Free and open first

Best Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing Software in 2026

18 apps
Research read 28 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

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.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
2

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.

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

7.2 From $995 · 90-day trial Visit site
4

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.

7.1 Visit site
5

Solid Edge
by Solid Edge
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1

7.1 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
6

SOLIDWORKS
by SOLIDWORKS
Free plan MacWebWindows

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

6.9 Free plan · paid from $2,820/user/yr Visit site
7

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.

6.5 From $999 · 30-day trial Visit site
8

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.

6.3 From $299/yr · 30-day trial Visit site
9

Cimatron CAD
by Cimatron CAD
Free trial Windows

Cimatron CAD combines product design, interoperability, verification, and manufacturing preparation in one Windows application.

6.1 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
10

Fusion with PowerShape
by Fusion with PowerShape
Free trial Windows

Fusion with PowerShape brings broad modeling, repair, simulation, and manufacturing-preparation tools into a Windows workflow.

5.9 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
11

CATIA

Paid WebWindows

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

5.8 Pricing on request Visit site
12

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.

5.8 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
13

TopSolid'Design

Free trial APISelf-hostedWindows

TopSolid'Design covers modeling, assemblies, simulation, documentation, and PDM in a Windows workflow. Confirm hardware, operating-system, database, and licensing requirements before deployment.

5.7 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
14

ZWCAD Professional
by ZWCAD Professional
Free trial AndroidiPhoneWindows

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

5.7 From $1,399/user · 30-day trial Visit site
15

Hexagon VISI
by Hexagon VISI
Paid Windows

Choose Hexagon VISI for plastic injection tooling work that calls for mould design, flow analysis, 3D modelling and machining capabilities.

5.4 Pricing on request Visit site
16

Tebis
by Tebis
Paid Windows

Tebis combines manufacturing design, machining, simulation, and MES connectivity in one modular scope.

4.9 From €23,500 Visit site
17

MazaCAM

Paid Windows

4.3 Pricing on request Visit site
18

SprutCAM X

Paid Windows

4.1 Pricing on request · 30-day trial 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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