CrossWorks for ARM
CrossWorks for ARM is a C/C++ and assembly development system for ARM and Cortex microcontrollers.
What CrossWorks for ARM is
CrossWorks for ARM is a C/C++ and assembly development system for ARM and Cortex microcontrollers. Its CrossStudio IDE handles editing, building, downloading, and debugging through SWD/JTAG. GNU GCC and Clang/LLVM toolchains are included, and the multi-core debugger can work with projects built in the IDE or with external toolchains. Supported cores include Cortex-M, Cortex-A, Cortex-R, ARM11, ARM9, ARM7, Feroceon, and XScale. Supported probes include CrossConnect Neo, SEGGER J-Link, CMSIS-DAP, ST-LINK, and FTDI-based JTAG devices. The package contains a non-GPL, non-LGPL C runtime library and a royalty-free tasking library for multi-priority pre-emptive switching and synchronization. Version 5.5.0 downloads cover Windows, macOS, and Linux, including x64, ARM64, and Apple Silicon builds. Evaluation can continue indefinitely with a 16KB code limit or run for 30 days with full-version access.
Good
- IDE combines editing, building, downloading, and debugging
- GNU GCC and Clang/LLVM toolchains included
- Supports Cortex-M, Cortex-A, Cortex-R, and legacy cores
- Works with multiple SWD/JTAG probes
- Windows, macOS, and Linux downloads
Watch out
- Named license costs 2500.00 USD once
- Shared license costs 3750.00 USD once
- Unactivated evaluation has a 16KB code limit
- Full evaluation lasts 30 days
Who it suits
CrossWorks for ARM suits embedded developers targeting ARM-family microcontrollers and using C, C++, or assembly. It also fits teams needing integrated debugging, flashing, RTOS tasking, and hardware-probe support.
Verdict
CrossWorks for ARM brings IDE, toolchains, debugging, libraries, and probe connectivity together for ARM development. The evaluation options allow assessment, but commercial licensing starts at a substantial one-time cost.
Plans and prices
From CrossWorks for ARM's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Named Developer License | $2,500, paid once | commercial use · 12 months support · 12 months software assurance |
| Shared Developer License | $3,750, paid once | commercial use · 12 months support · 12 months software assurance |
The facts
Each one read from CrossWorks for ARM's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- C library
- The CrossWorks C Library is a non-GPL and non-LGPL C runtime library designed for embedded processors.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Debugger
- The CrossWorks multi-core debugger can debug applications built in the IDE or with external toolchains.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Debug probes
- Supported target connections include CrossConnect Neo, SEGGER J-Link, CMSIS-DAP devices, ST-LINK, and FTDI-based JTAG devices.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Evaluation
- The ARM evaluation can be used indefinitely with a 16KB code-size limit, or activated to evaluate the full version for 30 days.checked 4 Oct 2026
- IDE
- CrossStudio IDE handles editing, building, downloading, and debugging over SWD/JTAG.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- CrossWorks for ARM is a C/C++ and assembly language development system for ARM and Cortex microcontrollers.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security and privacy
- The privacy policy says sensitive data is transported using SSL encryption and access to information is password- and/or secure-key-restricted.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The company accepts pre-sales and technical questions through its CrossWorks Helpdesk.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Supported cores
- Supported cores include Cortex-M, Cortex-A, Cortex-R, ARM11, ARM9, ARM7, Feroceon, and XScale.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Tasking
- The royalty-free CrossWorks Tasking Library provides multi-priority pre-emptive task switching and synchronization.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Toolchains
- The product includes GNU GCC and Clang/LLVM C/C++ toolchains.checked 4 Oct 2026
The company
- Company location
- Rowley Associates Limited lists its office in Dursley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Dursley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdomchecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Desktop platforms
- Version 5.5.0 downloads are listed for Windows x64 and arm64, macOS x64 and Apple Silicon, and Linux x64 and arm64.checked 4 Oct 2026
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