2D and 3D CAD design software tools.
Also listed in GIS, Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM), Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

AutoCAD remains as one of the best CAD software I ever used. It has a long-standing history whereas it was a precursor to various CAD software like Inventor and Fusion. I like how I can create full-on technical 2D drawings and digital graphics for various things; art, assembly drawings and many site plans and detailed drawings! You can also customize the interface and even build automations alongside Autodesk Assistant/AI powered workflows. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Solid Edge is a portfolio of affordable, easy-to-use software solutions for product development — 3D design, simulation, manufacturing, data management, cloud collaboration, a
Also listed in Additive Manufacturing, Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Simulation & CAE, General-Purpose CAD
The interface is modern, and its commands are intuitive enough for everyday tasks while being powerful enough to handle highly advanced workflows. Synchronous Technology is especially valuable today, with so many different file formats in use. Being able to easily edit external parts is a major advantage. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
ZWCAD is a powerful, reliable, and DWG-compatible CAD solution that enables you to boost design efficiency without switching cost.
Also listed in Civil Engineering Design

This software surprised me with how much time it saves on everyday drafting work. Smart Mouse and Smart Select have cut down a lot of the repetitive clicking I used to do quick gestures for filtering and selecting objects save real time on daily drafting. Smart Voice is genuinely useful too; being able to attach a voice note directly to a drawing has made revision feedback with my team much clearer, with a lot less back-and-forth over email or chat. Smart Plotting makes batch printing painless when I have multiple sheets to send out, and IFC Import handles Revit data well, which matters since I work in an AEC environment. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Onshape is a modern CAD system that eliminates design gridlock and helps engineers do their best work. Onshape unites advanced modeling tools and design data management in a s
Also listed in Product Data Management (PDM), CAD Viewers, General-Purpose CAD, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Simulation & CAE

Onshape is cloud-based, so it doesn’t rely on your computer’s processing power or storage capacity. That makes it easy to access and work on your designs without worrying about losing them if your computer fails, and it also means you don’t have to invest heavily in a high-end laptop just to use it effectively.
Because everything is online, you don’t have to carry a laptop everywhere. As long as you have your login details, you can sign in and access your designs from anywhere.
Since your designs aren’t tied to a specific computer, collaboration is straightforward. You can share a link, and others can open the design and make changes without needing to transfer files back and forth.
It’s also helpful that you can track design updates and return to earlier versions, which is especially useful during the prototype or concept stage. Releases can be traced clearly as well, and having all stakeholders sign off improves visibility and teamwork. It also helps catch minor or major required updates early and avoid costly mistakes before final sign-off.
The learning curve isn’t very steep, so onboarding takes less time. Overall, it saves a lot of time that would otherwise be spent learning, and that time can go toward other work. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
SketchUp is intuitive, powerful 3D modeling software built for professionals and creatives of all kinds.
Also listed in Urban Planning and Design, Sketching, Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM), General-Purpose CAD, Architectural Rendering

SketchUp makes 3D modeling feel approachable, even for users who are not professional designers. The interface is straightforward, and creating concepts or visualizing ideas is much faster than with many other design tools. It is especially useful for quickly building models, testing layouts, and presenting ideas in a way that is easy to understand. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
SmartDraw helps you create over 70 different types of diagrams.
Also listed in Sketching, Org Chart, Visual Collaboration Platforms

