In this article, we’re going to run through some of the top laptops for CAD available on the market today. We’ll compare budget and high-end options, showcasing some of the best machines for professionals and hobbyists alike. But first, let us discuss the parameters you should look for when purchasing a laptop.

What to Look Out for When Buying a Laptop for CAD

1. Cost

Most budget laptops, i.e., those below $1,000, may not fulfill the system requirements of most demanding CAD software. This is because such laptops do not have a dedicated GPU. Instead, they utilize integrated graphics, which do not have the requisite VRAM. It may also lack a single-state drive (SSD), which is faster than a hard disk drive. (However, you may find a refurbished laptop that ticks all the boxes while being affordable.)

2. CPU

Most mechanical CAD software, such as SolidWorks, are largely single-threaded. Being single-threaded, their processing operations do not fully utilize multiple cores but instead are performed by a single core. Similarly, AutoCAD is primarily a single-threaded application. Still, these software programs support multi-threading, which requires multiple cores, in specific instances such as rendering, regeneration, simulation, and retrieval of large files. Therefore, it is important to have a CPU with multiple cores, as it can support multi-threading should the need arise.

3. GPU

A good laptop for CAD should have professional graphics cards rather than gaming GPUs. While CAD software can run on gaming GPUs, there are certain nuances that such cards do not possess. Firstly, professional graphics cards primarily focus on OpenGL, an application programming interface that facilitates 2D and 3D rendering of vector graphics. On the other hand, gaming cards are primarily focused on DirectX, a set of APIs designed to handle game programming, multimedia, and video.

Additionally, professional GPUs use certified drivers. Usually, these drivers regularly get CAD-specific bug fixes as the CAD software developers and gaming card manufacturers work in tandem to iron out issues. However, if a bug were to emerge when using a gaming GPU for CAD purposes, it may not receive an update that fixes the issue.

While choosing a professional graphics card, it is crucial to ensure it has the required amount of onboard video RAM (vRAM). A vRAM of 4GB or higher is recommended.

4. Storage

Generally, SSDs are faster, smaller, and consume less energy than HDDs. Thus, if you want fast performance when using your preferred CAD software, as seen through the speed at which the application launches or opens the files, it is advisable to go with a laptop with an SSD. Furthermore, this choice will offer another extra advantage as it may improve battery efficiency.

5. Operating System

Most CAD software programs are available only on Windows. Thus, the OS should be one of your foremost considerations when buying a laptop. 

Against the backdrop of this information, we have identified the 10 best laptops for CAD that are powerful enough to run the latest 2025 programs.

2. Dell Precision 5690

Product Description

Dell describes the Precision 5690 as a mobile workstation that combines performance, beauty, and style. Its sleek look doesn’t betray what’s under the hood. The Precision 5690 boasts powerful features that make it one of the best laptops for CAD.

You can configure it with the NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada Generation GPU, the most powerful GPU from NVIDIA that can be found in a professional laptop. This GPU complements the computing power of the Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 1), with both delivering power-efficient performance for CAD and other creative workloads.

The powerful GPU and CPU can be paired with up to 64GB RAM and fast SSD storage (up to 4TB). It has a 16-inch display and an aluminum chassis that makes it sturdy. It has a 99.5 Wh battery, meaning it’s compliant with aviation regulations. So, you can carry it with you on field trips.

The Precision 5690 has a starting price of $2,719.00. The purchase price rises to $5,539 if you wish to purchase the model with the NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada.

3. Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2

Product Description

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 is certified to run the 2024 versions of SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, Vectorworks, and Solid Edge, as well as the 2025 versions of AutoCAD, Inventor, and 3ds Max. It is powered by the Intel Core Ultra processors (series 1), which, according to Intel, are optimized for premium, thin, and powerful laptops. The most powerful chip, the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, can be boosted to 5.1GHz up from a base frequency of 2.3 GHz.

It can be configured with the Ada generation of discrete GPUs from NVIDIA. You can equip it with the RTX 500, the RTX 1000, the RTX 2000, or the RTX 3000, depending on how intensive and demanding your simulation, modeling, and design workflows are. These options make the Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 perfect for different cadres of users.

Other notable features include superfast SSD storage that enables your CAD software to read, write, and save large files at a lightning-fast speed. And with the CPU supporting up to 96GB RAM, you need not worry about whether the ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 can handle large files because this large memory size ensures it can.

4. MSI CreatorPro M16 HX

Product Description

The MSI CreatorPro M16 HX has a decidedly catchy name that immediately shows that it’s meant for creators. At between 21.81 and 27.75 mm thick, depending on the configuration, the CreatorPro M16 HX is by no means slim. But encased within this thick frame are powerful features and specs that make it one of the best laptops for CAD in 2025. Firstly, it can be configured with up to the 14^th generation Intel Core i9-14900HX with 24 cores and a maximum boosted clock speed of 5.8 GHz.

It also features the latest graphics cards for CAD, the NVIDIA RTX Ada generation. You can choose one of three options: the RTX 1000 (with 6GB VRAM), the RTX 2000 (with 8GB VRAM), or the RTX 3000 (with 8GB VRAM). This means this workhorse of a laptop will be useful for designers across a range of fields.

In fact, according to MSI, the CreatorPro M16 HX is ISV-certified in engineering, 3D modeling, designing, and more. They can comfortably run CAD, CAE, and CAM software from developers like Autodesk, Siemens, Ansys, Dassault Systèmes, PTC, Vectorworks (and its parent company Nemetschek), and Graphisoft, to mention just a few.

5.  Dell Precision 5490

Product Description

The Dell Precision 5490 is a small, powerful 14-inch workstation laptop with Intel Core Ultra processors (series 1) and the new-generation NVIDIA RTX graphics cards. These dedicated GPUs guarantee that the Dell Precision 5490 can handle demanding modeling, simulation, and designing workloads. You can choose the NVIDIA RTX 1000 Ada, the NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada, or the NVIDIA RTX 3000 Ada, with each of these GPUs designed to deliver outstanding professional graphics and compute performance, per NVIDIA.

The Precision 5490 has a Dual Opposing Output fan with Turbo blades, a vapor chamber, and dual intake venting to deal with the heat generated during everyday use. This advanced thermal system keeps the system cool, efficient, and quiet at optimized speeds. Another key point to note is that the Precision 5490 boasts 4 hours longer battery life than the previous generation laptop, according to Dell.

And though it has the smallest display of the Precision mobile workstations on this list of the best laptops for CAD, it still delivers excellent visuals. You can configure your laptop with the lower resolution 1920 x 1200 WLED screen or the higher resolution 2560 x 1600 WLED screen that supports touch.

6. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

Product Description

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a touchscreen-based laptop that can be operated using the Surface Slim Pen. Its dynamic woven hinge lets you transition between a laptop form factor for heavy workloads and a tablet-like Studio Mode that converts it into a portable canvas for sketching and notetaking. Combined, these features make creating markups in CAD software and sketching in architectural software quite seamless.

It is powered by the 13^th generation Intel Core i7-13700 with 24 cores and the Nvidia RTX 2000 Ada generation dedicated graphics card for CAD. The latter delivers up to 2x more graphics power, according to Microsoft.

At 1.98kg, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 isn’t as heavy as some of the other laptops on this list. It complements this weight with a relatively smaller 14.4-inch display size. That said, this display does pack a punch. It’s touchscreen and boasts a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Thanks to the built-in Dolby Vision IQ and HDR, the Surface Laptop 2 has accurate colors and contrast.

7. HP ZBook Firefly G11

Product Description

The Firefly G11 is part of the ZBook family of mobile workstations, which is itself part of the Z by HP lineup of high-performance workstation computers. HP recommends the ZBook Firefly G11 for 2D and simple 3D workflows. Going by the company’s recommendations, the ZBook Power G11 is ideal for advanced 3D modeling, rendering, and simulation workflows because it can be configured with the NVIDIA RTX 3000 Ada. However, it’s worth noting that the NVIDIA RTX A500, which is included in the Firefly G11, is certified for use with demanding software like the NX.

Under the hood, the ZBook Firefly G11 has the Intel Core Ultra processors (series 1), with HP allowing you to choose from seven different options. The most powerful option is capable of boosting to 5.0 GHz. In addition, the GPU and CPU are paired with up to 64GB DDR5 RAM and up to 2TB SSD storage. Combined, these features provide professional-grade performance for even the biggest of projects. And to boost mobility, HP claims that the laptop supports fast charging, enabling you to charge the battery to 50% in just 30 minutes.

HP also sells G11s powered by AMD Ryzen 5, 7, 9, and 9 Pro processors. Marketed as the G11 As, these laptops use integrated AMD Radeon Graphics rather than dedicated GPUs. And given that the best laptops for CAD have dedicated GPUs, we don’t recommend going for the G11 As.

8. Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 3

Product Description

One of the most surefire ways to check whether a potential new laptop will be right for your CAD needs is to check for ISV certifications. In layperson’s terms, these certifications indicate that independent vendors have tested the model with specific software and approved that everything is in ship-shape condition and capable of seamlessly running the software. If you decide to use these certifications as your benchmark, you’ll want to take a look at the Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 3.

It has ISV certifications from Ansys, Autodesk, Bentley, PTC, Siemens, Dassault Systèmes, Nemetschek (Vectorworks), and more. It has been tested using software like SolidWorks, CATIA, Vectorworks, Creo, Solid Edge, Teamcenter, Bentley MicroStation, Inventor, Revit, AutoCAD, Maya, and many more.

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 3 is a 16-inch Intel-powered workstation laptop for professionals. Its dedicated NVIDIA RTX Ada graphics, Intel Core Ultra processor, and other powerful specs make it one of the best laptops for CAD in 2025. Specifically, the ThinkPad P16s Gen3 for CAD can be configured with one of four Intel Core Ultra Series 1 processors and the Nvidia RTX 500 Ada generation GPU.

Lenovo has also packed up to 96GB of the latest generation of RAM. This memory size makes the workstation ideal for multi-tasking and running complex tasks smoothly. Thanks to its 2TB maximum SSD storage, it can also store large CAD files. This mobile workstation weighs in at 1.82 kgs or 4.01 lbs. Its 16-inch screen is packaged into an outer case that measures 361.50 x 248.6 x 21.13 mm (or 14.24 x 10.06 x 0.81 inches). It starts at $1,599.00.

9. 16.2-Inch MacBook Pro

Product Description

While so many software manufacturers focus near-exclusively on the Windows OS, there are many great CAD software packages for Mac, too. And with Apple’s continued release of new ARM-based M-series Apple Silicon chips for its entire lineup of computers, developers have worked hard to accommodate these changes. As a result, some CAD software applications rely on Rosetta 2, an emulator that enables Macs with Apple Silicon to use apps built for Macs with an Intel processor. Others support the M-series chips natively.

The 2024 16.2-inch MacBook Pro is the largest MacBook laptop. Designed for designers who prefer large screen real estate, this laptop has a larger battery. In fact, Apple claims this new MacBook Pro has “the longest battery life ever in a Mac” and can last up to 24 hours on a single charge.

This laptop can be supercharged by either the M4 Pro or the M4 Max chips, released in October 2024. The M4 Pro supports up to 64GB of unified memory, while the M4 Max supports up to 128GB of unified memory. They boast better performance than the previous-generation M-series chips. These new chips contribute to the aforementioned power efficiency.

10.  14.2-Inch MacBook Pro

Product Description

If you prefer a smaller-sized MacBook workstation, you can consider the 2024 14.2-inch MacBook Pro. It can be configured with one of three variants of the new M4 generation of the company’s Apple silicon chips: the M4, M4 Pro, or the M4 Max. The M4 supports up to 32GB of unified memory, with the M4 Pro and M4 Max supporting up to 64GB and 128GB, respectively. Like the 16.2-inch MacBook Pro, this smaller one also boasts a battery life of up to 24 hours.

Of course, the 14.2-inch MacBook Pro isn’t the smallest MacBook laptop. You can go for the M4-powered 13-inch MacBook Air. However, this smaller model relies on passive cooling (it doesn’t have a cooling fan), meaning it can heat up when required to run demanding software. This is why it isn’t featured on our list despite its capability.

Conclusion

CAD users are lucky in that they have a broad range of options from which to choose when they need to purchase a mobile workstation. If you are looking to purchase a professional-grade laptop in 2025, there are multiple options to consider. In this article, we have discussed the top 10 best laptops for CAD in 2025. And to help you narrow down the options, here is a summary:

• Best budget laptop for CAD in 2025: 14-Inch HP ZBook Firefly G11
• Best mid-budget laptop for CAD in 2025: Dell Precision 5690 or the 16.2-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro
• Best high-end laptop for CAD in 2025: Dell Precision 7780
• Best Windows laptop for CAD in 2025: Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2
• Best macOS laptop for CAD in 2025: 16.2-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro

Prefer to build your own machine? Check out our guide covering how to build the ultimate CAD PC.

Scan2CAD: Hi Jacob, thanks for your time! You’re currently studying for a PhD in near surface geophysics—could you tell us a little more about this subject?

Jacob: Geophysics is basically a set of remote sensing methods that allow humans to ‘see’ parts of the earth that we usually can’t (e.g., oil reservoirs 30,000 feet down or a landmine buried just under the surface). These methods use waves (sound, electromagnetic, thermal, gravitational, or light) to identify the thing of interest (e.g., the oil or the landmine) while ‘seeing’ through the stuff that surrounds the thing of interest (usually rock or dirt). It’s like when a fire fills a room with dense smoke, and the firefighters can’t see the people inside. They use a thermal scanner that picks up people’s body heat and can ‘see’ through the smoke. We use similar methods, and if those methods are used to investigate the top 300 or so feet of the earth, it’s called near surface geophysics.

A few other students at Texas A&M and myself research ways to look for groundwater, especially underground rivers flowing through buried, loose sand. We’re developing methods that let us ‘see’ these underground rivers so we can make 3D maps of where they are underground. Hopefully, this will allow farmers and ranchers to pinpoint the best location to drill new water wells for their crops and herds.

Scan2CAD: What drove you to study near surface geophysics?

Jacob: Well, where I grew up (Fort Worth, TX), everybody mutters about groundwater. Whether working outside or sitting around the dinner table, the conversation always comes around to “water level in the well has been getting lower”, “I think the water’s starting to taste funny”, and “I want to drill a new well but who knows if we’ll actually hit water…or if it’ll even be clean enough to drink”.

No one seemed to precisely know where the groundwater was, so I decided to try to find methods to survey the top 300 feet of the earth (where a lot of small scale operations get their water from) and make 3D maps. Using these maps, farmers and ranchers will be able identify where on the surface and how deep to drill for steady, clean water before they pay for the expensive drilling.

Scan2CAD: What is Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) and why is it important?

Jacob: ERI is similar to an X-ray. An X-ray is a ‘slice’ through your body, a map if you will of that particular plane that passes through you. ERI takes a similar ‘slice’ through the earth, a vertical slice that is called a tomogram. Using rebar pounded into the ground along a long line and connected to a control box, we scan for resistivity (how easily electricity moves through a material) at thousands of points underground. Sand has a high resistivity, and those values are labeled in orange and red on our tomograms.

Scan2CAD: Why did you need to convert the imagery to CAD?

Jacob: After running the ERI survey, the machine displays the 2D vertical tomogram (~583 feet long by ~135 feet deep). I could save the tomograms as raster PDFs, and I used AutoCAD 2018 to rotate them in 3D so I could see them in their correct positions in relation to each other. However, I couldn’t cleanly get rid of the white background for the tomograms, and that made my 3D map look as choppy as a cut and paste letter. So I went searching for a program that would cleanly get rid of the background and stumbled across Scan2CAD. The vectorization process did the trick, I input the new vectorized PDFs into AutoCAD, and the 3D map looked great. My professor gave me a high compliment for it.

But then the next day, quite by accident, I was playing around in AutoCAD when I saw a number appear in a sidebar. I had just discovered I could select a single color in a vectorized tomogram, and the number was labeled “Area”. I won’t get into all the details, but to calculate how fast water can flow through sand, one first has to calculate the area of sand it’s flowing through. I was getting ready to begin a several month project writing a code to calculate those areas from the raw data, and yet lo and behold, with Scan2CAD’s vectorized PDFs, AutoCAD could almost instantly calculate those areas for me.

