At Scan2CAD, we regularly update our readers on the pricing of various CAD applications. In this guide, we explore Bentley MicroStation, specifically Bentley MicroStation pricing. As such, by reading through this article as well as other guides in our CAD software pricing series, you can establish how MicroStation stacks up against other programs.

Firstly, though, let’s discuss Bentley MicroStation and its developer, Bentley Systems Inc.

About Bentley Systems

Not to be confused with Bentley Motors Limited, a British manufacturer and marketer of luxury SUVs and cars, Bentley Systems, Inc. is a Pennsylvania-headquartered infrastructure engineering software company listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. 

Founded in 1984, the American-based company has grown over the years. Currently, it boasts a presence in 172 countries, where it has set up sales, development, and a bevy of other departments, employing over 4,000 people. 

Bentley Systems offers infrastructure-oriented software intended to satisfy the global economy as well as the environment. It’s software solutions and trademarked brands include ProjectWise, Seequent, iTwin, AssetWise, CUBE, MicroStation, and dozens more. They are used by organizations of different sizes, both public and private, operating in multiple industries. 

For instance, the software programs are used in the design, construction, and operations of structures within various segments, such as transportation (roads, bridges, rail), water and wastewater, mining, buildings, and industrial facilities. While the solutions indeed offer many benefits and are used by thousands, as evidenced by Bentley Systems’ 2020 revenues of about $801 million, this article will focus on only one of the company’s offerings.

According to the 2020 annual report, Bentley Systems generates its revenue from subscriptions, perpetual licenses, and services, a model that is evident when you look at Bentley MicroStation pricing. 

However, before exploring how much Bentley MicroStation costs, let’s understand what the software is all about, including its capabilities and history.

About Bentley MicroStation

Bentley MicroStation Interface (source)

Bentley Systems describes MicroStation as its modeling and simulation application that leverages various reusable components for visualization, solid (3D) modeling, editing, and modification of graphics, among other capabilities. In addition, MicroStation supports flexible documentation, collaboration, modeling/assembly sequences, annotation, and more. 

It is no wonder that Bentley Systems markets MicroStation as “the CAD leader for infrastructure design.” A more detailed look at the available tools and capabilities point to the reasoning behind this marketing tagline. But we will handle that a bit later. First, let’s understand MicroStation from a historical point of view.

Bentley MicroStation was first released in 1986. At the time, it was a design file (DGN, MicroStation’s default file format) reader and editor. It could also plot DGN files. The second edition, released in 1987, introduced read and write capabilities. 

In the 1990’s Bentley Systems introduced additional capabilities and features. As a result, MicroStation offered 2D and 3D CAD tools, colored icons, dialogs that could be docked, the ability to assign names to levels, a DWG translator, settings manager, binary raster support, movie generation, Accudraw, and more. The new features made the software an interactive CAD program. 

The turn of the century saw the development and subsequent introduction of the eighth version of MicroStation (V8) in 2001. Along with the new edition, which introduced numerous improvements to the software, Bentley released V8 DGN, an IEEE-754-based 64-bit file format. 

Over the years, Bentley Systems has released newer versions. Currently, the software is at V10, also known as the MicroStation CONNECT Edition, with the latest release being the 16th edition, which was dropped in June 2021. Therefore, if you were to buy and install the current version, the build number would read 10.16.00.80. The first two figures represent the version and edition, respectively.

Supported Operating Systems

The latest version of Bentley MicroStation is currently only available on Microsoft Windows, continuing a tradition that began in the 1990s. MicroStation V4, released in the early 1990s, ran on Windows. In the past, some Macintosh and Unix-based operating systems also supported the software.

Bentley MicroStation Packages

The MicroStation CONNECT Edition (V10), released on September 1, 2015, was the first version of the software connected to Bentley Systems’ cloud services. As a result, it offered improved connected workflows and personalized experiences. With the release came enhanced capabilities such as an intuitive and modern ribbon-based interface. 

It also included search functionality and combined all file operations and settings in a single location. For example, to get to the settings, simply click File Tab > Settings > User. Similarly, to get to the file operations section/window, simply click File Tab > Settings > File.

Notably, Bentley MicroStation CONNECT Edition offers the following technical capabilities:

• The ability to create precise 2D drawings and 3D models for infrastructure projects
• Interoperability with different file formats/drawings created using other CAD programs
• Collaboration that promotes effective and flexible Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows
• Ability to automate drawing sheets, multi-discipline documentation sets
• Visualizations; for example, you can apply real-time display modes to visualize models based on attributes such as aspect angle, height, slope, and other embedded properties
• Report generation
• Annotation
• Support for different display styles and modes, including illustration, transparent, and more
• Analysis, e.g., real-word solar exposure and shading
• Enforcing project standards through standards-checking tools
• Ability to work on designs and projects of any size
• MicroStation can produce realistic, lifelike animations and simulations from models
• It offers access to online libraries of physically correct materials, lighting, and photorealistic content
• Ability to integrate raster images, point cloud data, and 3D reality meshes, thus easing the understanding of existing conditions
• It can integrate various data types, including documents, drawings, and models from other industries and disciplines

The MicroStation CONNECT Edition is available in four packages:

• MicroStation VIRTUOSO
• MicroStation SELECT
• MicroStation Enterprise 365
• MicroStation Learning License

MicroStation VIRTUOSO

MicroStation VIRTUOSO is a 12-month license offered by Virtuosity, a Bentley Systems’ company that doubles as the exclusive global provider of VIRTUOSO subscriptions for its parent company’s software. MicroStation VIRTUOSO is ideal for small and medium companies looking for flexible, short-term licensing that expires in a year. 

In addition, along with all the technical capabilities packed into Bentley MicroStation, VIRTUOSO subscribers can enjoy tailored training or support services of their choice by redeeming keys. It is noteworthy that every VIRTUOSO license comes with three redeemable keys/credits. The keys do not represent the number of licenses.

The MicroStation VIRTUOSO license goes for an annual price of $1,955 (Bentley MicroStation pricing correct as of January 2022).

MicroStation SELECT

Bentley Systems’ SELECT package covers both perpetual and annual subscription-based licenses. According to the company, this package works best for businesses that want to share owned licenses among colleagues. In this regard, it supports license pooling.

Other benefits include free software updates, 24/7/365 technical support, and annual portfolio balancing. Notably, users can exchange perpetual licenses once a year for other Bentley Systems software offerings through portfolio balancing. Thus, this package offers open access to the company’s entire portfolio.

The Bentley MicroStation pricing for the SELECT package is $6,386.00 for the perpetual license and $1,208 for the annual subscription-based model. The Bentley MicroStation pricing is correct as of January 2022.

MicroStation Enterprise 365

Ideal for large, global companies, the MicroStation Enterprise 365 package offers a myriad of benefits. These include unfettered access to Bentley System’s entire portfolio of applications as well as portfolio balancing that allows users to exchange at any time perpetual licenses for other titles, software updates, 24/7/365 technical support, and global licensing pooling. 

Additionally, the Enterprise 365 license subscription offers entitlement to CONNECT services, a cloud-based service for personal mobility, adaptive learning, and project collaboration.

Unfortunately, we do not have the exact/accurate Bentley MicroStation pricing for the Enterprise 365 package. However, based on a bid submitted by a state department of information technology services in the United States for a Bentley Enterprise 365 Public Sector subscription, the price runs into the hundreds of thousands (dollars) annually. To get the pricing and licensing information, contact Bentley Systems.

MicroStation Learning License

Through its education portal – Bentley Education Program – Bentley Systems enables students and educators to register directly to access its software applications. According to the company, the portal is aimed at helping students gain enough knowledge of its software to add to their resumes. In addition to free access to Bentley Systems’ applications, the portal also offers training modules based on real projects.

