# Altium Develop, DipTrace vs SOLIDWORKS Comparison

| | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,003 | 45 | 643 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (58.2% of reviews) | Small-Business (62.8% of reviews) | Small-Business (44.3% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Starting at $1,990.00 Per Year | $145.00 1 license With One-Time Purchase | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Altium Develop

Pros:
- Ease of Use (269 reviews)
- Features (217 reviews)

Cons:
- Learning Curve (93 reviews)
- Expensive (88 reviews)

### DipTrace

**Not enough data**

### SOLIDWORKS

Pros:
- Ease of Use (34 reviews)
- Features (28 reviews)

Cons:
- Performance Issues (16 reviews)
- Slow Performance (15 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.9 (824 reviews) | 8.5 (35 reviews) | 8.8 (535 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.1 (842 reviews) | 9.0 (35 reviews) | 8.6 (540 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (380 reviews) | 9.0 (5 reviews) | 8.3 (112 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.3 (137 reviews) | 8.0 (5 reviews) | 8.0 (47 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.3 (738 reviews) | 8.5 (31 reviews) | 8.2 (475 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.5 (131 reviews) | 7.7 (5 reviews) | 8.3 (47 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.9 (804 reviews) | 8.7 (35 reviews) | 8.6 (529 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Altium Develop

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Altium Develop Pricing

Price: Starting at $1,990.00 Per Year

Description: Altium Develop offers subscription-based pricing starting at $1,990 per year per workspace, which includes one ECAD Design Author seat and a shared collaboration workspace for projects, libraries, and design data. Additional ECAD Design Author seats can be added for $995 per user per year, with support for up to four additional authors per workspace. The platform also includes unlimited free collaborator access for review, commenting, task management, and BOM visibility at no extra cost. This pricing model is designed to help teams scale design capacity through a per-seat subscription while enabling broad cross-functional collaboration without increasing overall costs.

Key Features:
- Unified Workspace & Collaboration: Cloud-based platform (Altium 365) for PCB design, schematics, MCAD models, and BOMs with real-time collaboration across teams
- Component & Library Management: Centralized component libraries with traceability, lifecycle management, and part request workflows
- Advanced PCB Design: Support for high-speed PCB design, HDI, rigid-flex, and 3D-MID using Altium Designer

[Learn more about Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### DipTrace

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Lite

Price: $145.00 1 license With One-Time Purchase

Description: 500 pins, 2 signal layers

Key Features:
- Easy to learn user interface
- Multi-sheet and hierarchical schematics
- Interactive push-and-shove editing

[Browse all 5 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/diptrace/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### SOLIDWORKS

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | N/A | N/A |
| **DipTrace** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.7/10 | 53 |

#### CAD to CAM

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **CAD-CAM Import** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (42 reviews) | 
| **CAM Data Exchange** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (42 reviews) | 
| **CAD/CAM Compatibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (43 reviews) | 

#### CNC Programming

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **CNC Workflows** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (39 reviews) | 
| **CNC Feature Recognition** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (38 reviews) | 
| **Programming Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (37 reviews) | 

#### Machining

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Job Set-up** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (39 reviews) | 
| **Operations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (39 reviews) | 
| **Tooling and Toolpaths** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (39 reviews) | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.4/10 | 82 |
| **DipTrace** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 112 |

#### Design

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.5 (75 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.5 (107 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 8.3 (72 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.4 (107 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 8.6 (73 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.2 (103 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 8.2 (71 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.1 (100 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.0 (71 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.5 (98 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 8.1 (65 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.4 (90 reviews) | 
| **Views** | 8.8 (69 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.3 (101 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 8.0 (63 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.3 (85 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.7 (67 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.6 (94 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.5 (68 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.0 (96 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.2 (64 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.4 (90 reviews) | 

### CAD Libraries

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | N/A | N/A |
| **DipTrace** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.9/10 | 35 |

#### Library

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Categorize** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (29 reviews) | 
| **Search** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (28 reviews) | 
| **Deduplication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (28 reviews) | 
| **Feedback** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (23 reviews) | 

#### CAD

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Types** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (24 reviews) | 
| **Models** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.4 (30 reviews) | 
| **Compatibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.1 (29 reviews) | 

#### Integration

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Catalogs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (26 reviews) | 
| **CAD & PLM** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.6 (29 reviews) | 
| **ERP** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (25 reviews) | 

### CAD Data Exchange

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | N/A | N/A |
| **DipTrace** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 34 |

#### Data

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D Format** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.3 (29 reviews) | 
| **Data Quality** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (27 reviews) | 
| **Extra Information** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (26 reviews) | 
| **Standard Format** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (27 reviews) | 
| **Translate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (24 reviews) | 
| **Validation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (25 reviews) | 