My jaw literally dropped, and I ran down the hall to my professor. Bringing your boss news that you just found a three minute solution to what would have been a three month project is one of the best feelings in the world, and I am extraordinarily grateful that Scan2CAD let me have that feeling. Keep up the good work, and I look forward to continuing to use this amazing software!

Converting electrical resistivity imaging step-by-step

Interested in seeing how Jacob went about converting his images? Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process.

① In Scan2CAD, open a screenshot of a particular portion of the original JPEG of contoured data (underground electrical resistivity).

② Click the “fx” icon. Select Segment (Multiple Colors) under Color Reduction and change the Maximum Color Scale to 17. The original jpeg contour used 16 colors, plus 1 more for the black outline. Leave all other defaults unchanged. Click OK on the far left.

③ Click the Vectorization icon. Change Vectorization Method from Technical to Outline and increase the Vector definition from 5 to 25. Leave all other defaults unchanged.

④ Click Run on the far left. Watch the “Vectorization is now being performed…” bar.

⑤ View the vectorized file.

⑥ Click the Show Raster icon in the middle bottom of the current window. Compare raster image against vector and verify the vectorization process worked. Click “OK” on the far left.

⑦ Scroll cursor over vector file to ensure it highlights sections appropriately.

⑧ Save file as PDF.

⑨ Open AutoCAD 2018. Wait patiently. Import vectorized PDFs, rotate in 3D, and arrange on vectorized screenshot of Google Earth.

And that’s it!

You’ve seen what Scan2CAD did for Jacob. Why not see what it can do for you? Try Scan2CAD yourself with our no-obligation free trial. Just click the button below to get started.

Foster + Partners unveils golden Lusail Stadium design

It’s only a few months since this summer’s FIFA World Cup took place in Russia. If you’re a soccer fan, the wait until the next tournament in 2022 may seem interminable—especially given the shift in timetable from summer to winter to adapt to the extreme temperatures in the host nation, Qatar. Nonetheless, that wait seemed just that little bit shorter this month, as architecture firm Foster + Partners revealed the new concept for the Lusail Stadium.

For the unfamiliar, the stadium will play host to the opening and final matches of the 2022 World Cup. Progress actually began on the construction of the stadium in the spring of 2017. It’s not been until now, however, that the organizing team have unveiled such a wealth of detail about the design.

The striking, golden design certainly lives up to the building’s name: Lusail Iconic Stadium. However, Foster + Partners have made clear that it will be no white elephant. After the final whistle, the building will become a community centre, with housing, a school and a health clinic. Don’t worry, though, sports fans—the owners will retain a community football pitch on site, too.

Google Lens now recognizes a billion objects

Image source: Google

If you’ve followed our blog recently, you’ll notice that we’ve taken a keen interest in object recognition. After all, it’s an invaluable tool in the conversion of raster images to vector images, such as from PDF to DWG. While Scan2CAD focuses on sorting objects in a raster image into lines, arcs, circles, and so on, Google has gone a step further in aiming to sort… well, the entire world.

That’s the foundation behind Google Lens, which effectively allows you to search the internet using your camera and whatever’s around you. Not quite sure what kind of apple you’re buying at the store? Hold it up to the lens and let Google tell you. Want to know what that sign says when you’re holidaying abroad? Translate it in a second. You get the idea.

Google Lens has been around for a little while, but this month brought with it a big milestone. That’s because Google Lens is now capable of recognizing one billion different items—no mean feat! In fact, that figure only represents the number of items available to buy via Google Shopping; the software can also recognize a wide variety of non-purchasable items, such as 2D shapes and human faces.

Lens is now available on both Android and iOS, as well as being one of the flagship features of the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL phones. Head to the Google Lens blog to learn more about how far the software has come.

Renzo Piano reveals design for Genoa bridge

One of the most tragic news stories this year was the collapse of the Ponte Morandi bridge in Genoa, Italy, which resulted in the loss of 43 lives. Rebuilding after the disaster, the city turned to one of its most famous sons: architect Renzo Piano, famous for designing Paris’ Centre Georges Pompidou and The Shard in London.

This month, Piano unveiled his design for a bridge that will “last for a thousand years”. In a nod to the city’s maritime heritage, he noted that the streamlined, white design will “have elements of a boat”.

Piano completed the work for free out of a sense of “civic spirit”; estimates for the construction cost come in at €202 million. “It will be… a very Genoese bridge”, Piano said. “Simple but not trivial. A steel bridge, safe and durable. Because bridges do not have to collapse.”

The new, upgraded Samsung Notebook 9 Pen

Image source: The Verge

If, like many designers, you like the flexibility offered by 2-in-1 notebooks, you’ll love the news coming from Samsung this month. That’s because the South Korean tech giants have announced a new, 15″ version of their Notebook 9 Pen laptop—alongside some other nifty improvements.

A 15″ version of the standard Notebook 9 laptop was already available. However, this is the first time that the convertible Pen version will get an upgrade to the larger size. And it’s come at exactly the right time, as Samsung have also announced that the S Pen itself is now even better. With improved latency and replaceable tips, drawing with the S Pen just got faster and more customizable.

Additional new features with the Notebook 9 Pen include extra Thunderbolt ports and new eighth generation Intel processors. Check it out at the Samsung Newsroom.

More stories we loved this month

It’s almost time for us to bid you farewell for 2018—but not before we take a minute to highlight some of the articles we loved from around the world of CAD (and beyond).

• A CAD Manager’s Wish List, from the experts at Cadalyst, provides an insight into the thought process of any CAD Manager. If you make any New Year’s resolutions, a good place to start may be to follow some of the advice here!
• We always love seeing the innovative projects created through generative design, and never more so than when they bring about tangible improvements to people’s everyday lives. If you’re anything like us, then, you’ll want to read about the world’s first generatively designed modular wheelchair.
• In one of the month’s most interesting opinion pieces on design, Owen Hatherley argues that what dictatorships look like today is changing. With flourishing art scenes and innovative architecture and public spaces in cities like Moscow, “dictatorship in the 21st century… looks like London or New York”.
• To finish off we’ll throw things over to Dezeen for their lookback at the top ten architectural projects of 2018. See if any of your favourites made the list!

In this article, we’ll provide a rundown of the top firms in architecture, engineering and construction. With major projects ongoing at any time, they offer an exciting working environment for ambitious engineers and designers. Let’s check out who made the list!

Architecture

We’ll break the top thirty firms in this article down to the three components of AEC. To begin, we’ll look at the top ten architecture firms in the world, and explore some of their best-known projects.

1. Gensler

Where better to start than with the company that, according to Architectural Review, had the highest architectural revenue of any firm in 2018? Yes, it’s Gensler who top that list—and they’re becoming quite the fixture there, having spent seven years at the summit. This mega-firm has plenty of marquee projects to its name, including JetBlue T5 at JFK International Airport, as well as the Shanghai Tower. One of their biggest projects unveiled to the public this year was Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport, whose opening coincided with the 2018 Winter Olympics held in nearby Pyeongchang.

2. Perkins+Will

One of Perkins+Will’s best known projects is Chase Tower in Chicago. Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Perkins+Will has a long history, having been founded in 1935 in Chicago. Since it first opened its doors, though, the firm (founded, appropriately, by Lawrence Perkins and Philip Will) has helped to transform the Midwestern city it still calls home. One of its key works is the Chase Tower, which has stood as one of Chicago’s tallest buildings since its opening in 1969. Perkins+Will wouldn’t be on this list if they’d stood still since then, though, and more recent projects have included the New York City Police Academy and Shanghai Natural History Museum.

3. AECOM

Next on our list is the first company that isn’t a strict architecture-only firm. In fact, AECOM’s architectural revenue accounts for a slender 7% of the total business. Even so, the company have found themselves outcompeting almost every architecture firm on the planet. Not bad going. Major ongoing projects include the Al Wakrah Stadium in Qatar. A collaborative project with Zaha Hadid Architects, it will serve as one of the host stadia for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

4. Jacobs

Next up is another combined architecture, engineering and construction group: Jacobs. Unlike AECOM, which, with its foundation date of 1990, is a relative spring chicken, Jacobs has been in the game since 1947. Astonishingly, the $431 million the company made in architectural revenue represents only around 4% of the overall business, which, as a whole, has revenue approaching $10 billion. Fittingly for such a colossal company, there’s no single ‘Jacobs style’, with the company instead striving for “architectural design excellence” that fits each client’s identity. Interiors are a key part of Jacobs’ architecture business, as well as regional projects such as the Northern Ballet Headquarters in Leeds, England, in the picture above.

5. HKS

We’re staying in Dallas for the fifth entry on our list, but this time, we’re back to a pure architecture firm. HKS are known for a number of major projects—everything is bigger in Texas, after all. Plenty of those projects are, indeed, in HKS’ home state, including the AT&T Stadium in Arlington and the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The firm haven’t shied away from setting their sights further afield, though, and they’ve worked on major overseas projects such as the Venetian Macao, a combined resort-hotel housing the world’s largest casino.

6. HOK

Around since 1955, HOK began life with just 26 employees, together with its three founders: Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum. They’ve come a long way from the small architecture firm whose early jobs were mostly St. Louis schools. Over the years, their major projects have included the Kellogg World Headquarters in Battle Creek, MI; King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons. Under construction at the moment is the company’s Spire London project, set to become the tallest residential tower in western Europe.

7. HDR

Image source: Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz

Next on our list is another firm with a Midwestern base: HDR, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Only around a fifth of the company’s revenue comes from its architectural activities, but there’s still plenty worth talking about. Perhaps the company’s most notable project is the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge—the bridge spanning the Hoover Dam, and connecting the states of Arizona and Nevada. Another project in the Southwest is the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in Phoenix, AZ, while the firm also designed the Baxter Arena in its hometown of Omaha.

8. IBI Group

The first non-U.S. firm to make the list, IBI Group is a Canadian firm that opened for business in 1974. They’re notable for their large number of acquisitions over the years, acquiring offices across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. Key projects include 41 Cooper Square, which houses the Albert Nerken School of Engineering in Manhattan, NY. Across the pond, the firm was also responsible for the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland, and masterminded the travel demand management program for the London 2012 Olympics.

9. Stantec

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

As the first Canadian to ever earn a PhD in environmental engineering, Dr. Don Stanley already had one claim to fame under his belt. He could easily have rested on his laurels from that point, satisfied that he’d already made history. Instead, he went on to found one of the world’s largest AEC firms: Stantec. Though its engineering work makes up the bulk of its revenue, Stantec nevertheless makes it onto our list of the biggest architectural firms thanks to projects such as the Molson Coors HQ in Denver, CO; China’s Renaissance Shanghai Putuo Hotel; and the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology in England.

10. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Image source: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo

Sure, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (or, for short, SOM) may ‘only’ have made it to tenth on this list. But we doubt they’re feeling too beat up about it. After all, we’re talking about an architectural firm that built nothing less than the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa—and has so many other major works going on that they’ve tucked it a loooooooong way down on their projects page. (Sure, it was over a decade ago that the Burj opened—but if it were us, we’d definitely still be crowing about it.) Bravo, SOM.

Engineering

Defining who to include in a list of the top engineering firms can be tricky. After all, there are civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering firms to take into account, alongside a wide range of other branches and sub-branches of the field. Then there’s the issue of firms which stray onto the territory of architecture or construction. Nonetheless, we’ve whittled the near-interminable list down to come up with ten of the top engineering firms.

1. WSP Global

While architects tend to take much of the credit for our most iconic buildings, we forget all too often the engineering work that goes into creating them. After all, if we did give engineers their proper dues, WSP Global would surely be a household name. The company have had a hand in everything from The Shard in London to the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, a huge chunk of New York’s skyline has WSP’s fingerprints all over it, including One World Trade Center, the New York Times Building, and Trump Tower. 

2. SNC-Lavalin

The William R. Bennett Bridge in Kelowna, BC. Image source: Wikimedia Commons

We stay not only in the same country and province, but in the same city for our second pick: SNC-Lavalin. While it may share a hometown with WSP Global, SNC-Lavalin has a very different focus, with specializations in oil and gas, mining, power stations and energy distribution. They’re also involved in major infrastructure projects in Canada, including the William R. Bennett Bridge in British Columbia and the Confederation Line in Ottawa, Quebec.

3. Arcadis

Image source: Richard Leeming

The first European-based firm anywhere on our list is Arcadis, a Dutch company with a global reach. Across the world, they’ve been involved in some groundbreaking work, including providing drinking water to one and a half million people in São Paulo, Brazil, and constructing the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, home to some of the world’s leading research in neuroscience. Even if you haven’t heard of these cutting-edge projects, you’ll surely be familiar with the stunning Millau Viaduct above. Spanning the Tarn Valley in southern France, this is the world’s tallest bridge, 23 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower.

4. Fluor Corporation

Planet Hollywood Las Vegas was built by Fluor in 2001. Image source: Kris Ziel

With a history spanning back over a century, Fluor Corporation is one of the oldest firms featured on our list. In its earliest days, Fluor focused on a range of infrastructure and energy projects in California. From the thirties, however, the company began turning its attention out of state, before amassing international projects such as Chile’s Escondida copper mine and the King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia. In more recent years, the company has been involved in recovery operations following Hurricane Katrina, as well as rebuilding after the Iraq War.

5. Tetra Tech

It should come as no surprise in this point in the list to learn that Tetra Tech is a company with fingers in many different pies. Nonetheless, the diversity of the firm’s projects is still staggering. Housing in the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq? Check. Improvements at Iqaluit Airport in Nunavut, Canada? That, too. A geothermal project in Kenya? You bet. Tetra Tech is best known, however, for its services in the water sector. In fact, Engineering News-Record has listed Tetra Tech as the number one company in water for fifteen years.

6. KBR

Image source: KBR

When it comes to industry sectors, KBR is, perhaps, a little less expansive than some of the fellow engineering firms that made this list. Take a look at the company’s major projects, and certain key themes will crop up time and again: refineries, LNG and ammonia plants, and oil platforms. Where the company stands out, however, is in its geographical breadth, with operations across six continents, spanning from the Northwest Territories to Tierra del Fuego. Among the company’s non-energy related projects are the U.S. Embassy in Macedonia and the Devonport Royal Dockyard in England.

7. WorleyParsons

Formed in 1971 in Sydney, WorleyParsons is the only Australian company in our list of the top 30 AEC firms. Nonetheless, they certainly do a good job of representing the Southern Hemisphere as one of the world’s largest engineering and consultancy firms in the energy sector. In 2018, they celebrated the opening of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline, the largest diameter pipeline ever built. They also have an advisory role on the world’s largest solar power project in Dubai, as well as an engineering contract for Kenya’s Kipeto Wind Power Project.

8. Dar Group

Image source: Princess Nora Bint Abdulrahman University

Ranked as the #1 firm in sectors as diverse as Healthcare, Airports and Education, it’s certainly an exciting period for the Dar Group. The UAE-based company’s projects focus on infrastructure, architecture, project management and energy, which it sees as key to sustainable growth. The group has a global footprint, with projects ranging from the Princess Nora Bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia to the Bank of Canada.

9. Mott MacDonald

The history of Mott MacDonald stretches back to 1902, with founder Basil Mott having worked on the original London Underground. For the first century of its existence, it remained largely a U.K.-focused firm. In 2008, the company’s international takings outweighed its British earnings for the first time. Today, its overseas projects include the Marina Coastal Expressway in Singapore, Highway 1, and a nationwide water program in Tajikistan. Mott MacDonald hasn’t forgotten its roots completely, though, having been involved with Heathrow Terminal 5, as well as London’s new Crossrail line.

10. Arup

We finish up our engineering section with another British firm: Arup. Specializing in the built environment, Arup have acted as structural engineers on many of the most recognizable buildings of our time. Their impact is notable in their home country, the U.K., where their projects have included the HSBC Tower, 30 St Mary Axe (the Gherkin), the London Eye, the Angel of the North and the Lloyd’s Building. Their international projects, meanwhile, have been no less prominent, including the CMG Headquarters and Bird’s Nest in Beijing; the HSBC Main Building in Hong Kong; and the Sydney Opera House.

Construction

At one point, it may have been forgivable to think of the work of architects and engineers as being more conceptual, while the construction sector got on with putting the theory into action. The dawn of BIM, however, has brought the disciplines closer together than ever before.