The MicroStation Learning License is free for eligible users who log into the portal using their institutional email addresses.

MicroStation Free Trial

You can trial Bentley MicroStation for free for 14 days. To begin your free trial, simply fill in the requisite details on the form. Note that you must have at least 2 gigabytes of free space on your hard disk before installing the software.

In summary, the Bentley MicroStation pricing for the various packages is as follows:

Parting Shot

Marketed as the leading CAD software for infrastructure, Bentley MicroStation is available through various pricing models. Small and medium companies can use the VIRTUOSO package, which is ideal for businesses that need to use the software for a limited time. The SELECT package is available for companies that wish to share owned licenses among colleagues. Users can choose between a perpetual license or a subscription-based model. 

The Enterprise 365 package offers users unlimited access to Bentley Systems’ portfolio of applications. While it is the most expensive of the company’s offerings, it has the most benefits. Students and educators can, however, use the MicroStation Learning License, which entitles them to free access to any software under the Bentley Systems umbrella. Indeed, the Bentley MicroStation pricing varies from one package to another.

With a market share in the computer-aided design and engineering segment of about 0.53%, according to a report by Enlyft, MicroStation might not have as many users as Autodesk’s AutoCAD or SolidWorks. Enlyft is a platform driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to discover and understand companies worldwide.

This is why we have created this guide to help you learn Bentley MicroStation basics in 1 hour. We will explore its interface and orientation, supported file formats, drawing and editing tools, and more. 

Learn Bentley MicroStation Basics: Orientation 

As a construction or design professional, you must have worked with one or more CAD programs. And as you might appreciate, their functionality and user interface significantly differ from one another. 

As such, taking a few minutes to acclimatize yourself with an application’s interface is not lost on anyone. In fact, it greatly helps you improve your workflow later on. For this reason, this guide will first provide an overview of the interface. Incidentally, this is the foundational step as you learn Bentley MicroStation basics.

Interface

MicroStation User Interface (source)

Tabs and Ribbons

As with all other applications developed in the graphical user interface (GUI) era, MicroStation uses graphical icons tiered into tabs and housed in menus that you can toggle on or off. At first glance, the user interface is quite simple. It features tabs that include: File, Home, View, Annotate, Attach, Analyze, Curves, Constraints, Utilities, Drawing Aids, Content, Collaborate, and help. 

Under each of these tabs are tools grouped into ribbons. For instance, the home tab features the Attributes, Primary, Selection, Placements, Manipulate, Modify, and Groups ribbon groups. As an example, the Manipulate ribbon group contains tools such as Move, Copy, Rotate, and more.

Toolbars, Windows, and Panels

The interface also includes a customizable quick access toolbar that houses commonly used functions such as Save, Save View Settings, Redo, Undo, and more. It also has a search bar and a workflow menu. The workflow menu allows you to choose among different workflows, including Drawing, Task Navigation, and Learning Connect. Your selection determines the tabs that will be displayed on the user interface.

Below the tab section is the working area known as the view. The view includes the name of the drawing (not the file) as well as icons along the top view border. An independent window, movable to the left or right of the work area, displays different panels depending on your preferences. Notably, the window can be turned off altogether. 

By default, this window houses the Properties panel, which shows you the properties of a given part of a drawing when you select that specific part/selection. However, you can customize it to include additional panels such as Explorer, View Attributes, Change View Display Style, just to mention a few. 

MicroStation also has another toolbar as well as a status bar on the bottom section. The toolbar is segmented into several sections that change depending on the selected display mode. Even so, some of the sections remain unchanged, such as the display mode selector. The selector allows you to change the display mode (we’ll talk more about what the display mode does a bit later on).

In addition, the status bar shows the active function (on the extreme right end as well as on the subsequent section), with instructions on the next action you should perform. This bar also enables you to lock and unlock the display mode.

Themes

With Bentley MicroStation, you can choose between a dark-themed interface and a light-themed interface. To change these settings according to your preference, click the File tab. Next, select Settings > User settings > Preferences. This will display a popup window. Under the Look and feel section, check or uncheck the Apply Dark Themed UI box. Finally, click OK.

Popup Menu

On Bentley MicroStation, tapping the Space bar displays the popup menu. The menu has three rows, the first and third of which contain icons that individually open a secondary dialog that allows you to choose additional tools. The second row contains discrete tools such as Move, Element Selection, Copy, and more.

Popup Window on MicroStation (source)

Drawing Tools

A majority of the drawing tools on Bentley MicroStation are found within the Placement ribbon group on the Home tab. Instead of using the term ‘draw,’ the software uses ‘place.’ Thus, simply click the Place Line function to draw a line. Other tools include Place SmartLine, Arc Tools, Place Circle, Place Block, Ellipse Tools, and many more. 

You can use the instructions displayed on the status bar to guide you on how to proceed upon clicking one of the drawing tools. At the same time, each tool has a unique Tool Settings window that allows you to change the settings depending on what you are drawing. For instance, you can alter the drawing method, fill type, fill color, and border.

Customization

Bentley MicroStation allows you to customize various settings. Simply click File > Settings > Preferences. This will result in a popup window that lets you make the necessary changes. 

Preferences Window on MicroStation (source)

Units

If you or your organization use a particular unit for all your drawings, you can set the default units and save them as part of the Design File Settings. To do this, click File > Settings > File > Design File Settings > Working Units (on the resultant pop-up window). It is noteworthy that with Bentley MicroStation, you can choose either the master and subunits or just one of them. For example, if you use the imperial system, you can set the master unit as feet and the subunit as inches. 

Having covered some basic elements of the software, it’s now time to learn Bentley MicroStation in terms of its capabilities. 

Learn Bentley MicroStation Basics: Capabilities

Marketed as “The CAD leader for infrastructure design,” Bentley MicroStation supports 2D drafting, solid (3D) modeling, rendering, editing, visualization, annotation, documentation, assembly sequencing, collaboration, and file importation and exportation, to mention a few. Moreover, the software can produce 2D drawings from 3D models and generate property-driven reports. 

To help you learn Bentley Microstation, we will explore these capabilities, starting with visualization.

Visualization

Visualization, also known as simulation, refers to the production of photo-realistic 3D images and models, thereby visually representing a 2D design or concept in an easy-to-understand manner. It enables clients and project owners to view and understand what their project entails in a much more tangible way. While other CAD programs also support visualization, MicroStation has an in-built engine that takes the capabilities a notch higher.

MicroStation is powered by iTwin, a trademarked brand under Bentley Systems’ product offerings that enables users to create visual representations of live construction information in 2D, 3D, and 4D offline and in real-time. The platform puts together disparate data into a combined ecosystem that represents the current conditions for inspections and reporting. Additionally, it predicts future states and settings.

iTwin stores the visualized information in robust cloud infrastructure, meaning users can access them anywhere, anytime. It is noteworthy that the iTwin visualization engine not only facilitates immersive visualization but also generates AI and ML-driven insights. Together, these distinct capabilities support and improve decision-making during the design, construction, and operation stages of a project’s life cycle. 

Design Analysis

In tandem with design visualization, Bentley MicroStation also enables you to perform precise analysis. For instance, you can use the software to analyze the solar exposure for projects set to be constructed in a built urban environment. At the same time, you can quickly analyze the impact of shadows cast by surrounding buildings at any time of the day or year.

Solar Exposure Analysis on MicroStation (source)

Standards Checking Capabilities

Bentley MicroStation is also packed with standards-checking tools that automatically conduct checks when prompted. The reviews compare a drawing’s/model’s properties against properties defined by existing standards. These comparisons enable the software to identify anomalies and, in some cases, fix the problems.

Data-Handling Capabilities

In addition, MicroStation can handle both miniature-sized and large-scale data demands synonymous with infrastructure projects. As such, this CAD software can seamlessly generate efficient 2D drawings and 3D models regardless of the size of the survey data. Bentley MicroStation can import, process, and plot survey data.