I started using SmartDraw whenever I needed to explain layouts or workflows visually instead of sending long text descriptions. The ready-made templates helped me create floor plans, process diagrams, and simple project layouts much faster than drawing everything from scratch. I also like that most shapes connect automatically, so it's easier to keep diagrams organized while making changes. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
SOLIDWORKS offers complete 3D software tools that let you create, simulate, publish, and manage your data. SOLIDWORKS products are easy to learn and use, and help you design p
Also listed in General-Purpose CAD, Simulation & CAE, CAD Viewers, Sketching, PCB Design
I find Solidworks the best for CFD model set up. It is easy to use and versatile. I use it in a slightly different way than Mechanical/Structural Engineers. I don't actually make "solids" that are materials; instead I set up "solids" as being fluid volumes where air/gas/liquid will flow within ductwork systems or around objects. I export to STL and this imports very well to my meshing software (Cubit and Ansys) for CFD preparation. SW is also great for making dimensioned drawings of my models.
I find the pricing of SW reasonable. I have tried free CAD tools and they do not have the capabilities or efficiency needed for real paid engineering work. They seem more for home hobbies.
I use online tools and tutorials for support which is great.
I have not used any of the SW AI tools yet. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Professional & Cost-effective 2D/3D CAD Software in DWG for Windows, Mac & Linux

The simplified UI makes it easy to work for extended periods, and the performance remains smooth even with mid-sized drawings, making this a very cost-effective CAD system. Its Trinity features allow access to DWG files from anywhere—whether on mobile, cloud, or desktop. The powerful collaboration tools also set it apart from other options. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
MicroStation is a modeling environment explicitly for the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation of all infrastructure types including utility systems, roads a
Also listed in Civil Engineering Design

Powerful Interoperability and Data Integration: MicroStation is known for its ability to seamlessly work with a vast array of file formats—including native DGN, DWG, DXF, and GIS data—without needing time-consuming conversions. This makes it a great "data integrator" that streamlines collaboration across different teams and software platforms.
Comprehensive 2D and 3D Modeling in a Single Environment: It allows professionals to handle both precise 2D drafting and sophisticated 3D parametric modeling within the same application. This all-in-one approach consolidates workflows and ensures consistency from initial design to final documentation. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Autodesk Fusion is a comprehensive cloud software platform that integrates various tools for 3D design, manufacturing, electronics, simulation, and generative design. It serve
Also listed in CAD Viewers, Additive Manufacturing, CAD Data Exchange, CAD Libraries, Simulation & CAE

Autodesk Fusion makes it much easier to move from an idea to a finished 3D design without switching between different applications. I mainly use it for parametric modeling, simple assemblies, and preparing designs for prototyping. The timeline feature is especially useful because changing dimensions later automatically updates the model, which saves a lot of time during revisions. The interface feels organized, and once you become familiar with the workspace, everyday design tasks become much more efficient. Having CAD, basic simulation, and manufacturing tools in one platform helps keep the workflow simple and reduces the need to export files between different software. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Coohom is the leading 3D solution for retailers and manufacturers to better engage and convert customers online or in-store. Coohom technologies enable you to generate beautif
Also listed in 3D Rendering, General-Purpose CAD, 3D Modeling, Visual Product Customization

The most helpful thing about Coohom is how much it speeds up my design workflow. I use it to create realistic 3D visualizations for residential renovation projects, allowing my clients to clearly understand the design before work begins. The rendering is fast, the interface is easy to use, and making changes to layouts, materials, colors, or lighting only takes a few minutes. This helps me communicate ideas more effectively, reduce misunderstandings, and make design decisions with my clients much faster. Overall, Coohom has become an essential tool in my daily work and has improved both my efficiency and the overall client experience. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
3D design the most natural way. Ever. Shapr3D is a professional CAD on iPad made for Apple Pencil. Revolutionary new 3D modeling experience yet intuitive like never before.

I use Shapr3d mainly for architectural concept modeling and quick design exploration. The interface is clean, and it doesn't take long to start building ideas. Working with the Apple Pencil on the iPad feels natural, and switching between iPad and desktop makes it easy to continue a project from anywhere. It is especially useful when I need to develop concepts before moving to more detailed CAD workflows. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Octave Forte 3D – a next generation, data-centric, and rule-driven solution – is specifically designed to deliver mission-critical requirements. Breaking through barriers impo
Also listed in General-Purpose CAD, Plant Design Management Systems

