# Civil 3D vs OpenRoads Designer Comparison

---
## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between Civil 3D vs OpenRoads Designer?

Civil 3D stands out for its higher G2 rating and reviewer-cited strengths in dynamic design automation, while OpenRoads Designer is noted for its robust 3D modeling and corridor design capabilities.

| [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) | [OpenRoads Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/openroads-designer/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.4/5 (305 reviews) | 4.1/5 (139 reviews) |
| Mid-Market | Enterprise |
| 6.5 | 6.4 |
| 7.4 | 7.6 |
| Dynamic design automation and BIM integration | Robust 3D modeling and corridor design |



### How do the pricing models of Civil 3D and OpenRoads Designer compare?

Reviewers rate OpenRoads Designer higher for value, as reflected in its Price/Cost satisfaction scores.

- **Civil 3D:** Reviewers frequently mention high licensing costs and note that the software can be expensive for small businesses.
- **OpenRoads Designer:** Recent reviews highlight OpenRoads Designer as more cost-effective and convenient compared to Civil 3D.



### What are the best alternatives to Civil 3D and OpenRoads Designer?

The top three alternatives to Civil 3D and OpenRoads Designer are SketchUp, MicroStation, and Autodesk InfraWorks.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) | 4.4/5 (305 reviews) | Mid-Market | Reviewers cite high licensing costs | Dynamic design automation and BIM integration |
| [OpenRoads Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/openroads-designer/reviews) | 4.1/5 (139 reviews) | Enterprise | Reviewers highlight cost-effectiveness | Robust 3D modeling and corridor design |
| [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) | 4.5/5 (1327 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Ease of use and intuitive modeling |
| [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) | 4.0/5 (416 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Comprehensive CAD capabilities |
| [Autodesk InfraWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-infraworks/reviews) | 4.2/5 (42 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Visualization and conceptual design |



### Which Civil Engineering Design features should I prioritize when comparing Civil 3D and OpenRoads Designer?

Buyers should prioritize Drawing, Ease of Use, Integration capabilities, 3D Modeling, and Corridor Design when comparing Civil 3D and OpenRoads Designer.

- **Drawing:** Drawing is the most frequently mentioned feature in reviews for both products.
- **Ease of Use:** Civil 3D scores 7.3, OpenRoads Designer scores 6.9.
- **Integration capabilities:** Civil 3D is frequently cited for integrations with AutoCAD (58 all-time mentions) and Revit (13 all-time mentions).
- **3D Modeling:** Civil 3D is praised for dynamic model-based workflows; OpenRoads Designer is noted for robust 3D modeling and corridor design.
- **Corridor Design:** Both products are highlighted for corridor design, with OpenRoads Designer receiving specific praise for its corridor modeling flexibility.



### What are the pros and cons of Civil 3D vs OpenRoads Designer?

Civil 3D's headline strength is dynamic design automation and BIM integration, while OpenRoads Designer excels in robust 3D modeling and corridor design.

- **Civil 3D strengths:** Dynamic design automation (2 all-time mentions), BIM integration, powerful tools for grading, drainage, and site layout, versatility, and strong integration with AutoCAD and Revit.
- **Civil 3D trade-offs:** High hardware requirements (1 all-time mention), frequent crashes and instability (2 all-time mentions for performance issues, 2 for large file handling), steep learning curve, and high licensing costs for small businesses.
- **OpenRoads Designer strengths:** Robust 3D modeling, flexible corridor modeling, efficient project collaboration, and strong support for BIM-based workflows.
- **OpenRoads Designer trade-offs:** Reviewers note complexity for simple tasks, challenges with workspace configuration, and some instability or bugs in large projects.



### Is Civil 3D or OpenRoads Designer better for small businesses?

SketchUp is the better fit for small businesses, as it is the top-ranked alternative with a Small-Business segment and a 4.5/5 rating from 1,327 reviews.

- **Civil 3D:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers note high licensing costs and hardware requirements as barriers for small businesses.
- **OpenRoads Designer:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers highlight complexity and configuration challenges, which may be less suitable for small teams.



### Which Civil Engineering Design platform has better integrations?

Civil 3D is favored for integrations, with reviewers frequently citing its connections to AutoCAD and Revit.

- **Civil 3D:** AutoCAD (58 all-time mentions), Revit (13 all-time mentions).
- **OpenRoads Designer:** Reviewers mention integration with MicroStation and ProjectWise in recent reviews.



### How do Civil 3D and OpenRoads Designer compare on customer support?

OpenRoads Designer scores slightly higher on Quality of Support (7.6 vs. 7.4), but the difference is below the materiality threshold, indicating near-parity.