With this in mind, we move onto our final group of companies: construction firms. As you may guess, these firms combine construction with engineering and, in some cases, architecture. Let’s take a look at these firms and the projects they’re behind.

1. ACS

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Spain’s ACS Group (Actividades de Construcción y Servicios) has established itself as one of the world’s major players in both construction and civil engineering. Under the vast ACS umbrella is Dragados, which has carried out construction work on the iconic Torre Glòries skyscraper in Barcelona, as well as on Madrid’s Torre de Cristal and Torre Cepsa. 

2. Hochtief

Break down the word ‘Hochtief’ into two parts, and you’ll get the German words for ‘high’ and ‘deep’. Fittingly, its major projects have reached both to the stars and deep into the belly of the earth. Take the Zollverein complex, for example: an industrial site so important it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More recently, the company have been behind the construction of several skyscrapers in Germany’s financial capital, Frankfurt, as well as Ukraine’s Dnipro Arena.

3. China Communications Construction

We now come to the first (but by no means the last) of the Chinese firms to make our list. China Communications Construction is a slightly misleading name: infrastructure is the name of the game when it comes to this firm. 2018 saw the completion of the long-awaited Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, connecting China’s two Special Administrative Regions to the mainland. Away from China, the company is also involved in notable projects in countries such as Jamaica, Malaysia, Senegal and Mozambique.

4. Vinci

Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon, Portugal. Image source: F Mira

One of two French companies to make the list, Vinci is one of Europe’s largest construction firms. Vinci’s work is diverse, including the reconstruction of Whiston Hospital near to Liverpool, England; the Atlantic Bridge spanning the Panama Canal; and the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire. They also constructed the Vasco de Gama Bridge in Lisbon, Portugal, as well as operating airports in France, Portugal, the U.S. and beyond.

5. Strabag

Strabag is Austria’s largest construction firm, employing over 70,000 people in projects across Europe and around the world. Indeed, few of its major projects are in its home country; instead, they include works such as the Alte Weser lighthouse off the German coast in the North Sea; Terminal 2 of Sofia Airport in Bulgaria; and Basra International Airport in Iraq. Infrastructure works have included Limerick Tunnel in Ireland and Vrmac Tunnel in Montenegro.

6. TechnipFMC

A far cry from many of the broad-reaching construction firms featured here, TechnipFMC focuses on oil and gas. The company itself is one of the newest on the list, having arisen from a merger between France’s Technip and US firm FMC in 2017. The merged firm, therefore, carries considerable clout, and has been involved in projects in Russia, the UAE, Australia, India and Norway, amongst many more locations worldwide.

7. Bouygues

Image source: Wikipedia

Its name may be a mouthful for non-Francophones (‘bweeg’ is a decent enough approximation for English-speakers), but Bouygues is still a name on everyone’s lips. In France, it’s been a driving force behind some of the country’s major construction projects, including the Musée d’Orsay and Stade de France. They also formed part of the consortium behind the Channel Tunnel. More recent flagships have included the Paris Law Courts and Bordeaux Métropole Aréna.

8. China State Construction Engineering Corporation

With a name emphasizing its nationality, you might expect CSCEC to have a Sino-centric focus. It’s certainly true that some of the company’s most well-known buildings are in China, such as the Shanghai World Financial Center and Beijing National Aquatics Center. However, CSCEC has spread its wings, with a particularly large number of projects in the MENA region, including the Doha Tower and Great Mosque of Algiers.

9. Skanska

The Øresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden. Image source: Nick-D

Sweden’s Skanska has been around for well over a century, having its origins in a cement company founded in 1887 in Malmö. Since then, it’s made the move from southern Sweden to the capital, and has undergone dramatic international expansion. Skanska’s major projects have included the MetLife Stadium, as well as renovation work on the United Nations headquarters. Close to the company’s traditional home, they were part of the group that constructed the Øresund Bridge, which links Malmö to Copenhagen, Denmark.

10. Power Construction Corporation of China

We finish up with one of the newest companies to make our list: Power Construction Corporation of China (or POWERCHINA for short), whose history spans back only to 2011. With the company’s name, it shouldn’t come as a shock to learn that many of the company’s major projects are in the energy sector, particularly hydropower, while water conservancy is also high on the agenda. Recently, the company has undertaken hydroelectric projects in Laos, Cambodia, Ecuador and Sudan.

What is AutoCAD?

History

If there’s any software in the AEC sector that needs no prior introduction, it’s AutoCAD. Its ubiquity today, however, comes as a direct result of its disruptive impact upon its initial release. It might seem almost impossible to imagine today, but, before AutoCAD, there was no commercially available CAD software built for use on PCs.

AutoCAD immediately changed the game. In the years following its 1982 launch, it rose to become the world’s most popular design software. It remains amongst CAD’s giants to this day, with each new release awaited with anticipation by AutoCAD’s multi-million-strong user base.

Of course, AutoCAD hasn’t stayed at the top by standing still. Autodesk, the manufacturers of AutoCAD, have made major updates to the software over the years, with the once-2D software now at ease in 3D. AutoCAD 2019 saw the launch of the first AutoCAD web app, with the first cloud-based version of the software. Check out our brief history of AutoCAD for full details.

Functionality

When discussing what AutoCAD can do, it’s important to think of it not as a standalone program, but instead as a multidisciplinary software suite. This has never been more true than since the launch of AutoCAD 2019, which brought together what were once separate “specialized toolsets” into a single license. This means that AutoCAD today now includes:

• Architecture
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• MEP
• Plant 3D
• Map 3D
• Raster Design

First created exclusively for 2D design, AutoCAD is still the first port of call for many users looking for a CAD solution specifically for drafting in two dimensions. Don’t overlook AutoCAD’s 3D functionality, though. While it may not quite match the capabilities of pure 3D CAD programs such as SolidWorks in this department, it still has plenty to offer, with solid, surface and mesh modelling features. Rendering tools, meanwhile, mean that you can create realistic 3D models—ideal for technical communication.

User base

Image source: milestone.ac.in

While you may think that its relative paucity of 3D features holds it back, AutoCAD’s status as king of 2D drafting mean that it still attracts users across the world. After all, we’ve already touched upon the varied sectors AutoCAD caters for—so, it should come as no surprise to learn that there are a huge number of careers that require proficiency in AutoCAD.

As you may expect, the AEC sector has been a particularly strong source of AutoCAD users, with specialized features for both architecture and various branches of engineering. There’s also Plant 3D, a solution for piping designers, as well as Map 3D, which focuses on GIS applications.

AutoCAD pricing is far from the cheapest on the market, with a year’s subscription setting you back over $1,500. Nonetheless, plenty of businesses around the world still depend on the program for their drafting and design needs. Plenty of competitors, though, are snapping at the heels of this behemoth. It’s time to take a look at another key player in the CAD field: Vectorworks.

What is Vectorworks?

History

Though Vectorworks may not be able to match AutoCAD in terms of immediate name recognition, its history is almost as long. Just three years after the launch of AutoCAD came the arrival of Graphsoft, the company which would go on to become Vectorworks. While AutoCAD focused on IBM PCs, Graphsoft initially released their software for Apple Macintosh.

It wasn’t until the late 90s that Graphsoft would switch operating systems—with a move to Windows accompanied by the company finally assuming the name we know today: Vectorworks. Owned by German firm Nemetschek since 2000, the company has established itself as a major player in BIM, particularly in European markets.

Today, Vectorworks offers a range of solutions covering sectors as diverse as architecture, entertainment design and urban planning. It’s no wonder, then, that hundreds of thousands of users turning to the company’s specialized software suites. Let’s take a look at exactly what they can do.

Functionality

While AutoCAD has recently moved to integrate tools for a range of industries into a single software suite, Vectorworks continues to offer a number of different products. Exploring what Vectorworks can do, therefore, means diving into each of them individually.

Vectorworks Architect promises to cover the entire design process “from sketch to BIM”. On the way, you’ll see how the program combines the creative freedom with precision drawing tools. The program’s flexible approach is complemented by its analysis tools, which maximize efficiency and allow teams to make smarter decisions from the very earliest phases of a building’s design.

Landscape designers, meanwhile, will want to check out Vectorworks Landmark. This suite is a one-stop-shop containing practically every tool you could possibly need as a landscape professional. GIS, planning, site design, irrigation, graphics and presentation features: they’re all here.

You’ll be able to detect a common theme here. Vectorworks isn’t satisfied in providing just some of the tools you’ll need to complete a project—they focus on comprehensive suites that help you take your design from start to finish. The same approach applies to Spotlight, a suite for entertainment and production design.

While almost every Vectorworks product is highly specialized, its Fundamentals package stands apart. This entry-level offering doesn’t include the complex tools you’ll find in some of the more sector-specific Vectorworks suites, but still offers advanced NURBS surface tools and Parasolid-based 3D modeling.

Want to get all the aforementioned features in a single product? Vectorworks has your back! Vectorworks Designer builds on what Fundamentals offers, then brings in the tools offered by Architect, Spotlight and Landmark.

User base

Focusing on specific sectors has allowed Vectorworks to carve itself out some important niches. The architecture industry in the U.K., for example, has enthusiastically embraced Vectorworks Architect—in fact, the suite stands as the most popular BIM solution in the country.

Vectorworks doesn’t only have fans across the pond, though. Architectural firms the world over are turning to the software’s innovative range of features, from GKV Architects in New York through to the Royal Swedish Opera. All in all, there are now over 650,000 Vectorworks users worldwide.

AutoCAD vs Vectorworks

Want a handy side-by-side comparison of these two CAD giants? Take a look at our table below to compare some of the key features of AutoCAD and Vectorworks.

With both companies aiming squarely for the architecture market, there’s plenty to consider for users in this field looking to invest in new software. AutoCAD has long been known for the standard of its 2D drafting tools—after all, there’s a reason companies around the world continue to turn to Autodesk’s flagship product, which is approaching the four-decade mark. However, companies looking for a single suite offering a holistic approach to design would be well served by checking out Vectorworks, too.

Interested in comparing some more popular CAD software? Visit our guides to AutoCAD vs SolidWorks and AutoCAD vs DraftSight.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to insert a raster image into your CAD drawings in AutoCAD, one of the most popular CAD software packages on the market. We’ll also discuss some of the occasions when it’s worth attaching a raster image to your CAD drawings, and when it’s best to convert to vector instead.

Why Would You Insert a Raster Image into a CAD Drawing?

GIS programs may overlay vector data on raster backgrounds

If you’ve ever followed the Scan2CAD blog, you’ll know how frequently we extol the virtues of vector files. Unlike raster images, their every element is individually editable. This additionally allows users to attach data to every object within the image—a property which makes vector files invaluable in fields such as engineering and architecture.

Nonetheless, the virtual world of CAD represents the real world around us—and raster images can do a better job of representing that reality than vectors. For this reason, inserting a raster image as a backdrop can sometimes be a smart choice. This is very common in fields such as GIS, where a raster map is overlaid with vector data. Attaching raster images to a CAD drawing may also have illustrative and branding purposes, including using a company’s logo as part of a document.

In some instances, attaching a raster image is actually the starting point to converting to vector. That’s because it’s possible to use certain CAD software—such as DraftSight or Vectorworks—to manually trace over a raster image with vector elements. (There are faster ways to complete this conversion process, though—we’ll come to that in a minute!)

To Attach or To Convert?

So, we’ve established that raster images may have their uses in CAD. But when exactly should you keep such an image in its original format, and when is it better to vectorize it?

Firstly, if you’re intending to edit your image in any way, vectorization is the way to go. That’s because raster images simply don’t support editing in the same way vector formats do. Converting to vector allows you to edit each individual element in your image, including adding or changing text objects.

Vectorization also helps to simplify your file. Take the example of attaching a map as a backdrop in a GIS application. It’s possible to vectorize a raster image of a map, which you can then use as a layer in your vector image. This gets rid of the hurdle of ensuring that you’ve included all the relevant raster images in your folder when sharing with a colleague, as well as eliminating the risk of a dreaded error message from AutoCAD. It also has the advantage of eliminating the often huge file sizes that come with detailed raster images.

It’s also worth noting that support for raster images within CAD applications can be spotty. While market-leading software AutoCAD does support the attachment of raster images, not all programs can claim the same. This means that, when collaborating with other designers and professionals, you can’t be sure that everyone involved in a project will be able to view your CAD drawing as intended.

All of this is to say that, while it’s possible to use raster images for certain purposes within CAD, vector is, more often than not, the best solution. We’ll now take a look at the two possible pathways from here: inserting an image into a CAD drawing, or converting your raster image to vector.

How to Insert an Image into AutoCAD

Let’s start things off with option one: how to insert an image into a CAD drawing in AutoCAD. We’ve chosen to focus on AutoCAD due to its position as one of the market leaders in CAD. However, it’s also worth noting that some other CAD programs, such as Vectorworks, also allow users to import image files.

The exact process of inserting an image varies depending on the exact software you’re using. We’ll take a look at how to do so in the most recent version of AutoCAD, as well as in AutoCAD Map 3D.

AutoCAD 2025

• Click on the Insert tab > References Panel > Attach. A Select Image File dialog box will open.
• In the dialog box, you can either choose a file name from the list, or use the File Name box to enter the name of the image file you wish to insert.
• You can then use the Image dialog box to specify insertion point, scale or rotation via one of these two methods:
  • Select Specify On-Screen, which allows you to use a pointing device to select the location, scale or angle at which you want to insert the image.
  • Alternatively, you can enter numerical values into the Insertion Point, Scale and Rotation fields, clearing the Specify On-Screen option.
• Click Details to view the unit of measurement for the image.
• When you’re satisfied, click OK.

Another alternative to inserting images in AutoCAD is embedding them. As we describe here, embedding is advantageous to inserting images. This is because it  eliminates the need to send both the CAD file and the inserted image, which is ordinarily inserted as a reference image. If the reference image isn’t present, the CAD file won’t be opened accurately.

AutoCAD Map 3D

• Start by navigating to the Home tab > Data panel > Insert an Image.
• In the Insert Image dialog box that appears, choose the folder containing the image or images you wish to insert.
• Use the Files Of Type box to choose the file format of the images you wish to insert.
• Select the images to be inserted from the list.
• Choose Modify Correlation to view or modify image correlation data.
• Click Open.
  • If you haven’t selected Modify Correlation, or are inserting multiple images, AutoCAD Map 3D will use default correlation data. It searches for this in the following order:
    • World file
    • Resource file (.res)
    • Tab file (.tab)
    • Image file
    • Settings in the Raster Extension Options dialog box
  • The Image Correlation dialog box will appear if you have selected Modify Correlation. You will be able to view the image frame, which shows where the image will appear within your CAD drawing.
• If you wish to insert the image using the given settings, click OK. Alternatively:
  • You can also specify a different correlation source using the Correlation Source list.
  • Change the insertion point, rotation or scale by typing numerical values into the given boxes.
  • Additional options include using the Image Correlation dialog box to resize or orient the image; using the Insertion tab to define insertion point, rotation and scale on-screen; and using the Source tab to specify density units.
• If everything looks good, simply click OK to finish up.
• When inserting certain supported images, Autodesk recommends using the Data Connect option. Doing so offers greater control over options such as styling.

Converting a Raster Image for Use in CAD

Decided on converting your raster into an editable vector? Smart move! You know the benefits by now—but how exactly do you go about vectorizing an image?

First off, it’s worth remembering that raster and vector files are completely different in their composition. A raster image is simply a grid made up of colored pixels, while a vector image is made up of individual objects, each of which has its own properties. As such, the only way to convert from one to the other is by a process of tracing over the raster image with vector elements.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to spend hours with a graphics pen yourself, though. You’ve got options here: manual and automatic tracing. We’ll quickly run through the pros and cons of each.

Manual Tracing

We’ve already alluded to the possibility of manually tracing your raster image. This typically involves importing your raster image into image editing software that also supports vector elements, such as Inkscape. An alternative option is to simply use CAD software. This can be handy if you’d prefer not to have to install any additional programs, but you’ll need to be sure that your chosen package supports raster imports!

Once your image is open, you’ll then be able to create a vector layer over the top and start drawing. You’ll be able to control which vector elements represent which parts of the image, and working with even the blurriest or dirtiest of raster files won’t be an issue. After all, as long as you can tell what’s in the image, you can produce a faithful vector reproduction of it.

