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Best Engineering Design Software in 2026

Engineering design software supports computer-aided design, engineering drawings, electronic design, structural analysis and related work. This list is for people choosing a tool for professional, personal or learning projects on a budget.

  1. 1

    OpenSCAD

    Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3

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

    8.8 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    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
  3. 3

    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.

    7.2 Free plan 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.

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

    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.

    7.1 From $995 · 90-day trial Visit site
  6. 6

    Solid Edge

    by Solid Edge
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1
    7.0 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
  7. 7

    SOLIDWORKS

    by SOLIDWORKS
    Free plan MacWebWindows

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

    6.8 Free plan · paid from $2,820/user/yr Visit site
  8. 8

    Allplan

    Free trial iPhoneMacWeb+1

    ALLPLAN covers multiple AEC disciplines and project stages, with cloud collaboration and broad data exchange support.

    6.5 From $140/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Visit site
  9. 9

    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.

    6.4 From $999 · 30-day trial Visit site
  10. 10

    Altium Designer

    Free trial WebWindows

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

    6.2 30-day trial Visit site
  11. 11

    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.

    6.2 From $299/yr · 30-day trial Visit site
  12. 12

    MicroStation

    by MicroStation
    Free trial Windows

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

    5.8 Visit site
  13. 13

    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
  14. 14

    CATIA

    Paid WebWindows

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

    5.6 Pricing on request 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.

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

    SEE Electrical

    Free trial Windows

    SEE Electrical offers tiered electrical CAD capabilities from core schematics to engineering data, cabinet design, and enterprise interfaces.

    5.5 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
  17. 17

    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
  18. 18

    Advance Steel

    by Autodesk
    Paid WindowsAPI
    4.7 30-day trial Visit site
  19. 19

    ETABS

    Paid Windows
    4.5 From $7,439 Visit site
  20. 20

    Autodesk Civil 3D

    by Autodesk
    Paid Windows
    4.4 Pricing on request Visit site
  21. 21

    OpenRoads Designer

    by Bentley Systems
    Paid Windows
    4.1 Pricing on request Visit site
  22. 22

    RFEM

    Paid Windows
    4.0 Pricing on request Visit site
  23. 23

    STAAD.Pro

    Paid Windows
    4.0 From $3,995/mo (annual) Visit site
  24. 24

    SAP2000

    Paid Windows
    3.9 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

Compare free access with paid pricing, trial length and licence terms. Check the design discipline, design dimensions, simulation tools, collaboration, deployment options and supported file formats before choosing. Platform support can include Windows, web, macOS, API, self-hosted and iOS.

Questions

Is FreeCAD free to use?

FreeCAD is listed with a free pricing model.

Does KiCad offer a free plan?

Yes. KiCad is listed with a free plan.

Do engineering design tools offer free trials?

Trial periods vary. Listed examples include 14 days for Allplan and 30 days for Advance Steel, Altium Designer and DraftSight.

Which platforms are represented?

Platform entries include Windows, web, macOS, API, self-hosted and iOS. Support depends on the tool.

Can I find open-source engineering design software?

Open-source code is offered by tools on this list. Check the licence before relying on code access or modification.

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