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 Design Software in 2026
Engineering design software helps create technical drawings, 3D models, electrical layouts and structural plans. Tools such as FreeCAD, KiCad and CATIA address different design disciplines and dimensions. Compare a tool’s free plan, starting paid price or trial before signing up. Review simulation, collaboration, deployment options and supported file formats.
27.9
Onshape is a browser-accessible 3D CAD platform for parametric modeling of solids, surfaces, and sheet metal.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
37.7
OpenSCAD is free desktop software for creating solid 3D CAD models with scripts rather than artistic sculpting tools.
Free planOpen sourceWebAPILinux
- 4
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS provides 3D software tools for creating, simulating, publishing, and managing product data.
WebmacOSWindows7.5From $48 a year - 5
Allplan
ALLPLAN is interdisciplinary BIM software for architecture, engineering and construction, supporting design and construction workflows through project phases.
iOSWebmacOSWindows7.2From €123 a month - 6
Solid Edge
AndroidiOSWebWindows7.1 - 7
Alibre Design
Alibre Design is a mechanical 3D CAD and 2D documentation suite for businesses, startups, and institutions.
APISelf-hostedWindows6.8 - 8
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 - 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
Altium Designer
WebWindows6.4From $460 a month - 12
6.3 - 13
KiCad
KiCad is an open-source electronic design automation suite for creating schematics and laying out printed circuit boards.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.3Free plan - 14
MicroStation
MicroStation is infrastructure CAD software for creating precise 2D drawings and 3D models.
Windows6.2From $2,656 a year - 15
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 - 16
SEE Electrical
Windows5.8 - 17
EPLAN Electric P8
Windows5.7 - 18
ETABS
Windows4.6 - 19
RFEM
Windows4.6 - 20
STAAD.Pro
Windows4.6 - 214.5
- 224.5
- 234.5
- 24
SAP2000
Windows4.5
Choosing well
Check where the software runs
Across the list, software runs on Windows, web, macOS, API, self-hosted and iOS platforms. CATIA supports web and Windows; EPLAN Electric P8 runs on Windows.
Check for a supported Android app or browser workflow before choosing a tool for a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device.
Compare plans, prices and trials
FreeCAD and KiCad are listed as free, and KiCad has a free plan. Paid options include DraftSight at $299 per year and Allplan at $140 per user per month on an annual term.
Advance Steel, Altium Designer and DraftSight show 30-day trials; Allplan shows a 14-day trial.
Match the design work
Look at each tool’s design discipline and dimensions. The chart also records simulation tools, so check that its modelling and analysis scope fits the project before paying.
Review collaboration and deployment
Real-time collaboration and deployment are comparison points in this category. Determine whether your team needs web, API or self-hosted deployment for sharing and running design work.
Check file compatibility
Supported file formats can affect hand-offs between design tools. Confirm that a tool can read and export the formats used in your existing projects before switching.
Questions people ask
Can I use free engineering design software?
FreeCAD and KiCad are listed as free. KiCad also lists a free plan; plan details can differ by product.
Which tools offer trials?
Advance Steel, Altium Designer and DraftSight show 30-day trials, while Allplan shows a 14-day trial.
What should I compare before choosing a tool?
Review free-plan availability, starting paid price, design discipline, dimensions, simulation tools, collaboration, deployment and file formats.
Does this category include web-based software?
Yes. Web appears among the listed platforms, with CATIA supporting both web and Windows.