Importantly, though, Bentley MicroStation does not just work with the survey or geospatial data. This is because it allows you to incorporate imagery into your design as well as photo-textured reality meshes produced from ordinary photographs. As such, you do not need to create everything from scratch. This capability helps you provide the exact and accurate context for your projects as well as communicate your design intent effectively.

The software even goes a step further by supporting different display modes. Some of the modes include illustration, monochrome, transparent, and smooth. By toggling the transparent mode, for example, you can view subsurface features, such as pipes, canals, and ducts that would otherwise be hidden in other display modes.

Interoperability

A design project might comprise different organizations and professionals with differing preferences with regards to their ideal CAD software. If yours is Bentley MicroStation, yet other players prefer other CAD programs, you need to worry. 

Bentley MicroStation supports interoperability. It seamlessly opens other proprietary file formats such as Autodesk’s .dwg, SketchUp’s .skp, 3Ds Max’s .3ds, Industrial Foundation Classes’ (IFC) eponymous format, common raster formats, shapefiles, openNURBS’ .3dm, and more. 

What’s more, Bentley Systems has licensed the real DWG libraries directly from Autodesk. As a result, Bentley MicroStation users can use and produce DWG files. The software even supports versions that go back to 1997.

The software’s interoperability works such that you can import designs stored in other file formats without loss of precise geometrical properties and important BIM and geospatial information. As such, MicroStation supports the lossless sharing of design data/information. Doing so saves time that would have otherwise been spent recreating existing data, which is known to result in errors.

Supported File Formats on MicroStation (source)

Automatic Saving

Unlike programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and AutoCAD, which require the user to save the changes for the programs to write the edits into the file, Bentley MicroStation does this automatically. It automatically writes the changes into the file without the user clicking the Save icon or the Ctrl+S shortcut combination.

Extra Resources

We have covered the basics, thus providing you with the necessary material to learn Bentley MicroStation. However, if you are looking to become a Bentley MicroStation expert, you can go a step further. 

Bentley Systems offers learning resources on the Bentley MicroStation and Bentley Education YouTube channels. As well, the company provides education/learning programs for users, educators, and students as listed below:

• Bentley Systems program for users
• Bentley Systems’ program for students and educators

At the same time, the software natively enables users to learn Bentley MicroStation thanks to the integrated content, known as the Bentley CONNECT Advisor installed with the MicroStation CONNECT Edition.

If your organization uses other CAD software instead of Bentley MicroStation, you can check out our other guides by clicking here.

If all you want to do is to view, modify, or even annotate DWG drawing files that are originally made using AutoCAD, you do not have to buy the costly AutoCAD application. There are lots of free DWG Viewers that you can download from the internet. Additionally, if you want to edit DWG drawings without having to purchase or subscribe to costly CAD applications, there are also lots of free DWG editors that you can download from the internet.

And amazingly some of these free DWG viewer apps are made by Autodesk, which is the same company that develops AutoCAD.

DWG File Format

DWG, which stands for DraWinG, is the proprietary AutoCAD file format that contains all the metadata and geometrical data.

And due to its importance in design and engineering, DWG is supported by virtually all other third-party CAD programs. 

In this post, Scan2CAD has selected the 7 best free DWG viewers that you can freely download to view and modify DWG drawing files.

Table of Contents

• 7 best free DWG Viewers to download

1. 1. 1. DWG TrueView (+Design Review)
      2. Bentley View
      3. LibreCAD
      4. DWGSee
      5. DWG FastView
      6. OnShape Free
      7. CAD Reader

7 best free DWG Viewers to download

1. DWG TrueView (+Design Review)

Figure 1. DWG TrueView (Source)

Developer: Autodesk

Latest Version: Autodesk DWG Trueview 2021

Operating System: Windows

Autodesk DWG TrueView is the official Autodesk application for viewing DWG files and it comes in two versions; the free version and the paid version. It was designed to enable CAD users to view, edit, and convert DWG files.

Design Review on the other hand is a DWG TrueView add-on that helps to extend the features of DWG TrueView to enable users to use it to measure lengths, areas, and angles. Also, with Design Review, DWG TrueView users can add comments, ideas, and other information required when communicating design changes.

DWG TrueView (+Design Review) Features and Functions

• DWG TrueView is a free stand-alone DWG viewer.
• Design Review add-on is also free.
• It facilitates collaboration when sharing AutoCAD drawing files with other CAD applications.
• By adding the Design Review, DWG TrueView users can accurately measure the distances, areas, and angles of DWG drawings.
• By integrating DWG TrueView with Design Review, users can quickly and easily review and markup DWG drawings.
• By using the DWG TrueConvert, users can convert drawing to other AutoCAD versions

Pros of DWG TrueView

• Users can view DWG drawing files for free
• Users can open DWG, DXF, DWF, and DWFx files
• Allows users to measure distances, angles, and areas in DWG drawings
• It is easy to use even for non-professionals
• It offers useful tooltips guide to enhance the users’ experience
• It is available for both 64-bit and 32-bit Operating Systems. 

Cons of DWG TrueView

• It lacks editing features

2. Bentley View

Figure 2. Bentley View (Source)

Developer: Bentley

Latest Version: Bentley View V8i SELECTseries 4

Operating System: Windows

Bentley View is a product of Bentley, which is also the official Microstation developer, a free DXF viewer. It is rated as one of the most powerful free DWG file viewers developed by a third party.

And besides supporting DWG file formats, it also supports 50 other CAD file formats and BIM features. 

Bentley View Features and Functions

• It is completely free to use.
• It supports DWG file formats and 50 other CAD file formats including DXF.
• It allows users to view 2D drawings and 3D models.
• Allows users to verify distances and areas.
• Users can also use it to print drawings to scale.

Pros of Bentley View

• It allows users to view DWG drawing for free.
• It supports 50 other CAD file formats thus saving users the need to download multiple CAD file viewers for different file formats.
• Allows users to view 2D drawings and 3D models and also measure distances and areas.

Cons of Bentley View

• It has a very limited capacity

3. LibreCAD

Figure 3. LibreCAD (Source softx64.com)

Developer: LibreCAD community

Latest Version: LibreCAD 2.2.0 RC 1

Operating System: Windows, macOS, and Linux

Besides being a free DWG viewer, LibreCAD is an open-source computer-aided design (CAD) software that CAD users can download for free rather than downloading costly CAD software like AutoCAD and the like. 

Its interface is similar to that of AutoCAD.

Besides DWG file format, you can also print your work in DXF and CXF file formats and export SVG, ICO, BMP, and PDF file formats among others when using LibreCAD.

Users can use LibreCAD to open 2D drawings and 3D CAD models.

LibreCAD Features and Functions

• It is an Open-source CAD software.
• Supports DWG, DXF, CXF, SVG, ICO, BMP, and PDF file formats.
• Allows users to open and view both 2D drawings and 3D models.

Pros of LibreCAD

• It is freely available.
• It is lightweight with a file size of only 30MB.
• Supports both 2D and 3D files.
• It has an uncluttered interface.

Cons of LibreCAD

• Users can only open existing DWG files but not draw and save new DWG drawings.

4. DWGSee

Figure 4. DWGSee DWG Viewer (Source)

Developer: AutoDWG.com

Latest Version: DWGSee 2020

Operating System: Windows, macOS, and Android

DWGSee is a light and fast DWG viewer that was developed by AutoDWG.com, which was founded in 2002. It provides users with a quick and simple way of looking at their technical drawings without having to purchase costly CAD applications like AutoCAD.

Besides DWG, DWGSee also supports other CAD file formats like DXF and DWF.

It comes in three versions; a free version, a standard version, and a pro version. However, the free version is sufficient for Viewing DWG files and verifying measurements by measuring lengths, angles, radius, and areas.

