CAD Software Encyclopedia is the central directory of software used for drafting, modeling, BIM, civil design, plant engineering, electronics, manufacturing and simulation. Each software profile is designed to explain the developer, history, modeling technology, geometric kernel, file formats, APIs, licensing, system requirements, strengths, limitations and alternatives.
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Use this directory to understand a platform before adopting it, learning it or comparing it with an alternative.
General-Purpose CAD
Key topics include AutoCAD, BricsCAD, DraftSight, ZWCAD, GstarCAD, and progeCAD. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: AutoCAD, BricsCAD, DraftSight, ZWCAD, GstarCAD, progeCAD, nanoCAD, ARES Commander.
Mechanical CAD
This branch divides mechanical cad into Mainstream and Mid-Market MCAD and Enterprise and High-End MCAD. Each area has its own category for focused reference articles.
Architecture and BIM Software
Key topics include Revit, Archicad, Allplan, Vectorworks Architect, OpenBuildings Designer, and BricsCAD BIM. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Revit, Archicad, Allplan, Vectorworks Architect, OpenBuildings Designer, BricsCAD BIM, Chief Architect, SketchUp.
Civil and Infrastructure Software
Key topics include Civil 3D, OpenRoads Designer, InfraWorks, 12d Model, Carlson Civil, and Civil Site Design. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Civil 3D, OpenRoads Designer, InfraWorks, 12d Model, Carlson Civil, Civil Site Design, Trimble Business Center, Autodesk Vehicle Tracking.
Plant and Process Design Software
Key topics include AutoCAD Plant 3D, AVEVA E3D Design, Hexagon Smart 3D, CADWorx, OpenPlant, and SolidPlant. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: AutoCAD Plant 3D, AVEVA E3D Design, Hexagon Smart 3D, CADWorx, OpenPlant, SolidPlant, Plant Design and Management Systems.
Industrial Design and Surfacing Software
Key topics include Rhino, Autodesk Alias, CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo, and MoI 3D. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Rhino, Autodesk Alias, CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo, MoI 3D, Plasticity, Shapr3D.
Electrical CAD Software
Key topics include AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, SolidWorks Electrical, SEE Electrical, Engineering Base, and Capital. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, SolidWorks Electrical, SEE Electrical, Engineering Base, Capital, WSCAD.
PCB and Electronic Design Software
Key topics include Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD, Cadence Allegro, Siemens Xpedition, and Autodesk Eagle. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD, Cadence Allegro, Siemens Xpedition, Autodesk Eagle, EasyEDA, Zuken CR-8000.
CAM Software
Key topics include Fusion Manufacturing, Mastercam, PowerMill, SolidCAM, Edgecam, and GibbsCAM. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Fusion Manufacturing, Mastercam, PowerMill, SolidCAM, Edgecam, GibbsCAM, NX CAM, hyperMILL.
CAE and Simulation Software
Key topics include Ansys, Abaqus, Nastran, Simcenter, Altair HyperWorks, and COMSOL Multiphysics. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Ansys, Abaqus, Nastran, Simcenter, Altair HyperWorks, COMSOL Multiphysics, SolidWorks Simulation, Autodesk CFD.
Open-Source CAD Software
This branch divides open-source cad software into 3D and Parametric Open-Source CAD, Open-Source 2D Drafting, and Geometry and Programming Libraries. Each area has its own category for focused reference articles.
Cloud and Browser-Based CAD
Key topics include Onshape, Fusion, AutoCAD Web, SketchUp for Web, Tinkercad, and Browser-Based CAD Platforms. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Onshape, Fusion, AutoCAD Web, SketchUp for Web, Tinkercad, Browser-Based CAD Platforms, Collaborative Cloud CAD.
Mobile CAD
Key topics include AutoCAD Mobile, Shapr3D, Onshape Mobile, DWG Viewers, and Mobile Markup Applications. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: AutoCAD Mobile, Shapr3D, Onshape Mobile, DWG Viewers, Mobile Markup Applications.
CAD Viewers and Conversion Tools
Key topics include DWG Viewers, DXF Viewers, STEP Viewers, IFC Viewers, DGN Viewers, and Point Cloud Viewers. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: DWG Viewers, DXF Viewers, STEP Viewers, IFC Viewers, DGN Viewers, Point Cloud Viewers, Online CAD Viewers, CAD Conversion Software.
How CADpedia Organizes This Knowledge
Each topic is developed as a separate encyclopedic entry. Definitions explain the terminology, reference pages document standards and formats, software profiles describe platforms, and practical entries connect the concepts to professional workflows. Related pages are linked across categories so readers can move from theory to software, standards, files and industry applications without repeating the same information.