Autodesk Fusion
Cloud-connected CAD, CAM, CAE and PCB in one subscription, strongest on integrated manufacturing and weakest on air-gapped or very large assemblies.
CAD
CAD software models exact, manufacturable geometry using parametric features, constraints and NURBS surfaces rather than free form polygons. It is the toolset for product design, mechanical engineering and architecture, and it overlaps with the artistic 3D world mainly through format conversion and visualisation.
Tools in this category: 5
Pricing
Platform
FreeCAD
Open source parametric CAD built on the OpenCASCADE B-Rep kernel, with a full Python API and workbenches for mechanical design, BIM, FEM and CAM.
Onshape
Browser-only parametric CAD on the Parasolid kernel, with built-in version control and branching, and a free tier where every document is public.
SOLIDWORKS
The Windows-only mechanical CAD standard, unmatched on sheet metal and drawings, sold through resellers with capabilities gated hard across three tiers.
Tinkercad
Autodesk's free browser modeller for beginners and classrooms, built from primitive solids, with a one-way bridge into Fusion and no STEP support at all.
No tools match these filters.
CAD: frequently asked questions
How is CAD different from polygon 3D modeling?
CAD describes shapes as exact mathematical surfaces with dimensions and constraints, so a hole is always exactly its specified diameter. Polygon modeling approximates shapes with faces, which is ideal for art but not for manufacturing tolerances.
What does parametric mean in CAD?
Parametric models are built from a history of features driven by dimensions. Change one parameter, such as a length or hole spacing, and the whole model rebuilds. This makes revisions fast and keeps design intent explicit.
Can I use CAD models in games or renders?
Yes, after conversion. CAD geometry must be tessellated into polygons, usually decimated, and given UVs and materials. Several tools in our format conversion category specialise in exactly this workflow.