The downside, however, is that manually tracing your image will take time—a lot of it. If you’re working with complex images, or have multiple images to convert, you’ll need to think very seriously about the cost effectiveness of using so much labor time on tracing. Thankfully, there’s another option on the table that can help you to get your conversion sorted in a matter of seconds: automatic tracing.

Automatic Tracing

Automatically tracing a technical drawing floorplan using Scan2CAD

Tracing an image automatically can dramatically reduce your workload, completing a day’s worth of tracing in seconds. Advances in vectorization software mean that the process can now offer very accurate results, with a professional output ready in no time.

This doesn’t mean you’re completely removed from the process, though. In order to achieve the best possible vector output, you’ll need to ensure that the raster image you provide is simple and clean. We’ve created a useful raster quality checklist with tips on how to improve your image so that it’s ready for conversion. In short, though, you should be aiming for an image which:

• Has as few colors as possible—monochrome (black and white) is best
• Is crisp, clear and high-resolution, with no overlapping elements
• Has no broken, fuzzy or hairy lines

Once you’re satisfied with the quality of your image, the actual conversion process couldn’t be simpler. Get Scan2CAD, and all you’ll have to do is import your raster image, select whether to convert objects, text or both, optimize your settings, and click convert. From here, your professional-quality vector image will be just seconds away.

And the winner is…

Each October sees the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) award the Stirling Prize, one of the U.K.’s premier architecture awards. This year’s diverse shortlist included the new Tate St Ives art gallery, student accommodation in London and even a cemetery. In the end, though, it was the Bloomberg Building in London which took home the prize for firm Foster + Partners.

The winning studio have tasted Stirling Prize victory before, having previously won for the Imperial War Museum Duxford and 30 St Mary Axe—more commonly known as The Gherkin. In awarding them the prize once more, the judges described the building as a “once-in-a-generation project which has pushed the boundaries of research and innovation in architecture”. High praise indeed. To see it for yourself, just check out the video above.

‘Greenest ever’ MacBook Air unveiled

Apple’s MacBook series of laptops have long been a favorite of the design community. That’s why our interest was piqued by rumors which suggested the company would announce a major update to the models in an October 30 event in Brooklyn.

It didn’t disappoint. During the event, Apple CEO Tim Cook showed off a revamped MacBook Air. The first major update since 2015 saw the model adopting features its bigger brothers have already pioneered: a Touch ID fingerprint scanner, a new keyboard, and a Force Touch trackpad. More importantly, the model looks and feels different, with a Retina Display screen and body made from 100% recycled aluminum. It’s this latter update that has seen the model dubbed the “greenest ever”.

Though it’s the MacBook Air that grabbed most of the column inches, other Apple products also saw substantive changes. USB-C replaces Lightning ports in new iPad Pro models, while an updated Mac mini offers new Intel processors and a greater number of Thunderbolt ports. Visit Apple to see what’s different.

A deep dive into London’s eyewear history

If you’re a spectacle-wearer, you’ll likely face a choice between metal and plastic frames when buying a new pair. The debris accumulated at the bottom of the Thames is, it’s safe to say, a less popular option. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what London-based glasses makers Cubitts have used to create a bespoke pair of glasses titled ‘A Frame for London’.

The choice of medium may be a little outré, but, as Cubitts founder Tom Broughton notes, there’s a reason for it. “The oldest pair of spectacles ever found in London dates back to 1430”, he explains—and they were discovered in Thames mud.

Inspired by the find, Cubitts set out to do some dredging of their own. In the course of their ‘mudlarking’, the company came across items as diverse as a boar’s tusk and Victorian marble. Satisfied with what they uncovered, they used the materials to create a unique frame representative of the capital’s history.

You can see how the finished pair came together in the video above. The result is more aesthetically-pleasing than you might think—though don’t expect to see them hit shelves near you any time soon.

“You’ll see fireworks!”: SolidWorks CEO promises 3DEXPERIENCE “eruption”

If you thought the release of SolidWorks 2019 was all Dassault Systèmes had to offer, you may have another think coming. That’s because SolidWorks head Gian Paolo Bassi, in an interview with engineering.com, claimed that “a major breakthrough is coming” with regards to the company’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

In perhaps some of the most colorful language ever used in a CAD interview, Bassi claimed that:

The volcano of 3DEXPERIENCE for SolidWorks has been boiling for some time now, and I feel like an eruption is imminent. You’ll see fireworks!

There certainly is a lot to get excited about over at Dassault, with the new release of SolidWorks incorporating exciting AR/VR features and improved performance when dealing with large and complex assemblies.

What’s really firing up Bassi, however, is the sense that we’re approaching a point where small and medium companies alike start adopting PLM en masse. There’s also 3DEXPERIENCE PLM Collaboration Services, which integrates Dassault software into the platform without requiring additional infrastructure or client software.

All of this feeds into a change from ‘CAD as a commodity’ to an era where CAD exists interdependently with modern PLM and PIP software. To read the full, illuminating interview, head to Engineering.com.

A different type of model on the catwalk

Any architecture student will be more than familiar with the blue styrofoam used to create models. In fact, given the field’s demanding workload, you might be a little too familiar with it. In a mid-all-nighter-near-breakdown moment, you might even have been tempted to scream out in frustration and smash your head down into your half-finished model. This, we can only assume, was the starting point for Siba Sahabi’s Persona collection, which seemingly turns architectural models into masks.

We must note here that, while the masks she’s created look like the blue foam we know and (sort of) love, they’re actually made from balsa wood, another favored material of the architectural community. Each part is cut using a CNC machine, before being assembled in stepped layers to form intriguing designs.

In creating the collection, Sahabi aimed to examine what she calls the ‘era of the face’. Persona, she describes, is “the social face the individual presented to the world”. The masks also take their cues from the ‘curated reality’ of social media, with some revealing very little of the wearer’s real face.

To find out more about this collection, and the artist herself, visit Siba Sahabi’s website.

In this article, we’ll explore your options when it comes to a free copy of SolidWorks. We’ll also list some alternative CAD software that offers similar functionality without the price tag.

SolidWorks for free in academic institutions

While commercial enterprises can expect to fork out thousands for CAD software, manufacturers often let students off the hook. (This isn’t quite as altruistic as it seems—after all, if you know how to use their software, you’re likely to keep using it after graduation!)

If you read up on our article about SolidWorks pricing, however, you’ll know that Dassault Systèmes don’t offer a student version for free. In fact, it comes in at a recommended sales price of $150. Though far lower than the $3,995 licensing fee for the standard edition, this is still far from free!

However, there are ways around this. The key solution is Student Access Licensing, which is available to schools that already have a number of networked seats of SolidWorks.

Here are 2 ways to qualify for SolidWorks Student Access Licensing:

• If your institution already has 45 or more networked seats, it qualifies for the Student Design Kit program. This offers student access to SolidWorks Standard that you can install on your PC.
• Over 100 networked seats means that your institution qualifies for Student Engineering Kit. With this program, students can install SolidWorks Premium locally.

To check if your institution qualifies, contact your school’s CAD Administrator. Licenses will expire either one year after activation, or November 30th of the following academic year. If you’re unable to get SolidWorks for free via this method, it’s also worth asking your school if it’s possible to borrow an existing license.

The SolidWorks Free Trial

If you’re on the fence about SolidWorks, then committing to spending thousands straight off the bat may be unwise. Luckily, you can try out SolidWorks for free via two different trial versions.

The first is a traditional free trial, which enables you to put all of SolidWorks’ functionality to the test. Trials are available for one-day, seven-day, and thirty-day periods. As is the case with standard, paid-for SolidWorks, you’ll need to contact a local reseller to download a trial. Please note that these trials are available for commercial users only.

Trials are available for:

If, however, you’re not keen on installing a hefty CAD program onto your system—especially when you may not be sure you want to keep it there—there is another option. Online free trials are now available from my.solidworks.com, requiring no installation whatsoever.

When visiting my.solidworks.com, you’ll be prompted to log in or sign up for an account. Once in, you’ll be able to use a cloud-based version of SolidWorks CAD Premium, with access to 3D CAD, simulation, MBD, CAM, and visualization tools. You’ll be able to work with sample files, as well as upload your own designs into the trial environment. It’s even possible to connect your account to cloud storage, such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

Where to find SolidWorks resellers for a free trial

Since its early days SolidWorks has been sold through a value-added reseller chain; an arrangement that has been pivotal in the success of the CAD software. The SolidWorks resellers are independent businesses that sell SolidWorks solutions.

The resellers are the primary point of contact for SolidWorks customers. They handle license sales, implementation, training, and customer support on behalf of SolidWorks.

To find a SolidWorks reseller, simply visit the SolidWorks VAR locator, enter your country and postal code and click “Find Resellers.” You shall be provided with resellers who are near your location.

Are there any other ways to get SolidWorks for free?

Unfortunately, the above choices are the only options Dassault Systèmes offers users wishing to get SolidWorks for free. There’s no equivalent of, for example, AutoCAD 360, Autodesk’s ‘lite’ version of its flagship AutoCAD software.

Downloading a SolidWorks crack is one way that some users may attempt to get around this issue. However, this is a risk that simply isn’t worth taking. Firstly, downloading cracked software is illegal, potentially landing you in hot water further down the line.

There are also a number of dangers you leave yourself exposed to by downloading a SolidWorks crack. These include downloading viruses onto your system, as well as copyright risks to the designs you create. The message is clear: avoid cracked software.

However, this doesn’t mean you should pack up and go home. If you’re looking for a way to create great things in CAD, but can’t quite face splashing the cash on SolidWorks, we have a few more tips.

Free and affordable alternatives to SolidWorks

While SolidWorks may have cemented its position as the market-leading 3D CAD suite, it’s not the only choice out there. In fact, if you’re willing to look beyond Dassault Systèmes flagship software, you may find some truly innovative software that meets your needs perfectly.

Here are just a few of the top free and affordable SolidWorks alternatives:

1. Onshape
2. FreeCAD
3. BricsCAD

Onshape

Image source: Onshape

If you’re looking for an affordable CAD choice with similar functionality to SolidWorks, you can’t go too far wrong by opting for software from the same founder. That’s what you’ll get with Onshape, a cloud-based offering from a team including Jon Hirschtick, who founded SolidWorks in 1993.

Since its first release in 2015, Onshape has won plaudits from across the industry. That’s because it hasn’t merely recreated 3D CAD in the cloud, but has pushed it forward, with new functionality such as the FeatureScript programming language.

You may expect to have to pay an arm and a leg for such innovative software—but, surprisingly, you can get Onshape for free. The free version offers full CAD functionality to users, while keeping data secure in the cloud. This ensures you’ll be able to access your designs from any device, at any time.

Please note that the free version of Onshape is for non-commercial users only. Commercial subscriptions begin from $1,500 per year.

FreeCAD

Here’s a suite that does what it says on the tin: FreeCAD. Indeed, while Onshape above offers both free and paid versions, FreeCAD is open source. This means that it’s free for all users, for all purposes, forever.

While most totally free CAD software offers only 2D functionality, FreeCAD distinguishes itself with its range of 3D features. In fact, as a parametric modeling software, FreeCAD operates in much the same way as SolidWorks. This means that experienced SolidWorks users shouldn’t have to contend with a steep learning curve when making the switch.

This flexible software is suitable for users across a range of fields, including engineering, architecture and product designs. There are even a number of advanced features, including FEA tools and a robot simulation module.

BricsCAD Shape

Image source: BricsCAD

In early 2018, Belgian CAD firm Bricsys launched BricsCAD Shape, a conceptual modeling tool. The aim of Shape is to act as the first step in a BIM workflow, with users creating models in Shape before moving onto BIM software such as BricsCAD BIM.

While Shape is a free software, this doesn’t mean that Bricsys have skimped on features. In fact, the manufacturers claim that it includes “the same fast and proven parametric, 3D direct modeling engine” as their paid solutions.

As a CAD-accurate program using the DWG file format, BricsCAD Shape is an excellent choice for those looking to create 3D designs that they can share with other designers. It also comes with a library of components that you can incorporate into your design. Best of all, you can learn to use BricsCAD Shape in just half an hour.

And if you need help comparing SolidWorks to its competitors, here are some direct comparisons to SolidWorks:

• Creo vs SolidWorks
• AutoCAD vs SolidWorks
• CATIA vs SolidWorks
• SolidWorks vs Autodesk Inventor
• Onshape vs. SolidWorks
• Solidworks vs Fusion 360

Want to learn more about this software? Check out our brief history of SolidWorks.

It’s for this reason that we here at Scan2CAD set about to get to the bottom of how much SolidWorks costs. This is an addition to our SolidWorks series that discusses SolidWorks basics, SolidWorks keyboard shortcuts, free SolidWorks models, and much more. So, read on for information about the SolidWorks pricing structure, and to find out more about the purchasing options available.

How to Buy SolidWorks

If you’re looking into SolidWorks for business or personal use and wish to purchase any of the available solutions, you have two options. You can purchase either from the Dassault Systèmes’ online store or through authorized resellers. The number of products available on the online store is nonetheless limited to just a handful. You can only access 3DExperience SolidWorks and SolidWorks cloud. So, if you’re looking for other SolidWorks products, you will have to contact your local reseller.

This means Dassault Systèmes leans more towards the reseller model than direct sales. And for good reason. The reseller model benefits SolidWorks users, as the resellers do more than merely sell the product. One reseller, in fact, refers to their relationship with a potential buyer as a partnership. The resellers partner with buyers to understand their unique challenges and then recommend the right solution. For instance, some offer financing services. They also offer after-purchase services such as effective support and deep product and industry knowledge to help the buyers achieve long-term success.

You’ll, therefore, have to find a reseller covering your area if you want to purchase a SolidWorks license. You can either search for a commercial reseller at the SolidWorks website or get in touch with Dassault Systèmes, who’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. One reseller, in fact, refers to their relationship with a potential buyer as a partnership. The resellers partner with buyers to understand their unique challenges and then recommend the right solution. They also offer after-purchase services such as effective support and deep product and industry knowledge to help the buyers achieve long-term success.

This means that you’ll have to find a reseller covering your area if you want to purchase a SolidWorks license. You can either search for a commercial reseller at the SolidWorks website, or by getting in touch with Dassault Systèmes, who’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Buying SolidWorks from a Reseller

We decided to check out a few resellers for ourselves to see what they had on offer. One common thread was this: for accurate pricing, you need to get a quote.

The reason for this is that—as we’ve explored in our brief history of SolidWorks—the software suite caters for a range of different disciplines. This means that there is not just one SolidWorks, but many. More to that, no two resellers sell SolidWorks products with the same license period. For instance, some sellers elect to only sell term licenses, while others sell both term and perpetual licenses. It is, therefore, difficult to immediately determine exactly which SolidWorks products are available on a perpetual license and which can be rented – most resellers we have come across only sell software on term licenses.

What’s more, resellers price the myriad products according to their areas of operations, meaning the prices will vary from one currency to another. For example, a Canada-based reseller sells the 1-year term SolidWorks 3D CAD standard license with cloud service for CA$3,792.00, while a U.S.-based seller has priced this product at US$2,820.00. (The prices are correct as of February 2025.) Although certain factors such as taxation may be at play, converting the former at current exchange rates shows a price variance of about US$146.73, with the U.S. pricing being higher.

Regardless, resellers generally follow a basic template given the many packages available. They will gauge which one is right for you by taking into account factors such as your industry, your budget and what you intend to do with SolidWorks. Additionally, you’ll also have to choose between purchasing a license outright or opting to subscribe (though this depends on the SolidWorks product as some of them do not have a subscription option). All of this makes it difficult to define a single “SolidWorks price”.

It’s also worth noting that resellers will often offer subscription contracts that include extras. These contracts apply even when you purchase a perpetual license. These extras may encompass, for example, dedicated customer support, in addition to automatic software updates. You may even have access to additional hints, tips, and training resources from your reseller of choice.

SolidWorks Pricing in 2025

By now, you’ll realise that your exact SolidWorks price will vary depending on the factors listed above. Prices may also vary from reseller to reseller, with some offering discounts on specific packages or products. However, there has to be a starting point from which all resellers work to define their SolidWorks pricing. And indeed there is: the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or MSRP.

However, the pricing information of most SolidWorks products is not publicly available on SolidWork’s website. To retrieve it, you must first request a quote, with SolidWorks requiring you to input your details on their website. The absence of publicly available SolidWorks pricing data appears to be an industry standard, with many resellers also shying away from displaying this information on their website, again, due to the factors we have mentioned above. 

