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Best Engineering CAD Software in 2026

  1. 1

    KiCad

    Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

    KiCad covers schematic capture, PCB layout, checking, routing, and 3D viewing in a free suite. Check the stable Linux release's x86-64 limitation if choosing that platform.

    7.4 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    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
  3. 3

    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.

    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  4. 4

    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
  5. 5

    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.

    7.1 Free plan · paid from $1,500/user/yr Visit site
  6. 6

    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
  7. 7

    Solid Edge

    by Solid Edge
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1
    7.1 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
  8. 8

    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
  9. 9

    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.

    6.8 Free plan · paid from $299/user/yr · 14-day trial Visit site
  10. 10

    DipTrace

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows
    6.7 Free plan · paid from $75 · 30-day trial Visit site
  11. 11

    T-FLEX CAD

    Free plan LinuxWindows

    T-FLEX CAD covers mechanical modeling, drafting, assemblies, manufacturing features, and extensive file translation.

    6.7 Free plan · pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
  12. 12

    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
  13. 13

    Altium Designer

    Free trial WebWindows

    Altium Designer brings board design, simulation, collaboration, supply-chain data, and integration into one environment.

    6.3 30-day trial Visit site
  14. 14

    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
  15. 15

    GstarCAD

    by GstarCAD
    Free trial AndroidAPIiPhone+4

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

    6.3 From $299/yr · 30-day trial Visit site
  16. 16

    CADian

    Free trial Windows

    CADian provides Windows CAD drafting with broad DWG compatibility and separate Classic and Professional capabilities.

    6.1 From $260 · 30-day trial Visit site
  17. 17

    IRONCAD

    Free trial Windows

    IRONCAD offers a hybrid CAD workflow with extensive format support and manufacturing-oriented tools.

    5.8 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
  18. 18

    OrCAD X

    Free trial WebWindows

    OrCAD X combines PCB design with simulation and mechanical-design collaboration, while higher tiers add Live BOM and other capabilities.

    5.8 30-day trial Visit site
  19. 19

    CATIA

    Paid WebWindows

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

    5.7 Pricing on request Visit site
  20. 20

    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.

    5.7 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
  21. 21

    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
  22. 22

    VariCAD Viewer

    by VariCAD Viewer
    Free trial LinuxWindows

    VariCAD Viewer brings file viewing, conversion, printing and display controls together for supported CAD formats. The 30-day trial offers a way to evaluate it before the annual English one-user plan.

    5.6 30-day trial Visit site
  23. 23

    EPLAN Electric P8

    Paid Windows

    Choose Eplan Electric P8 for Windows based engineering and documentation that includes schematic automation, fluid power circuits, and engineering data flows.

    5.4 Pricing on request Visit site
  24. 24

    KOMPAS-3D

    Paid LinuxWindows

    KOMPAS-3D combines parametric modeling with assembly, sheet-metal, surface, and broad file-format support. Check operating-system compatibility and licensing needs before choosing it.

    5.4 30-day trial Visit site
  25. 25

    CAXA CAD

    Paid Windows
    4.5 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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