DesignCAD Feature Comparison
Get a quick overview of DesignCAD Windows features.
DesignCAD 3D Max 2025 | DesignCAD 2D 2025 | CorelCAD® 2023 | AutoCAD® LT 2025 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Subscription | $12999/Year | N/A | N/A | $515/Year |
Perpetual | $23999 | $9999 | $69999 | N/A |
Features | ||||
User Interface and Usability | ||||
RibbonProvides a modern ribbon interface, making it easy to access and use various tools. Ideal for enhancing user productivity and streamlining workflow. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
4K Screen SupportProvides a modern ribbon interface, making it easy to access and use various tools. Ideal for enhancing user productivity and streamlining workflow. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
IMPROVED: Performance optimized for 7 x faster redraw speedThe Draw Polyline function has been optimized for significantly improved speed. Zooming in and out or redrawing the drawing now occurs 7 times faster than before, reducing delays and making interactions more responsive. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
NEW: UpdaterThe Updater is a feature that automatically checks for updates at startup and alerts users when a new version is available. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
2D Draw ModeOffers robust tools for creating 2D drawings. Essential for drafting and planning projects in two dimensions. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
3D Draw ModeAllows for creating and editing 3D models. Useful for visualizing and designing projects in three dimensions. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
NEW: Find & ReplaceAllows users to search for specific text or objects and replace them throughout the drawing. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Selection Tool with smart object selection based on directionSelects objects intelligently based on the direction of the selection. Enhances precision in choosing specific elements. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Pre-defined ViewsProvides multiple pre-defined views for quickly switching perspectives. Useful for better visualization and inspection of designs. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Angle Constrainst SettingsAllows setting and controlling angles precisely. Ideal for maintaining accuracy in angular measurements and designs. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Batch File ConverterEnables conversion of multiple files simultaneously. Saves time and effort in handling large batches of files. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
CalculatorIntegrated calculator for performing quick calculations. Convenient for on-the-spot computations during design work. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Drawing CompareCompares two drawings to highlight differences. Useful for quality control and ensuring design consistency. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Getting Started GuideOffers a detailed guide for new users to get started. Helps in familiarizing with the software and its features. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Grid - Snap and Display ControlsAllows snapping to the grid and controlling grid display. Essential for maintaining alignment and precision in designs. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Insert ManagerAllows snapping to the grid and controlling grid display. Essential for maintaining alignment and precision in designs. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Macro RecorderRecords macros to automate repetitive tasks. Increases productivity by reducing manual effort. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Online HelpRecords macros to automate repetitive tasks. Increases productivity by reducing manual effort. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Orthogonal ModeRestricts cursor movement to vertical and horizontal directions. Ideal for creating straight lines and maintaining orthogonal designs. |
<✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Password Protection ManagerOffers password protection for securing drawings. Ensures confidentiality and protection of sensitive designs. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Reference ManualProvides a comprehensive reference manual for users. Useful for in-depth understanding of features and tools. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
RulerIntegrated ruler for accurate distance measurement. Essential for precise design work. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
TooltipsDisplays tooltips for tools and features. Helps users understand the functionality of various tools. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Support for multiple units of measurementIntegrated ruler for accurate distance measurement. Essential for precise design work. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Working Plane Allows setting and resetting working plane properties. Useful for managing design orientation and perspective. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
2D Drafting and Design | ||||
2D PrimitivesProvides a variety of 2D primitive shapes for creating detailed designs. Useful for drafting and architectural work. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
NEW: Point on Path ToolPlaces points on various paths—including curves, splines, lines, vectors, planes, polygons, arcs, and circles—with equal spacing or segments. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
NEW: Basic Shapes (Rectangle, Trapezoid, Triangle, Rhombus, Pentagon, Hexagon, Octagon)Provides tools for quickly creating various basic geometric shapes. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
Auto DimensionAutomatically adds dimensions to shapes. Saves time and ensures accuracy in measurements. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
BlocksDefine, Explode, Insert, Purge: Manage and manipulate blocks within your designs. Ideal for organizing and reusing design elements. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
CalloutsAdds callouts to highlight important areas or details. Useful for annotations and documentation. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
DimensionsProvides comprehensive dimensioning tools. Ensures precise and clear measurements in your drawings. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Doors and WindowsProvides comprehensive dimensioning tools. Ensures precise and clear measurements in your drawings. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
GroupsManage groups of objects, allowing for complex designs and easy manipulation of grouped elements. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
HatchingManage groups of objects, allowing for complex designs and easy manipulation of grouped elements. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Layer ManagementProvides robust layer management for organizing and controlling different aspects of your design. Enhances productivity and organization. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
MeasurementsAngle & Distance between Points, Angle & Distance between 2 Lines, Area, Bearing, Line Distance, Perimeter, Surface Area, Volume |
✔ | All but Surface Area and Volume | ✔ | ✔ |
PointsProvides different point styles for marking specific locations. Useful for precise placement and measurements. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Best Fit line and best fit circleProvides different point styles for marking specific locations. Useful for precise placement and measurements. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Line Distance toolCalculates the minimum distance between two non-parallel lines. Enhances precision in measuring distances. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Mesh Repair ToolRepairs open edges and duplicate facets of a mesh. Useful for preparing 3D models for printing or further refinement. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