In contrast to AutoCAD pricing, which now includes only subscription options, SolidWorks offers both subscription (term) and perpetual licensing. Only a few SolidWorks products lack perpetual licenses. Which is the right choice for your business will depend on whether you prefer to stick with a single version of SolidWorks, or would find it useful to have access to updates as they are released.

You can check out the 2025 SolidWorks prices for a wide variety of SolidWorks packages in the tables below. We have sourced the pricing data below from one reseller serving the U.S., so the prices mainly apply to consumers in the North American market. Please note that pricing may vary by territory and by reseller. Also, unless indicated otherwise, the prices relate to standalone licenses rather than network licenses.

SolidWorks Pricing: Design Category

SolidWorks 3D CAD

Dassault Systèmes offers three different SolidWorks 3D CAD offerings:

• 3DExperience SolidWorks: This is a locally installed program deployed from the cloud. 3DExperience SolidWorks can be installed on multiple devices and accessed through a named user license.
• SolidWorks with Cloud Services: This is a locally installed 3D CAD application that is connected to the 3DExperience platform.
• SolidWorks Cloud: This is a browser-based product development solution that features product design applications and runs on the 3DExperience platform.

3DExperience SolidWorks

SolidWorks with Cloud Services

SolidWorks Cloud

SolidWorks Electrical 3D CAD Add-on

SolidWorks Electrical Schematics

SolidWorks Pricing: Manufacturing

SolidWorks CAM

SolidWorks Machinist

SolidWorks Inspection

SolidWorks Pricing: Simulation

SolidWorks Plastics

SolidWorks Simulation Add-on (FEA)

SolidWorks Flow Simulation Add-on (CFD)

SolidWorks Flow Simulation HVAC Modules and SolidWorks Flow Electronics Cooling Module

SolidWorks Pricing: Technical and Design Documentation

SolidWorks Composer

SolidWorks Visualize

SolidWorks MBD Add-on

SolidWorks eDrawings

SolidWorks Pricing: Data Management

Additionally, SolidWorks sells data management software, also through its resellers. The products include SolidWorks PDM and SolidWorks Manage.

SolidWorks PDM Professional

SolidWorks Manage

SolidWorks Pricing: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the different SolidWorks pricing tiers?

Not quite sure what the differences are between the Standard, Professional and Premium versions of SolidWorks? We’ll break it down for you.

• SolidWorks Standard is the cheaper of the three options, and includes a vast array of 3D design features. In fact, when it comes to design, modeling, and parts and assembly, Standard offers the exact same features as the other three tiers. Standard also offers sheet metal and mold design tools, as well as 3D animations and some basic rendering.
• SolidWorks Professional augments these tools with functionality for costing, visualization and design checking. Photo-realistic rendering is available with this tier, which also features a useful Toolbox that makes it easy to access prebuilt models. You can also reverse engineer a part from a scan using this tier.
• SolidWorks Premium, the most expensive tier, includes the full gamut of possible features. This is a great option for users who need to make extensive use of simulation tools, including time-based motion and linear stress analysis. It also includes routing functionality, including pipe and tube routing, electrical, cable and wiring routing, and rectangular routing.

2. What are the differences between perpetual licenses and term licenses?

SolidWorks offers two main SolidWorks license options: a term license and a perpetual license. As the name suggests, the term license allows you to use the software program for a limited time in a model akin to renting the application. Most resellers offer a three-month or one-year term. The term license is considerably cheaper and is ideal for users who are not regular users of the SolidWorks product they intend to purchase. It is also suited for freelancers, startups, or hobbyists.

There are two types of term licenses: network licenses and standalone licenses. Standalone licenses are installed and restricted to one device. Network licenses, on the other hand, can be moved from one device to another.

The second license option, the perpetual license, does not have an expiry date and can be used in perpetuity. For this reason, it is more expensive than a term license in the short term. But despite the added cost, this license can be transferred from one computer to another as it has an activate/deactivate option.

With it has a higher initial cost, the SolidWorks perpetual license is cheaper over the long term. For instance, the graph below indicates that the cumulative cost of the term license exceeds the upfront cost of the perpetual license during the third year. That said, some resellers charge subscriptions to their support services in increments of one year. So, the long-term costs may be high if you opt to pay for this option.

SolidWorks Perpetual License vs. Term License Cost Over Time (source)

There are two main types of SolidWorks’ perpetual license: the perpetual standalone license, intended for only one user at a time, and a SolidNetWork License (SNL), which allows multiple users that are sharing a network to use the same license. Also known as a perpetual floating license, the latter is more expensive than the former.

As a student, you do not have to worry about the term or perpetual license as you can simply purchase SolidWorks for students. As we have detailed below, it is cheaper than the other offerings.

3. Can I get updates on a SolidWorks perpetual license?

Yes, provided you pay the subscription fee your reseller charges (known as a service subscription) on top of the cost of the perpetual license. Otherwise, you cannot receive updates. 

Though the subscription requires you to part with some money annually, the updates that accompany this expenditure are beneficial. This is especially because designs created and saved using newer versions of SolidWorks are not compatible with older versions. Simply put, SolidWorks does not support backward compatibility of the files.

If your work requires collaboration with other professionals who are likely to use newer versions of SolidWorks, it would be best to consider paying the subscription fee if you are a perpetual license holder. Else, you can simply choose the term license option because of the reason below.

4. Can I get updates on a SolidWorks term license?

Yes. Resellers treat a term license as a subscription. In this regard, term license customers receive all the benefits that subscribers enjoy, including updates and support.

5. Is a SolidWorks add-on on a term license compatible with a software product on a SolidWorks perpetual license?

Yes. You can use the term license of a SolidWorks add-on with a perpetual license of a compatible SolidWorks software and vice versa. This holds provided the term license had not expired.

6. Can I change my existing license to a different license? What are the associated costs?

Firstly, you can change a SolidWorks perpetual standalone license to a SolidWorks perpetual floating license (SNL license). For this, you have to pay a one-time fee to facilitate the conversion. If you wish to convert a SolidWorks SNL license to a perpetual standalone license, you also have to part with an administrative fee. This fee covers the removal of the license from the network as well as the conversion.

That said, you cannot convert your term license to a perpetual license. Similarly, you cannot roll a perpetual license into a term license. This limitation arises because resellers treat these two categories of licenses as different purchases. 

7. Does SolidWorks have a free trial? How long is the SolidWorks free trial period?

SolidWorks is available for free throughout a trial period that can last for 7,15, or 30 days, depending on your reseller. The free trial provides access to the latest release of SolidWorks Premium as well as add-ons such as SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks CAM, SolidWorks Visualize, and SolidWorks MBD. You can also test other products on request by simply contacting your local reseller.

It is noteworthy, however, that the product provided via the free trial does not require installation. Instead, it is available in an online environment. Of course, this means you must have a fast internet connection if you wish to have the best experience.

8. What if I want to combine SolidWorks with other Dassault Systèmes software?

If you’re familiar with Dassault Systèmes as a company, you’re sure to have come across the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This combines aspects from different software (such as SolidWorks, CATIA and DraftSight) into unique software suites. Each suite has a specific job role in mind—for example, Boeing certifies its airplanes using the License to Fly suite. Check out the 3DEXPERIENCE website for information on the available packages.

9. What discounts are available on the standard SolidWorks pricing?

Although any company that really needs SolidWorks will likely be able to justify investing large sums in it, it’s still always nice to get a little more for your money. So, what possibilities are there to save money on your SolidWorks license?

• Though far from a given, reseller discounts may occasionally be available. With only a limited number of resellers licensed to serve each territory, however, the likelihood of competition driving down prices is somewhat low. Nonetheless, be sure to keep an eye out for any bargains.
• SolidWorks for Students allows students to get the first-class functionality of SolidWorks all while paying bargain-bin prices. That’s because the student version of SolidWorks has a MSRP of just $60/year. The figure does not include taxes, so it is ultimately bound to be higher. Though this doesn’t quite match up to the free CAD software for students that other manufacturers offer, it’s still a steal for those in education. SolidWorks for students offers capabilities such as 3D CAD modelling, rendering, communities, certification, training, and additional features. And like all other offerings, it is sold through resellers. 
• SolidWorks for Institutions: It may also be worth getting in touch with your institution, as they may even be able to offer you SolidWorks for free. That’s because resellers sell the SolidWorks Student Education Network for schools. This offering provides licensing to the complete suite of SolidWorks products for students and staff. These include SolidWorks 3D CAD premium as well as simulation, electrical, data management, documentation, and manufacturing tools/software.
• Volume discounts, however, do not appear to be common with SolidWorks. Rather than offer multi-user licensing, as Autodesk does for AutoCAD, Dassault Systèmes offer standalone and floating licenses. The former are specific to a single machine; the latter is usable by multiple machines, but only by one user at a time.
• You’ll also be able to download a free trial of SolidWorks to test the waters. As is the case with regular purchases, trial downloads are only available via resellers.

10. Should I consider a cheaper alternative to SolidWorks?

Though SolidWorks offers outstanding 3D CAD capabilities, using it involves quite a sizeable outlay. If you’re wincing at the prospect of shelling out thousands for a package, then you may wish to explore some alternative options.

While you can only be sure of the true SolidWorks experience by buying the real thing, the list below offers some low-cost programs with fantastic 3D CAD features.

• Autodesk Inventor, whose freeform and parametric modeling tools make it a powerful competitor to SolidWorks—while costing half the price
• Onshape, a cloud-based CAD option which aims to push the boundaries of what CAD can do, and has also garnered rave reviews
• Solid Edge, a more basic software that nonetheless offers fantastic PLM capabilities

To learn more about each of these, as well as checking out some more alternative programs, visit our guide to the top 5 affordable SolidWorks alternatives.

Parting Shot

Over 6 million users rely on SolidWorks to fulfill their engineering and manufacturing requirements. SolidWorks is popular because it is not a single product. Rather, it is a term that refers to a whole suite of products, including SolidWorks 3D CAD premium as well as simulation, electrical, data management, documentation, and manufacturing tools/software. Each of these tools/software has a different price and is not sold directly by Dassault Systèmes. Thus, SolidWorks pricing is not uniform. In this analysis, nonetheless, we have summarised the 2025 prices provided by a North America-based reseller.

It would be no stretch to say that, without object recognition, it simply isn’t possible to achieve good-quality conversion results. That’s because object recognition tools discern how to map each object in your document onto the most suitable vector element. As a result, you’ll end up with a vector file that you can actually use and edit in CAD software.

To gain a better understanding of how converting a PDF to DWG with object recognition works, watch our video below. Don’t forget to read the full article for in-depth information on the conversion process!

Video: Converting a vector PDF to DWG with object recognition

Why convert from PDF to DWG?

If you work in any design-related field, you’ll have one goal in mind: creating something useful. The process behind this will involve multiple iterations of a single design, and, often, the repurposing of existing designs to create new ones. Designing something completely perfect in one try, with no reworking or editing, is nigh on impossible. Editing is essential to the process.

Unfortunately, PDF files, which are so common for document storage, are terrible at this. There’s a good reason why: their contents should look exactly the same on any machine. This makes them, in some ways, the digital form of printing out a definitive copy on paper. For this reason, they’re an ideal choice for sharing. However, it’s also why, if you want to edit them in any way, you’ll need to convert to another format.

If you’re working with CAD, one of the top formats to choose is DWG. The DWG file format has a long-standing association with AutoCAD, the market-leading CAD software from AutoCAD. However, there now exists a variety of ways to view DWG files without AutoCAD, with an array of competing software able to display the format.

Put simply, converting from PDF to DWG opens doors for designers. It’s what allows a user to turn a static image into a fully editable 3D digital model. From here, the possibilities are endless across fields as diverse as engineering, architecture and product design. Firstly, though, you’ll need to find a software that can convert PDF to DWG for you. As we’ll discuss next, this isn’t always the easiest task.

Why it’s important to convert PDF to DWG with object recognition

Without object recognition you cannot convert exploded vector shapes into their correct entities.

PDFs can be complex documents, with the ability to store vector, raster and text elements. DWGs, meanwhile, are vector files, and every element within them is editable. As a result, converting from PDF to DWG can be a tricky process.

Plenty of programs out there claim to be able to do a good job at this type of conversion. However, the results are often patchy. You can see an example of this in the video above, where the output image contains exploded vectors. This means that, instead of converting each element within an image to a suitable vector element, the conversion program has only drawn simple vector lines.

If you were unfamiliar with CAD, this may not seem so bad. After all, you’ve ended up with a vector image that looks like a faithful representation of the original PDF. Job done, right? Wrong. The kind of image seen at the start of the above video is next to useless for CAD work. The exploded text in the video above, for example, isn’t really text, but a series of lines. This means you can’t type over it—making editing annoying and difficult.

A good example of conversion output would separate these elements into vector text, circles, arcs, polylines, and so on. In order for conversion software to do this, it needs to have object recognition tools in its arsenal. These tools enable conversion software to discern which vector elements are the most suitable fit for parts of a raster image. In the video above, you can see just one example of this, with the conversion of vector lines to circles.

Raster and vector object recognition

When we think of object recognition, we usually think of raster images. However, given that PDFs can contain a range of different content, it’s worth noting that object recognition can encompass raster, vector and text.

In the raster-to-vector conversion process, this involves tracing appropriate vector elements over raster features. When this includes raster text, Optical Character Recognition, a separate, albeit similar, tool, can also come into play.

However, as we’ve seen, even a vector PDF won’t necessarily use the most suitable vector elements. The video above shows one of the more extreme examples of this, but other issues to watch out for may include a single dashed line being treated as a series of small, separate lines.

It’s easy to understand why this isn’t ideal when it comes to editing. Sadly, this is a very common problem with PDFs, which only support a limited range of vector elements. It’s for this reason that vector PDFs often replace complex elements, such as Bezier curves or arcs, with lines.

Object recognition can change this type of ‘dumb’ vector design into an image that you can edit with CAD software. However, not all conversion tools are able to do this well. That’s why choosing the right software is key.

Choosing software to convert PDF to DWG with object recognition

It’s clear why object recognition matters so much when converting from PDF to DWG. The trickier thing is figuring out which conversion software excels at object recognition, and which lags behind. Luckily, we have a few pointers you can follow.

Firstly, be wary of online converters. Though it doesn’t take long to find a PDF to DWG converter on Google, the quality of such tools is often extremely lacking. In fact, such programs are often unable to create anything more useful than the image in the video above! Other key pitfalls of online converters include safety issues, and threats to the security of your intellectual property. All in all, it’s just not worth the risk.

Some converters do manage to get halfway to a decent conversion job. However, they get sloppy when it comes to some of the finer points. Take text, for example: an average converter may do an admirable job of detecting raster text within your PDF and converting this to vector text. They fall down, though, when it comes to arranging that text into useful strings. Take a look at the image below to see what to aim for—and what to avoid.

On the left is an example of the unintuitive vector text other PDF-to-DWG converters produce. On the right is text converted by Scan2CAD and arranged into logical text strings.

The best solution, therefore, is to opt for a PDF-to-DWG conversion program with a track record of professional results. Enter Scan2CAD. With over 20 years in the business, we’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to produce usable vector images. Read on to see what we have to offer.

Object recognition with raster images in Scan2CAD

As PDF files can contain both raster and vector images, you’ll need software that supports raster and vector object recognition. Scan2CAD’s advanced object recognition tools mean it’s one step ahead of other conversion software. Its recognition engine starts using preset vectorization settings; you also have the ability to alter these settings to suit your needs. In the video tutorial above, for example, you’ll can see how you can input personalized settings for features such as hatching, arrow lines, and dashed lines.

Additionally, Scan2CAD is able to combine object recognition with OCR. In fact, by running these two tools together on your PDF, you can obtain great vectorization results with distinct vector and text elements in just seconds.

Though ‘object recognition’ can have multiple meanings, within the context of Scan2CAD it refers to the process of recognising and transforming  elements within a raster or vector image to their appropriate elements. This includes distinguishing circles from arcs, text from lines, and so on. As you may be able to guess, this is one of the trickiest tasks for Scan2CAD to accomplish—and it’s also what sets us apart from other vectorization software.

In this post, we’ll run through what object recognition means in practical terms. We’ll also show you how it helps to improve your vectorization results—and what your files would look like without it.