#### Logistics

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.1 (25 reviews) | 

### Additive Manufacturing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | N/A | N/A |
| **DipTrace** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 7.9/10 | 66 |

#### File Support - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **STL Compatible** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (61 reviews) | 
| **3MF Compatible** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (47 reviews) | 
| **OBJ Compatible** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (52 reviews) | 

#### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Mesh Repair** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.5 (55 reviews) | 
| **File Editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (60 reviews) | 

#### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Standalone Slicer** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.6 (49 reviews) | 
| **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (58 reviews) | 

#### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Cloud-based Platform** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (48 reviews) | 
| **Downloadable Application** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (53 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.0 (20 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.1 (20 reviews) | 

#### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Material Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Building Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Slicing Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Product Data Management (PDM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.5/10 | 44 |
| **DipTrace** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | N/A | N/A |

#### Metadata

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Repository** | 8.4 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Taxonomy** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Types** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Data Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Version Control** | 8.5 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Alignment** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Workflows** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Lifecycle** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Image-to-Text** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### CAD Viewers

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | N/A | N/A |
| **DipTrace** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 9.0/10 | 49 |

#### File Options

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Import files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (44 reviews) | 
| **Export files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.1 (43 reviews) | 
| **View 2D files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.1 (43 reviews) | 
| **View 3D files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.3 (44 reviews) | 
| **Batch convert files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (35 reviews) | 
| **File size** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (41 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Dimensioning tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.5 (43 reviews) | 
| **Change units** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.1 (41 reviews) | 
| **3D/solid modeling tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.2 (43 reviews) | 

#### Design

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.4 (43 reviews) | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.7/10 | 732 |
| **DipTrace** | 8.1/10 | 36 |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 15 |

#### Design

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | 9.1 (688 reviews) | 8.8 (34 reviews) | 7.9 (12 reviews) | 
| **Schematic editor** | 9.2 (681 reviews) | 8.6 (34 reviews) | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | 7.6 (633 reviews) | 7.5 (21 reviews) | 9.2 (13 reviews) | 
| **Component placement** | 8.9 (664 reviews) | 8.4 (34 reviews) | 8.7 (13 reviews) | 

#### Library

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | 8.3 (683 reviews) | 8.0 (34 reviews) | 8.2 (13 reviews) | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | 9.1 (664 reviews) | 8.8 (34 reviews) | 8.6 (13 reviews) | 
| **Layers** | 9.2 (668 reviews) | 8.7 (31 reviews) | 8.1 (12 reviews) | 

#### Customization

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | Feature Not Available | 6.7 (24 reviews) | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 
| **Custom interface** | 7.8 (584 reviews) | 7.1 (25 reviews) | 8.3 (12 reviews) | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | N/A | N/A |
| **DipTrace** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 64 |

#### Design

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.2 (62 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (62 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (62 reviews) | 
| **Rendering tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (60 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (54 reviews) | 
| **Finite element analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (56 reviews) | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.4 (49 reviews) | 

#### Work

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.6 (41 reviews) | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (42 reviews) | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (51 reviews) | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (44 reviews) | 
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (47 reviews) | 

#### Environment

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (53 reviews) | 
| **Task** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (51 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (49 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (53 reviews) | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | 8.0/10 | 23 |
| **DipTrace** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.4/10 | 45 |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 8.3 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.4 (36 reviews) | 
| **Rendering Tools** | 8.1 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.7 (28 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 8.7 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.2 (30 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | 8.4 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.1 (26 reviews) | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | 7.7 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.7 (25 reviews) | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | 8.4 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.6 (31 reviews) | 
| **Import Files** | 8.2 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.6 (27 reviews) | 
| **File Interoperability** | 8.0 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.3 (29 reviews) | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | 8.5 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.0 (26 reviews) | 
| **File size** | 9.2 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.3 (32 reviews) | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) | 
| **Custom Scripts** | 7.2 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.4 (24 reviews) | 
| **Custom Menus** | 7.4 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.6 (24 reviews) | 
| **Custom Interface** | 7.6 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.2 (24 reviews) | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.3 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.0 (27 reviews) | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | 8.2 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.2 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.9 (23 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | 8.8 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.0 (27 reviews) | 

### Requirements Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Altium Develop** | N/A | N/A |
| **DipTrace** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | N/A | N/A |

#### Requirements Authoring and Structure - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Structured Requirements Authoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Hierarchical Requirements Organization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Compliance and Governance - Requirement Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Regulated Industry Standards Support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Requirements Listing** | 8.7 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Information** | 8.4 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Traceability** | 8.0 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration and Review - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Review and Approval Workflows** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Role-Based Access Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Communication

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Stakeholder Communication** | 6.3 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Internal Communication Enablement** | 7.0 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Role-Based Access Co - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Baselining** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Procedural

