# KeyCreator Reviews **Vendor:** Kubotek Kosmos **Category:** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad) **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 141 ## About KeyCreator If adaptability is key to how you use CAD, KeyCreator is for you! KeyCreator's robust translators can open files from most leading MCAD platforms and export to the standard formats you need. Unlike parametric-based modelers, KeyCreator employs direct modeling so you can respond to unplanned design variations on the fly — never rebuild a model over one minor change again! Drafting functionality dynamically updates drawings with any changes made to the 3D model, while the flexibility to link/unlink data simplifies the handling of complex assemblies. Work faster, work smarter, work with models from virtually any source: work with KeyCreator, fast & flexible Windows-based CAD. About Us Kubotek Kosmos is a division of Kubotek USA, Inc. with development and support staff based in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Kubotek USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of Kubotek Corporation (7709.T Tokyo Stock Exchange) with headquarters in Osaka, Japan. Kubotek software brands include KeyCreator CAD, K-Compare and K-Display multi-CAD utilities, and the Kubotek Kosmos 3D framework. ## KeyCreator Pros & Cons **What users like:** - Users appreciate the **flexibility and integration** of KeyCreator for efficient 3D modeling and seamless collaboration. (2 reviews) - Users highlight the **accuracy** provided by KeyCreator's powerful modeling tools, enhancing efficiency and precision in 3D design. (2 reviews) - Users value the **CAD integration** in KeyCreator, enhancing collaboration and efficiency across various platforms and applications. (2 reviews) - Users value the **efficiency** of KeyCreator, appreciating its flexibility and seamless integration for enhanced teamwork. (2 reviews) - Users appreciate the **convenience of 2D and 3D visualization** in KeyCreator, significantly enhancing their workflow efficiency. (1 reviews) - Collaboration (1 reviews) - Drawing Efficiency (1 reviews) - Ease of Learning (1 reviews) - Ease of Use (1 reviews) - Features (1 reviews) **What users dislike:** - Users find the **usability complex** in KeyCreator, leading to longer onboarding and hindered design efficiency. (2 reviews) - Users face a **steep learning curve** with KeyCreator, leading to challenges in usability and longer onboarding processes. (2 reviews) - Users find the **complex UI** of KeyCreator challenging, leading to a steep learning curve and longer onboarding times. (1 reviews) - Users found the **learning difficulty** with KeyCreator challenging, especially with diverse experience levels within the team. (1 reviews) - Users find KeyCreator **not user-friendly** , citing a confusing interface that complicates onboarding and design processes. (1 reviews) - Poor Documentation (1 reviews) - Slow Performance (1 reviews) ## KeyCreator Reviews ### 1. A real game changer for 3D modeling needs **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Sarra A. | Senior CAD Specialist, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 23, 2024 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Of all features I like most about KeyCreator is its flexibility in dealing with complicated 3D modeling duties. Several special powerful tools which can be used to make much more accurate and intricate models are offered by the software. Another strength is that it supports different file formats, thus it links well with other CAD platforms and applications we employ. This integration makes work easy for all our teams and sharpens the efficiency of our knowledge sharing with inter- operational teams. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** The biggest disadvantage of KeyCreator can be attributed to its higher level of difficulty in terms of usability. The interface is rather confusing because of numerous options, and it certainly takes a lot of practice and time to get used to all the features. This has sometimes been a disadvantage because it has caused longer onboarding processes for members and we sometimes encounter problems in designing while we are getting familiar with the software. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** With KeyCreator, the issues of designing and creating detailed accurate 3D models have been well addressed by the software. This is particularly true where complex design tasks are involved because the software has to offer the best tools to accomplish them, and that it can do so with flexibility. This capability has enhanced our project results by presenting us with the ability to generate more specific and precise models and consequently extends our efficiency and cooperation within the workplace. ### 2. Super versatile tool for CAD design projects **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Rafael R. | Senior Mechanical Engineer, Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 10, 2024 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Its truly attractive feature is versatility when it comes to CAD design tasks which I find most useful in KeyCreator. This interface is user friendly, it should be noted that even the first time learners will not have many problems mastering it. The compatibility with the software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks is also appreciated in our company. I do also like the enhancements in modeling tools that enable precise changes to be made on our models thus helping us to work much faster during the design phase. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** One of the main drawbacks of the KeyCreator software is that it is relatively slow when it comes to handling big projects or designs; such a problem slows us down. In addition, even though the specification incorporates many helpful appendages, the documentation itself is not clearly defined, which hinders individuals from learning efficiently. This gap has manifested in our team reporting confusion and disorganization when onboarding to the platform and when best utilizing the platform, respectively. All these challenges can cause an interference to the general design efficiency. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** I can definitely say that the usage of KeyCreator interferes positively with our design and workflow by providing a proper management of CAD models. This encourage better cooperation because the members of the team can view and modify the designs at the same time. This has lead to increased efficiency in completing projects and reduction in some design flaws. It aids in overcoming daily hurdles and gives better precise modeling as well as intertwining coupled with different CAD tools we use hence improving efficiency and better designs. ### 3. Fits Our Needs, But Could Do More **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Manufacturing | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 15, 2024 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** We like the ability to see both 2D and 3D models. Many software programs only allow you to see one or the other. It's incredibly convenient to have both. It saves us time and headache, as we use this everyday. