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 Engineering CAD Software in 2026
Engineering CAD software supports 2D drafting, parametric modeling, circuit design, simulation and generative design. Tools may target mechanical, electrical or broader engineering work, with file-format support affecting how designs move between programs. Across the list, software runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, the web, iOS or through APIs; weigh your required platform against supported formats and desktop needs.
27.9
Onshape is a browser-accessible 3D CAD platform for parametric modeling of solids, surfaces, and sheet metal.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
37.5
Shapr3D is 3D CAD software for direct and history-based parametric modeling, with a built-in render engine and 3D-print export.
Free planmacOSWindows
- 4
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS provides 3D software tools for creating, simulating, publishing, and managing product data.
WebmacOSWindows7.5From $48 a year - 5
GstarCAD
GstarCAD is 2D and 3D CAD software positioned as a high-compatibility alternative to AutoCAD.
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.3From $239 a year - 6
Solid Edge
AndroidiOSWebWindows7.1 - 7
ZWCAD Professional
ZWCAD Professional is CAD software for 2D drafting and advanced 3D navigation, with DWG and other common-format compatibility.
AndroidiOSWindows7.1 - 8
Alibre Design
Alibre Design is a mechanical 3D CAD and 2D documentation suite for businesses, startups, and institutions.
APISelf-hostedWindows6.8 - 9
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 - 10
QCAD Professional
QCAD Professional is 2D CAD software for technical drawings such as building plans, mechanical parts, and diagrams.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.6$48 one-time - 11
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 - 12
CATIA
CATIA is a paid parametric design and engineering tool for creating models and assemblies.
WebWindows6.5From $6,537 a year - 13
Altium Designer
WebWindows6.4From $460 a month - 14
VariCAD Viewer
VariCAD Viewer is desktop software for viewing, converting, measuring, and printing engineering files.
LinuxWindows6.4 - 15
CADian
Windows6.3From $260 a year - 16
6.3 - 17
KiCad
KiCad is an open-source electronic design automation suite for creating schematics and laying out printed circuit boards.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.3Free plan - 18
LibreCAD
LibreCAD is a free, open-source 2D computer-aided design application released under the GNU General Public License version 2.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.3Free plan - 19
T-FLEX CAD
T-FLEX CAD is a hybrid computer-aided design application for mechanical work, combining 3D modeling with drafting and drawing production.
LinuxWindows6.2 - 20
IRONCAD
IRONCAD is Windows desktop software for 3D and 2D engineering design, covering work from initial concepts through production.
Windows6.1 - 21
OrCAD X
OrCAD X is an electronic design automation platform for schematic capture, PCB layout, and circuit simulation, aimed at small and medium-sized…
WebWindows6.1 - 22
EPLAN Electric P8
Windows5.7 - 23
DipTrace
LinuxmacOSWindows5.6$75 one-time - 24
KOMPAS-3D
LinuxWindows5.2 - 25
CAXA CAD
Windows4.5
Choosing well
Match the design work
Parametric modeling helps you build designs from editable dimensions and relationships. 2D drafting focuses on precise plans and drawings. Check which approach fits your projects before comparing licenses.
Simulation tools and generative design can affect engineering workflows differently, so look for the capabilities that match your intended work.
Check file format support
File-format support determines whether designs can be opened, edited and exchanged with other programs. Confirm the formats used by your team, suppliers or existing projects before committing.
Confirm device access
The products span Windows, Linux, macOS, web, iOS and API access. Check for an Android app separately if you want to review or manage work from a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device.
Desktop engineering features may require a Windows, Linux or macOS installation, while a web option can suit browser-based access.
Compare plans and trials
FreeCAD and KiCad have no charge; DipTrace provides a free tier, paid options beginning at $75, and a 30-day trial. Paid examples include DraftSight from $299 per year, CADian from $260 with a 30-day trial, and Altium Designer with a 30-day trial.
Pricing is available only on request for some products, such as CATIA, EPLAN Electric P8 and IRONCAD. Check the licence terms and whether a free plan or trial covers the features you need.
Questions people ask
Which platforms appear in the list?
Software in the list runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, the web, iOS or through APIs. Check the individual product page for its exact deployment options.
Can I find free engineering CAD software?
FreeCAD and KiCad are listed as free. DipTrace also has a free tier, with paid access starting at $75.
Which tools offer trials?
Thirty-day trials are listed for Altium Designer, CADian, DraftSight, DipTrace and IRONCAD.
Which features matter besides price?
Look at parametric modeling, 2D drafting, simulation, generative design, file-format compatibility and deployment platform.