If you want to access the editing capabilities of the application, you will have to purchase the standard or Pro versions which have added functions for editing, converting, and comparing.

DWGSee Features and Functions

• The free version of DWGSee DWG viewer supports AutoCAD .dwg .dxf .dwf files, version R14 to the latest 2020, and it can also open raster image formats (.bmp .jpg .png .gif .tif).
• It allows users to save files as DWG or DXF. It has an inbuilt AutoDWG converter.
• It allows users to measure lengths, angles, radius, and areas by just clicking.
• Users can add markups to the DWG drawings.
• It allows users to compare drawings by showing two versions of the same drawing in split windows.
• It has a floating license that is great for a company with many workstations.

Pros of DWGSee

• It has a free version with lots of features.
• Allows the support of a wide range of other CAD files besides DWG files.
• Allows users to verify measurements and areas.
• The floating license allows it to be used on different workstations.

Cons of DWGSee

• The free version does not support editing and requires to purchase of the Standard or Pro versions for them to edit a drawing

5. DWG FastView

Figure 5.DWG FastView for Windows (Source)

Developer: Gstarcad

Latest Version: DWG FastView V4.5.1

Operating System: Windows

DWG FastView is a free DWG viewer that was developed by Gstarcad. 

Besides DWG files, DWG FastView also acts as a DXF viewer and it can be used for viewing 2D drawings and 3D models.

DWGSee Features and Functions

• It is free.
• It supports DWG and DXF file formats.
• Has the ability to open multiple objects simultaneously by just dragging and dropping them into the interface.
• Allows users to open and view 2d and 3D drawings.
• Allows users to export files to a wide range of image formats including BMP, JPG, PNG, and other popular file types
• Allows users to freeze, lock and unlock individual layers, and also zoom and pan as they explore individual details of the drawings.

Pros of DWG FastView

• It is free.
• It is easy to use. Users can open files by dragging and dropping them into the interface 
• It has additional sophisticated CAD viewing tools.

Cons of DWG FastView

• It has a very wide range of features and tools that may take time to learn.

6. OnShape Free

Figure 6. OnShape Free (Source)

Developer: OnShape, which was acquired by PTC Inc. in 2019

Operating System: iOS, Android, Linux, OSX, Windows

OnShape is CAD software that is delivered over the internet through software as a service model thus making extensive use of cloud computing. It can be accessed through iOS, Android, Linux, OSX, and Windows-powered gadgets.

It comes in four versions Educational, Enterprise, Standard, and Professional. The educational version is the one that is also referred to as OnShape free.

Unlike other CAD applications, Onshape Free gives everyone on the team access to the same CAD workspace and same CAD data through a central place in a cloud.

OnShape Free Features and Functions

• It is free.
• Uses cloud computing.
• Accessible to a wide range of gadgets.

Pros of OnShape Free

• It is easy to use and can be accessed even on the go since it is accessed through the internet.

Cons of OnShape Free

• One will require to subscribe to the Paid Onshape Versions (Enterprise, Standard, and Professional) to be able to create new CAD files or edit CAD FILES.

7. CAD Reader

Figure 7. CAD Reader (Source)

Developer: Glodon Company Limited

Latest Version: CADReader V3.3.2.8

Operating System: Windows

CAD Reader is a CAD file viewer that allows you to view and mark DWG CAD drawings.

CAD Reader Features and Functions

• Layer management.
• Length and area measurement.
• Coordinate and scale setting.
• Allows users to add comments to drawings.
• Users can search and find drawings on their computers.
• Allow printing.
• Export and import capabilities that allow drawings and comments can be a single file, and then sent to other devices and imported to original files.
• Supports DWG and DXF file formats

Pros of CAD Reader

• All the basic functions are free.
• It is lightweight.
• It is easy to use.
• It is fast and adaptive

Cons of CAD Reader

• It has some VIP functions that require users to pay.

Conclusion

With any of the above-mentioned free Free DWG Viewers, you can open and view any DWG CAD file without having to dig deep into your pocket to subscribe to costly CAD software like AutoCAD for the purposes of just viewing CAD files.

Besides, some of the Free DWG Viewers mentioned in this article allow you to perform more tasks than just viewing. LibreCAD, for example, is an open-source computer-aided design (CAD) software that allows you to also perform some edits on both 2D drawings and 3D models.

The rest of the mentioned DWG viewers including DWGSee, Bentley View, DWG TrueView, and CAD Reader allow you to verify measurements by measuring lengths, angles, radius, and areas. Others like CAD Reader also allow users to add comments on the drawings.

Most CAD drafting and modelling workflows will include some variation of getting source materials, translating those reference materials into workable drafts and models, and refining the initial drafts into finalized technical drawings. Before CAD drafters can even start working on reference-based drafts comes the tedious task of converting raster images into editable vector files.

There is always the time-tested manual trace method where you import the reference images and use them as an underlay to trace overusing your preferred CAD software’s sketch tools. There are also automatic ways of tracing, such as using raster-to-vector conversion software like Scan2CAD.

In this article, we’ll be discussing some lesser-known raster and vector file types as well as how to convert them to become usable and editable files on CAD programs. Specifically, we’ll be learning how to convert TIFF images into DGN.

TIFF

TIFF raster image file format Source

The TIFF was developed back in 1986 by Aldus, a company that would eventually be absorbed into Adobe. Properly known as the Tagged Image File Format,  it was designed to support scanned images, whether they be in color or in gray-scale, and their import into layout programs. It’s not as suited to handling content meant for the web seeing as the internet wasn’t as prominent back when the format was invented. It’s still a fairly common variable-resolution raster file type although not as common as JPEG, GIF, BMP, and PNG.

Here are a few facts about TIFF:

– TIFF files are typically very high quality. You’ll see a lot of conversion programs recommending that you scan your documents in TIFF for the best results. TIFF files are staples for most image processing programs.

– Due to their high quality, TIFF images are also typically larger in size than their JPEG and BMP counterparts. They can, however, be easily compressed if needed.

– Although usually easily handled by most programs, TIFF also allows different applications to add their own extensions to its images. Most extensions will be handled by most applications however, so this isn’t anything to worry about too much except during very niche situations.

– The baseline TIFF images include black and white, gray-scale, palette, and RGB, the typical color modes for most printed media. Common extensions added onto TIFF images also allow it to handle CMYK images.

DGN

Typical DGN file Source

The DGN file format – which stands for Design – is a term for CAD file formats that run on CAD programs developed by Bentley Systems, Interactive Graphics Design System (IGDS), and Microstation. Like other CAD file formats, DGN files are used in the creation of digital drafts for engineering projects, architectural designs, infrastructure and civil works, plant design, and shipbuilding. It’s a competing format to the more common DWG, a CAD file format by Autodesk.

Here is some information on DGN:

• Intergraph developed the Intergraph Standard File Formats specification (ISFF) back in the 1980s. This type of DGN file is known as Intergraph DGN or sometimes as V7 DGN.
• Bentley Systems then created the V8 DGN format when the company updated the ISFF DGN format back in 2000 and created a version that has all the capabilities of DGN up to that point with a modified internal data structure.
• It wasn’t until 2008 that Autodesk and Bentley Systems contracted to exchange software libraries to improve interoperability between the DWG and DGN formats. 

TIFF and DGN compared to other formats

The TIFF file type is recommended for specific scenarios – mainly when a user needs a lot of good image quality and also has the computer space to handle large images. If you’re working with technical drawings that need a high degree of accuracy, there aren’t a lot of better options out there.

To be short, when you’re looking to scan a hard copy of a drawing to use as a source image for raster-to-vector conversion, always try to stick to TIFF.

