Best Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Solutions

What is CAD?

CAD software is a powerful tool for creating precise drawings and technical illustrations used across different industries. Aimed at professionals, CAD solutions enhance design workflows and efficiency.

The top 5 CAD solutions are Siemens NX, Dassault Catia, PTC Creo, Dassault SolidWorks and OnShape, as ranked by PeerSpot users in October 2025. Dassault Catia received the highest rating of 8.0 among the leaders. Siemens NX is the most popular solution in terms of searches by peers and holds the largest mind share of 26.8%.

CAD solutions have evolved over the years, integrating advanced features to support complex design tasks. Users often highlight ease of use, extensive toolsets, and compatibility with various file formats as key strengths. The software allows for detailed modeling, simulation, and analysis, contributing to better project outcomes.

What are the critical features of CAD software?

3D Modeling: Supports the creation of detailed three-dimensional models to visualize projects effectively.
Simulation and Analysis: Allows testing and validation of designs under different conditions before actual production.
Collaboration Tools: Facilitates teamwork by enabling multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
Drafting and Documentation: Provides tools for generating precise technical drawings and documentation.

What benefits or ROI should users look for when evaluating CAD solutions?

Increased Productivity: Efficient design tools speed up the drafting process and reduce manual errors.
Cost Savings: Simulation capabilities help identify potential issues early, reducing the need for costly revisions.
Improved Accuracy: High precision tools ensure detailed and accurate designs.
Better Collaboration: Features that support teamwork can lead to more cohesive project development.

Industries such as automotive, aerospace, and architecture heavily implement CAD solutions to streamline design processes. The software is used to create everything from complex machinery parts to detailed building plans.

CAD software helps organizations enhance their design capabilities, reduce costs, and improve overall project quality by providing robust tools for drafting, modeling, and analysis.

CAD solutions mindshare

As of November 2025, in the CAD category, the mindshare of Siemens NX is 26.8%, down from 31.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Dassault Catia is 20.2%, down from 23.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of PTC Creo is 23.0%, down from 28.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

CAD Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Siemens NX	26.8%
PTC Creo	23.0%
Dassault Catia	20.2%
Other	30.0%

CAD

Top CAD products

Rankings through

#1 Ranked

Siemens NX

Siemens NX software is a flexible and powerful integrated solution that helps you deliver better products faster and more efficiently. NX delivers the next generation of design, simulation, and manufacturing solutions that enable companies to realize the value of the digital twin.

7.5

Rating

Reviews

1,016

Words/ Review

772

Views

818

Category Comparisons

Popular comparisons

Dassault Catia

Product design software that addresses all manufacturing organizations, from OEMs through their supply chains, to small producers.

8.0

Rating

Review

597

Words/ Review

508

Views

614

Category Comparisons

Popular comparisons

PTC Creo

Creo 5.0 makes your job easier with key productivity enhancements for the fast-changing world of product design and manufacturing. When you’re ready, Creo offers both new and expanded capabilities in Additive Manufacturing, Mold Machining, Topology Optimization, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and multi-CAD collaboration. It’s design as it should be.

Review

627

Views

711

Category Comparisons

Popular comparisons

Dassault SolidWorks

3D CAD Design Software.

304

Views

253

Category Comparisons

Popular comparisons

OnShape

Onshape’s modern CAD system frees engineers to focus on doing their best work. Unlike old CAD systems, Onshape unites modeling tools and design data management in a secure cloud workspace that is accessible on any device, never loses data, and eliminates design gridlock.

158

Views

102

Category Comparisons

Popular comparisons

NVIDIA Omniverse Enterprise

NVIDIA Omniverse Enterprise enhances 3D collaboration and real-time simulation. It offers valuable features like multi-app interoperability and high-quality visualization. Users appreciate its robust simulation capabilities but suggest improvements in integration with more third-party tools for wider usability.

164

Views

Category Comparisons

Popular comparisons

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which CAD solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

872,846 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Actify SpinFire

Actify SpinFire Ultimate is a revolutionary CAD Viewer with multi-CAD support for 3D and 2D viewing, measuring, markup and other investigative functions. SpinFire is able to convert CAD models into a compact, lightweight and neutral format for sharing with internal and external teams. Gain insight from your product data. Actify’s SpinFire CAD Viewer will fulfill the Product Visualization needs of your organization regardless of its size.

136

Views

Category Comparisons

Popular comparisons

CADWorx

Hexagon's Asset Lifecycle Intelligence division software solutions help visualize, create and manage the lifecycle of facilities and structures of all complexities. With five decades of innovation and proven industry leadership, we have become the trusted partner for organizations challenged with the engineering, design, building and operation of facilities and structures across the globe.

114

Views

Category Comparisons

Popular comparisons

CADWorx vs Dassault SolidWorks

DraftSight

Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, provides business and people with virtual universes to imagine sustainable innovations. Its world-leading solutions transform the way products are designed, produced, and supported. Dassault Systèmes’ collaborative solutions foster social innovation, expanding possibilities for the virtual world to improve the real world. The group brings value to over 220,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 140 countries.

