--- title: Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Reviews meta\_title: 'Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta\_description: Filter 22 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Creo Elements/Direct Modeling works for a business like yours. aggregate\_rating: rating\_value: 4.0 review\_count: 22 scale: '5' date\_modified: '2026-08-07' parent\_category: name: CAD url: https://www.g2.com/categories/cad ---

# Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Reviews & Product Details

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Creo Elements/Direct Modeling (formerly CoCreate Modeling) provides robust, comprehensive direct modeling capabilities.

* * *

Seller
 [PTC](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ptc)
Discussions
 [Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Community](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-elements-direct-modeling/discuss)
Overview by
 Mark Kudlate (Senior Marketing Operations Specialist at PTC)

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## Value at a Glance

Averages based on real user reviews.

### Perceived Cost

$$$$$

[
View More Pricing Information
](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-elements-direct-modeling/pricing)

## Top-Rated Alternatives

[

 ![SOLIDWORKS](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "SOLIDWORKS")

SOLIDWORKS

4.5/5(646)

](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews)

[

 ![Autodesk Fusion](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Autodesk Fusion")

Autodesk Fusion

4.5/5(520)

](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews)

[

 ![Inventor](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Inventor")

Inventor

4.4/5(440)

](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews)

[
View All Alternatives
](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-elements-direct-modeling/competitors/alternatives)

## User Insights

Average based on 22 real user reviews.

Perceived Cost

$$$$$

[Log in to unlock pricing and user insights](/login)

  

 ![Verified User in Design](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Design")
ID

Verified User in Design

Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.)

4/28/2020

"Its a another Gem from PTC"

4/5

What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

It has a very simple user friendly UI easy to understand and use. Its direct editing and interchangeability to work on models created in different tools is a one of the best highlight. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

It needs more development to make process faster. Third party format change takes a long time. Also need more advance feature to use to create models quickly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:

Its a very user friendly and industrial friendly CAD tool. I highly recommend this tool for the users who mostly use models from different platforms or work with multiple vendors using different CAD tools. Also this tool is very useful when you required quick editing, quick modeling for prototypes. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?

Because its simplicity we can use this tool to create quick models for rapid prototyping. It gives us more flexibility to work with our vendors quickly and upto the mark. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite

  

AR

Aaron R.

Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.)

8/20/2018

"A very flexible and dynamic tool"

3.5/5

What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

This tool allows us CAD users to design almost anything that comes to mind. Any basic tool shape is very easy to create once there is a clear understanding of the different actions and commands available within the PTC Creo menus. I have been using Creo for the past few years in CAD, from variable shapes of nanoparticles to basic parts for building an engine. Very easy to use and an incredibly useful tool overall. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

Practically nothing. It is good for beginners and those who are working on developing concepts, but it cannot be used full-time. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:

Recommend to all product development engineers for rapid design and prototyping, and also to tool engineers, the design tools and process for setting up a new line of fully customized products. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?

Currently, I am working on designs and models, and this program has allowed me to create even the most complex shapes and ideas on the computer and put them into different simulations. Additionally, this program has allowed me to export to all the programs I have wanted. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 inviteAI Translated

  

FC

Francisco C.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

8/18/2018

"A very comprehensive 3D design tool"

4/5

What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

I believe it is a very robust software with great capabilities. If you are a design developer, it is one of the best tools you can use. Without a doubt, the best part is that it is completely free. The basic modeling commands (extrusion, revolution, etc.) are very intuitive and easy to use. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

For me, it's difficult to say what I like least about this program... perhaps it would be that if you want to learn to use it fully, the learning curve it presents is difficult (especially if what you want to do involves surface modeling) Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:

Definitely train yourself, especially if you want to advance and delve deeper into this tool, which I undoubtedly recommend you do. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?

3D design of solid parts for prototyping and conducting validation tests (e.g., wind tunnel) by my clients. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 inviteAI Translated

  

 ![Verified User in Design](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Design")
UD

Verified User in Design

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

8/23/2018

"A very useful tool for 3D modeling"

4/5

What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

Creo Elements is an excellent tool for 3D solid modeling. In addition to being software that can be downloaded for free, it is very versatile and useful for designing something quickly and simply. It allows you to create and modify design data in real time. Its functions are very interactive and useful, helping the designer to perform certain techniques, such as copy and paste, drag and drop, or push and pull. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

It is a program somewhat different from all the products on the market also dedicated to 3D product design. Learning to use it may take some time; you will simply need an initial class to get acquainted with the program and a lot of enthusiasm and effort, because if you don't put in the effort, you won't be able to learn anything new. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:

I recommend this program for quick designs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?

