SOLIDWORKS
8.3#3 in 3d cad softwareFrom $48 a yearWebmacOSWindows
VisitSOLIDWORKS vs ViaCAD
What both publish
| Fact | SOLIDWORKS | ViaCAD |
|---|---|---|
| 3D print export | Yes | Yes |
| Animation tools | Yes | Yes |
| Audience | SOLIDWORKS says its markets include industrial, medical, scientific, consumer, educational, technology and transportation organizations. | ViaCAD 2D/3D is aimed at beginning to intermediate users, including hobbyists, inventors, classrooms, and 3D-printing fans. |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Headquarters | Waltham, Massachusetts, USA | Novato, California, United States |
| Integrations | The SOLIDWORKS Solution Partner Program works with hundreds of partners, and Certified Gold Products provide integration inside the SOLIDWORKS interface. | The site lists KeyShot LiveLinking for rendering and native SolidWorks, Inventor, NX, and CATIA file exchange for SharkCAD Pro, rather than ViaCAD. |
| Parametric modeling | Yes | Yes |
| Platform access | both | desktop |
| Render engine | built-in | both |
| Support | Online purchases include technical support and access to getting-started resources covering installation, onboarding and tutorials. | Every licence includes twelve months of technical support and maintenance, and the maker provides tutorials and a user forum. |
SOLIDWORKS plans
- SOLIDWORKS Design Standard with Cloud Services$2,820 a year
- SOLIDWORKS Design Professional with Cloud Services$3,456 a year
- SOLIDWORKS Design Premium with Cloud Services$4,716 a year
- SOLIDWORKS for Makers$48 a year
ViaCAD plans
- ViaCAD 17 2D — Own it$129.99 a month
- ViaCAD 17 2D — 1-year term$59.99 a year
- ViaCAD 17 2D — 3-year term$159.99 a year
- ViaCAD 17 2D/3D — Own it$279.99 a month
- ViaCAD 17 2D/3D — 1-year term$119.99 a year
- ViaCAD 17 2D/3D — 3-year term$339.99 a year
Pick SOLIDWORKS if…
SOLIDWORKS suits people and organizations working with 3D product design, including industrial, medical, scientific, consumer, educational, technology, and transportation markets. Students can use Design Standard at no cost, while Makers is aimed at personal, non-commercial use.
Pick ViaCAD if…
You want what its maker publishes above — check its page for the details.