- **Civil 3D:** Reviewers describe support as accessible, with many citing helpful forums and online resources.
- **OpenRoads Designer:** Reviewers note responsive support and regular software enhancements, with some mentioning helpful training resources.



### Which is easier to implement, Civil 3D or OpenRoads Designer?

Civil 3D and OpenRoads Designer score within a tenth of a point on Ease of Setup (6.5 vs. 6.4), indicating parity in implementation difficulty.

- **Civil 3D:** Reviewers mention a steep learning curve but note that onboarding is easier for those familiar with AutoCAD.
- **OpenRoads Designer:** Reviewers highlight challenges with workspace configuration and initial setup, especially for new users.



### Which product has better Drawing?

Civil 3D and OpenRoads Designer are both highly rated for Drawing, the most frequently mentioned feature in reviews for both products.

- **Civil 3D:** Drawing is the most frequently cited feature; reviewers praise its dynamic drawing automation and integration with AutoCAD.
- **OpenRoads Designer:** Drawing is the most frequently cited feature; reviewers highlight its robust drawing production tools and 3D visualization capabilities.



| | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.1 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 307 | 139 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Mid-Market (43.9% of reviews) | Enterprise (43.2% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $275 per Month | $6,057.00 1 practitioner Per Year | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Civil 3D

Pros:
- Design Development (2 reviews)
- Tools (2 reviews)

Cons:
- Large File Handling (2 reviews)
- App Stability (1 reviews)

### OpenRoads Designer

**Not enough data**

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (247 reviews) | 8.4 (112 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 7.3 (251 reviews) | 6.9 (112 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 6.5 (73 reviews) | 6.4 (29 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 6.4 (58 reviews) | 7.3 (23 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.4 (215 reviews) | 7.6 (98 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 7.4 (56 reviews) | 8.1 (31 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.2 (246 reviews) | 7.8 (109 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Civil 3D

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Civil 3D Subscription (Monthly)

Price: $275 per Month

Description: Flexible options available, talk to sales at: (818) 797-9909

Key Features:
- Access to the latest version
- Use software anywhere
- Access previous versions

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### OpenRoads Designer

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: OpenRoads Designer Virtuoso Subscription

Price: $6,057.00 1 practitioner Per Year

Description: Includes 5 Keys for added incremental services, training, and onboarding.

Key Features:
- A 1-year named user license of Bentley software for lower upfront costs
- 5 keys to redeem for customizable training, mentoring, and consulting services
- Direct access to in-house industry experts who know the challenges your team faces and the strategies to solve them

[Browse all 2 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/openroads-designer/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Civil 3D** | 8.8/10 | 46 |
| **OpenRoads Designer** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Visualizing** | 8.6 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering** | 8.2 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing** | 9.2 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing** | 8.8 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Sequence Steps** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Dynamic Updating** | 8.8 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Multi User** | 8.4 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Import/Export** | 9.1 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Annotating ** | 8.9 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Document Storage** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Secure Data Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Construction

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Reinforcement Tools** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Clash Detection ** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Grading** | 8.9 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Earthwork** | 9.1 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAD Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Role-Based Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Change Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Subcontractor Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Task Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Bid Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Offline Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Contract/License Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Issue Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Conflict Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electrical System Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **MEP Coordination** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Load Calculation & Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Interoperability with BIM & CAD** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Design Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Scheduling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Audit Trail** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Search/Filter** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **For AEC Industry** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Accounting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Version Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Estimating** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting & Statistics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Updates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **3D Imaging** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Civil Engineering Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Civil 3D** | 8.2/10 | 129 |
| **OpenRoads Designer** | 8.3/10 | 34 |

#### Plan

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Documentation ** | 8.5 (109 reviews) | 7.6 (32 reviews) | 
| **Annotate** | 8.3 (115 reviews) | 8.1 (32 reviews) | 
| **Collaborate ** | 7.6 (106 reviews) | 8.6 (31 reviews) | 

#### Design

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D Modeling** | 8.5 (100 reviews) | 8.8 (32 reviews) | 
| **3D Rendering ** | 7.4 (84 reviews) | 8.0 (31 reviews) | 
| **Drawing** | 9.1 (118 reviews) | 8.5 (31 reviews) | 
| **Editing ** | 8.8 (119 reviews) | 8.1 (32 reviews) | 

#### Construction

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Grading** | 8.4 (38 reviews) | 8.6 (19 reviews) | 
| **Earthwork** | 8.5 (37 reviews) | 9.1 (20 reviews) | 

