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Best Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing Software in 2026

CAD and CAM programs provide tools for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and machining toolpaths used to create parts and products. This list is for people comparing those functions on a budget.

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 5

    Solid Edge

    by Solid Edge
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1
    7.1 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
  6. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 11

    CATIA

    Paid WebWindows

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

    5.8 Pricing on request Visit site
  12. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 17

    MazaCAM

    Paid Windows
    4.3 Pricing on request Visit site
  18. 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

Review free-plan availability, entry-level paid prices, trial periods, and any model caps on no-cost tiers. Also check whether each option runs on Windows, the web, macOS, an API, iOS, or a self-hosted setup, and read its licence terms when source access is important.

Questions

Is FreeCAD free?

FreeCAD uses a free pricing model.

Does DraftSight offer a free plan?

No. DraftSight is paid; its listed starting price is $299 per year, with a 30-day trial.

Which platforms can these tools support?

The platform entries include Windows, web, macOS, API, iOS, and self-hosted options.

Do any tools offer free trials?

Yes. DraftSight and Siemens NX each list a 30-day trial.

What does the comparison cover?

The comparison tracks free plans, entry paid pricing, 2D CAD, 3D CAD, CAM toolpaths, free-tier model limits, and supported platforms.

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