General-Purpose CAD Software Resources
Articles, Discussions, and Reports to expand your knowledge on General-Purpose CAD Software
Resource pages are designed to give you a cross-section of information we have on specific categories. You'll find articles from our experts, discussions from users like you, and reports from industry data.
General-Purpose CAD Software Articles
I Evaluated the 11 Best Free CAD Software for Engineers
Whether you’re a hobbyist sketching out ideas, a student learning design, or a professional experimenting with new concepts, having the right tools can make all the difference. Yet, I know that not every designer has the budget for expensive software.
by Samudyata Bhat
Computer-Aided Design (CAD): State of Category
Computer-aided design (CAD) software was developed as part of a project delivered in 1960 by MIT’s Electronic Systems Laboratory, in collaboration with the United States Air Force.
by Michael Gigante
SaaS-Based CAD is Taking Over
Software as a service (SaaS), also known as software in the cloud, is increasingly penetrating the tech market. From education to finance, countless industries are implementing SaaS based solutions, and most of those industries are better because of it.
by Michael Gigante
How Generative Design Supports Sustainability
About seven years ago, 3D printing was all the rage. For a few months, even years, it was one of the most discussed technologies on the market, with the potential to truly revolutionize how we manufacture.
by Michael Gigante
Building Energy Modeling: The Future of Sustainability
In my previous column, we explored the various ways building information modeling (BIM) software has impacted sustainable architecture. Expanding on the theme of sustainability, this month’s column examines a new trend in sustainability software called building energy modeling (BEM).
by Michael Gigante
What Is CAD ( +The Most Used Types of CAD Software)
Have you ever wondered how engineers and architects design roads or buildings with such detail and precision?
by Michael Gigante
General-Purpose CAD Software Discussions
0
Question on: SketchUp
How to mirror and render sketchesIs there any mirror command in sketch up? Also how to count/select similar faces? rendering in sketchup?
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You can use scale cmd for mirror your model by scaling it to opposite side and scale it -1.
And for rendering you need to use other software's like vray, enscape, lumion etc.,
I hope you find this helpful.
Thank you!
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0
Question on: FreeCAD
new userhow to find freecad users near me ? Brownstown, PA
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Looks impressive. I look forward to getting involved. Interested in Vintage 1930s cars. i'm in Australia
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General-Purpose CAD Software Reports
Mid-Market Grid® Report for General-Purpose CAD
Winter 2026
G2 Report: Grid® Report
Grid® Report for General-Purpose CAD
Winter 2026
G2 Report: Grid® Report
Enterprise Grid® Report for General-Purpose CAD
Winter 2026
G2 Report: Grid® Report
Momentum Grid® Report for General-Purpose CAD
Winter 2026
G2 Report: Momentum Grid® Report
Small-Business Grid® Report for General-Purpose CAD
Winter 2026
G2 Report: Grid® Report
Enterprise Grid® Report for General-Purpose CAD
Fall 2025
G2 Report: Grid® Report
Small-Business Grid® Report for General-Purpose CAD
Fall 2025
G2 Report: Grid® Report
Mid-Market Grid® Report for General-Purpose CAD
Fall 2025
G2 Report: Grid® Report
Grid® Report for General-Purpose CAD
Fall 2025
G2 Report: Grid® Report
Momentum Grid® Report for General-Purpose CAD
Fall 2025
G2 Report: Momentum Grid® Report






