18.7
Rhino 3D is desktop software for Windows and macOS with listed capabilities for parametric modeling, animation, rendering and export for 3D printing.
Free planiOSAPILinux
Best CAD Software in 2026
Whether you are creating technical drawings or building 3D models, CAD software varies in its modeling approach and the ways it supports design workflows. Compared on modeling dimension, parametric and direct modeling, and file format support, the entries can be assessed against the work you need to do and the files you exchange. Cloud collaboration and simulation tools add other considerations. Also check supported…
28.6
Onshape is a browser-accessible 3D CAD platform for parametric modeling of solids, surfaces, and sheet metal.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
38.3
AutoCAD is drafting, design, and modeling software for precise 2D and 3D work.
AndroidiOSWeb
- 4
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS provides 3D software tools for creating, simulating, publishing, and managing product data.
WebmacOSWindows8.1From $48 a year - 5
Shapr3D
Shapr3D is 3D CAD software for direct and history-based parametric modeling, with a built-in render engine and 3D-print export.
Free planmacOSWindows7.9From $299 a year - 6
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is free desktop software for creating solid 3D CAD models with scripts rather than artistic sculpting tools.
Free planOpen sourceWebAPILinuxmacOS7.8Free plan - 7
Solid Edge
AndroidiOSWebWindows7.7 - 8
GstarCAD
GstarCAD is 2D and 3D CAD software positioned as a high-compatibility alternative to AutoCAD.
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.7From $239 a year - 9
Plasticity
Plasticity is paid desktop software from Plasticity, based in Wilmington, Delaware.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows7.7$175 one-time - 10
ZWCAD Professional
ZWCAD Professional is CAD software for 2D drafting and advanced 3D navigation, with DWG and other common-format compatibility.
AndroidiOSWindows7.5 - 11
Creo
Creo is desktop CAD software for creating parts and assemblies with a hybrid modeling approach.
AndroidiOSWebWindows7.3 - 12
Siemens NX
Siemens NX is product design and engineering software for Windows desktop, with browser access available through NX X Design, its cloud SaaS option.
WebWindows7.3 - 13
Alibre Design
Alibre Design is a mechanical 3D CAD and 2D documentation suite for businesses, startups, and institutions.
APISelf-hostedWindows7.3 - 14
CATIA
CATIA is a paid parametric design and engineering tool for creating models and assemblies.
WebWindows7.2From $6,537 a year - 15
DraftSight
DraftSight is a desktop CAD application for creating, editing, viewing and sharing 2D DWG drawings, with 3D design capabilities in some versions.
APImacOSWindows7.1From $299 a year - 16
nanoCAD
nanoCAD is Windows software for 2D and 3D engineering drawing and design, using a hybrid modeling approach.
Windows7.1 - 17
IntelliCAD
IntelliCAD is commercial 2D/3D CAD software and a development platform for CAD solutions.
AndroidiOSAPImacOS7.1From $1,000 a year - 18
Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk Inventor is Windows software for 3D mechanical design, documentation, simulation, and model-based definition.
Windows7.0 - 19
SolveSpace
SolveSpace is free GPLv3 software for parametric 2D and 3D computer-aided design.
Free planWebLinuxmacOSWindows6.9Free plan - 20
6.8 - 21
QCAD Professional
QCAD Professional is 2D CAD software for technical drawings such as building plans, mechanical parts, and diagrams.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.8$48 one-time - 22
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free web and iOS app covering 3D design, electronics, and block-based coding.
Free planiOSWeb6.8Free plan - 23
MicroStation
MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models.
Windows6.7From $2,656 a year - 24
LibreCAD
LibreCAD is a free, open-source 2D computer-aided design application released under the GNU General Public License version 2.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.7Free plan - 25
ARES Commander
ARES Commander is CAD software for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with native DWG support for 2D drafting and 3D modeling.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.6From €225 a month