I like Octave Forte 3D (Intergraph Smart 3D) because it's a data-centric environment that allows us to work across the globe in real-time. We manage projects effectively on a global scale, and the software supports very large, massive scale projects by allowing us to see live updates as everyone works from the same database. The intelligent modeling is beneficial because we can extract quantities from our models to pass to subcontractors, helping with purchasing and tracking MTO quantities, and we can compare these quantities with our subcontractors. It's excellent for large-scale projects, particularly for plant designs, modeling, and engineering. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
DraftSight lets professional CAD users, students and educators create, edit and view DWG files. DraftSight runs on Windows®, Mac® and Linux.
Also listed in CAD Viewers

DraftSight provides all the necessary tools to create or modify an engineering drawing, and to open, read, or edit DWG files from other sources. In my experience, DraftSight performs very well with professional DWG files, even up to large sizes. Its dark and light UI options also make it more comfortable to work with for long periods of time. It is very low cost compare to other market availble tools along with Solid Works integrations Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Inventor® 3D CAD software offers an easy-to-use set of tools for 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation.
Also listed in Simulation & CAE, General-Purpose CAD

I like Inventor's versatility; the same model can be made in different ways, and the interchangeability of 2D drawing options with AutoCAD is great. The software helps a lot by requiring less time to make more productive work. The ability to convert AutoCAD 2D drawings into 3D models easily within Inventor is really handy. Also, the ease of creating structural designs using top-down or top-up assembly methods and having the option of generative design is impressive. The initial setup was very easy. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Altium Develop empowers teams to streamline and accelerate product development by connecting design, engineering, and collaboration tools in one unified platform — keeping eve
Also listed in General-Purpose CAD, Product Data Management (PDM), Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD), Requirements Management

I like Altium Develop because it brings schematic design, PCB layout, component libraries, and 3D visualization together in one integrated environment. Being able to move smoothly from the schematic to the PCB, run design-rule checks, manage component footprints, and view the board in 3D makes the overall workflow much more efficient. I also appreciate how well it supports detailed, complex PCB designs, while still providing tools that help catch potential issues before manufacturing. The value is good considering the range of professional PCB design tools and capabilities included. It helps reduce design errors, improve workflow efficiency, and save development time. While the cost is higher than some alternatives, the advanced features and integrated design environment can justify the investment for professional and complex PCB projects Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Speed design documentation with the 2D drafting tools of AutoCAD LT software.

I find AutoCAD LT to be very useful for engineering drawings and multiple drafting requirements. It's a user-friendly software that makes file conversion to CAD format easy and helps rectify multiple engineering and site issues. I appreciate how easily it produces engineering execution drawings and simplifies understanding for site execution. The initial setup was also straightforward and easy. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Live Home 3D is a intuitive home design software, created to enable users to build the house of their dreams on their Mac or Windows.

Live Home 3D is easy to pick up for creating home layouts and basic interior concepts without spending a lot of time learning the software. I like how quickly I can switch between 2D plans and 3D views to check room layouts and furniture placement. The built-in object library and real-time visualization make it useful for preparing concepts or explaining ideas before moving to more detailed design work. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
With hundreds of Third Party solutions, BricsCAD® is the powerful alternative CAD platform unifying 2D CAD and 3D direct modeling for dwg on Windows and Linux.

What works for our nternal teams is that; BricsCAD integrates exceptionally well with AWS when used as a CAD automation engine on Windows EC2 or WorkSpaces. Its strong scripting support for .NET, makes it easy for us to build event‑driven workflows that process DWG files directly from S3 triggers. With AWS Lambda orchestrating tasks and Systems Manager executing scripts remotely, BricsCAD becomes a reliable, cloud‑scalable tool for converting drawings, validating standards, and extracting metadata without manual intervention. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
ActCAD has been consistently providing CAD Solutions for years and is the leading Indian CAD Software trusted by over 1 Million happy users worldwide. A power-packed genuine C
Also listed in CAD Viewers, CAD Libraries, Sketching, Civil Engineering Design, Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM)
ActCAD is a robust CAD solution that delivers excellent functionality at an attractive price point. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the field Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.