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Our team struggled with implementation of the product at first. With many people with many different experience levels, ages and backgrounds, we found it a bit difficult. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** We needed an efficient way to look at both 2D and 3D models in the same product. ### 4. Keycreator is a great tool **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Gary D. | President, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 10, 2022 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** I have been using the product for over 25 years. Very user friendly especially for experienced users. The only negative comment is the support staff is not large enough. The personnel in tech support is very knowledgeable if you can contact them. Have had numerous calls for support and left messages with no returned calls or if there is a call back it is a few days later. Due to time sensitive work, I would find another way to get the job done in order to complete the task. The lack of tech support response is very frustrating especially when I pay for annual maintenance. The software is amazing. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Lack of tech support. When you Re ae to speak with tech support they are very helpful. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Very strong translators and able to work between numerous projects. **Official Response from Soren Johnson:** > Hi Gary. We're sorry you had a frustrating experience with our support. Our GM of Sales & Support has reached out to you directly; we thank you for your many years of loyalty. ### 5. Accent Tool reviews KeyCreator **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Reiner C. | Tooling Specialist, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 15, 2022 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** KeyCreator lets me draw quickly in a way that is free of constraints. I have used the software for 30 years and it just keeps getting better **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** At times there is still some file instability. It is much better than it once was but at times it still hangs up instead of giving an error such as geometry impossible. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Our CAM software is incredibly difficult to design with. Keycreator bridges the gap between product/tooling design and machining. Keycreator allows us to quickly design tooling mock ups for quoting wich results in more business. **Official Response from Soren Johnson:** > Reiner, really appreciate the five stars as well as your decades of loyalty. Thank you! ### 6. Great program to work with! **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 14, 2022 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** This program does simple modeling operations for creating one-off designs very well. But also, when you get to the more complex assemblies, it can integrate parts seamlessly. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** The drawback I have encountered is a limited number of programs can import Keycreator files directly, and Keycreator is missing the ability to export files in certain program formats. When collaborating with other designers from other companies, it is, at times, a trial to export Keycreator files for them to see and integrate into their programs. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are a company that does experimental work so many of our projects are unique with very little repeatability in design. Keycreator works great from concept on paper to fabrication and assembly of the resultant parts. **Official Response from Soren Johnson:** > We always envisioned KeyCreator as a tool for making new ideas and solutions possible. If you would ever like to do a customer profile about how it helps with your experimental work, please reach out! ### 7. 35+ years with this software. Best product available! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** scott k. | Engineering Manager, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 07, 2022 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Only one file to manage, unlike other software that are linking nightmares. Design with actual solids, easily manipulate, and modify without having to decipher a tree or some other designers methodology. Integration and communication with so many other platforms make working with customers and suppliers a breeze. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Honestly, not much, The help menus can be made less technical with more examples. However, the tutorials on -line cover this well. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Integrating product design with production tooling. Offering multiple translators for working with customers and suppliers. **Official Response from Soren Johnson:** > Hi Scott, thanks so much for leaving a review! Great to have you as a customer for so long. If you are ever interested in doing a customer story so that we can give your business a little publicity, please reach out. ### 8. very easy to use interface and great custom features. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** michael v. | Engineer, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 15, 2022 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** The ability to import various different types of formats makes it very useful. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Paper space not being supported from what i can find out is cumbersome. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Being able to open older files that isn't availaible with other software. **Official Response from John McCullough:** > Michael, thanks for your review. I'd like clarification on your comment about paper space support. "Paper Space" is the AutoCAD term for what is called "Drawing Layout Mode" in KeyCreator - the capabilities are very similar. Are you trying to edit DWG files which contain Paper Space drawings? ### 9. KeyCreator for the tooling industry **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Automotive | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 10, 2022 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Keycreator is a very logical software for toolmakers going into design, their improvements over the years show their dedication to the evolution of the software **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Translating between software, especially Unigraphics, while maintaining level structure and labels. We import mainly UG and STP formats and are required to export completed designs that support connection to original incoming designs and BOM's **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** KeyCreator is getting better at helping to fix or clean solids when we receive 3rd party designs **Official Response from Soren Johnson:** > Really appreciate the review! Helping operators manage different MCAD files and sources is a central focus of ours. ### 10. Great software Versatile and lean **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Package/Freight Delivery | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 13, 2022 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Very lean and quick without parameters. The nice user interface works fast with large assemblies. Direct drawing and modeling and a lot of export and import possibilities. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** The layout\module is the weak part. Not natural - hard to give measurements and tolerances. Missing automated lines and symbols for daily use - requires several clicks. automated bomBOM also lacking **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Agile and direct modeling. Very light and quick. **Official Response from Soren Johnson:** > Glad you are finding KeyCreator useful with your large assemblies, and thanks for the feedback on where we can improve. ### 11. Keycreator Design Software **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Serge D. | Manufacturing Engineering - Expertise in Gear Manufacturing, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 17, 2022 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Flexibility of the software and able to handle all different file types **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Doesn't update with new features frequently enough **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Doing small design work handling different filters types **Official Response from Soren Johnson:** > Hi Serge, thanks from all of us at Kubotek Kosmos for submitting a KeyCreator review! ### 12. Fast and reliable design **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Industrial Automation | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 29, 2022 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Direct modeling without history burden of parametric **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Interoperability with solidworks for file distribution to non KC users **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Rapid design with all downloaded platforms **Official Response from Soren Johnson:** > Appreciate the five stars! ### 13. KeyCreator for Yacht Design **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Michel B. | Owner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 21, 2019 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** KeyCreator as a yacht design tool offers a perfect blend of both freeform surfacing and mechanical design abilities. I've used this software since its inception over 35 years ago for marine design and everything that goes into making a yacht or boat work. And its never let me down. Its fast and agile software that allows for a very quick and intuitive design process. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Not a dislike but more of an enhancement request. I'd love to see some features like Kinematics for calculating load paths, cage editing of surfaces and a simpler animation configuration that would allow for manually moving/testing motions during the design process without formally initiating "animation". Kind of like animation on the fly so to speak. I'd also like to see a direct translator to work with KeyShot for rendering work. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** Its considerably less expensive than SolidWorks and offers more horsepower. Additionally, I have clients who use SolidWorks and they come to me for work they simply can't do efficiently......or without spending thousands of dollars more for more advanced modules. Couple that with the benefits and speed of direct modelling and its a winner. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Yacht Design. Mechanical Design. Detailing of all related components for manufacture. The benefit is the simplicity of this software's operability and its ability to think outside the box. I can use it in ways I'm quite sure the developers never thought of. Its flexible. ### 14. Fun and easy to create beautiful 3D renderings! **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Design | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 27, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** I can simply create my own designs and put them into proofs for clients to see so they can understand what I am wanting to make. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Program freezes up when it is too complicated of a design. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** If you are looking for a quick and easy way to create 3D renderings for clients this program is great! I mostly use it to show off what we are looking to custom make. It is fun and once you get the hang of everything it is really quick and easy to manipulate. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** I can put my designs into real 3D views and it helps me to know what I should change to make it properly function. It is a real problem solver! ### 15. Good universal type CAD software. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** mike m. | Owner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 18, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** We Design Manufacturing equipment. (Tool and Die) Our customers use a wide range of CAD systems and Key Creator can translate nearly all of them without issues. We also have no use for parametric capabilities or command history functionality. Being a "Direct Modeling" system, Key Creator gives us all the functionality we need without all the baggage of the larger more complex/expensive systems. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Key Creator desperately needs to take the next step in metal forming technology. We need to unfold or un-bend drawn and complex bends and forms. Key Creator only does simple planar bends. Most of its competitors offer some type of mesh-driven flat blank development and many offer some level of metal forming simulation. Most have partnered with Autoform or other well-known third-party metal forming simulation companies to offer add-on functionality in this area. Autoform even offers a free version online. That is what we use now, but it is very basic and we need something integrated into Key Creator. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** We don't solve problems with Key Creator. We "Create" The benefits we see are low cost and streamlined functionality. ### 16. Easy to learn, easy to teach, easy to use. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Paul J. | Systems Administrator, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 21, 2015 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** The software is easy to learn. Making modifications to 2D or 3D is very simple, and there are multiple ways to handle a given task. I work in sheet metal and having drawn my flat and thickened it to 3D, i can then bend the part up and verify my dimensions. