--- 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: '2026-08-04' parent_category: name: CAD url: https://www.g2.com/categories/cad --- # Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Reviews **Vendor:** PTC **Category:** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad) **Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 22 ## About Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Creo Elements/Direct Modeling (formerly CoCreate Modeling) provides robust, comprehensive direct modeling capabilities. ## Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Reviews ### 1. Compressive tool to design a product in shorter time. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Hrishikesh P. | Design Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 01, 2023 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** It's direct nodellingfeatures which gives user advantage of designing any product on very shorter time period considering overall design cycle; by which any designer can effectively save time by designing on it. **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** Any designer has do design as per manufacturing compatibility of the product but creo elements let desiner make geometries rather than making it by extraction/extruded and feature command, by this at times product may face issues as far as DFM is considered. **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** As a designer when I start modelling of the product in creo elements it's gives me interface and command to build my geometry directly as I am imaganing it rather than thinking of completing it by features. ### 2. Best 3d design solution for design engineers. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Aman N. | Mechanical Engineer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 26, 2022 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** The creo elements is best solid modelling software for designing parts and assemblies in 2d and 3d. The design can be done with high precision. The part or assembly design can be analysed for thermal, stress and fatigue capabilities is the best feature to avoid failures. **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** No issues are faced during our use. Everything works properly. **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** Creo elements helps us to create the design of our parts and to perform analysis of parts and assemblies. Editings to the previous designs can be done easily helps to improve the business performance. ### 3. In love with Creo Extension **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Arjun G. | Design Engineer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 11, 2020 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** I made best out of creo in Additive manufacturing and simulation extension, I'm currently using the simulation aspects to run simulations before sending to manufacturing unit. **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** I find 3D modeling bit more challenging and complicated to do in here. It do have the extension of generative shape design but still the story is no different **Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:** If you're looking for simulation and additive manufacturing, This is the right tool. Just make the best out of it **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** I use the simulation and additive manufacturing extension part to run check the feasibility in view with manufacturing machine capacities and kinematics. ### 4. Its a another Gem from PTC **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Design | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 28, 2020 **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. **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. **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. **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. ### 5. A very flexible and dynamic tool **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Aaron R. | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 20, 2018 **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. **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. **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. **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. ### 6. A very comprehensive 3D design tool **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Francisco C. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 18, 2018 **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. **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) **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. **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. ### 7. Flexible 3D Modelling **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 27, 2018 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** Included data analytics and animation software allow you to analyze the real-world physics and impact of your modeled object In-depth and detailed interface High quality surfacing and radii creation softwares Flexible, easy to use layering capabilities The clean colors and customizable Wireframe view make it great for complex assemblies **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** Failure mode has trouble handling large assemblies The user interface can be challenging to learn, especially for people with limited previous 3D modeling experience Some users find that development changes to the software make it more difficult to learn **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** D solid modeling Direct modeling Robust assembly modeling Documentation capabilities which can document both 2D and 3D drawings Technical surfacing Freestyle surfacing Sheetmetal modeling Weld modeling Structural framework design ### 8. A very useful tool for 3D modeling **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Design | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 23, 2018 **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. **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. **Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:** I recommend this program for quick designs. **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. ### 9. I use PTC in Engineering **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Mike K. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 20, 2018 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** It has a lot of functionality. It can quickly make an engineering drawing, to a given specifications. **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** Not many people outside of the Engineering world use it. **Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:** Find good sources of information, and apply Creo and other Creo product to meet the need. **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** Building models that may be used in various safety regimes and equipment. ### 10. Very happy. Works as expected **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 22, 2018 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** The cross-format compatibility is the best feature. **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 **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** 3D printing models ### 11. Good for 2D - Best for 2D sharing **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Machinery | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 30, 2017 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** The ability to "share" parts. As a company we went through many 2D Drafting software to get the right balance, but this feature, which I believe is unique to Co-Create is a major help and helps in easy creation and maintenance of drawings. **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** sometimes, ".dxf" translation from and to other sources hit a snag. but very few times. Also, not too many training videos/manuals are available readily. **Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:** Good software, handy to learn as it gives a pretty good insight into 2D drafting. **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** All 2D drafting in our company is done using Creo Elements. Everything from Product drawings, to Lathe drawings, Milling drawings, assembly drawings, system desgins etc are done on Creo Elements. ### 12. Different, but nice **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Cody M. | Electrical Engineer Intern, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 08, 2016 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** I found it a bit more powerful than Solidworks, which was the first software I learned **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** It was much harder to pane the object than in Solidworks. Having the double-tap space bar for view options I really liked in solidworks **Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:** Look around at other CAD softwares and try and implement the common short cuts into Creo. If one software can make the transition between the common ones (solidworks, inventor, ect) easier, than it very well might become the industry standard, as everyone learns something different in college. **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** It is mainly used for designs before building test fixtures. I have learned it is much easier to see the potential mistakes a design may have in CAD before building the fixture, than to try and engineer on the fly when problems arise ### 13. Great CAD software with a few quirks. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 13, 2016 **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. **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. **Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:** Know who your superusers are! **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** Engineering print creation, documentation, family tables, and revision management. ### 14. PTC Creo direct is great for 3D modelling and analysis **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Nikhil S. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 13, 2016 **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. **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. **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. **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. ### 15. Best Direct Modeling program available **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Andy P. | President and CTO | Creative Problem Solver | CoCreate Productivity Specialist, Computer Software, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 04, 2016 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** Very robust and powerful 3D Direct Modeling software. Great capabilities, made even better with the use of add-on software. Even though PTC isn't adding many new features to this product line, add-on products from companies like AI MAXTools bring great new functionality, including to older versions. **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** PTC isn't supporting it as much now as they used to, and isn't adding many new features. However, this shortcoming can be mitigated by using some of the great add-on products from companies like AI MAXTools. **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** 3D Modeling of parts and assemblies, including getting them ready for manufacture. ### 16. Perfect tool for flexible small designing, modeling **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Binayak R. | Project Manager - Lean & Quality, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 05, 2016 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** Best thing is that its free. Its very much versatile for quick concept designs and also its free to download. Visual and graphics is more than what is required for concept developers and to run a prototype production run.We can create and modify design data in real-time. Highly interactive features which is very beneficials for amature designers such as direct cut-and paste, push-and-pull and drag-and-drop techniques **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** Nothing as of now. It is good for beginners and who are working on developing concepts. cannot be used for full time. **Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:** Recommend to all Product development engineers for rapid design and prototyping and also tooling/MFG engineers, Advanced MEs designing tooling and process for new product line setup. **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** Quick design of concepts. Support initial PD phase by quickly building the prototype design which helps is checking manufacturability.. Its very lightweight software making it ease of installation and use. Easily Import and edit 2D and 3D design data. Create and modify design data in real-time. Drive design changes through direct push-and-pull paradigms. We can design using either a top-down or bottom-up approach, or drag-and-drop your parts and assemblies. ### 17. Crew is simply a more professional version of AutoDesk Inventor **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tristan W. | CEO, President, Chairman, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 22, 2016 **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. **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. **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. **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. ### 18. PTC Creo is awesome **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 11, 2016 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** Is has best solid and surface modeling tools **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** Too many option to choose to perform simple task. **Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:** simply its modeling tools and work on interface **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** Automotive tool development, special purpose machine design ### 19. Using PTC Creo for computer modeling. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Shanay T. | Resident Advisor, Higher Education, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** July 08, 2015 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** PTC Creo allows users to CAD nearly anything that comes to mind. Any basic tool shapes are 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 couple of years to CAD everything from varying nanoparticle shapes to basic parts for the construction of a motor. Very user friendly and an incredibly useful tool all in all. **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** The learning curve can get difficult. It definitely took me some time to get used to the product itself. I initially took a class to learn the basics of it and that made it easier for me to get accustomed to the product. With this knowledge and some time I spent on my own I was able to learn all the knowledge that allows me to create what I can but without it I can understand users having a difficult time adjusting. Also to sculpt and make more out of the box shapes there is additional understanding of surface modeling to pick up which can be quite difficult without some guidance. **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** Currently I am working on being able to nanomanufacture gold particles using varying DNA solutions and this program has allowed me to create even the most complex shapes and ideas on the computer and put them through different simulations. Thanks to PTC being able to export to basically any format I am able to use it easily alongside my other simulation products. ### 20. Creo **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Joe K. | Adjunct Instructor (PT) Drafting & Design Program, Higher Education, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 13, 2015 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** Powerful surfacing and complex geometry ability **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** some commands are still hidden/buried within other command areas **Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:** take on-line or classroom lead classes **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** plastic product design - complex assembly ### 21. PTC Creo Review **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 13, 2015 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** Easy software to use and learn to manipulate. Any background in solid modeling techniques should allow the user to hit the ground running. No real need for beginner level tutorials or use classes. **What do you dislike about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** very Basic 3D modeling and not wide spread in the industry. Seems that most customers use other software programs, and when the conversion files are created, corruptions can occur rendering the files inoperable. **Recommendations to others considering Creo Elements/Direct Modeling:** Needs better functionality and better export file reliability. **What problems is Creo Elements/Direct Modeling solving and how is that benefiting you?** 3D modeling and design capabilities are being increased in capacity. ### 22. PTC Creo is an excellent mechanical design tool **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Oil & Energy | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 14, 2015 **What do you like best about Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** Creo is an excellent solid modeling tool. **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. **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. **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. - [View Creo Elements/Direct Modeling pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-elements-direct-modeling/reviews?open_modal_url=%2Fproducts%2Fcreo-elements-direct-modeling%2Fwishlists%3Fhost_path%3D%252Fproducts%252Fcreo-elements-direct-modeling%252Freviews%26source%3Dpdp_avatar§ion=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-08-04+23%3A53%3A48+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=e2fbea91-70f2-4494-a10d-17669256de7c&secure%5Btoken%5D=da87559f73d3104acf655f9e9fdcfc2c6b67e441c7f37bc868d599b4b0b74606&format=llm_user) ## Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Features **Design** - Drawing - Modeling - Visualize - Rendering **Design** - 3D/solid modeling Tools - Drawing Tools - Editing Tools - Rendering tools **Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)** - 3D/solid modeling Tools - Rendering Tools - Drawing Tools - Editing Tools - Text Editing Tools **Edit** - File Import - Push/Pull - Views - Grips **Tools** - Fluid analysis - Finite element analysis - Multibody dynamics **File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)** - Export Files - Import Files - File Interoperability - Backwards compatibility - File size **Collaboration** - Annotate - Documentation - Data Extract **Work** - Discrete event modeling - Continuous event modeling - Mechanical event simulation - Manufacturing process simulation - Integrate **Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)** - Custom Commands - Custom Scripts - Custom Menus - Custom Interface **Environment** - Hardware support - Task - Manage Multiple Profiles - Command Clarity **Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)** - Hardware support - Task-based interfaces - Manage Multiple Profiles - Command Clarity ## Top Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Alternatives - [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (630 reviews) - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (510 reviews) - [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) - 4.4/5.0 (423 reviews)