Detection vs recognition

Image source: ShashiBellamkonda

Before we start exploring object recognition in earnest, we need to explore the differences between detection and recognition.

Writing on the subject, Intel suggests that the best way to think about these is as ‘discovery’ and ‘comprehension’. Detection, therefore is about discovering whether there are objects found within an image. Meanwhile, recognition aims to understand what the image represents.

In certain contexts, detection is sufficient. It is not, however, conducive to good results when vectorizing for CAD. Vectorization, after all, is about transforming a raster image into a usable vector file—and it’s the word usable which is key here.

It would be possible, for example, to simply convert a raster image into a series of vector polygons and lines. This may be fine if, for example, you simply wished to vectorize a logo for printing.

However, this would not satisfy the requirements of someone who wished to edit their design in CAD software. Take, for instance, the example of exploded vector text. Though this may initially seem to be a vector representation of raster text, it is not editable and not useful.

Reasons such as this are why object recognition is crucial. Any vectorization software worth its salt must aim not merely to detect what is present within a raster image, but to categorize its features with the aim of tracing appropriate vector elements over them. This is where object recognition techniques come into play—and where Scan2CAD excels.

The basics of object recognition

You may not be completely new to the concept of object recognition, you may have come across it before. In late 2016, Google released its Quick, Draw! game, which challenged users to draw six objects. The aim was to get its neural network to understand what each object looked like. You can see a screenshot of the game’s end screen below.

Google’s ‘Quick Draw’ recognition results. Test Google’s recognition ability here

Though a rather simplistic example, it gives you the gist of what object recognition is about. The aim is to pick up on an object’s defining characteristics in a visual sense. In the example above, this may include the camel’s hump or elephant’s trunk.

Types of object recognition

Quick, Draw! represents just one form of object recognition: one which relies on the field of machine learning. Many other forms of object recognition exist, and they control everything from the face recognition software at passport gates through to automatic number plate recognition.

Machine learning sits alongside deep learning as one of the two key object recognition techniques. The latter of these involves training a neural network to learn individual features of a given object using huge amounts of data.

Machine learning, meanwhile, involves selecting the relevant features in a given image, then feeding this information into a model. The model then uses this information to classify new objects. What both of these forms of learning have in common is the use of feature detection to classify objects.

Object recognition and vectorization

The principles governing the process of object recognition described above also apply to software such as Scan2CAD. Of course, Scan2CAD concerns itself not with distinguishing an elephant from a camel, but with correctly classifying different parts of a raster image with the aim of discerning which type of vector element is the best fit.

This is a trickier process than it may initially seem. For example, dash lines are a common vector element in CAD software. Telling apart a single dash line from a sequence of smaller lines, however, isn’t always easy. Arrow lines may pose similar problems, whilst other vectorization software may be unable to tell the difference between an arc and a Bezier curve (with many unable to process circles).

How object recognition works in Scan2CAD

Scan2CAD isn’t like other vectorization software—it’s a step ahead. That’s because our object recognition engine is adept at assigning the right vector entities to a 2D raster image. To do so, it uses preset vectorization settings as a starting point. This includes those for converting architectural drawings, mechanical and electrical drawings, CNC profiles, and more.

Where these settings come into play is in deciding how to categorize a specific object. Take the earlier example of a dash line, for example: one particular preset may decide that the spaces between each individual dash may be no more than 45px wide, while the dashes themselves must be no more than 50px long. The exact cut off points specified will vary by the preset you choose, and users also have the option to change these settings manually. This gives you the ability to control the object recognition process, ensuring you get the best results for your work.

Scan2CAD: object recognition in action

Need further proof of the effectiveness of Scan2CAD’s object recognition engine? Check out our video below. In this video, you’ll find information on Scan2CAD’s vectorization presets and how to edit individual settings manually. You’ll also see first-hand how Scan2CAD converts each part of a raster image into an appropriate vector element—and you’ll see what vectorization would look like if you don’t make use of proper object recognition techniques.

This video is taken from our series of Scan2CAD tutorials.

Why object recognition matters in CAD

Object recognition is clearly one of Scan2CAD’s strong points. But why does this matter for you as a CAD user? Well, without proper object recognition, you quite simply can’t create a usable vector file from a starting raster image.

Using Scan2CAD’s object recognition engine to accurately convert each element ensures you’ll end up with a finished vector image that you can export as a DXF or DWG, and then edit in your CAD software of choice. Without the techniques employed by Scan2CAD, you might be able to get a vector file—but it would be practically impossible to use.

Take the example of the floorplan we saw in the video above, which displayed doorways using arcs. If this were incorrectly converted into a Bezier curve, it may quickly become deformed, losing the meaning of the original image. Another program may even convert this into a series of small lines, which would be a nightmare to edit.

With Scan2CAD on your side, though, you needn’t worry about such issues. Thanks to our object recognition engine (and smart OCR techniques), you can be sure of professional results every time. It’s not for nothing that we call it the ultimate vectorization software!

In this month’s edition, we’ll start off with some business news, as Boeing extend their partnership with French CAD giant Dassault Systèmes. We’ll then move onto competitors Autodesk, who struck back this month with the newest version of their additive manufacturing software Netfabb.

Next, our attention shifts to Simufact, whose partnership with Ampower spells big improvements for their simulation package Simufact Additive. Then, our final July story takes a closer look at the new 3D model store from Sketchfab. Let’s begin!

Expansion of the Boeing–Dassault Systèmes partnership

Aviation behemoths Boeing have graced the pages of Scan2CAD before. In fact, it was almost a year ago that the company signed a billion-dollar agreement with Dassault Systèmes, one of the world’s leading CAD software manufacturers. This month, however, saw that partnership taken to new levels, as Boeing agreed to deploy Dassault’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform to more sectors of their business than ever before.

The 3DEXPERIENCE program lies at the heart of Dassault Systèmes‘ business strategy, which has seen them move away from traditional CAD software towards industry-focused ‘experiences’: suites that unite the most pertinent elements of various Dassault programs for an individual sector.

Following the new agreement, Boeing plans to make extensive use of the Winning Program, Co-Design to Target, Ready for Rate, Build to Operate and License to Fly experiences. In doing so, it aims to bolster its capabilities across a range of fields, including engineering, analysis, manufacturing planning and end-to-end digital collaboration.

Key board members of both businesses hailed the deal. Bernard Charlès, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Systèmes, stated that he was proud to work alongside a company which “not only leads the way in its own industry, but influences the progress of all industries across modern society”. For his part, CIO of Boeing Ted Colbert said that “the value of this extended strategic partnership is a mutual desire to transform how Boeing connects, protects, explores and inspires the world”. Visit the Dassault newsroom for full details on the deal.

Autodesk’s Netfabb gets an overhaul for the future

One of the most interesting CAD-related fields this month was that of additive manufacturing, which saw several major developments. The first comes from a company that never fails to hit the headlines: Autodesk. This month, they’ve grabbed column inches by announcing the release of Netfabb 2019, the latest version of the popular AM and design software.

One key new feature coming to Netfabb 2019 is a dramatic change in how users access their machines, with the aim of helping users to select different 3D printers with ease. It also helps keep things neat and orderly with the introduction of the ability to group machines, such as by separating production and prototype machines, single-laser or multi-laser, or in any grouping the user desires.

Meanwhile, more users will be able to access Lattice Commander. This feature had previously only been available to those who had subscribed to Netfabb’s Ultimate tier; now, Premium users have access to the tool, though Standard users are still missing out. The tool itself has also undergone several changes, including a new three-tab user interface, a grid overlay, and a consolidation of latticing tools into one section of the project tree.

Other improvements include a new support action, which allows users to delete generated supports based on criteria, alongside the ability to generate processing parameter files on the cloud when simulating. If you’re involved in additive manufacturing, this is one update you won’t want to miss. Learn more about the new release at Autodesk.

New deal provides boost for Simufact Additive

When it comes to additive manufacturing software, Autodesk isn’t the only show in town. Another key player is Simufact Engineering—and this month, they inked a new partnership with Ampower in a bid to bolster their position as one of the leading AM software manufacturers.

The company’s simulation package, Simufact Additive, allows users to optimize their laser powder bed fusion processes to ensure that they manufacture their products right—first time. It’s easy to see why this is so valuable—after all, in metal AM, industries can’t afford to waste even a small amount of powder. By ensuring that perfect build, Simufact Additive is an incredibly powerful tool.

Ampower, a leading additive manufacturing consultancy firm, fits into the puzzle by helping clients work out which components are right to be manufactured using AM processes. The company has now adopted Simufact Additive software, in a move which they believe will allow them to help customers to optimize their production.

More broadly, however, the companies aim to use the new partnership to bring simulation software to more manufacturers than ever before. In turn, they hope to transform the industry as a whole, increasing efficiency and reducing waste. Check out the Simufact website for more information.

Buy and sell 3D models with the new Sketchfab Store

There’s always plenty of satisfaction to be gained by creating your own 3D CAD model. Creating absolutely everything from scratch, however, simply isn’t feasible for most of us. That’s why sites offering CAD blocks—or, better yet, 3D CAD models—are a godsend. Joining that list this month is Sketchfab Store, a new site which allows users to buy and sell 3D models.

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Sketchfab is already a big name in the world of CAD models. In fact, since 2012, more than a million users have joined the Sketchfab community, sharing a massive 3 million 3D models since that date.

The launch of the Sketchfab store provides new incentives for that community to continue creating amazing 3D models for fields as diverse as 3D printing, VR/AR, animation and beyond. For those selling their work, the ability to monetise their creations is a clear pro. Those looking to buy from the store, meanwhile, will find thousands of excellent models and textures, all available royalty-free.

Making the store even more enticing is the fact that it allows users to inspect models from all angles, as well as the support for VR and AR offered by the Sketchfab viewer. If you’d like to see what’s already on offer, head over to the Sketchfab Store to check it out for yourself.

Luckily, the team here at Scan2CAD are ready to help. In this article, we’ll explain the ins and outs of AutoCAD pricing. We’ll also go into detail on the options available to you when it comes to purchasing your licence. Read on for everything you need to know!

How Much Does AutoCAD Cost?

It’s a simple question, surely? Well, not quite. Software manufacturers have shifted from offering perpetual licenses to subscriptions over the years, with the CAD industry proving no exception. As such, Autodesk stopped selling perpetual licenses for AutoCAD (alongside most of its other products) on August 1st, 2016.

The result of this shift is that, instead of paying a one-off fee to be able to use AutoCAD forever, users now pay for a rolling subscription to maintain access to AutoCAD although you can also get AutoCAD for free though on very specific conditions. And if you don’t qualify for any of those conditions, there is always a range of free CAD software you can use.

You can see the cost of an AutoCAD subscription direct from Autodesk in the table below.

As the table shows, paying for a longer period naturally means a greater upfront cost. However, it’s worth noting that your monthly costs are lower if you choose to commit to one of the longer subscription lengths. Here’s what the per month costs look like when compared side by side.

Thus, monthly costs drop as you opt for longer subscription periods. That being said, you will see somewhat diminishing returns. Your cost per month of usage is a $80.83 cheaper if you opt for a yearly subscription over the monthly plan or $80.97 cheaper if you choose the 3-year plan over a monthly one. Therefore, the monthly saving you will realize with the three-year plan is quite marginal (about $0.14). This is a departure from Autodesk’s previous pricing strategy, wherein the 3-year plan resulted in a comparatively larger drop (about $7.78 per month, based on the 2022 prices).

This isn’t to say that the longer-term options aren’t worth considering, though. If your business has used AutoCAD for a long time, for example, and is certain to stick with the software for the duration, then opting for a 3-year deal may be a good choice. But keep in mind that presently (since 2023), the monthly savings you accrue if you select this longer-term (three-year)  option are only marginally higher compared to what you would get if you chose the one-year option. Those who are just trying out AutoCAD, however, should probably steer clear of the longest subscription periods. Here, it may even be worth paying for a monthly licence at first.

Pros and Cons of the Subscription Model

Pros of the Subscription Model

There are some upsides to the AutoCAD subscription model. These include:

1. Subscription gets you access to the latest version of AutoCAD as soon as it comes out. As such, you won’t need to worry about missing out on the latest features.
2. It saves money. If you previously bought perpetual licenses for each new version of AutoCAD, the subscription model could actually save you money.
3. You also get support and maintenance as long as you stay subscribed.

Cons of the Subscription Model

If you’re used to perpetual licensing, then it can be easy to see the downsides of the shift to subscriptions.

1. The most obvious disadvantage is that you need to keep paying for the software year in, year out. Fail to do so, and you’ll lose access to AutoCAD. This in turn means that you won’t be able to use the files you created in AutoCAD, causing a real headache for your business.

In understanding this limitation of the subscription-based model, which is likely to put off some would-be customers from purchasing the AutoCAD due to the associated long-term expenses, Autodesk introduced Autodesk financing and Autodesk Flex.

Autodesk Financing

According to a study, financing influences the purchasing decisions of 45% of global digital consumers, with 36% of the respondents noting that financing allowed them to purchase a more expensive option than what they had initially considered. Additionally, 31% of digital consumers would not consider a purchase outright if the seller did not have a financing plan.

Autodesk understands the inherent importance of payment plans, which is why it offers a financing plan for buyers looking to spend $1,000 or more. Mainly available for subscription plans that are annual or longer, the financing is intended to spread the costs, enhancing your business’s financial flexibility.

Autodesk’s financing application is available in the payment section of its online store. The submission and processing stages are conducted online. The approval is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, including but not limited to, how long the business has been in operation and business credit reporting with commercial bureaus. You are also required to furnish Autodesk with information on the business’s contact details, business structure, number of employees, tax ID, and more.

This financing is only available to users looking to purchase the 1-year and 3-year subscriptions for all Autodesk products on its online store. It is not available to monthly subscribers or buyers seeking Autodesk Flex tokens.

Autodesk Flex

Source: Autodesk

AutoCAD Discounts

Are Volume Discounts Available?

If several employees within your business use AutoCAD, then the prospect of paying out thousands for individual licenses can be somewhat daunting. Previously, that is before February 2023, standalone licenses were not the only option. Multi-user licenses used to be available, too, and could offer you serious cost savings when compared to buying licenses one-by-one.

Multi-user licenses (or network licenses), as the name suggests, allowed you to run AutoCAD from multiple machines within your organization. When you purchased a network license, you chose how many machines you wished to buy access for.

As an example, if you purchased 10 licenses, you could run AutoCAD on 10 machines at any one time. However, you were free to install the software on more machines for ease of access. If, for example, you had 10 desktop machines and 10 laptops, you could install the software on all these machines. This would allow a user to switch from their desktop to their laptop when away from the office.

However, and unfortunately, Autodesk retired multi-user subscriptions starting February 2023. This meant that these subscriptions could not – and cannot – be renewed moving forward. So, to answer the question: there are no volume discounts in the form of multi-used licenses, at least for the time being.

Is There a Discount for Buying AutoCAD alongside other Autodesk Products?

Though the range of functions offered by AutoCAD is incredibly broad, it can’t do it all. Many businesses will require a range of different software to meet their needs. If this is the case, then you should explore Autodesk’s various industry collections.

Autodesk’s industry collections bundle together several software packages with the aim of fully meeting the needs of a specific sector. The Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection, for example, includes AutoCAD alongside Revit, Civil 3D, Autodesk Forma, Navisworks Manage, among other software. Autodesk has began bundling software to meet the needs of the different professions within the AEC industry. For this reason, you can now find bundles for architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers, civil engineers and construction professionals within the AEC Collection. To visualize just how staggering the cost savings are, take a look at the table below, which includes AEC Collection software from a few years ago; prices are nonetheless current.

As you can see, even users who only need a couple of the above programs will see savings of thousands of dollars per year. Meanwhile, for users who need access to multiple Autodesk software packages, industry collections such as this one are truly a steal. It’s worth noting that multi-user licenses are also available for industry collections, offering you the chance to save even more if you’re a larger business.

Industry collections, meanwhile, set Autodesk up as a strong competitor to its rival Dassault Systèmes, which similarly offers software bundles, which it terms “industry experiences”. Check out our comparison of Dassault Systèmes software to see what the company has to offer.

Are Any Other Discounts Available?

If you’re getting AutoCAD from the Autodesk Online Store, then the prices above will generally be the prices you pay. However, some lucky users can get AutoCAD for free: educational users.

