10 Best Design Tools In 2023

SOLIDWORKS is a software application that helps engineers and designers create 3D models of products and machines before building a physical prototype.

Why I picked SOLIDWORKS: The software's simulation capabilities help users understand how the design will behave under specific scenarios. This helps designers optimize the design mockup before moving to the production phase, which saves time and money during the development process. Additionally, SOLIDWORKS provides detailed visualizations of the simulation results so that users can identify problems and make design improvements.

SOLIDWORKS is a design software used in the manufacturing industry to create 3D models and simulations of products and machines. It offers a wide range of tools to create detailed and precise models. The software also allows easy collaboration between team members.

SOLIDWORKS Standout Features and Integrations

Features include parametric modeling, assembly modeling, drawing creation, simulation and analysis, CAM integration, product data management, add-ons, and customization.

Integrations include Fishbowl, Makersite, Total ETO, Genius ERP, ImageSite, MRPeasy, Kenesto, Global Shop Solutions, Valispace, Epicor CPQ, and other software options. 

Solid Edge helps to create designs for products and machines, such as cars, airplanes, and household appliances.

Why I picked Solid Edge: The best part about Solid Edge is its ability to create and edit models using a combination of both parametric and direct modeling techniques. This helps designers make changes to the design without worrying about the constraints and relationships between different features. 

Additionally, you can perform finite element analysis (FEA) on designs, which helps test and optimize the products for performance and durability before they are built. Also, its synchronous technology will help you edit 3D models, regardless of their original design software or file format. This means you won't have to start from scratch or spend hours manually adjusting individual features.

Solid Edge Standout Features and Integrations

Features include 2D drawing, 3D imaging, animation, CAD tools, collaboration tools, compliance management, component library, continuous modeling, data import/export, data synchronization, data visualization, design analysis, design management, document management, and dynamic modeling.

Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox Business, OneDrive, Box, Global Shop Solutions, Smap3D Plant Design, Smap3D ScanToCAD, BoltsEtAl, SimLab Soft, HOOPS Exchange, and other software options. 

Simcenter 3D is a design software that helps engineers create digital models of their products and run simulations to test their performance, durability, and safety.

Why I picked Simcenter 3D: I picked Simcenter 3D because of its ability to perform topology optimization. The tool allows engineers to input their design requirements and constraints, automatically generating an optimized design that meets those requirements. This process can lead to significant weight reduction and improved performance of a product while still maintaining its strength and structural integrity.

The software is primarily used in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries, where engineers need to design and optimize complex products with a wide range of performance requirements. It is ideal for engineers who need to perform advanced simulations and analyses across multiple engineering disciplines, such as structural, thermal, fluid, and electromagnetic.

Simcenter 3D Standout Features and Integrations

Features include structural analysis, structural dynamics, acoustic simulation, durability and fatigue analysis, motion simulation, electromagnetics simulation, materials engineering, thermal analysis, multiphysics, additive manufacturing build simulation, and data management.

Integrations include Siemens NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, Pro/ENGINEER, ANSYS, Abaqus, Siemens Polarion, Siemens Simcenter Testlab, Siemens NX AM, Siemens Simcenter Amesim, and other software options. 

Altium Designer helps designers create the physical layout of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and the schematics and other documentation needed for manufacturing.

Why I picked Altium Designer: The software performs real-time design rule checking (DRC) during the PCB layout process. The software will automatically check the design against predefined design rules and constraints. In addition, Altium Designer's advanced 3D visualization tools allow designers to visualize their designs in 3D and detect potential mechanical collisions, ensuring that the PCB layout fits appropriately within the mechanical enclosure.

The software has an intuitive interface and comprehensive tools for creating and testing electronic designs, which makes it ideal for various industries, including aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. 

Altium Designer's powerful features and advanced simulation tools make it an excellent tool for creating high-quality PCBs.

Altium Designer Standout Features and Integrations

Features include schematic capture, PCB layout, 3D PCB design, mixed-signal circuit simulation, signal integrity analysis, power integrity analysis, thermal analysis, design rules checking (DRC), design for manufacturing (DFM), bill of materials (BOM) management, ECAD/MCAD collaboration, library management, design reuse and variant management, team collaboration, and design data management.

Integrations include OpenBOM, Arena PLM, Altium’s PDN Analyzer, TASKING, JTAG Maps™, Xilinx, AllSpice, and other software options. 

IronCAD is a 3D CAD software that uses a drag-and-drop approach to modeling. It allows users to quickly and easily create complex designs by manipulating pre-existing shapes and objects.

Why I picked IronCAD: IronCAD's TriBall interface lets users manipulate objects in 3D space using an intuitive drag-and-drop feature. The software's 'SmartSnap' technology ensures that objects are accurately aligned and positioned. IronCAD's LiveLinking feature also allows users to link their designs to other software applications, such as analysis or simulation tools, and make real-time changes that update across all linked applications.

Mechanical engineers, product designers, and manufacturers primarily use IronCAD to create 3D models of complex mechanical systems and products. Its ability to work with solids and surfaces makes it a popular choice for engineers who need to perform complex simulations and analyses on their designs.

IronCAD Standout Features and Integrations

Features include 2D drawing, 3D imaging, animation, annotations, bill of materials management, CAD tools, collaboration tools, component library, data import/export, design analysis, document management, modeling and simulation, project management, and reporting and analytics.