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Being in sheet metal, I would like the 3D to perform more like sheet metal. If the bend line were to represent the press brake punch, then the bending would stop where the bend line stops. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** Do your homework. Talk to your machine support people, others in your industry and look at the forums. Then when you begin bringing possible vendors in, have them take one of your parts and process it as you will. Anyone can make a demo look good. They are designed that way. Have it processed in front of you and compare what each had to do. After that it will be in pricing. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** The 3D allows us to assemble components and verify the locations of tooling holes. 3D also lets us see corner gaps that can be closed up before welding, minimizing the amount of metal put into a weld and minimizing the grinding after welding. ### 17. Keycreator Review **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jason B. | Designer/Programmer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 04, 2015 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Keycreator has time and again proven to be the best design package for anyone who needs to change the design mid stream. And lets face it, who does not change the design? EVERYONE changes the design. Try this with a parametric modeling software and then try it with Keycreator. See the results for yourself. These reviews are biased, based on individual experiences. GO SEE FOR YOURSELF. Keycreator WILL impress you to say the least. Your design time will be reduced from not having to start over almost everytime. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** There have been some situations where the layout mode has not been as productive as I hoped. I can't think of the exact situations off the top of my head, but just some areas where I thought more functionality would really help. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** I would recommend trying this software along with any other software you are considering and applying it to one of your own design projects. The dog and pony show that software companies put on to get you to buy there product only works well with there own predetermined designs and intended modifications. Keycreator works well with almost ANY design you throw at it and you will see for yourself the benefits. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** I solve all my design problems with Keycreator. The ability to import so many formats of existing designs and be able to work on them "as is" to make modifications is hard to beat. The benefits of having this option means that I can take existing designs at any stage of design and go. In contrast, my competitors with parametric software (i.e. Solidworks) have difficulty if they do not get a history of the design to work with. ### 18. KeyCreator admin perspective on floating licenses **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Emilio d. | IT manager, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 28, 2019 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** The flexibility it offers when using floating licenses combined with a good cost-benefit for multiple workstations over the network. We have a team of 8 engineers and 3 floating licenses, they have been working for several years now and got no problems at all. At this moment it seems capable of working with the most common file types, at least it covers 100% all we need based on our customers & suppliers requirements. I also like updates are releases regularly and included with maintenance fees. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** It has taken quite some versions to be fully compatible with other CAD SW. We started using it when it was called CadKey. As an administrator I have found installation problems and support seems to get some time to get it completely fixed. I just thinks it takes more time than expected. Not bad, but could be better. Being a floating license it has been installed in a server, by policy we don't allow Internet access to servers, and making ofline isntallations/updates/upgrades is quite difficult, maybe getting a standalone installation downloaded directly from my account would work wonders. From time to time the license manager seems to get stuck, not sure if it's because of Windows services or it's an actual fault of the manager, new versions have kept the same problem, it's not a big issue but happens once in a while. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** When we adopted the SW we had many compatibility problems, once again it was back then when it was called CadKey, support wasn't available in my country and fixing problems was very difficult. Today, support is available even though it takes some extra time when thorugh e-mail. i would say to others you should give it a try. Learning curve is a bit high, but most of the CAD SW is. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** It varies quite some. We do small jobs, from a simple plant layout to a full 3D model of a complete exhaust system. We are a manufacturing plant, and even though we DO have design, most of the time it comes from customers. When we have the option the engineers can get really creative using the tools at their dispossal. When new engineers start working here (most of the time they are just graduates from university) they get introduced in the use of KeyCreator, in a matter of weeks they can do several differnt jobs, they're no experts but get good enough working with the SW. ### 19. KeyCreator for Speed **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jonathan T. | Biomedical engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** I have used the predecessor of KeyCreator since the late 1980s and found it to be intuitive and efficient. The platform has not changed unnecessarily over the years, so upgrading to new versions has been almost effortless. Import and export functions for solid modeling and CAM are excellent. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** KeyCreator is not the most popular of the CAD packages, so it sometimes feels as if we are working under a cloud. Most references are to AutoCAD, and although I much prefer the KeyCreator interface, interchanges between different CAD/CAM programs can be a little more difficult. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** All of our design work was handled in CadKey and KeyCreator initially, but now we use it primarily for waterjet and laser programming (2.5D applications). We frequently rough out design parameters in KeyCreator and export to other programs such as SolidWorks, GibbsCAM and BobCAD. ### 20. My Secret Weapon **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Michael G. | Partner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** KeyCreator provides a superfast unrestricted modeling and drafting platform for both simple and complex projects. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** The user interface is a little dated but otherwise completely functional. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** Try the product for yourself by contacting Kubotek sales. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** We design and build equipment to serve the process industry. This equipment is usually integrated into the customer's pre-existing production lines and facilities. Typically our designed systems are modeled in place within the customer's setting. This is achieved very rapidly and at low internal cost due to the highly efficient KeyCreator workflow. In addition, we frequently need to use drawings developed in other Cad systems. KeyCreator's translators and geometry tools make this a smooth process. The process industry requires a fair degree of analysis such as vessel volumes and thermal mass. This is a one mouse click operation. . ### 21. KeyCreator Excellent Intuitive CAD Software **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jesus O. | General Director, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 19, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Not like other CAD softwares. KeyCreator is very intuitive. From my point of view, it is organized in the way that our brain thinks, so it is easy to find a function or at least, it is easy to remember where is it. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Mainly anything. I really do not take adavantage of everything that it offers. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** It gives me all the tools to put in a drawing my ideas (the designs that I have in mind). I can show to my customers their products, sending them the 3d designs in pdf format, before we make the molds. If any modification is needed, it is easy to make it in the 3D design. This, added to 3D printing, makes it very convenient for developing products for our customers. ### 22. I've used Key Creator and CadKey before that for over 20 years, primarily for 3-D modelling. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 07, 2019 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Like the logical self-intuitive geometrically based interface that comes at an affordable price. In working with clients have also had to engage with Solid Works, AutoCAD, NavisWorks, AutoPipe and other modelling programs which I dislike because there's a lot of non-intuitive add-ons which are difficult to remember if you're not using them all the time. Even with some of these other programs, I may also create a parallel Key Creator model as a check on the spatial information. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Better now than it used to be. Had found it a challenge updating settings when moving to a later version but Key Creator has now made it easy to carry through previous settings. Current dislike (perhaps a Microsoft issue relating to inflexible mouse control) is multiple unwanted steps can occur which are difficult to recover from e.g. multiple deletes when only one deleted step was wanted. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Key benefit has been the 3-D modelling of new equipment prior to building it in the workshop. I've never had an unforeseen problem in manufacture when key features have been fully modelled earlier. It's much easier to sort the problems on screen before any fancy materials get wasted. ### 23. Continually evolving mechanical design software used in the tool and mold industry. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 10, 2018 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Easy to learn, easy to use. The software is quick for creating basic solid shapes. Simple solids can be trimmed against complex topology to create complex solids. The tools are constantly improving, and the company is always asking for input on how it can improve. They listen to customer requests and implement the requested updates in a timely fashion. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** No as strong as other software manipulating complex solids, but the capabilities are constantly improving. No parametric history tree that can be used to roll back changes to the solids. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** The software is constantly improving. The company listens to and implements customer complaints and requests. Paired with XMD – EXPERT MOLD DESIGNER, it is a very fast mold design suite. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Design of plastic injection molds and plastic compression molds. They have many new solid manipulation tools that make changes faster than they were previously. The software stitches sheet into a solid much better than previous versions. ### 24. What I love about KeyCreator **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Chris C. | President of Fat Chance Bikes, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** I love the simplicity of Direct CAD and being able to dive into the design challenges before me, without the need to think about what I might be changing me down the road. It frees me to open to all possibilities and potentials from the start. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** I wish more people would use the program and recognize its abilities to support creative ideas and solutions. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** I use Keycreator to design products, sub-assemblies, and tooling. I can refine my designs with CAD Modeling to a near-net finished product before making samples or prototypes. I appreciate how I can share models with potential customers and vendors to get feedback as I progress with a design. ### 25. Long time KeyCreator User **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Consumer Goods | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 22, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** The ability to directly edit features of a solid, I.E., change radii of blends, create or edit holes, etc. Also, the ease of doing both 2D and 3D drawing with the same program. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Probably the thing I dislike the most is that you can't export layouts to AutoCad. We have a lot of AutoCAD files and if I edit one in KC I can export the geometry but not the layout pages. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** I would certainly recommend giving KeyCreator a try. I found it much easier to learn and use than any other solid modeling software I have used. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** KeyCreator has saved me tremendous amounts of time creating and modifying solid models that I use to create NC code for our 5 axis routers. Plus I have been able to do thing's like unroll models so we can cut them as flat parts,etc. ### 26. Drawing with Intuition **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Machinery | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** KeyCreator allows for drawing in a way that makes sense as if you were inside the drawing, looking around, from the top, the side, and even from behind. I always know where Im at in relation to the other objects. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** KeyCreator is filled with so many options that I don't use, but I'm sure are very handy to someone else. Sometimes these options seem overdone, but to the person who uses it, I'm sure they have something to say about the options I use. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** KeyCreator has allowed me to draw interactions between the materials I use with pinpoint accuracy. Interference is not an issue when you can clearly see the gap. I've used KeyCreator to draw everything from my garden to the deck I want off my house and all the machines I create at work. It is very versitile. ### 27. Powerfully simple !! - Simply powerful !! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Design | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 15, 2016 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** No restrictions, that's the best thing about working with KeyCreator. I have tried KC in most mechanical disciplines and it has never let me down. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** The creation of complex elements (surfaces) should automatically save the entities used in their design. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** Try it first, then you will become addicted to the simplicity. KeyCreator is addictive!! **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Parts are designed on CADs that the customer does not have, and they send parts that require changes. Here is the great advantage of having direct CAD software that helps to do what they need. Fixtures, gauges, and tooling are the most important. ### 28. KeyCreator User Since the Early 90's **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Aviation & Aerospace | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** I like the ease of use for each individual change to the drawing or Model to get the result that I want in my designs. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Sometimes, there is difficulty in some operations, and I need to approach the operation in a different manner. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Mostly, I work with customer designed parts, and I need to design fixtures and inspection methods. I also design feeding systems (gating) for the customer designed castings. I use these designs in simulations and in ordering tooling to produce the gating per the designs that I create. ### 29. Keycreator review **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 22, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Very user friendly. Can work in 2d or modeling, and it's an easy transition. Great customer support **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** I use an unfold function in Solidworks for square to round transitions and cone fabrications that creates a great template for cutting and bending. Keycreator has a process for making a flat pattern but doesn't show bends and bend angles like Solidworks **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** I have used Cadkey in the past so this was an easy transition with some great functions that will work in solid modeling and 2d design. ### 30. KeYCreator: Very simple to use CAD software. **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Dean P. | Lead Die Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** I like its ability to manipulate geometry quickly and accurately. Verifying geometry and using that data to add or modify a feature is impressive. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** KeyCreator strickly creates dumb models. Modifying can be time-consuming. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Help in creating progressive stamping dies for use in the automotive industry. ### 31. Fast and flexible **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Automotive | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** I can work with just about any CAD files. KeyCreator is very easy to use, fast and I can easily customize the interface. I also love the macro language that lets me write custom programs to do redundant tasks. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** In my opinion too many bells and whistles and not enough support to fix bugs in a timely fashion. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** I design injection molds. That business comes with a lot of different CAD formats, which I can easily overcome with KeyCreator. ### 32. I first learned CAD on KeyCreator, it was a great experience. **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Benjamin A. | LEAD Staff, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 02, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** It is very straightforward. Most of the features are self explanatory and are not ridiculously complicated. Does not take a ton of time to learn most of it. Very easy to learn! **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** The last time I used it, there were not many shortcuts. The process to create something took a while. The lack of complication caused things to take longer. This sometimes made it seem like it took more actions to accomplish a simple task than necessary. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am not currently using KeyCreator. I used it in my advanced High School drafting class. I used it in order to learn CAD software, work with a CNC machine, do small projects that were organized by my school. ### 33. Mechanical 3D Modeling and 2D Drawing Tool. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Douglas g. | Project Accounting Manager, Construction, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 16, 2020 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** KeyCreator 3D modeling capability its nice and the of getting started requires a very short learning curve to become a KeyCreator Pro. Very versatile solution which helps on models translation and the file exportation capability its perfect and even the Annotation. KeyCreator Windows deployment its functional and the online support provided for their customers and also the availability of their free trial. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** KeyCreator its simple from the installation to the usability, and the online training can really helpful to those just getting started. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** Powerful Mechanical design creation tool with effective and responsive features for professional design production, and very supportive to 3D printing and not a complicated solution. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Very easy and quick on Mechanical 3D modeling, 2D documents drafting, animation production and many others. ### 34. KeyCreator is exactly what we need for our business **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Plastics | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 10, 2018 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** It is very versatile with the ability to model in both wireframe and solids. