Side by side
LabVIEW vs ProfiCAD
Both stand on electrical design software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
Choose LabVIEW for engineering work that combines automated testing, instrument connectivity, and graphical programming. The free Community Edition is limited to personal, non-commercial, non-industrial use, and deploying applications requires a perpetual license for every target computer.
Visit LabVIEW Free plan AndroidMacWindows
ProfiCAD focuses on electrical and related technical diagrams, with offline use and generated reports. Its free edition has a page limit, and paid commercial licenses start at 277.00 USD once, excluding tax.
Visit ProfiCADThe facts
| LabVIEW | ProfiCAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | School License: $277, paid once |
| Plans published | 7 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | ni.com | proficad.com |
| On electrical design software | #4 of 41 | #8 of 41 |
LabVIEW: what it does well
- Connects with instruments from any vendor.
- Offers more than 7,000 instrument drivers.
- Supports dataflow programming and parallel execution.
- Includes engineering analysis and a native test control interface.
- Integrates code from Python, C/C++, .NET, and MATLAB.
What to know first
- The free Community Edition excludes commercial and industrial use.
- Community Edition cannot be used for teaching or research at degree-granting institutions.
- Each target computer running a developed application needs a perpetual deployment license.
ProfiCAD: what it does well
- Includes more than 2,000 symbols
- Can generate wiring and parts lists
- Works offline
- Offers a 30-day full-feature trial
What to know first
- Home edition is limited to three pages
- Commercial creation requires a paid license
- Android viewer omits cross-references
- Not intended for PCB layout or 3D modeling
Alternatives to LabVIEW Alternatives to ProfiCAD The whole list