Integrations include Design Data Manager, SprutCAM, CADENAS, Rhinoceros, DOSCH DESIGN, 3Dconnexion, TraceParts, Renishaw, NCG CAM Solutions, and other software options. 

Mastercam is a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software used in the engineering and manufacturing industries. It is a tool that allows users to create, edit, and optimize machine programs for cutting, drilling, and shaping materials like metal, wood, and plastics.

Why I picked Mastercam: One of the great features of Mastercam is its 3D toolpath visualization and simulation capabilities. The software allows users to see a virtual representation of their design being cut and machined in real-time, including the movements of the machine tool, cutting tool, and material. This feature allows users to identify potential problems and optimize their toolpaths before they are executed on an actual machine, reducing the risk of errors and material waste.

Engineers in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy industries use Mastercam. Machinists, programmers, and manufacturers also use it to create and edit 2D and 3D parts.

Mastercam Standout Features and Integrations

Features include 2D drawing, custom development, design management, 3D printing, modeling and simulation, and multiple format support.

Integrations include Onshape, Robotmaster, APIus, Octopuz, CAM-POST, ICAM G-Code Simulation, CIMCO Edit, CAMplete TruePath, Production Module, and other software options. 

Alibre Design is a 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software that helps engineers, designers, and manufacturers create prototypes, wireframes, product designs, and other mechanical parts.

Why I picked Alibre Design: The software offers a real-time physics engine, which allows users to simulate the behavior of parts and assemblies in real-world conditions. It lets users test how their designs will function in the real world, including the movement of parts, and the impact of gravity and other forces. This helps users identify potential design flaws or areas for improvement before manufacturing or prototyping, saving time and resources in the long run.

Alibre Design is well-suited for various use cases, including product design, mechanical engineering, prototyping, and more. It is beneficial for small businesses, startups, and individual designers who need powerful CAD software at an affordable price. Its ease of use and accessibility make it a good choice for those new to 3D modeling and design, while its advanced features and simulation tools make it a powerful tool for more experienced users.

Alibre Design Standout Features and Integrations

Features include 3D design, sheet metal, assemblies, drawings, scripting, part families, rendering, CAM, and file formats.

Integrations include FEMdesigner AD, SimWise, SimLab Composer, Keyshot, Desktop EDA, and other software options. 

NX CAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software that helps users create, modify, and optimize complex designs for automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery.

Why I picked NX CAD: The tool stands out due to its open architecture, which supports a wide range of file formats, making it easy to collaborate with other design software. It also integrates with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems so that you can manage your design data, documents, and processes in one place. 

This tool is primarily for large organizations in the manufacturing industry to design and optimize complex products and machinery. The advanced surface modeling and assembly modeling capabilities ensure that designers can create detailed models.

NX CAD Standout Features and Integrations

Features include 3D design validation, automation design, drafting and documentation, industrial design and styling, industrial electrical design, knowledge reuse, mechatronic concept design, and product modeling.

Integrations include Teamcenter, Simcenter, Tecnomatix, Siemens NX CAM, ANSYS, Abaqus, CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, and other software options.

Fusion 360 helps small and medium-sized businesses to design, simulate, render, and fabricate their ideas. You can use it to create anything from a small gadget to a large industrial machine. The software is available for both iOS and Android.

Why I picked Fusion 360: I picked Fusion 360 for its generative design functionality. It uses advanced algorithms to generate optimized designs based on user-specified design criteria and constraints. For example, you can set parameters such as material type, manufacturing constraints, etc., and the tool will explore thousands of possible design iterations.

If you are an engineer, industrial designer, or architect, Fusion 360 can be your ally for creating and testing designs in a 3D digital environment. Also, it provides CAD, CAM, and CAE tools in a single software package, which makes it great for both product designing and engineering.

Additionally, its real-time collaboration features make it easy for team members to work on the same design together, regardless of location. This enables faster decision-making and improved designs.

Fusion 360 Standout Features and Integrations

Features include 3D modeling and design, interactive assemblies, sheet metal part creation, automation tools, plugins, electronics and PCB engineering tools, SPICE simulation, hierarchical schematic capture, cloud collaboration and data management, photo-realistic rendering and documentation, FEA verification, test, and simulation.

Integrations include Makersite, OpenBOM, AWS Secrets Manager, Causeway Flow, Bantam Tools, HSMWorks, ElectricalOm, Autodesk A360, SimLab Composer, FeatureCAM, and other software options. 

Onshape is a computer-aided design (CAD) software that helps professionals create virtual models of products and machines in a collaborative, cloud-based environment.

Why I picked Onshape: A cool thing about Onshape is its real-time collaboration features, which allow multiple users to work on the same design simultaneously. While working, users don't have to worry about version control or conflicts between different versions of a design. Onshape also includes built-in messaging and commenting tools that allow team members to communicate and share feedback directly within the software.

Onshape is ideal for design teams distributed across different locations, as it enables real-time collaboration and sharing of design data without the need for expensive hardware or software installations. In addition, it is beneficial for industries that require collaboration and agility, such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods.

Onshape Standout Features and Integrations

Features include simulation, PCB Studio, Render Studio, Onshape-Arena Connection, data management, collaboration, version and release management, parts, assemblies, drawings, bill of materials, configurations, analytics, integrations, support, security, and frames.

Integrations include OnScale, Cadasio, Xometry, Monarch, Flatter Files, OnelPM, Phi, Arena, SimScale, OpenBOM, and other software options.