large parts library, and command-line conversion tools.

    6.9 Visit site
  11. 11

    nanoCAD

    by nanoCAD
    Free plan Windows

    nanoCAD offers a no-cost 2D tier alongside paid options with additional modules for 3D work.

    6.7 Free plan · paid from $289/yr · 30-day trial Visit site
  12. 12

    AutoCAD

    by AutoCAD
    Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2

    AutoCAD pairs drafting and modeling with specialized toolsets and collaboration features across desktop, web, and mobile platforms.

    6.6 Visit site
  13. 13

    DesignSpark Mechanical

    Free plan Windows

    DesignSpark Mechanical offers a free entry plan for direct modeling, with advanced file options and assembly tools in paid tiers.

    6.6 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
  14. 14

    Tinkercad

    by Tinkercad
    Free plan iPhoneWeb

    Tinkercad brings 3D design, electronics, coding, and classroom resources together in a free web and iOS app.

    6.6 Free plan Visit site
  15. 15

    Siemens NX

    Free trial WebWindows

    Choose Siemens NX if your design work calls for assembly, sheet-metal, or surface modeling and you want Windows desktop or NX X browser access.

    6.2 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
  16. 16

    GstarCAD

    by GstarCAD
    Free trial AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    GstarCAD combines 2D and 3D drafting with DWG and DXF support, a large toolset, and developer interfaces.

    6.2 From $299/yr · 30-day trial Visit site
  17. 17

    Autodesk Inventor

    Free trial Windows

    Inventor brings multiple modeling methods, design tools, and integrations to Windows-based mechanical work.

    6.1 30-day trial Visit site
  18. 18

    DraftSight

    Free trial APIMacWindows

    DraftSight provides desktop 2D drafting tools, with 3D capabilities in some versions and multiple license options. The edition matters: PDF Import is limited to Premium and Enterprise Plus.

    6.1 From $299/yr · 30-day trial Visit site
  19. 19

    Alibre Design

    by Alibre Design
    Free trial APISelf-hostedWindows

    Alibre Design combines mechanical modeling, drawings, sheet-metal tools, rendering, and automation, with a 30-day Design Expert trial.

    6.1 From $999 · 30-day trial Visit site
  20. 20

    ZWCAD Professional

    by ZWCAD Professional
    Free trial AndroidiPhoneWindows

    ZWCAD Professional combines drafting, modeling, conversion and API tools with standalone and network licensing.

    6.1 From $1,399/user · 30-day trial Visit site
  21. 21

    Creo

    by Creo
    Paid WebWindowsMac+2
    6.0 30-day trial Visit site
  22. 22

    IntelliCAD

    by IntelliCAD
    Free trial AndroidAPIiPhone+2

    IntelliCAD combines desktop CAD capabilities, DWG compatibility and developer tooling with BIM and AI preview features.

    6.0 Pricing on request Visit site
  23. 23

    MicroStation

    by MicroStation
    Free trial Windows

    MicroStation combines infrastructure CAD workflows with BIM, geospatial data, and several file-format options.

    5.9 Visit site
  24. 24

    Plasticity

    by Plasticity
    Free trial LinuxMacWindows

    Choose Plasticity if you need desktop 3D software with 3D print export on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

    5.8 From $175 · 30-day trial Visit site
  25. 25

    CATIA

    Paid WebWindows

    CATIA brings parametric modeling together with assembly, sheet-metal, and surface capabilities.

    5.7 Pricing on request Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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