As for DGN, although it saw some use back in the ‘80s until the later 2000s, the DGN file format has seen less and less use in today’s AEC CAD landscape. Although most programs will, by default, be able to handle DGN files, it is almost always recommended to convert any DGN files you have into the more common DWG and DXF file formats. And even when you’re using software that specifically uses DGN files, this software will, by CAD standards, also be able to handle DWG and DXF files.

In conclusion, when trying to convert TIFF to DGN, you’re best off trying to convert TIFF images into DWG or DXF files.

Raster to Vector Conversion

When we’re talking about raster files, we’re referring to image files that have resolutions and are defined by pixels. TIFF files are examples of raster images. Vector files are files that contain editable and readable geometric data, such as DGN files and DWG or DXG files.

The files that you work with on CAD programs are vector files so you’ll be looking to convert most reference raster images into vector formats for an easier time to import and edit them on your software.

One method of doing so would be to manually trace over the raster image using your program’s sketch tools. Simply import the raster image and then use it as an underlay while you use the drafting tools to sketch over and recreate the raster image underneath.

This usually takes time and effort to do and when you’re working in high-stakes, deadline-based industries such as architecture, engineering, and construction, these two things are commodities. So alternatively, you can try to convert these raster images into vector files automatically.

There are plenty of CAD programs out there that have functions for that, but it’s not always the easiest to finetune or edit. The best option for automatic conversions will always be third-party conversion software like Scan2CAD.

Converting TIFF to CAD with Scan2CAD

1. Pick your source image. With any conversion process, the number one factor that determines the success of the conversion process is the quality of the source image. TIFF files are recommended for the amount of detail and clarity in each image, so keep that in mind when checking your scanner settings.
2. Clean up the image. You can click on the Clean image button at the top left of the page and edit some settings to make sure your raster image is as clean as possible for the conversion process. Make sure to turn the image black and white if you can and erase any speckles or holes you might find.
3. Edit the conversion settings and run the conversion. Click on Convert image button next to Clean image and edit the conversion settings there. We have a bunch of tutorials on this topic so feel free to peruse the site for our guides and videos. Click on Run to generate a preview of your chosen conversion settings and click on OK when you’re happy with the preview.
4. Do any final minor edits. Although Scan2CAD is mainly for raster-to-vector conversion, it does have some minor raster and vector editing tools. If you see some stray vector lines that you want to erase or some text that didn’t convert properly, you can use this step to make your final minor changes.
5. Save the image and do any last major edits on your preferred CAD software. Scan2CAD won’t work as an alternative to dedicated CAD editing programs, so for any large or complex edits, you’ll have to work on your own CAD program. Just save the file you’ve converted by clicking on File > Save as… > Vector and picking out a name and file destination.

Here’s a video of the process

As a response, several CAD companies are handling the situation as best as they can and are facilitating fast-tracked distributions of their remote and cloud-based licenses. In this article, we’re listing some guides to avail of the more prominent home-use software licenses available out there.

But first, let’s get some preliminary factors out of the way first. Before we can think about securing licenses for our work-from-home setups, we need to first consider the following:

1. VPN – a VPN, abbreviated from Virtual Private Network, is a way to essentially turn your projected IP address online into that of a secure server. It basically makes your computer think that it’s in a different location. It’s useful for privacy issues and for remaining anonymous online, but it’s also utilized in allowing IP-based software licenses normally used on work desktops to run on home-based machines for remote working setups. There are plenty of resources that can help you figure out the best VPN service for you.

2. License types – Each CAD program has a different set of licenses depending on their intended market, but what you should really worry about are the more restrictive proprietary licenses. We’ll be listing down the license types that permit users to work at home during the COVID-19 lockdown, but if you’re looking for a more permissive solution, there are a bunch of free-to-use CAD software that you can download and use for the time being.

3. Hardware – Home-use software licenses are moot when the computer you’re working on can’t handle the programs you want to use. Always be sure to check the program’s minimum requirements and if they have “light” versions that you can use in case your home desktop or laptop just won’t cut it.

Autodesk

Autodesk company logo Source

Autodesk has one of the more extensive online resource centers even among the companies we’ll be listing down today, so it would be relatively easy to handle the intricacies of securing a home-use license.

Autodesk has something called ‘home use rights’ that lets users install Autodesk products at home for business, personal, educational, and training purposes. Autodesk has an extensive list of the products that are eligible for home use, but all you need to know is that in general, network-only products as well as educational and NFR (Not For Resale) products don’t have home use rights.

Multi-user access vs. Single-user access

If your product runs on a network license with multi-user access or a maintenance plan, you have to request a license from the server. Otherwise, you’ll have to borrow an Autodesk license. Note that only the administrators on eligible accounts can request licenses and they can only request one home-use license per subscription regardless of the number of users who are sharing that subscription.

On the other hand, products with single-user access don’t need a home-use license to be installed on any home-based work setup. It’s simply a matter of installing the software on the home computer and using the subscription’s existing serial number to activate and sign in into the user’s Autodesk account. Only one instance of the software can be running at any given time, so try to keep that in mind when using the product.

Solidworks

Dassault Systèmes’ Solidworks Source

Dassault Systèmes is working with their resellers to make sure their users would still effectively be able to use Solidworks even despite office closures due to COVID-19. This becomes especially easy with the company’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform that makes use of cloud collaboration to run their products.

To figure out how to let Solidworks run from your home computer, the first step would be to find out what license type your software subscription has. Run the software and access the main menu. From there, click on ‘Help’ > ‘About Solidworks’ > ‘Show Serial Number to see your serial number. If your serial number starts with 0000, 0001, 9000 or 9001, this indicates that you have a commercial standalone license. If it starts with 0010 or 9010, you have a SolidNetwork License (SNL). Acquiring a home-use license for these two license types are slightly different.

Standalone vs. SolidNetwork License

For standalone licenses, there are two options:

1. First, you can go through a method called ‘Deactivation’ and then reactivate the license on your home computer.

2. The other option is to use ‘Online Licensing’ which would require a user to go through user login rather than associating their license to a specific machine.

For an SNL, there are two options:

1. You could ask your IT department to setup VPN connection that you can check out your license through. This will let you access your office license from home but will slightly be slower during launch since it’s going through a VPN connection.

2. You could ask to borrow a Solidworks license for 30 days. You could also opt for other term licensing options if you need to use the program for more than 30 days.

ArchiCAD

Graphisoft’s ArchiCAD Source

ArchiCAD’s answers to the work-from-home setup are various options for acquiring temporary licenses that let users access their products from home.

In addition to that, Graphisoft has also released an informative video to help their users adjust to remote working, ensure continued work efficiency, and discuss software solutions for better online collaboration:

Emergency licenses and BIMCloud

Graphisoft offers temporary 30-day ArchiCAD emergency licenses to assist users who need to work from home. Emergency licenses are eligible to any user who has an active license for ArchiCAD 17 or newer, and ARCHIPLUS membership, a stable internet connection, and an emergency license activation code.

Alternatively, ArchiCAD has BIMCloud, a cloud-based software solution to facilitate remote team collaboration among ArchiCAD users. Temporary free 60-day BIMCloud emergency licenses are available on Graphisoft’s website.

Vectorworks

Vectorworks logo Source

Vectorworks has really focused on free online courses and training to assist any users who might find it difficult to adjust to the status quo brought about by the pandemic. They’ve compiled most of their resources online and are constantly updating these as new information becomes available.

E Series licenses and free courses

Vectorworks has given every user one additional E Series license activation to help their customers work from home better. They’ve also mentioned that users can contact their local Vectorworks’ partner or reseller for help and for access to a temporary 30-day license.

Additionally, all of Vectorworks’ Core & Intermediate Concepts courses, which are normally only reserved for Service Select members, are now being offered for free. You can even avail of free Vectorworks virtual training until June 30.