Educational licenses have been offered at no cost to users since 2014, with such licenses valid for three years. Provided that you still have a valid academic email address (usually .edu for users in the United States), you can renew this license for further three-year periods in future.

Meanwhile, discounts were also available for those who had perpetual licenses for legacy versions of AutoCAD, subject to Autodesk’s terms and conditions. If you were willing to trade this license in between November 7, 2020, and January 22, 2021, then you could get 15% off a 1-year or 20% for the 3-year subscription to AutoCAD.

This offer was available in ASEAN countries, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and Taiwan. It was applicable to qualifying seats of 1998-2021 perpetual licenses. You retained the option to switch back to your old perpetual license if you weren’t satisfied.

With this offer now gone, you can nonetheless take advantage of Autodesk’s deals and special offers, which come by periodically. 

Should I Buy from a Reseller or Direct from Autodesk?

Stick with trusted resellers—or cut out the middleman?

Back in the days when software was distributed on CD-ROMs rather than as downloadable executables, local resellers dominated the market. Since then, however, CAD has evolved. Purchasing AutoCAD now is simply a matter of downloading the software and waiting to receive your product key—something that can be completed in minutes, not days.

The result of this is a shift away from channel sales and towards direct sales, with customers able to buy direct from the Autodesk Online Store. Nonetheless, Autodesk hasn’t done away with its worldwide network of resellers; indeed, it maintains relationships with dedicated local partners across the globe.

So, how do you choose between resellers and direct sales? Naturally, cost is one of the factors that comes to the forefront. The prices listed on a reseller’s website tend to closely match those of Autodesk itself, which can make an initial comparison tricky.

However, reseller prices may (and do) vary, meaning there may be some flexibility with regards to pricing. Indeed, some users have reported hefty discounts when buying through resellers. They are also a great choice if you’re seeking a personalized quote for your business, especially as resellers have a much closer connection with specific local markets than the multinational Autodesk.

Aside from the cost, you should also consider the standard of your local resellers, particularly with regards to customer service. Choosing a reputable reseller with a solid track record could gain you access to valuable support should you experience any issues with your software. This is likely to be more personal than the support offered by Autodesk—and they’ll quite literally be speaking your language!

AutoCAD Alternatives

Screenshot of DraftSight, a popular alternative to AutoCAD

No matter whether you choose a standalone or network license, AutoCAD alone or an industry collection, or buy direct or from a reseller, one fact remains constant: you’ll need to fork out thousands per year on an AutoCAD subscription. With AutoCAD pricing so uniformly high, then, you may ask yourself: what are the alternatives?

Luckily, there are other options on the market when it comes to 2D and 3D CAD software. One such package is AutoCAD LT, a ‘lite’ version of AutoCAD with more limited functionality, but priced at just $65.00 monthly, $515.00 per year, or $1,545.00 payable every 3 years.

AutoCAD vs. AutoCAD LT

A cheaper and cost-effective option to AutoCAD across all three pricing categories, AutoCAD LT only offers precision 2D drafting and documentation capabilities. It does not support 3D modeling functionalities. Additionally, it does not have built-in programming and automation capabilities as it does not support AutoLISP. AutoCAD LT also lacks additional features and functionalities, which are available on AutoCAD. We have listed some of these features below, but for a more comprehensive list, visit Autodesk’s website.

AutoCAD LT does not support or offer the following features/capabilities:

• Tracked changes within drawings
• CAD standards checker
• Ability to export blocks to Inventor and BIM 360; integrate coordinate BIM models; import or export drawings to Inventor and BIM 360; import or export from Fusion 360 and Revit; and attach, edit, and display point clouds
• Mechanical, electrical, and piping (MEP) capabilities such as accurate MEP documentation, the ability to create MEP drawings, MEP objects, MEP/HVAC symbol libraries, and more
• Some electrical design functionalities such as intelligent electrical symbols, electrical standards, and wiring diagram error checking
• MAP 3D toolsets such as the ability to create and maintain CAD and GIS data, reports for gas, wastewater, and water, the ability to insert geomapping data, and more
• Some mechanical design features, including automated creation of the bill of materials, manufacturing parts library, and the ability to automate part updates, just to mention a few
• Some architectural design features, e.g., intelligent architectural objects library, ability to automate with the Architecture toolset

The absence of these features and capabilities makes AutoCAD LT cheaper than AutoCAD, as summarised in the below table.

AutoCAD Alternatives from Other Developers

If you’re happy to venture outside of the Autodesk stable, however, then some of the best known AutoCAD alternatives are:

• DraftSight, a product from rival firm Dassault Systèmes
• BricsCAD, which offers perpetual, rental, volume and network licenses
• TurboCAD, with licenses for 2D/3D versions of the software starting from $99.99 per year

Of course, desktop programs aren’t the only option for CAD professionals. Innovative cloud-based CAD software is now catching up to (and, in some cases, surpassing) the functionality of traditional programs, with Onshape proving one of the leaders in this field.

Meanwhile, if you are willing to invest in Autodesk software, then your business may be better served by choosing the BIM software Revit over AutoCAD. Check out our guide to Autodesk software compared for the full lowdown.

Parting Shot

AutoCAD is a highly popular offering. That’s thanks to the features packed into the software. Starting 2016, Autodesk ceased the sale of perpetual licenses in favor of a subscription model that currently has three pricing tiers: monthly, yearly, and after every 3 years. In this pricing explained article, we have delved into the 2025 prices of AutoCAD as well as the cheaper AutoCAD LT version. We have explored Autodesk financing, Flex tokens, and possible discounts. That said, you can also venture outside of the Autodesk ecosystem if you are open to try AutoCAD alternatives. 

In this article, we’ll run through everything you need to know about converting text in technical drawings. We’ll start with the reasons why it’s so important to convert your text. We’ll also go into detail about why this process can be quite tricky, and alert you to some of the problems you may encounter. After that, we’ll move onto how to perform the conversion, and provide some pro tips to help you ensure that everything passes off without a hitch. We’ll even show you the best OCR software to use to convert your text. Let’s get started!

Composition of raster text

This raster version of a floorplan is not editable nor scalable.

Pixels are the building blocks that make up the entirety of a raster image. Each pixel is no more and no less than a square of color. As such, there is no particular structure to a raster image, and nothing to distinguish one part of an image from another.

With this in mind, any text that features in a raster image is, in a technical sense, nothing more than pixels. Anyone who’s ever had to edit a raster image will be well aware of the problems this causes.

It is impossible, for example, to go back and edit the text in your raster image. If you’re lucky, you might be able to use a paint brush or eraser tool to white out the text in your image—already a cumbersome process. In some cases, however, even this might not be possible.

To put a long story short, raster text is simply unsuitable for editing. Worse still, it comes with a whole host of other common raster image issues. These include pixelation when zooming or scaling an image, and the inability to attach data to your text.

Composition of vector text

Meanwhile, you can edit this vector version of a floorplan in CAD software.

Vector text, on the other hand, is an entirely different beast. Unlike the pixels which make up a raster image, all elements within a vector image are distinct.

Each element is mathematically defined, with a fixed relative position within the image. As a result, each element appears the same at any scale, making it possible to zoom into an image without losing quality.

Another upshot of this is that it is possible to easily edit each element within an image. This includes vector text. Say, for example, you noticed a typo, or simply wished to add more information to the text within your image. As long as you’re using vector text, this is a cinch.

It’s also possible to attach information to each element within a vector image. This means that you can add additional specifications to objects and text.

Raster vs. vector text in technical drawings

For many purposes, raster text works perfectly well. Problems arise, however, when you have a technical drawing. To use these drawings to their full potential, they must be fully editable in CAD software. As such, if you’ve got a technical drawing, you need it to be in a vector format.

The list of pros and cons lays the choice bare: vector text is simply better for technical drawings. However, while this advice is all well and good when creating a new technical drawing, it doesn’t solve the issue of what to do when you already have a technical drawing saved as a raster image.

If this is the case, then you’ll need to move onto converting your raster text to vector text.

How to convert text in technical drawings

Converting an image of an electrical schematic containing text to vector text stirngs

Editing technical drawings requires CAD software—and to use CAD software, you’ll need to be using a vector image. The key reasons for this are that vector images are editable and versatile.

If you were creating an electrical schematic, for example, then CAD software would enable you to define its components and materials. This, in turn, would make it much easier to produce the design when it comes to the manufacturing stage.

If you’re familiar with converting raster images to vector, you’ll know that the process, which is known as vectorization, is technically highly complex. The reason why vectorization is so tricky comes down to the fact that a raster image has no structure.

This lack of structure means that it’s difficult for software to detect what exactly the image contains. The human eye may be able to tell, for example, that an image contains the word “CAD” in black on a white background. To a machine, however, it’s just a collection of black, white and gray pixels.

In the past, the only way around this was to overlay a vector layer on top of your raster image, and manually type new vector text in place of the old raster text. This isn’t exactly the most elegant solution. Luckily, OCR software now makes it possible to automatically convert text in technical drawings.

What is OCR?

Optical Character Recognition, or OCR, is the technology which lets software detect raster text and convert it to vector text. As such, it’s OCR that enables a computer to convert text in technical drawings.

For OCR to work, it needs to be able to recognize certain letterforms. This is a fairly easy task for the human eye, but a very tricky one for a computer. Part of the reason for this is the sheer difference between how text appears in different fonts. Take, for example, the six letter ‘g’s in the image below.

As a human, it’s easy to tell all six of these forms represent the same letter. A computer, however, has no additional information to work off, making it hard to discern what exactly the image represents.

This is where OCR software comes in. OCR software ‘learns’ the shapes of each letter, enabling it to recognize them when they appear in an image. Initially, OCR could only recognize the forms of a single font: OCR-A, which you may recognize on your checkbook. Over time, the technology learned to recognize other common fonts, such as Times New Roman and Helvetica.

Today’s OCR software, however, has much more advanced capabilities. That’s because, instead of trying to spot a letterform in its entirety, it works on the basis of feature detection. For example, OCR may recognize that one straight horizontal line lying perpendicular atop a straight vertical line forms a capital T. This enables OCR to go beyond recognizing specific fonts and allows it to take an ‘omnifont’ approach.

Exploded text vs. vector text

Some raster-to-vector conversion software can’t actually recognize text within a raster image. Instead, they’ll convert the text into vector lines and curves. This is called ‘exploded text’, and, unfortunately, it is useless for practical purposes. You can see an example of exploded text below:

In this image, each letter actually comprises multiple vector lines. Put simply, it isn’t really text. When you convert your image with Scan2CAD, however, you’ll get something that looks more like this:

What you can see above is a text string. It’s actual vector text which you can edit by typing—just as you would edit text in a word processor.

In certain circumstances, you might find yourself with exploded text, either due to using sub-par conversion software or having received a file from a colleague containing it. Meanwhile, standard OCR software doesn’t concern itself with exploded text, focusing only on converting from raster to vector.

Fortunately, Scan2CAD is no standard OCR software. In fact, it has the capability to convert exploded text into text strings. This means you can undo any inadvertent errors and truly get the most out of your technical drawing.

Getting the best conversion results

Great OCR software is an essential tool to have in your arsenal when you convert text in technical drawings. However, there are still extra steps you should take to improve the quality of your conversion.

Choose the right raster file type

The first is to choose the right raster file type to begin with. This is of particular importance if you’re scanning in a technical drawing from paper, such as a floor plan. When scanning, Scan2CAD recommends choosing the TIFF file format. TIFF stands ahead of its rival raster formats due to its use of lossless compression. This means that the image won’t lose quality and will keep vital detail. This file format also allows you to include tags. You therefore have the option to save the file as a GeoTIFF, which you can convert for CAD and GIS.

JPG, on the other hand, is a file format to avoid. The reason for this is its use of lossy compression. This compression method compromises image quality in favour of a smaller file size. In certain circumstances, this makes sense—for example, when you need to save thousands of photos on a smartphone. For CAD purposes, however, it’s a bad trade-off.

Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to decide on a drawing’s file type yourself. In such cases, you don’t have any control over the quality of the image when you open it. You can, however, improve the image’s quality so that it is more suitable for conversion.

Clean up your text

To get the best possible results when you convert text in technical drawings, you’ll need to ensure that the raster text you’re working with is up to scratch. After all, even the best OCR software out there can’t decipher gibberish. You know what they say: garbage in, garbage out!

Here at Scan2CAD, we created a Raster Text Quality Checklist to help you stay on the straight and narrow. Before attempting any conversion, you should ensure that any text characters in your raster image are:

• Easily legible
• Do not touch each other
• Do not touch other elements within your drawing
• Are not at different orientations
• Are in a font that Scan2CAD can recognize

We also have a few pro tips at hand to help you turn poor quality text into something that’s ready for vectorization.

• If you plan on using a non-standard font, be sure to train Scan2CAD’s neural networks first. Proper testing can help ensure that Scan2CAD recognizes the characters present in your image.
• Sometimes, characters may touch. In these instances, it is difficult for OCR software to tell where one character ends and the next begins. Scan2CAD’s Split tool can help you to separate these characters for better results.
• In some cases, your text may simply not be legible. If this is the case, even a human might struggle to tell what the text really says—let alone OCR software! Your best bet here may be to simply type over the text.

Use the right software

On the left is text converted using an online converter. On the right is text converted by Scan2CAD. The difference is clear.

This is something we can’t stress enough: choosing the right conversion software is make-or-break for your vector text.

As we’ve noted, some raster-to-vector software simply can’t tell the difference between text and other elements within an image. Using such software will provide you with near-useless exploded text—and a resultant headache.

Poor-quality conversion results are a common pitfall of online file converters. Unfortunately, this is far from the worst problem they can cause. In fact, using an online file converter can endanger both the privacy of your intellectual property and the security of your system. Putting all of this at risk for the sake of sub-par vector text just isn’t worth it.

The smart move here is to use dedicated software for the conversion of technical drawings to vector images. Scan2CAD, therefore, is the natural choice. It excels at converting text and images, with over 20 years at the cutting edge of vectorization. With its neural networks able to understand text of all varieties, it’s one step ahead of the game.

How to convert text in technical drawings using Scan2CAD

With so much technical know-how involved in the creation of great OCR software, you might expect the conversion process itself to be similarly tricky. Thankfully, you’d be wrong: it’s easy as pie to convert text in technical drawings with Scan2CAD.

In the following video we convert a technical drawing which contains text. Notice how the appropriate elements are converted using OCR and the other elements in the image are vectorized. For this we use a process called object identification. After conversion we can directly edit the text strings.

We’ll start this month’s roundup with a story from one of CAD’s major players: Dassault Systèmes. After that, we’ll examine how the GPU market is shaping up in 2018 so far. Finally, we’ll take a look at the newest version of simulation software ANSYS, plus the latest release from CAD firm Maplesoft.

Ready to get the lowdown? Read on!

Dassault Aviation adopts 3DEXPERIENCE

At the heart of Dassault Systèmes’ software strategy is the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. For the uninitiated, 3DEXPERIENCE refers to Dassault’s range of “industry solutions”. Those who use these solutions get industry-tailored packages that combine elements of different Dassault Systèmes software. This allows industry users to get the tools they need without paying for those they won’t use.

It’s clear to see the benefits of this efficient platform—but until now, one of Dassault’s sister companies hadn’t made the switch. That changed this month, as Dassault Aviation became the latest company to adopt the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

The agreement will see Dassault Aviation replace its current civil and military aircraft software with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Dassault Aviation is hoping that the move proves useful as it expands its Falcon range of business jets, as well as further developing its range of military aircraft.

Dassault Systèmes’ CEO, Bernard Charlès, hailed the move as “enabling the integration of products with services… a perfect illustration of the industry of the 21st century”. For his part, Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, said that his company believed that “3DEXPERIENCE is the most advanced solution to support all our businesses”.

Want to know more about Dassault Systemes? This comprehensive article is worth checking out. 

NVIDIA still dominates GPU market

Any CAD professional knows the importance of choosing the right graphics card. However, fierce debates rage over exactly which graphics card to choose. For years, the market has been a duopoly, with AMD and NVIDIA as the two key players. NVIDIA has been leading the race for some time—and, as the latest findings from Jon Peddie Research show, they’re maintaining their dominance in 2018.

