Best Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Solutions

What is CAD?

CAD software is a powerful tool for creating precise drawings and technical illustrations used across different industries. Aimed at professionals, CAD solutions enhance design workflows and efficiency.

The top 5 CAD solutions are Siemens PLM NX, PTC Creo, Dassault Catia, Dassault SolidWorks and OnShape, as ranked by PeerSpot users in December 2024. Siemens PLM NX received the highest rating of 0.0 among the leaders, is the most popular solution in terms of searches by peers, and holds the largest mind share of 32.2%.

CAD solutions have evolved over the years, integrating advanced features to support complex design tasks. Users often highlight ease of use, extensive toolsets, and compatibility with various file formats as key strengths. The software allows for detailed modeling, simulation, and analysis, contributing to better project outcomes.

What are the critical features of CAD software?

3D Modeling: Supports the creation of detailed three-dimensional models to visualize projects effectively.
Simulation and Analysis: Allows testing and validation of designs under different conditions before actual production.
Collaboration Tools: Facilitates teamwork by enabling multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
Drafting and Documentation: Provides tools for generating precise technical drawings and documentation.

What benefits or ROI should users look for when evaluating CAD solutions?

Increased Productivity: Efficient design tools speed up the drafting process and reduce manual errors.
Cost Savings: Simulation capabilities help identify potential issues early, reducing the need for costly revisions.
Improved Accuracy: High precision tools ensure detailed and accurate designs.
Better Collaboration: Features that support teamwork can lead to more cohesive project development.

Industries such as automotive, aerospace, and architecture heavily implement CAD solutions to streamline design processes. The software is used to create everything from complex machinery parts to detailed building plans.

CAD software helps organizations enhance their design capabilities, reduce costs, and improve overall project quality by providing robust tools for drafting, modeling, and analysis.

CAD solutions mindshare

As of January 2025, in the CAD category, the mindshare of Siemens PLM NX is 32.2%, up from 31.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Dassault Catia is 22.9%, up from 22.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of PTC Creo is 28.2%, down from 29.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

CAD

Top CAD products

Rankings through

#1 Ranked

Siemens PLM NX

Siemens NX software is a flexible and powerful integrated solution that helps you deliver better products faster and more efficiently. NX delivers the next generation of design, simulation, and manufacturing solutions that enable companies to realize the value of the digital twin.

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PTC Creo

Creo 5.0 makes your job easier with key productivity enhancements for the fast-changing world of product design and manufacturing. When you’re ready, Creo offers both new and expanded capabilities in Additive Manufacturing, Mold Machining, Topology Optimization, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and multi-CAD collaboration. It’s design as it should be.

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Dassault Catia

Product design software that addresses all manufacturing organizations, from OEMs through their supply chains, to small producers.

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Dassault SolidWorks

3D CAD Design Software.

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OnShape

Onshape’s modern CAD system frees engineers to focus on doing their best work. Unlike old CAD systems, Onshape unites modeling tools and design data management in a secure cloud workspace that is accessible on any device, never loses data, and eliminates design gridlock.

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CADWorx

Hexagon's Asset Lifecycle Intelligence division software solutions help visualize, create and manage the lifecycle of facilities and structures of all complexities. With five decades of innovation and proven industry leadership, we have become the trusted partner for organizations challenged with the engineering, design, building and operation of facilities and structures across the globe.

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CADWorx vs Dassault SolidWorks

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DraftSight

Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, provides business and people with virtual universes to imagine sustainable innovations. Its world-leading solutions transform the way products are designed, produced, and supported. Dassault Systèmes’ collaborative solutions foster social innovation, expanding possibilities for the virtual world to improve the real world. The group brings value to over 220,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 140 countries.

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Actify SpinFire

Actify SpinFire Ultimate is a revolutionary CAD Viewer with multi-CAD support for 3D and 2D viewing, measuring, markup and other investigative functions. SpinFire is able to convert CAD models into a compact, lightweight and neutral format for sharing with internal and external teams. Gain insight from your product data. Actify’s SpinFire CAD Viewer will fulfill the Product Visualization needs of your organization regardless of its size.

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CAD Exchanger

View, explore and convert 3D CAD data on desktop, web and mobile.Applications for end-users. SDK's and tools for software developers. Custom development services for businesses.

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Siemens Velocity

Velocity is an off-the-shelf store-level POS data warehousing and reporting solution that integrates retailer provided sales and inventory with a supplier's internal data such as forecasts, shipments, costs and much more. Velocity enables marketing, supply chain and sales departments to make retailer-based decisions using one universal database with proven cleansing and normalizing processes. Velocity has experience with over 200 global retailers.

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NVIDIA Omniverse Enterprise

NVIDIA Omniverse Enterprise enhances 3D collaboration and real-time simulation. It offers valuable features like multi-app interoperability and high-quality visualization. Users appreciate its robust simulation capabilities but suggest improvements in integration with more third-party tools for wider usability.

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NVIDIA Omniverse Enterprise vs Dassault Catia

Pantheon AI

Pantheon AI offers robust tools for intuitive data processing, enhancing decision-making through machine learning capabilities. Users appreciate its automation features but mention a learning curve in mastering its full potential. Improved documentation could further elevate its accessibility and efficiency.

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Pacdora

Pacdora serves as an efficient tool for packaging design, offering customization features like 3D mockups and templates. Users appreciate its intuitive design but suggest improvements in speed and collaboration capabilities. Pacdora enhances productivity for designers, making it a valuable asset in design workflows.

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Actify Centro

Actify’s Centro solution is an Enterprise Information Management system that has been developed for manufacturers to integrate their line-of-business systems, including ERP, CRM, CAD data and more. Centro provides a unified platform where all product and engineering data becomes available for the wider enterprise. This results in an accelerated design cycle thanks to the rapid access to data and enhanced collaboration.Centro provides its users with unique business insights to speed up and enhance decision making. Centro provides not just a single platform for all engineering and design data but gives you a deeper insight into your product data through interactive charts and predictive analytics. It gives you all the tools that you need to effortlessly and effectively manage your product data.Centro reveals data and trends that you didn’t even know was there. It gives you insight not just into product data but provides visibility on other users’ activity to boost collaboration.You can pick and choose the modules and functionalities you need from Centro to work with a solution that is tailor-made for your own needs, depending on your size and unique processes.

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Ansys Gateway powered by AWS

Ansys Gateway powered by AWS enables rapid simulation deployment and scalability, offering valuable cloud-based computing capabilities. Users appreciate its flexibility and performance but express a need for more streamlined deployment processes and improved documentation. Enhanced support for diverse applications could benefit wider adoption.

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Presite

Presite enhances project management use cases with intuitive task tracking and collaborative features. Users appreciate its customization options and time-saving automation. While its functionality is impressive, there is room for improvement in its integration capabilities and learning curve for new users.

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