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Automated Creation & Testing** | 5.8 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Traceability - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Bidirectional Traceability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Impact Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Traceability Matrix Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### AI Traceability - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Suspect Link Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Integration - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **ALM and Project Management Tool Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Change Management and Version Control - Requirements Management

| Feature | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Complete Audit Trail** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design)

**Unique to Altium Develop (4):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Product Data Management (PDM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-data-management-pdm), [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [Requirements Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/requirements-management)


**Unique to SOLIDWORKS (9):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [CAD Data Exchange Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-data-exchange), [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Altium Develop | DipTrace | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 58.2% | 62.8% | 44.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 29.6% | 18.6% | 33.8% | 
| **Enterprise** | 12.2% | 18.6% | 21.9% | 

### By Industry

#### Altium Develop

- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 22.1%
- **Automotive:** 11.0%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 10.2%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 6.4%
- **Medical Devices:** 6.3%
- **Industrial Automation:** 4.1%
- **Research:** 3.4%
- **Higher Education:** 3.2%
- **Computer Hardware:** 3.0%
- **Design:** 2.5%
- **Other:** 28.1%

#### DipTrace

- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 48.8%
- **Automotive:** 14.0%
- **Education Management:** 7.0%
- **Research:** 4.7%
- **Industrial Automation:** 4.7%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 4.7%
- **Primary/Secondary Education:** 2.3%
- **Medical Devices:** 2.3%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 2.3%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 2.3%
- **Other:** 7.0%

#### SOLIDWORKS

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 23.2%
- **Design:** 11.7%
- **Automotive:** 6.6%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 5.9%
- **Medical Devices:** 5.8%
- **Machinery:** 5.6%
- **Higher Education:** 4.6%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 4.5%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.0%
- **Consumer Goods:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 26.8%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Altium Develop

- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (518 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1936 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews)
- [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1326 reviews)
- [Autodesk EAGLE](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-eagle/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (77 reviews)
- [KiCad EDA](https://www.g2.com/products/kicad-eda/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (68 reviews)
- [PADS Professional](https://www.g2.com/products/pads-professional/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (65 reviews)

### Alternatives to DipTrace

- [KiCad EDA](https://www.g2.com/products/kicad-eda/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (68 reviews)
- [Autodesk EAGLE](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-eagle/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (77 reviews)
- [OrCAD Capture](https://www.g2.com/products/orcad-capture/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (34 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (518 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [SolidWorks PCB](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks-pcb/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (14 reviews)
- [Altium CircuitMaker](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-circuitmaker/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (110 reviews)
- [NI Multisim](https://www.g2.com/products/ni-multisim/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (42 reviews)
- [EasyEDA](https://www.g2.com/products/easyeda/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (20 reviews)
- [ExpressPCB Plus](https://www.g2.com/products/expresspcb-plus/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (29 reviews)

### Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS

- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (518 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1936 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1326 reviews)
- [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (43 reviews)
- [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (256 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Altium Develop

- Title: [Who uses Altium?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/who-uses-altium) — 3 comments *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Altium Designer is used mainly by those who create and work with printed circuit boards or PCBs. All electrical products, computers, toasters, remotes, and..."
- Title: [Is Altium Designer free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-altium-designer-free) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "No, Altium Designer is not free but there is a free viewer that can be downloaded. "
- Title: [What is Altium Designer used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-altium-designer-used-for) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Altium Desinger is a complete PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design software package, which includes Schematic Capture, PCB Layout, Libraries, Manufacturing..."
- Title: [Is there a way to modelize in 3D the Pcb designs?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/36429-is-there-a-way-to-modelize-in-3d-the-pcb-designs) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "No or Yes, you can only place 3D bodies for components in PCB and get 3D view of your design. I think by placing components are your will. yes you can..."
- Title: [What is Altium 365 used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-altium-365-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Create circuit design & PCB Design"

### DipTrace

No discussions available for this product.

### SOLIDWORKS

- Title: [What is SOLIDWORKS used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-solidworks-used-for) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "A person can use SolidWorks for many things, Part modeling, Assembly Testing, rendering, Creating working animation of any machine or product. Start..."
- Title: [How to stop or cancel a ongoing command.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-to-stop-or-cancel-a-ongoing-command) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "By pressing escape key."
- Title: [best use o this software](https://www.g2.com/discussions/35425-best-use-o-this-software) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Making 2D sketches and extruding them to make 3d sketches."
- Title: [Where is the Features toolbar in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/where-is-the-features-toolbar-in-solidworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Right-click in the window border, click Toolbars, and select or clear a toolbar name.
Click Tools > Customize. On the Toolbars tab, select the toolbars to..."
- Title: [What are features in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-features-in-solidworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Solidworks have so many feature like sketch tool, Part modeling, Assembly modeling, Drawing Tool, Sheet metal, weldments, Surface modeling, Rendering Tool,..."

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**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/altium-develop-vs-diptrace-vs-solidworks)