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Complex surfacing can often be a challenge. Very large models tend to be clunky with graphics sometimes. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** As a consulting business, we have to be compatible with a lot of different CAD platforms. KeyCreator allows us to do that. ### 35. Key Creator Review **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Building Materials | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Very intuitive, easy to create objects and drawings **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Editing and transforming has become more cumbersome since CADKEY, original software was much easier to use **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Creating drawings for gaskets, "reverse engineering" other parts when needed, opening, printing and editing Autocad and Solidworks files, converting to .dxf format when needed for CNC work ### 36. KeyCreator Awsomeness **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Dawn B. | Engineering Support Mananger **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** 3D Ability High Quality Great tutorials **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** There is nothing that I dislike about KeyCreator. It imports and exports all CAD files, and 3D Quality is exceptional. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use KeyCreator for all of our Laser table drawings. We assemble all of our turf products with KeyCreator to create illustrations for product manuals. ### 37. Gets the job done **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Automotive | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** I used Cadkey for years. I find it very easy to use. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** I'm used to cad software with history trees. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** In my line of work, I need to recreate uneven surfaces to offset warpage in plastic molded parts. Once you know where all the features are, it's very user-friendly. ### 38. We had the software when I hired in. **Rating:** 2.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Pretty simple to learn for someone who is used to AutoCad **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Doesn't do as good of a job flattening sheet metal parts as other software. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** We design progressive dies with it. It works pretty well. It doesn't create lots of other files that have to be managed. ### 39. 20 years experience with keycreator **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Longbin l. | tool designer, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 28, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** direct modeling, simple, easy to use, capable to do the job **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** bugs are very annoyin, surface function need to improve **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** i use keycreator to design all my project and it's the least expersive software which can do the job ### 40. KeyCreator **Rating:** 1.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Construction | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Ease of use. 2D drawing works well and the translating package works great. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** 3D Package is very combersome and difficult to use **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Wouldn't say I'm solving any difficult problems with KeyCreator but it does have some features I like better than AutoCadd. ### 41. very easy to learn **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Machinery | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 10, 2018 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** easy to draw and fast to complete drawings **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** angle dimensions could be better like datum line **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** use it for programming and fixture desing ### 42. New Haven User **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Automotive | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 20, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Easier to understand than Unigraphics, modeling is much easier **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Wish it were more portable so when I am at other locations I can utilize **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Manipulating and updating solids is much easier when revisions to the design are required. It has helped reduce design time. ### 43. Easy to use **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Mertcan H. | Proto Integrator, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 15, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** User interface is user friendly which makes drawing fun and easy. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** It is hard to find training videos and user experience sharings in forums **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** You can easily make drawing in 2D and 3D. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** It helps to make concept designs quickly to be used in the discussion and meeting. ### 44. Works for our needs in Manufacturing **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 21, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Overlap with programming multiple software **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** when using large files other users can be interupted **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** seeing the product before we make it, can manipulate individual components of a larger assembly ### 45. Tool and Die designer **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 19, 2021 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Convenient and fast processing, no complicated command needed **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** it is enough for tool and die design, but not too powerful for geometry simulation **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** Tool and die design ### 46. A good CAD software for a good price. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Blair C. | Design Technician , Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 11, 2019 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** I like that Kubotek KeyCreator provides an easy to use interface that easily integrates with auxiliary software to fill all kinds of needs. Kubotek KeyCreator is an easy to use software that is just as powerful as some of the top software in the industry. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Kubotek KeyCreator is not as robust of a software as some of the competing programs on the market. Sometimes a function may not work for unexplained reasons. If you’re willing to deal with occasional reboots to solve these issues, it’s no big deal. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** I would recommend KeyCreator to any small or large business looking for an affordable CAD software that you can own instead of lease. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** KeyCreator is being used to create models for rapid prototyping and permanent tooling for the manufacturing process. It is also used for FEA on these designs to plan for future design criteria and changes. ### 47. Easy to use for such a full featured package **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 12, 2019 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** Key creator has never failed to produce our designs no matter how complex the job. The software is a complex and complete 3D package with rendering and even animation capabilities and yet has one of the shortest learning curves to be proficient with that I've ever seen.  **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** Minor bugs typically make their way into new versions (wait until the patch to update) **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** It can be your weapons for big problems. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?**  I have been able to take work from many different customers using many different CAD programs. Most all documentation these days must be in electronic format so the ability to send files back to my customers which they can easily open I think has been a big plus. ### 48. Good software for the price. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Katie C. | HRIS Analyst, Hospital & Health Care, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 17, 2019 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** I like that Kubotek KeyCreator has become more intuitive over the last few years. The last version I used was version 15.0 and it has come a long way from the beginning. Hot keys make the efficient use of core tools and features literally appear at your fingertips. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** KeyCreator is not as mainstream of a software when compared to the likes of SolidWorks and AutoCAD, so they try to accentuate their differences by implementing small changes CAD methodology which sometimes can be detrimental to workflow when using multiple software packages within a company. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** I recommend KeyCreator to any small or large company looking to take advantage of an innovative CAD software that provides all of the solutions you’ll need for most applications in an easy to use, affordable package. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** KeyCreator has helped my department create innovative prototypes for new product development and has even solved some of our G-Code machining issues with the help of the onboard machinist suite. ### 49. Good software for the price. Not very robust. **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Blair C. | Product Engineer, Aviation & Aerospace, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 08, 2019 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** KeyCreator has an easy to use interface. Most of the features are intuitive. I like that they make mose of thier features easy to find and the icons are very explanatory. I love that KeyCreator can easily read older files and import them into the software to be used. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** KeyCreator does not always provide repeatability when performing trim/unite operations. It has been known to crash when performing certain operations. I wish that Keycreator would make some of its features more intuitive. Some very useful feature of this software are located in hard-to-find places in the software. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** KeyCreator is a decent option when considering a CAD software that provides additional functionality such as FEA. I would reccomend the software to most anyone. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** 3D modeling and design of manufactured parts. I find the machinist suite very useful. As a company, we have seen improvements in programming times using the machinist suite in the software. ### 50. KeyCreator, Amazing software for Engineers. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Edger L. | Project Manager, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 21, 2019 **What do you like best about KeyCreator?** -Easy and friendly interface for the new users or beginners to be able to get used to the product leading to better service production. - Very powerful drawing components, and also perfect in management of files. Excellent in creating 3D tool and simple in editing. -Quick 2D drawing and detailing ability and production of professional designs and medels especially for Mechanical services. -User can customize KeyCreator to fit any project styles depending on the industry involved and Importing of solid models. -Efficiency of their customer support and response is another thing i love about this software and its the fastest in translating. **What do you dislike about KeyCreator?** -KeyCreator its the most appropriate in designing, but Importing process needs a very experienced user. **Recommendations to others considering KeyCreator:** Perfect software for modelling and designing of different models but its recommendable to trained on this product for better production. **What problems is KeyCreator solving and how is that benefiting you?** -Quick and simple drawing and modeling of Mechanical services. Production of quality final result for large and small projects, among more benefits. ## KeyCreator Discussions - [What file formats does KeyCreator support?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/translators) - 7 comments, 1 upvote - [View KeyCreator pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/keycreator/reviews?section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-05-13+18%3A08%3A43+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=f54cf0ad-67b6-4015-a988-fc6a7e71023b&secure%5Btoken%5D=63e8aee79452eb96802c2a947485a47290ca9f25df2da4f55e47f9dd4feda8c5&format=llm_user) ## KeyCreator Features **Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)** - 3D/solid modeling Tools - Rendering Tools - Drawing Tools - Editing Tools - Text Editing Tools **File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)** - Export Files - Import Files - File Interoperability - Backwards compatibility - File size **Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)** - Custom Commands - Custom Scripts - Custom Menus - Custom Interface **Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)** - Hardware support - Task-based interfaces - Manage Multiple Profiles - Command Clarity ## Top KeyCreator Alternatives - [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (628 reviews) - [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) - 4.4/5.0 (423 reviews) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) - 4.3/5.0 (581 reviews)