Our latest guide covers all the major BIM software packages out there—looking at top features, product descriptions and even prices.

Which BIM software should I use?

As with most software—whether it’s CAD, CAM or CNC—your choice of BIM software almost always depends on two main factors: what type of budget you have and what kind of capabilities you need. If you’re only interested in testing the waters and seeing what BIM is capable of, you might opt for BIM freeware. If, however, you’re looking for something with more functionality, you’re more likely to need the pricier software.

Fortunately, if you’re already a CAD user, you might already have the software needed for BIM capabilities. Most CAD software nowadays comes with BIM capabilities and add-ons—so you get a two-in-one deal. We’ve previously spoken about which architecture software you should use, which briefly delves into BIM. Here, however, we’re going to look specifically at the top BIM software packages you should be taking advantage of—if you’ve got the budget! 

Revit

Image source: Non-Stop Learning

• Operating system: Windows
• Price: $2,200/year
• Interested? Check out the free trial!

If you’re a Scan2CAD regular, it’s unlikely that you haven’t yet encountered Revit. One of the most popular software packages from CAD giant Autodesk, Revit is a software for BIM which includes architectural design, MEP and structural engineering and construction. With Revit, you can use an intelligent model-based process to plan, design, construct and manage your buildings and infrastructure. It doesn’t matter which discipline you’re working with—architects, engineers and construction professionals can work in a single platform. A great advantage of this is that the risk of miscommunication or errors, for example, is much lower. Capabilities for specific disciplines include: 

• Architects: generate floor plans, levels, sections, 3D views and renderings. You’ll also get cost estimates and analysis to optimize building performance during the design process. 
• Structural engineers: using an advanced BIM environment, it’s possible to create detailed reinforcement designs and shop drawing documentation. Additionally, engineers can conduct structural analysis while you create the physical model in Revit. 
• MEP engineers: conduct simulations and interference detection before you move to construction. Model for MEP fabrication using tools that automate the fabrication model layout. 
• Construction professionals: reuse design intent models in order to make planning and preconstruction decisions earlier. It’s possible to improve communication by using Revit models to coordinate information. 

It’s also possible to subscribe to Collaboration for Revit to gain access to BIM 360 team—an integrated, cloud-based web service that gives teams access to project data. This means everyone’s working on the same page. It also minimizes the need for in-person meetings which often tend to slow down the design and production process. 

Of course, Revit is just one of the many Autodesk products that come with BIM capabilities.

Others include: 

• AutoCAD Civil 3D: supports BIM for enhanced civil engineering design and construction documentation. 
• InfraWorks: supports connected BIM processes and consequently allows designers and engineers to plan and design infrastructure projects in a real-world context. 
• Navisworks: enables AEC professionals to holistically review integrated models and data in order to better control project outcomes. 

ARCHICAD

Image source: Graphisoft

• Operating system: Windows, Mac
• Price: Unspecified
• Interested? Check out the free trial!

Developed by Graphisoft, ARCHICAD is regarded by some as the first real implementation of BIM. Indeed, Graphisoft was one of the founders of the Open BIM concept—supporting 3D BIM data exchange between different design disciplines on open-source platforms. The software enables architects to take advantage of seamless design and collaboration—from the very first sketch through to a building’s full lifecycle. 

Design in BIM couldn’t be made easier with ARCHICAD. The software comes with a range of innovative tool sets to create models and automatically generate elevations, sections and schedules. And with its bi-directional connection, it’s also possible to use Grasshopper with ARCHICAD. One of the biggest advantages to the software has to be its ability to store large amounts of information within 3D models. Indeed, ARCHICAD effectively uses all the RAM your computer has. It further improves BIM performance with its Predictive Background Processing feature. This makes use of unused computer capacity by anticipating what you might do next and preparing for it in the background.

Presentations, of course, are also an important aspect to any project. Whether you want stills, animations or interactive models, ARCHICAD has you covered. With MAXON’s CineRender, you can create photo-realistic renderings. Meanwhile, you can also take advantage of fully-interactive design presentation packages that run on mobile devices with BIMx.

Vectorworks Architect

Image source: gfxspeak

• Operating system: Windows, Mac
• Price: $2,945
• Interested? Check out the free trial!

Designed with BIM at the heart of its design process, Vectorworks Architect is a great choice for many in the AEC sector. The software allows designers to conceptualize ideas, edit and analyze their models all while generating drawings and schedules. Essentially, it gives users the ability to refine every construction detail throughout a building’s lifecycle, whilst streamlining costs.

With “superior documentation”, Vectorworks Architect enables designers to take advantage of a broader range of drafting and annotation tools than other BIM applications. You can use your BIM model as the focal point to create custom schedules and construction documents—supporting any changes you make throughout your entire design process. Much like Revit’s Collaboration functionality, Vectorworks Architect offers a multiuser environment. Project Sharing enables architects, interior designers and others to unify their workflows and work on the same project simultaneously.

And with robust import and export capabilities—with industry standard file formats like IFC, for example—you can easily move your BIM models through different industry packages. Not sure how it measures up compared to other BIM software? Vectorworks offers additional capabilities not found in either Revit or ARCHICAD:

• Full suite of 2D drafting tools
• NURBS modeling
• Integrated graphical scripting
• Extensive import/export options
• Site Information Modeling (SIM) and design

Allplan Architecture and Engineering

Image source: Detail

• Operating system: Windows
• Price: Unspecified
• Interested? Check out the free trial!

Developed by Nemetschek, Allplan has two main industry packages: Architecture and Engineering. We’ll start with the first package. Allplan Architecture is a BIM solution for architects, enabling them to produce detailed design drawings and unparalleled information quality. You can opt to work either completely in 3D or in a combination of 2D and 3D. You can build virtually before in reality—therefore finding errors and conflicting elements as early as possible. This enables you to avoid costly delays in construction. As with Vectorworks Architect, Allplan comes with MAXON’s CineRender integrated to enable you to create high-quality visualizations. 

Allplan Engineering is a solution for the entire BIM process for civil and structural engineering, structural detailers and contractors. With it, you can easily, for example, compress schedules, compile up-to-date documents and create high-quality visualizations for every step of the way. Allplan also gives users reliable and traceable quantities and costs. Using your BIM model, you can quantify determinations and bending schedules not to mention structural calculations. And with associative views, all changes you make are carried out at once and automatically transferred to all drawings. Thus, reducing errors and saving you more time. 

Both packages also come with a direct connection to the cloud-based BIM platform Allplan Bimplus. And with Allplan Share, you can directly collaborate with teams around the world with the same Allplan data. IFC import and export also ensures secure data exchange between teams and collaborators. 

MicroStation

Image source: Jerry Flynn

• Operating system: Windows
• Price: $5,234
• Interested? Check out the free trial!

Developed by Bentley Systems, MicroStation is a CAD software package with extensive BIM capabilities. With 3D parametric modeling capabilities, MicroStation can be used in a number of disciplines to create BIM-ready models. It’s a universal modeling application which enables large project teams to work on the same project. Everything from paper plots to reports to PDFs remain in sync with your design model whilst it’s still in progress. 

MicroStation and Bentley’s other BIM software applications are built on the same comprehensive modeling platform. This means you can progress your MicroStation work into discipline-specific workflows with Bentley’s BIM applications. You can also enforce standards throughout the design process, such as applying templates to control geometry and data standards. As we’ve mentioned in CAD file management, this can be an unquestionably vital part of design. Additionally, it also offers: 

• Automated deliverables: from drawing sheets to schedules to models to realistic visualizations and so on. 
• Reality modeling: reality meshes, images, GIS data, DWG files, external data sources and much more. 
• Intrinsic geo-coordination: ensures your BIM models are created in precise geographic and geometric context. 
• Functional components: allows users to take advantage of 2D and 3D constraints so they can accurately capture and model design intent. 
• Hypermodeling: create a rich 3D experience with annotated documentation—vital for team projects and presentations. 