Point SettingProvides various point setting options for precise control over point placement and movement. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Point ControlOffers comprehensive point control options for precise angle and distance settings. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
SnapsVarious snap options for precise alignment of objects. Enhances accuracy in design work. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
TextProvides text options for adding annotations and labels to your design. Essential for clear communication and documentation. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Tick MarkAdds tick marks to your design for precise measurements and annotations. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
SymbolsManage symbols within your design for easy reuse and organization. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Symbol LibrariesProvides libraries of pre-defined symbols for use in your designs. Enhances productivity and consistency. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
2D Editing | ||||
ImageManage images by loading and saving them. Useful for incorporating visual elements into your projects. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Conversion toolsConvert different types of geometry and objects to suit your design needs. Ideal for transforming shapes and objects for various applications. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Line EditingModify lines by connecting, cutting, or splitting them. Useful for precise line adjustments in your drawings. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Section EditingEdit sections of your design by cutting, stretching, or trimming them. Helps in refining specific parts of your drawing. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Basic |
Selection EditingManage selected objects by breaking, combining, copying, duplicating, moving, rotating, scaling, and more. Essential for detailed object manipulation. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Trim and Extend ToolsTrim and extend lines and shapes to fit your design. Ideal for refining and connecting objects accurately. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
PDF UnderlayIncorporate PDF files as underlays in your design. Useful for referencing and tracing over existing PDFs. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
2D Adobe Illustrator with option to import as UnderlayImport 2D Adobe Illustrator files into your design. Allows for easy integration of vector graphics. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Hammer toolA tool for refining and detailing your design. Useful for making precise adjustments and corrections. |
✔ | |||
Block Editor Mode in RibbonEnhance the block editing experience using the Ribbon interface. Simplifies editing and managing blocks. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Ellipse by DiagonalsEasily create ellipses by specifying diagonal points. Useful for precise elliptical shapes. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Circumscribed PolygonCreate polygons by defining the center point and edge. Ideal for constructing regular polygons. |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Diagonal Slot PolygonCreate slot-shaped polygons with ease. Useful for designing slots and openings in your models. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
3D Modeling | ||||
3D PrimitivesCreate basic 3D shapes to build complex models. Essential for constructing 3D designs. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
3D Architectool ToolA tool specifically for designing walls in 3D architectural models. Facilitates the creation of building structures. |
✔ | |||
3D BooleansPerform boolean operations on 3D objects. Useful for combining or subtracting shapes to form new geometries. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
3D ModificationsModify 3D objects by slicing, exploding, or defining solids. Helps in adjusting and refining 3D models. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
3D Display and Visualization | ||||
Anti-aliasingModify 3D objects by slicing, exploding, or defining solids. Helps in adjusting and refining 3D models. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
Display TypesModify 3D objects by slicing, exploding, or defining solids. Helps in adjusting and refining 3D models. |
✔ | ✔ | Standard 2D display | |
LightsDifferent types of light sources for illuminating 3D models. Directional lights simulate sunlight, Point lights emit from a single point, and Spotlights create focused beams. Essential for realistic rendering. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
Light SourcesDifferent types of light sources for illuminating 3D models. Directional lights simulate sunlight, Point lights emit from a single point, and Spotlights create focused beams. Essential for realistic rendering. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
MaterialsTools for creating and applying materials to 3D models. Includes options for reflectance and texture mapping. Crucial for adding realism and detail to designs. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
Create new MaterialAllows users to create new materials for 3D models. Essential for adding custom textures, colors, and properties to enhance the realism and uniqueness of designs. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
Procedural MaterialsProvides options for creating materials based on algorithms rather than static images. Useful for generating complex and repeatable patterns like wood grain, marble, or metal textures. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
ReflectanceProvides options for creating materials based on algorithms rather than static images. Useful for generating complex and repeatable patterns like wood grain, marble, or metal textures. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
Texture MappingProvides options for creating materials based on algorithms rather than static images. Useful for generating complex and repeatable patterns like wood grain, marble, or metal textures. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
3D AnimationsCreate animations for 3D models. Useful for visualizing movement and changes over time in your designs. |
✔ | |||
Walk-throughsCreate walk-through animations to explore 3D models. Ideal for presentations and virtual tours of architectural designs. |
✔ | |||
Export to VRML and AVISave 3D models and animations in VRML and AVI formats. Useful for sharing and presenting designs in different formats. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
3D Printing Tools | ||||
3D Print CheckChecks 3D models to ensure they are suitable for printing. Identifies potential issues that may affect the printing process. Essential for successful 3D printing. |
✔ | Basic | ||
Leak Test for SurfacesTests surfaces for any leaks that may compromise the structural integrity of the 3D model. Important for ensuring the durability and quality of printed objects. |
✔ | Limited | ||
Watertight Test for SolidsVerifies that 3D models are watertight, meaning there are no gaps or holes that could cause issues during printing. Crucial for creating fully enclosed and printable 3D models. |
✔ | Limited | ||
Interoperability | ||||
Import*Supports importing various file formats. Enhances compatibility with other software and facilitates easy data exchange. |
11 | 6 | 9 | 6 |
Export*Supports exporting various file formats. Enhances compatibility with other software and facilitates easy data exchange. |
13 | 8 | 9 | 6 |
NEW: Updated Teigha (ODA) to 25.7 VersionImproved DWG/DXF support with the latest ODA update. |
✔ | ✔ | Native Format | |
NEW: SketchUp 2024 Filter Improvement (updated SDK)Enhanced SketchUp file import with support for the latest version. |
✔ | ✔ | ||
Learn More | Learn More |