#### Engineering

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hydraulic engineering** | 7.8 (57 reviews) | 7.7 (21 reviews) | 
| **Hydrologic engineering** | 7.7 (58 reviews) | 7.8 (22 reviews) | 
| **Transportation engineering** | 8.2 (63 reviews) | 9.0 (27 reviews) | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mechanical** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Process Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Product Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Configurable Workflow** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Manufacturing Design Data** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **3D Imaging** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Import/Export** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Civil** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Fields** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Capture and Transfer** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Design Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Version Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Presentation Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Configuration Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Change Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electrical** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Mechatronics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Design Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **CAD Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Bills of Material** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Visual Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Content Library** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Civil Engineering Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/civil-engineering-design)

**Unique to Civil 3D (1):** [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Civil 3D | OpenRoads Designer | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 29.8% | 23.2% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 43.9% | 33.6% | 
| **Enterprise** | 26.3% | 43.2% | 

### By Industry

#### Civil 3D

- **Civil Engineering:** 63.1%
- **Construction:** 6.6%
- **Utilities:** 4.1%
- **Government Administration:** 4.1%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 3.4%
- **Design:** 2.8%
- **Environmental Services:** 2.4%
- **Transportation/Trucking/Railroad:** 1.7%
- **Renewables & Environment:** 1.7%
- **Oil & Energy:** 1.4%
- **Other:** 8.6%

#### OpenRoads Designer

- **Civil Engineering:** 73.6%
- **Transportation/Trucking/Railroad:** 7.2%
- **Design:** 6.4%
- **Construction:** 5.6%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 4.0%
- **Oil & Energy:** 0.8%
- **Military:** 0.8%
- **Higher Education:** 0.8%
- **Government Administration:** 0.8%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Civil 3D

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1326 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (416 reviews)
- [Archicad](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (293 reviews)
- [GeoHECRAS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohecras/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (355 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (354 reviews)
- [AutoTURN](https://www.g2.com/products/autoturn/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (50 reviews)
- [OpenFlows WorkSuite](https://www.g2.com/products/openflows-worksuite/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (44 reviews)
- [Site3D](https://www.g2.com/products/site3d/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (36 reviews)
- [Carlson Civil](https://www.g2.com/products/carlson-civil/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (22 reviews)
- [Civil Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-designer/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (18 reviews)

### Alternatives to OpenRoads Designer

- [Autodesk InfraWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-infraworks/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (42 reviews)
- [AutoTURN](https://www.g2.com/products/autoturn/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (50 reviews)
- [GeoHECRAS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohecras/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (355 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (354 reviews)
- [RoadEng Civil Engineer](https://www.g2.com/products/roadeng-civil-engineer/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (17 reviews)
- [Carlson Civil](https://www.g2.com/products/carlson-civil/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (22 reviews)
- [Carlson Survey](https://www.g2.com/products/carlson-survey/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (11 reviews)
- [Civil Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-designer/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (18 reviews)
- [GeoHECHMS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohechms/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (127 reviews)
- [Site3D](https://www.g2.com/products/site3d/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (36 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Civil 3D

- Title: [Is Civil 3d free for students?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-civil-3d-free-for-students) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "yes"
- Title: [Is Civil 3d a BIM?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-civil-3d-a-bim) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "It can work with BIM"
- Title: [What is Civil 3D used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/civil-3d-what-is-civil-3d-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Topografia, Caminos, Redes de drenaje, Redes de conducciòn a presión."
- Title: [What is new in Civil 3d?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-new-in-civil-3d) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Grading optimization is the best feature in Civil 3D"
- Title: [What can civil 3d do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-can-civil-3d-do) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Workflows for various civil engineering projects, such as those involving rail, roads, bridges, and tunnels, as well as site development and storm and..."

### OpenRoads Designer

- Title: [How do I create a terrain in OpenRoads designer?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-create-a-terrain-in-openroads-designer) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "To create a terrain in OpenRoads Designer, you can use the Terrain Create tool group which contains tools to create a terrain model from graphical elements,..."
- Title: [Which software is used for highway design?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-software-is-used-for-highway-design) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "The most commonly used highway design software is developed by Bentley and Autodesk.

Bentley’s OpenRoads Designer is a comprehensive and fully functioned..."
- Title: [What is OpenRoads?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-openroads) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "OpenRoads Designer is a civil design application used for all types and sizes of civil projects around the world. It can be used for tasks such as..."
- Title: [What is OpenRoads designer?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-openroads-designer) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "OpenRoads Designer is a civil design application used for all types and sizes of civil projects around the world. It can be used for tasks such as..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/civil-3d-vs-openroads-designer)