BricsCAD BIM

Image source: Bricsys Blog

• Operating system: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Price: $1,760 (BricsCAD Platinum + BIM)
• Interested? Check out the free trial!

This isn’t the first time we’ve mentioned BricsCAD on the Scan2CAD blog. One of our top 5 picks for affordable AutoCAD alternatives, BricsCAD is a 2D and 3D modeler which comes with a similar interface to the popular AutoCAD. We’re looking here, however, at the add-on module offered by Bricsys: BricsCAD BIM. Be aware that if you want to use these BIM capabilities, you will need BricsCAD Platinum. 

BricsCAD BIM comes with an advanced 3D modeler with IFC certified BIM functionality. With it, all the building elements you create—from windows to doors to columns—are automatically classified. This is enabled with the Structural Modeling toolset which recognizes linear solids and automatically classifies them as columns, railings, ducts and more. You can also attach specific information to each element—from layer names to rendering definitions to specific building materials. It’s also possible to analyze alignments and connections between your building elements. As a result, you spend less time searching for issues and more time perfecting your models. 

As you build your models, 2D sections are automatically generated so everything is kept in sync with your final construction document set. This makes it even easier to find everything you need once you’re ready to head to the construction stage. Finally, with its enhanced BIM functions, it’s also possible to create and manage building and infrastructure faster and more economically—advantageous no matter how small or big your project is. 

Want to stay updated on all the latest CAD, CAM and CNC news? Keep an eye on Scan2CAD’s blog!

That’s why we’ve created this post as the ultimate reference for purchasing new graphics cards for CAD. We’ll walk you through what you need to know and end with our top 5 picks on the market right now.

Discrete Desktop GPU Market Share (source)

For a long time, in recent history, the discrete graphics card market was a duopoly that pitted Nvidia against AMD. And for virtually all that time, Nvidia has led the pack with graphics card development and is still the de facto dominant player. Its strategy has for years been to focus purely on GPU technology by partnering with Intel or AMD for its CPU requirements. (The company has, however, waded into the CPU waters and is developing the Grace CPU for data centers).

In comparison, AMD directly competes in both the CPU and GPU markets, a strategy that Intel has since adopted. Intel launched the Arc Pro workstation GPUs in 2022, disrupting the long-running duopoly. In doing so, Intel now produces GPUs and CPUs. But it has struggled to gain a significant market share, with its hold on the GPU market dropping from a 2022 high of 1.33% to 0% in 2024.

Besides developing and selling their own graphics card versions, the three companies provide chips to many OEM graphics card manufacturers who could be classed as their competitors but, in reality, are their board partners. These partners help bring the graphics cards to market. AMD and Nvidia partner with the likes of ASUS and MSI among other companies that only produce graphics cards for either of them. Intel partners with AsRock and Acer but also sells its own versions.

Still, and despite these developments, Nvidia continues to have a stronghold in the market. Nvidia’s domination has forced companies such as AMD to focus on solutions for specific user requirements – CAD being one of them. And, in many like-for-like comparisons, AMD has previously come out on top for certain uses. This muddies the water and justifies a lengthy post on the best graphics cards for CAD. So, let’s delve in!

What Do the Model Numbers on Graphics Cards Mean?

You have probably noticed that many graphics cards have a number in their product names. Let’s look at the below table showing 4 graphics cards from 3 different manufacturers, all of which use the same number in their model name.

So, why do all these cards reference the same model number? In the above list, all products are using the same GPU produced by Nvidia: the Nvidia 5070 GPU. Therefore, they use the same model number to inform the users of what’s under the hood.

Many brands will use the GPU chips of the market leaders, packaged in their solution. This gives smaller graphics card manufacturers the option not to compete with Nvidia or AMD on-chip performance, but instead to offer their customers another option in how it is presented. Some companies may simply offer a preferable cooling system to that of Nvidia and their own PCB design. 

Do Higher Graphics Card Model Numbers Mean Better Performance?

If purchasing a motorcycle, we would know that a 700cc engine is more powerful than a 300cc engine. The cubic centimeters measurement can’t be gamed; the engine is either the stated volume or it isn’t. Previously, the numbers used in old GPU model names did not relate to any real-world measurement.

And as the Logical Increments blog explained, it wasn’t always as simple as a higher model number being faster than other lower model numbers. For example, Nvidia’s GTX 680 was faster than the GTX 760 as it had ‘“more raw performance” than the 760.’

A lot has changed since the blog post was published in 2014. Nowadays, a higher graphics card model number means better performance. This is because the higher model number correlates to better specs such as RT cores, a higher VRAM, more compute units, and more accelerators. As a result, graphics cards with higher model numbers are generally more expensive.

Still, it’s essential to read the specifications of the graphics card you’re considering carefully and at all times. Do not assume that the number indicates the same specifications as other manufacturers.

Using Gaming Graphics Cards for CAD

The popularity of gaming graphics cards is difficult to ignore. However, whilst they often come with impressive specs, there are several key factors that differentiate them from workstation graphics cards for CAD. We’ll take a quick look at why they have become so prominent, and the reasons why they may not be a great choice for CAD.

Could I Use a Gaming Graphics Card for CAD?

GPU chip makers – Nvidia, AMD, and Intel – and their partners develop and sell different GPUs for gamers and professionals. AMD, for instance, designates gaming GPUs using the RX prefix, as in the Radeon RX 9000 series. On the other hand, its GPUs for workstations and, by extension, its graphics cards for CAD are found in its Radeon Pro W lineup.

Similarly, Intel’s graphics cards for CAD and workstations are found in its Arc Pro series, with gaming GPUs lacking the Pro designation. The same goes for Nvidia with its RTX (for workstations) and GeForce RTX (for gaming) GPUs. This distinction exists for several reasons:

1. Pro GPUs have a higher memory. For instance, the highest specification of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series (the GeForce RTX 5090) has a memory of 32GB. In contrast, the highest specification of the Nvidia RTX 6000 Ada has a memory of 48 GB. Similarly, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 has a maximum memory size of 24 GB, while the AMD Radeon W7900 has a maximum memory of 48 GB. Higher memory leads to better performance and faster loading times for CAD graphics.
2. Different drivers: Pro and gaming GPUs have different drivers. (Drivers are software components or files that enable hardware like a GPU to communicate with the operating system and thereby function.) Thus, a gaming driver isn’t compatible with a pro GPU. With pro drivers optimized for CAD software and design, you will likely experience better performance when you use a professional driver and graphics cards for CAD than if you use a gaming GPU and associated drivers. In fact, Nvidia has previously reported that a new driver update increased GPU rendering by an average of 40%.

These two reasons, i.e., a higher VRAM and more optimized drivers, make a good case for using professional graphics cards for CAD rather than gaming GPUs.

Will My Graphics Card be ‘Future-Proof’?

The definition of ‘future-proof’ is a piece of technology that is ‘unlikely to become obsolete’. Therefore, this question is subjective. Whether or not you consider your graphics card to be obsolete will be dependent on how you wish to use it.

For example, a 10-year-old graphics card may still be fantastic at browsing the web, but perhaps not so great if you wish to do anything graphically strenuous. 

When it comes to ensuring your CAD PC is as future-proof as it can be, the best advice is to purchase the best model you can afford. The higher the specifications, the longer the GPU is likely to serve you.

Graphics Cards Benchmarks and Why They Matter

Our guide on graphics cards wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention benchmarks. Benchmarks are automated tests run by specially designed software. This software will perform specific tasks whilst measuring the performance and workload of the GPU.

These benchmarks are important because they avert subjective discussions on the best graphics card for a particular use. Instead, you can find empirical data on a GPU’s performance. You can even run a benchmark yourself thanks to software available from Cadalyst. Benchmark tests can regularly highlight surprising results.

