CAD tools for makers & manufacturers

12 tools, alphabetical. See the free & freemium shortlist.

Autodesk Fusion

Cloud CAD/CAM/CAE with generative design; free for personal use.

CADFreemium

CadQuery

Python library for building parametric CAD models.

CADFree

FreeCAD

Open-source parametric 3D modeler.

CADFree

Onshape

Browser-based parametric CAD with built-in version control.

CADFreemium

OpenSCAD

Script-based solid 3D CAD modeler.

CADFree

Plasticity

NURBS modeler built for concept artists.

CADPaid

PTC Creo

Parametric CAD with generative design and simulation.

CADPaid

Shapr3D

Intuitive multi-platform CAD for iPad, Mac and Windows.

CADFreemium

Siemens NX

High-end CAD/CAM/CAE with AI-assisted modeling.

CADPaid

Solid Edge

Siemens mid-range CAD with synchronous technology.

CADPaid

SolidWorks

Industry-standard parametric 3D CAD from Dassault.

CADPaid

Zoo Text-to-CAD

Generates editable CAD models from text prompts.

CADFreemium