Views

Category Comparisons

Popular comparisons

Pantheon AI

Pantheon AI offers robust tools for intuitive data processing, enhancing decision-making through machine learning capabilities. Users appreciate its automation features but mention a learning curve in mastering its full potential. Improved documentation could further elevate its accessibility and efficiency.

Views

Category Comparisons

Siemens Velocity

Velocity is an off-the-shelf store-level POS data warehousing and reporting solution that integrates retailer provided sales and inventory with a supplier's internal data such as forecasts, shipments, costs and much more. Velocity enables marketing, supply chain and sales departments to make retailer-based decisions using one universal database with proven cleansing and normalizing processes. Velocity has experience with over 200 global retailers.

Views

Category Comparisons

Popular comparisons

Pacdora

Pacdora serves as an efficient tool for packaging design, offering customization features like 3D mockups and templates. Users appreciate its intuitive design but suggest improvements in speed and collaboration capabilities. Pacdora enhances productivity for designers, making it a valuable asset in design workflows.

Views

Category Comparisons

CAD Exchanger

View, explore and convert 3D CAD data on desktop, web and mobile.Applications for end-users. SDK's and tools for software developers. Custom development services for businesses.

Views

Category Comparisons

Actify Centro

Actify’s Centro solution is an Enterprise Information Management system that has been developed for manufacturers to integrate their line-of-business systems, including ERP, CRM, CAD data and more. Centro provides a unified platform where all product and engineering data becomes available for the wider enterprise. This results in an accelerated design cycle thanks to the rapid access to data and enhanced collaboration.Centro provides its users with unique business insights to speed up and enhance decision making. Centro provides not just a single platform for all engineering and design data but gives you a deeper insight into your product data through interactive charts and predictive analytics. It gives you all the tools that you need to effortlessly and effectively manage your product data.Centro reveals data and trends that you didn’t even know was there. It gives you insight not just into product data but provides visibility on other users’ activity to boost collaboration.You can pick and choose the modules and functionalities you need from Centro to work with a solution that is tailor-made for your own needs, depending on your size and unique processes.

Views

Category Comparisons

Popular comparisons

Actify Centro vs Actify SpinFire

Presite

Presite addresses diverse industrial needs with its intuitive design and real-time analytics, enhancing operational efficiency. Users appreciate its customizability and robust data integration. However, some see room for improvement in its reporting features to better meet specific business requirements.

Views

Category Comparisons

qbiq

qbiq’s planning solution delivers the next generation of test fits, generating layout plans customized for any space and any tenant in less than 24 hours. By accelerating turnaround at a fraction of the alternative cost, qbiq is transforming real estate layout planning for landlords, brokers, and architects.

Views

Category Comparisons

Ansys Gateway powered by AWS

Ansys Gateway powered by AWS enables rapid simulation deployment and scalability, offering valuable cloud-based computing capabilities. Users appreciate its flexibility and performance but express a need for more streamlined deployment processes and improved documentation. Enhanced support for diverse applications could benefit wider adoption.

Views

Category Comparisons

Autodesk AutoCAD

Autodesk AutoCAD streamlines design processes, offering precise engineering and architectural drafting tools. Its robust features, including 3D modeling and collaboration tools, enhance productivity. Some users mention a steep learning curve and suggest enhancements in intuitive use for beginners and improved software stability.

Views

Category Comparisons

Autodesk Fusion

PLM helps you accelerate your product development processes across all departments and locations by automating workflows, key tasks and delivering timely information. Because Fusion Lifecycle is on the cloud, everyone has access to the data they need anytime, anywhere.

Review

Views

Category Comparisons

Navisworks

Navisworks is frequently used in construction and engineering for project review, offering features like 3D coordination and clash detection. Its model integration capability is highly valued, though users have noted that there is room for improvement in performance speed and learning curve for new users.

Views

Category Comparisons

Autodesk Civil 3D

Autodesk Civil 3D supports civil engineering design and documentation. It offers valuable features like dynamic model updating and data sharing. Users appreciate enhanced drafting tools but highlight room for improvement in system stability and performance. This makes Autodesk Civil 3D a popular choice among civil engineers.

Views

Category Comparisons

bananaz

Bananaz offers seamless data management that's beneficial for businesses seeking efficient tracking and analysis. With its intuitive dashboards and customizable reports, it caters to diverse operational needs. Some users have noted the need for enhanced integration with third-party tools, providing room for potential improvement.

Autodesk Revit

Autodesk Revit is widely used in architecture, engineering, and construction due to its powerful modeling capabilities and collaborative design tools. It offers robust parametric components and automated workflows but may benefit from UI enhancements and improved rendering speed.

Autodesk AutoCAD LT

Autodesk AutoCAD LT is used for precise 2D drafting offering efficient tools for documentation and collaboration. Its valuable features include intuitive design and compatibility with DWG files. It could improve by enhancing 3D capabilities.

Autodesk Inventor

Autodesk Inventor is ideal for 3D mechanical design and simulation, featuring robust modeling and efficient design automation. It offers advanced collaboration tools but benefits from an improved learning curve and enhanced integration with other Autodesk platforms.