One popular benchmark for CAD is the SPECViewPerf 2020. SPECViewPerf is a graphics card benchmark that measures graphics performance representing professional and CAD applications like CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks, NX, 3D Max, and Maya.

SPECViewPerf Benchmark Results for CATIA and SolidWorks (source)

Certified Graphics Cards for CAD

A number of the most prominent software developers have made life easier for us by publishing their list of graphics cards that have been tried and tested with popular CAD software. These are often referred to as ‘certified devices’ by the software developer.

If the graphics card you’re considering is supported by the software you intend to use, you will have much more confidence with your purchase.

We’ve collected a list of these published certified devices below.

Are we missing software that you’d like to see? Let us know in the comments.

Note: FreeCAD does not have their own list of specific model recommendations but their software is based on OpenGL. Therefore, we have linked to the OpenGL supported devices from Nvida.

Don’t Neglect the Rest of Your PC

There will be little point in investing in your ideal graphics card if the rest of your PC isn’t suitable for the required workload.

We created a popular post on how to build the ultimate CAD PC, in which you’ll find tips on what to consider when shopping for all PC components, including a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. It can take some time to research compatibility with all your PC’s components but the extra work is worthwhile.

Comparison: Our Top Graphics Cards for CAD

So, here’s our pick of the bunch. We’ve chosen to make a shortlist of graphics cards that would be suitable for both 2D and 3D CAD work. As a way of stating their suitability, we have referenced whether they are suitable for AutoCAD (2D), SolidWorks (3D), NX (3D), and other 2D design and 3D modeling software. We have sourced their statement of suitability from the official hardware recommendations of these software programs. We’ve also used the available SPECViewPerf benchmarks as the second, more advanced metric.

 We assume that you’re not too concerned about support for technology such as virtual reality. This isn’t yet a widely accepted requirement in CAD, but I’m sure we will need to update this article in a few years to account for that.

We have also tried not to go too high on the pricing scale whilst still focusing on professional-grade options. All options are below $1,000. Yes, you could purchase phenomenal graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 6000 for about $8,000, the AMD Radeon Pro W7900 for over $3,700, the AMD Radeon Pro W7800 for over $2,400, and the Nvidia RTX 4000 for over $1,300. But adding those options to our comparison wouldn’t help most readers and would be overkill for most CAD work. It’s nonetheless worth pointing out that these GPUs led the SPECViewPerf 2020 benchmark, according to this comparison (referred throughout the latter part of this article as the benchmark results). And remember, whilst we give a rough guide for the price of each option, there are various specifications within each option which can increase or decrease the price.

We have also created separate lists for the top GPU manufacturers, AMD and Nvidia. Therefore if you are loyal to a specific brand, you have direct comparisons for their best options.
To finish off, we have combined what we think are the best Nvidia and AMD options overall.

Comparison: The Top AMD Graphics Cards for CAD

Here are the best AMD graphics cards for CAD

Comparison: The Top Nvidia Graphics Cards for CAD

Here are the best Nvidia graphics cards for CAD:

Comparison: The Top 5 Graphics Cards for CAD

At this point, you’ve seen our best picks from the individual GPU manufacturers. To finish up, here are our top picks from AMD and Nvidia combined. 

Here are the best graphics cards for CAD arranged in the order of performance per benchmark results:

1. Nvidia RTX A400
2. AMD Radeon Pro W7500
3. Nvidia RTX 2000
4. AMD Radeon Pro W7600
5. AMD Radeon Pro W7700

Be sure to check the detailed descriptions for each option below the list to learn more about our selections.

Here’s a quick comparison chart in order of ascending average price:

Kicking off with a budget choice for CAD users is the Nvidia RTX A400. It sports Nvidia’s previous generation Ampere architecture and is built on Nvidia’s RTX professional visual computing platform. According to Nvidia, RTX accelerates 3D graphics virtualization, rendering, virtualization, simulation, reality capture, extended reality, and other design workflows.

For its part, the Ampere architecture is crafted with 54 billion transistors, making it the largest 7-nanometer chip. It has third-generation tensor cores, smarter and faster memory, second-generation RT cores, and three other ground-breaking innovations. These innovations translate to better performance, with Nvidia reporting that the A400 delivers 3x higher performance than its predecessor, the T400.

The RTX A400 isn’t the highest-spec model sporting the Ampere architecture. Still, its computing platform makes it ideal for light CAD rendering and simulation. It’s certified for SolidWorks, Ansys, AutoCAD, CATIA, and others. So, if you’re drafting DD drawings or creating and rendering 3D models, this should be a suitable choice.

AMD acquired the Radeon GPU technology from ATI Technologies in 2006. Since the acquisition, the Radeon range has played an integral part in AMD’s GPU market growth. This range includes the Pro and RX lineups, with the former designed for professional uses. Nonetheless, both categories offer performance and value, and it comes as no surprise then that AMD’s Radeon Pro W7500 is next in our list of the best graphics cards for CAD in 2025.

The Radeon Pro W7500 comes in at just over $400 and offers great performance. And though it was positioned last in the various viewsets that form part of the SPECViewPerf 2020 benchmark, the results showed that you could depend on it for both 2D drafting and 3D modeling. But this performance is expected, considering it was the cheapest of the GPUs analyzed in the benchmark.

Nvidia’s only other GPU on this list is the RTX 2000, which is built using the new Ada Lovelace Architecture. According to Nvidia, this architecture is designed to offer revolutionary performance for ray tracing. As a result, the RTX 2000 delivers up to 1.7x higher ray tracing throughput and up to 1.6x higher overall performance than the previous generation RTX A2000. This is thanks to improved specs, including a higher memory and new generation CUDA, RT, and tensor cores.

However, despite being more expensive, the Nvidia RTX 2000 posted lower benchmark results than the AMD Radeon Pro W7600. It was outpaced in most of the SPECViewPerf 2020 viewsets and fell short in the geometric mean of all tests.

Next up is another excellent option from AMD’s Radeon Pro range. The AMD Radeon Pro W7600 comes at a higher average price than the Radeon Pro W7600. But this is expected since it has more compute units, peak memory bandwidth, stream processors, and peak half precision performance. What’s more, the Radeon Pro W7600 performed better on most of the viewsets in the SPECViewPerf 2020 benchmark than the more expensive Nvidia RTX 2000.

We end our list of top 5 graphics cards for CAD with the highest-priced and best-performing Radeon Pro W7700. At $969.00, this GPU is quite expensive, but it makes up for this cost with its performance in 3D modeling. Thanks to its impressive specs, it faired quite well in the SPECViewPerf 2020 benchmark. And while it’s not the highest spec in the Radeon Pro W7000 series, it still perks a punch. In fact, it outperforms the Nvidia RTX A4000.

Bonus: List of graphics card brands

We’ve collected a list of the most popular graphics card manufacturers. You may not have heard of many of these brands, but some of these lesser-known names are producing impressive products.

Conclusion

When choosing a graphics card for CAD, first consider the specific list of applications you will use in your CAD work. From there, you can quite easily narrow-down a list of graphics cards which would be suitable for your CAD work by looking at the list of certified GPUs recommended by the software developers. 

Most importantly, as mentioned earlier, don’t assume that one good graphics cards will be suitable for all types of graphics rendering.

If you’re unsure which models to choose, I’m confident the above list will be a big help to you. Both NVIDIA and AMD have some great options for under $1,000, for example AMD’s Radeon Pro W7500 and NVIDIA’s T1000 and A400 are all under $500 and have been officially certified for use with SolidWorks and AutoCAD. If you are able to significantly increase your budget, AMD’s Radeon Pro W7700 at ~ $969.00 packs a real punch for relatively heavy CAD 3D rendering.