18.1
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 Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing Software in 2026
Computer-aided design and manufacturing tools support 2D CAD, 3D CAD and CAM toolpaths for design and production work. Compare the capabilities that match the kind of drawings, models or toolpaths you need. Check the free plan, paid starting price, free-plan model limit and supported platforms.
27.9
Onshape is a browser-accessible 3D CAD platform for parametric modeling of solids, surfaces, and sheet metal.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
37.5
SOLIDWORKS provides 3D software tools for creating, simulating, publishing, and managing product data.
WebmacOSWindows
- 4
Solid Edge
AndroidiOSWebWindows7.1 - 5
ZWCAD Professional
ZWCAD Professional is CAD software for 2D drafting and advanced 3D navigation, with DWG and other common-format compatibility.
AndroidiOSWindows7.1 - 6
Alibre Design
Alibre Design is a mechanical 3D CAD and 2D documentation suite for businesses, startups, and institutions.
APISelf-hostedWindows6.8 - 7
DraftSight
DraftSight is a desktop CAD application for creating, editing, viewing and sharing 2D DWG drawings, with 3D design capabilities in some versions.
APImacOSWindows6.6From $299 a year - 8
QCAD Professional
QCAD Professional is 2D CAD software for technical drawings such as building plans, mechanical parts, and diagrams.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.6$48 one-time - 9
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.
WebWindows6.6 - 10
CATIA
CATIA is a paid parametric design and engineering tool for creating models and assemblies.
WebWindows6.5From $6,537 a year - 11
Cimatron CAD
Windows6.3 - 12
6.3 - 13
Tebis
Windows6.2 - 14
TopSolid'Design
TopSolid'Design is a 3D CAD solution for mechanical design on supported 64-bit Windows systems.
APISelf-hostedWindows6.2 - 15
Fusion with PowerShape
Fusion with PowerShape combines surface, solid, and mesh modeling for preparing molds, dies, and other complex parts for manufacture.
Windows6.0 - 16
Hexagon VISI
Hexagon VISI is CAD/CAE/CAM software for designing, analyzing, and validating moulds and dies, particularly for plastic injection tooling.
Windows5.5 - 17
SprutCAM X
Windows4.8 - 18
MazaCAM
Windows4.5
Choosing well
Match the design scope
Use the 2D CAD and 3D CAD fields to check whether a tool fits drafting, modeling or both. CAM toolpaths matter when the workflow includes manufacturing output.
Compare these fields directly rather than assuming a general CAD label covers the work you need.
Check the cost model
Look for a free plan, a free trial and the paid-from price. FreeCAD is marked free, while DraftSight lists $299 per year and a 30-day trial.
Some paid tools show pricing on request, including CATIA, MazaCAM and Siemens NX, so the chart may not provide a starting figure for them.
Confirm platform access
Supported options in this category include Windows, web, macOS, API, iOS and self-hosted deployments. CATIA, for example, lists web and Windows support.
Android is not among the listed platforms. Check the individual product details if you need to work from an Android phone or tablet.
Review free-plan limits
The comparison includes a free-plan model limit. Read that field alongside the free-plan status to understand whether a no-cost tier fits the size or complexity of your models.
If a tool has a trial instead of a free plan, note the trial period and what happens after it ends before starting work.
Questions people ask
Do these CAD and CAM tools support Android?
Android is not among the listed platforms. Check the product details before relying on an Android phone or tablet.
Which platforms are covered?
The listed platform options are Windows, web, macOS, API, iOS and self-hosted.
Are free plans available?
Free-plan status is a comparison field. FreeCAD is marked free, while DraftSight is marked as having no free plan.
Which tools show a starting price?
DraftSight lists $299 per year and a 30-day trial. CATIA, MazaCAM and Siemens NX show pricing on request.
What does the free-plan model limit mean?
It is a comparison field for the model limit under a free plan. Check the individual product entry for its stated limit.