I can quickly design the concepts I have. It has an easy way to import and edit 2D and 3D files. Additionally, it is very lightweight, so you can install it on almost any computer, even a laptop, as it doesn't require a powerful processor. Best of all, the design data can be modified very quickly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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8/27/2018
Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 inviteAI Translated

  

 ![Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering")
UM

Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.)

7/22/2018

"Very happy. Works as expected"

4/5

What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

The cross-format compatibility is the best feature. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

The usage made processor feel a little lethargic and slow. However, it might have to do with my hardware more than the software Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?

3D printing models Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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7/28/2018
Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite

  

 ![Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering")
UM

Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

7/13/2016

"Great CAD software with a few quirks."

4/5

What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

Creo is a great improvement over Wildfire. It's a bit easier to resolve conflicts and dependencies, and has a slightly cleaner and more user-friendly interface and GUI.

I'll also say that Prints are much easier to create and build, and this is one of the best interfaces for creating 3-view prints. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

Some of the non-default features (think swept helices and blends and the like) are a bit clunky to figure out. They're just not intuitive at all, and I think a few simple interface changes would correct this so that anyone could use it. Which is disappointing, considering there are free 3d CAD programs that do this well. Further, though resolving dependency issues are easier, I recall back in SolidWorks 2004 (a competing CAD package), that the software was better at assuming new dependencies when features or adjacent geometries were changed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:

Know who your superusers are! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?

Engineering print creation, documentation, family tables, and revision management. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite

  

 ![Nikhil S.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Nikhil S.")
NS

Nikhil S.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4/13/2016

"PTC Creo direct is great for 3D modelling and analysis"

4/5

What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

The commands for modelling are easy to learn and implement even in the most complex drawings. The tree like command structure on the left makes it convenient to spot and make changes in the sub assemblies and parts.

Also, All inclusive features - rather than separating extrude and extrude cut, CREO makes it one feature which is nice if your design intent changes. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

The user interface has a lot of scope for improvement. For example, there are no text labels on the icons.

Also, it takes a lot of time figure out how to perform simple tasks. Sketching in Creo is not so efficient and the mirror command requires too much inputs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:

i Would recommend this product to anyone looking to do 3D modelling and its analysis in critical conditions. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?

I use it mainly for stress-strain analysis of critical parts pf my projects and its pretty effective. There have been several instances when my teams calculations have been wrong and the analysis in creo has been a life saver. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite

  

 ![Tristan W.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Tristan W.")
TW

Tristan W.

CEO, President, Chairman

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

1/22/2016

"Crew is simply a more professional version of AutoDesk Inventor"

4/5

What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

I loved the simple interface and easy to learn key commands. You can make some very need prints and models with this software. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

I dislike the time required to make realistic models. To create a rough draft model it take minutes to hours, but for a model to be ready to import in the 3D capable compositing software like HitFilm 4 Pro days to weeks are required. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:

There are better options than creo if you're looking for a recreational use 3D modeling and drafting. For professional use, the software is great. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?

Creo allows me to make prints quickly, great for working with suppliers if you're in a manufacturing market. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite

  

 ![Joe K.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Joe K.")
JK

Joe K.

Adjunct Instructor (PT) Drafting & Design Program

Higher Education

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

10/13/2015

"Creo"

3.5/5

What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

Powerful surfacing and complex geometry ability Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

some commands are still hidden/buried within other command areas Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:

take on-line or classroom lead classes Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?

plastic product design - complex assembly Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite

  

 ![Verified User in Oil & Energy](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Oil & Energy")
UO

Verified User in Oil & Energy

Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.)

1/14/2015

"PTC Creo is an excellent mechanical design tool"

4/5

What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

Creo is an excellent solid modeling tool. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?

The 2-D to 3-D interface can be a bit tricky when it comes to dimensions and GD&T. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:

Compare the user interface and power of design tools to other products on the market (i.e. solidworks, catia, etc....), Creo matches or exceeds them in most categories. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?

Getting BOM information out of Creo and into the hands of purchasing and manufacturing is very simple. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite

##### Pricing

Pricing details for this product isn’t currently available. Visit the vendor’s website to learn more.

[
View More Pricing Information
](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-elements-direct-modeling/pricing)

Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Comparisons

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_dd5e82850640b42678b1899ad0eb46af/creo-2025-08-26.png "Product Avatar Image")

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4.1/5(203)

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SOLIDWORKS

4.5/5(646)

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Autodesk Fusion

4.5/5(520)

[
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