This month saw the research firm release their Q1 Market Watch Report, which details the current state of the PC GPU market. Though their figures show that NVIDIA is still the clear market leader, there are promising signs for competitor AMD. That’s because NVIDIA’s market share is now 65.1%—down from 66.3% last quarter, and 72.5% last year. Meanwhile, AMD have risen to 34.9%, up from 33.7% last quarter and 27.5% last year.

On the whole, JPR found that the overall GPU market increased by 3.4% year-on-year. The add-in board (AIB) market also went up 6.4% compared to the last quarter, and up by 66.4% year-on-year. These figures are even more impressive when considering that desktop PC sales were down 7.3% year-on-year. For more detailed figures, visit Jon Peddie Research to download the full report.

ANSYS releases latest version of simulation software

Over time, the meaning of CAD has evolved. Where the earliest CAD systems focused almost exclusively on the actual drawing of a design, today’s CAD is far more complex. As such, a CAD professional today will be not only be designing a product or structure, but will also be planning its entire lifecycle. Key to the evolution of CAD is the rise of simulation software, which enables users to test how their designs will react to a wide variety of forces and stresses.

One of the market leaders in simulation software is ANSYS, which aims to enable design engineers to create “optimized, lighter and smarter products”. To achieve this, it offers instant simulation across a range of disciplines, including thermal, electromagnetic, structural and fluid dynamics. This month, the software got its latest upgrade with the release of ANSYS 19.1.

According to ANSYS, 19.1 is the “first comprehensive solution for simulation-based digital twins”, and enables users to build, validate and deploy digital twins within a single workflow. Logically named, the Twin Builder feature integrates with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platforms and includes three main stages:

• The building stage, which allows for multiple domains and languages and contains application-specific libraries
• The validation stage, which can help users to optimize performance by up to 25% through rapid prototyping, systems optimization and XiL integration
• And the deployment stage, which connects to IIoT platforms and helps speed up the export and deployment of generated models

Though the Twin Builder feature is garnering the most attention, it’s not the only new arrow in ANSYS’ quiver. Users can also enjoy new metal additive manufacturing solutions, as well as enhanced analysis capabilities in the electromagnetics suite. Visit the ANSYS newsroom for full details.

Maplesoft releases Maple 2018

When seeking out the latest CAD news, it can be all too easy to focus on one or two big players. The reality of CAD, however, is much broader than Dassault Systèmes and Autodesk software. A diverse range of firms are competing to improve the user experience and create some innovative software. One of them is Maplesoft, a Canadian software manufacturer that focuses on making complex mathematical problems easy to solve.

If you’re wondering what exactly this has to do with CAD, then you need only consider the importance of simulation and visualization to the CAD workflow. Maplesoft’s flagship software, Maple, excels at this, offering a truly staggering array of features that apply across the industry.

This month saw Maplesoft push the boundaries further with the release of the latest version of Maple: Maple 2018. Already a program to be reckoned with, Maple 2018 builds on the software’s existing strengths by introducing improvements to a number of features, including advanced mathematics, visualization, and more.

If you’re weary of annual updates to your software of choice, then you could be forgiven for a bit of scepticism towards this new release. Maplesoft stress, however, that this release is vital. Amongst the enhancements in Maple 2018 are:

• A new Context Panel which collates some of the software’s Clickable Math tools
• Enhancements to Maple’s code editor
• Improved conversion tools and deeper integration of units into the mathematics engine
• Encryption tools to enable you to hide your work
• Tools to enable you to streamline application development

To check out what’s new with Maple, visit the Maplesoft guide.

Converting JPG to vector is a technically complex process. Luckily, though, Scan2CAD is here to simplify things. Whether you need to convert JPG to DWG or convert JPG to DXF. In this article, we’ll cover the ins and outs of the conversion process, and show you how you can convert JPG to vector in just a few clicks.

About JPG

Even a computing novice would be familiar with the JPG file format. JPG is, after all, the standard image format for digital photography. As such, anyone who’s ever taken a photo on a digital camera or smartphone will have created a JPG.

For our purposes, however, we’ll need to dive in a little deeper. The first fact to be aware of is that JPG is a raster file format. This means that, like other raster formats, JPGs display a map of colored pixels—with each pixel distinct from all the others. As such, there is no structure to a JPG.

Take the image above, for example. The human eye is able to see that the image portrays a floorplan. The JPG format itself, however, simply stores separate colored pixels—in this case, black, white and gray. It cannot provide information about how these pixels are connected to one another, nor about what the image portrays. This aspect of the nature of JPG files is an important reason as to why they are unsuitable for use with CAD software—and why you would need to convert JPG to vector.

This isn’t the only drawback to using JPG, however. Firstly, as is the case with other raster files, you cannot zoom into or scale a JPG without losing quality. Secondly, you cannot attach information to a JPG—rendering it useless for CAD purposes.

Meanwhile, the JPG file format exhibits some weaknesses even when compared to other raster formats. Key to this is JPG’s use of lossy compression. In a nutshell, this means that, when you save a JPG file, you sacrifice some image quality in exchange for a smaller file size. This works well for JPG’s intended use of digital photography, but makes it completely unsuitable for CAD, where crisp, clear images are necessary.

An additional drawback of lossy compression is the appearance of compression artifacts. You may have noticed these if you’ve ever mistakenly saved an image as a JPG: blurriness, dots or blocks appearing around the edge of a line or shape, making the image appear of low quality.

Tip: JPG files are not the only raster files you may convert to vector using Scan2CAD. If you have other raster images, this guide discusses how Scan2CAD may also be used for vector conversion of these formats. 

With so many disadvantages to the JPG format, you may wish to convert JPG to vector. Let’s take a deeper look at vector files to see what advantages they offer.

About vector files

Vector files stand in stark contrast to JPGs for numerous reasons. Firstly, a vector file is made up of objects, as opposed to a JPG, which is made up of pixels. These objects lie at a fixed relative position within the image, defined by Cartesian coordinates. The result of this is that it is possible to display a vector image at virtually any scale without losing quality.

Additionally, it is possible to edit each of the objects that make up a vector image separately. Deleting an object from the image, for example, takes just a couple of clicks. This distinguishes vector files from JPGs, where any edit will affect the image as a whole.

Another benefit to the use of objects, as opposed to pixels, is the ability to attach information to those objects. This is particularly useful in fields such as architecture, where a designer could, for example, specify the building material of a certain object. As businesses have embraced PLM and adopted more holistic approaches towards design, this feature has become ever more useful.

Vector file formats for CAD

When you convert JPG to vector, you need to make sure that you get the most out of your converted image. The best way to ensure this is by converting to a format that your software supports—in the case of CAD software, this means either DWG or DXF. We’ll run through the differences between these formats and the pros and cons of each.

DWG

Anyone who’s ever used Autodesk’s flagship CAD software AutoCAD will be familiar with the DWG format. In fact, the history of DWG is intertwined with that of AutoCAD; it serves as the native file format for the CAD application, with new versions of the DWG format released to coincide with new versions of AutoCAD.

With this in mind, DWG is the ideal format for any designer who works with AutoCAD. That’s because, unlike DXF, DWG is able to support the full range of AutoCAD-specific vector entities, such as dynamic blocks. It’s also a more natural fit for 3D design than DXF.

Nonetheless, there are still some drawbacks to DWG. Key to this is that, as a proprietary format, developers must pay to include support for DWG in their software. While some have attempted to find workarounds, others have simply excluded DWG from their software. This means that, if you’re collaborating with designers from other teams, they may not have access to DWG-compatible programs. The safest bet here is to opt instead for DXF.

Converting JPG to DWG? Check out this in-depth article discussing the pros and cons.

DXF

The raison d’être of the DXF format is to enable designers to collaborate even if they use different CAD programs. Autodesk developed the format as an open standard, meaning that developers were free to build support for DXF into their software.

Today, DXF has become ubiquitous, and virtually every CAD program on the market supports it. However, this means that, to some extent, it must act as a kind of “lowest common denominator” vector format. As such, it lacks support for some program-specific objects. Nonetheless, users looking to convert JPG to vector are unlikely to need such sophisticated features. As such, it stands as one of the best options for vectorization purposes.

Preparing to convert JPG to vector

Having covered the details on JPG and vector files, we’ll now move onto how to convert JPG to vector. Our first piece of advice, unfortunately, might come a little too late for some: avoid JPG where possible.

As we noted above, saving your image as a JPG worsens its quality, and makes it trickier to produce a usable vector file at the end. That’s why, if you’re looking to convert from raster to vector, you should consider saving your image in a different raster format. Here at Scan2CAD, we recommend converting from TIFF to vector instead.

Unfortunately, changing your file format isn’t always possible: a colleague may have sent you a JPG version of a scanned image, for example. And simply saving your JPG as a TIFF later won’t change things—once you’ve saved an image as JPG, the damage is done. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t undo some of this damage later on.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a few helpful tips on how Scan2CAD can help you get the most out of your JPG:

• Reduce the number of colors in your image. Vectorization works best when your image has as few colors as possible—preferably, only two: black and white. Unfortunately, JPG’s lossy compression has a habit of turning black and white images into grayscale images. Scan2CAD’s Thresholding tool allows you to undo this damage, separating the shades of gray into black and white. For images containing different colors, try out the Segment tool instead.
• Thicken your lines. This is a particularly useful tip when you scan in an image from a paper copy. In this situation, you may often find that gaps may appear in the lines in your image. Using Scan2CAD’s Thicken tool to reduce these gaps makes it easier to convert JPG to vector.
• Smooth the image. When you scan an image, you may find that the edges of any shapes in your image are ‘hairy’. Smoothing helps to eliminate these ‘hairs’, making your image crisper.
• Deskew the image. Try as we might, it’s not always possible to scan in an image at a perfect angle. This means that, when you open the JPG on your computer, you may find that the image is not completely straight. Luckily, Scan2CAD has a deskewing tool, which allows you to shift the image back into place. Be careful with this tool, though, as it can have a negative impact on image quality.

The right (and wrong) way to convert JPG to vector

Once you’ve used the above steps to clean up your JPG, you’re ready to convert your image. But how exactly can you accomplish this? In fact, you have some options.

The first option is to trace over your image manually. This process starts in an image editor which supports both raster and vector images, such as Illustrator or Inkscape. If the quality of your JPG is particularly low, this might be a good option, as you’ll be able to pick out details that a computer program simply wouldn’t be able to discern. However, this is a very time-consuming option—a single JPG could take hours to convert.

Your alternative, then is to use automatic tracing. Provided you have a good quality image to start off with, automatic tracing software can help you to convert JPG to vector in a matter of seconds. Unfortunately, not all automatic tracing software is created equal. If you choose to use an online JPG to vector converter, for example, you could find yourself facing problems such as:

• Poor quality conversion outputs
• Risking the property of your intellectual property
• Lack of adequate features for technical conversion
• Downloading viruses and Trojan horses

With the potential for seriously dire consequences, choosing an online converter simply because it’s free just isn’t worth the risk. Instead, opt for a trustworthy program that specializes in technical raster-to-vector conversion: Scan2CAD.

How to convert JPG to vector in Scan2CAD

It often surprises newcomers, but Scan2CAD makes it refreshingly simple to convert JPG to vector. In fact, as long as you have a good quality JPG, you can actually complete the conversion process itself in just a few clicks! See Scan2CAD in action below:

Why choose Scan2CAD?

As you can see, Scan2CAD offers lightning-fast JPG-to-vector conversion. But it isn’t just any software—it’s the ultimate vectorization software. That’s because Scan2CAD contains all the tools you need for every stage of the conversion process. With Scan2CAD, you can clean up and optimize your raster image prior to conversion, vectorize your image, and perform any necessary finishing touches to ensure that you’re ready to open your new vector image in your CAD software of choice.

We could sit here for hours talking about our raster editing features, smart OCR or object recognition—but we’d rather you saw what Scan2CAD can do for yourself. That’s why we offer our users a 14-day, no obligation free trial. There are no watermarks and no restrictions, meaning you can really put Scan2CAD to the test!

This month sees news from major players in both hardware and software. Firstly, we’ll be checking out the release of Revit 2019 to see what innovations Autodesk have included in the latest version of their popular BIM software. Then, we’ll be taking a look at the latest budget-friendly mobile workstations from industry powerhouse HP.

Afterwards, we’ll head back to the world of CAD software, as we explore the MacOS release of BricsCAD Shape, the free conceptual design tool for engineers and architects. Finally, we’ll take a detour into an exciting new plotter that can draw on any surface: Scribit. Let’s dive in!

Autodesk launches Revit 2019

If you’re familiar with BIM (or have read our guide to building information modeling), you’ll know that Revit stands as top dog when it comes to BIM software. One of the most popular architecture software suites, the ability to create in 3D and 4D with Revit is hard to beat. It’s for this reason that the launch of a new edition of Revit always generates plenty of excitement.

Right on cue, Autodesk released Revit 2019 earlier this month. In creating the new version, Autodesk took inspiration from customer feedback, with the company inviting requests on its Revit Ideas pages. This prompted the company to improve the overall design environment, as well as the architectural design experience.

The Revit team’s goal was threefold: to help users design, optimize and connect. In keeping with this, Revit’s new features include:

Design

• Greater control over view graphics
• Tabbed views and multi-monitor support
• Levels in 3D views and uncropped perspective to make 3D design more immersive
• Complex fill patterns and lifelike renderings
• New features to help users capture design intent

Optimize

• More complex piping networks

Connect

• More streamlined design-to-fabrication workflows for steel design
• Dimensions for curved objects in section views
• Enhanced 3D modeling and communication of fabrication instructions
• Structural Precast Extension for Revit 2019
• Autodesk BIM 360 collaboration tools

With yet more new features available at the Autodesk blog, it’s clear that the company aren’t resting on their laurels. In fact, it was only last month that the company unveiled AutoCAD 2019. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for Autodesk software in the near future!

HP releases “most affordable mobile workstation”

“The most affordable mobile workstation”—but is it worth the hype? Image source: HP.

Here at Scan2CAD, we know that behind all great CAD work lies a trusty computer. It’s for this reason that we created our rundown of the best workstations for CAD—as well as a guide for those who want to build their own ultimate CAD PC.

No matter which approach you take, however, the issue of getting a great machine for a low price is one that still plagues many a CAD professional. Thankfully, HP have ridden to the rescue this month by launching the ZBook 15V.

The new machine forms part of HP’s ever-expanding ZBook range, with the launch coming alongside revamped ZBook 15 and 17 models. The 15V attracts our attention, however, for the price, with a starting price of just $950.

With a price tag this low, it’s easy to see why HP called the 15V “the most affordable mobile workstation”. But can you really get a great mobile workstation for under $1,000?

Things do certainly get off to a good starting point, with the machine featuring up to 32 GB of RAM, plus up to 6 GB of storage. As for the CPU, both Intel Core and Xeon options are available. Meanwhile, when it comes to the all-important graphics card, CAD users may well want to opt for the NVIDIA Quadro P600 option.

Once you factor in the various extras that you’ll need to complete professional CAD work, the price tag may start to swell a little. Nonetheless, this could be an ideal workstation for any students learning CAD, offering users great specs at a low price. Check the ZBook 15V out at HP.

BricsCAD Shape comes to MacOS

A few months ago, we featured BricsCAD amongst our top 5 affordable AutoCAD alternatives. However, its developers, Belgian CAD firm Bricsys, aren’t happy to merely be an alternative: they want to put their own stamp on the CAD industry.

The company’s innovative spirit led them to create BricsCAD Shape, a conceptual modeling tool for architects and engineers. BricsCAD Shape boasts a simple UI that all designers should get to grips with in mere minutes. But it’s no slouch, featuring smart parametric doors, windows, materials and more. Oh, and did we mention that it’s free—including for commercial use?

So far, so good. Unfortunately, the software has, thus far, only been available to Windows users. Thankfully, the Bricsys team set to work to expand their software’s reach. In April, they revealed the results of their hard work to the world, as BricsCAD Shape for MacOS hit the market.

With the release of this software, both Windows and Mac users can create fully CAD-accurate, real 3D models. You can then remake and remix these models over and over again. When you’re ready, simply save the design as a DWG file, and then go direct to BIM. Put all of this together, and you have a free, simple-to-use design tool that fits within any organization’s existing BIM workflow.

Bricsys have established themselves as one of the most innovative names in CAD. To get in on the action—on Windows or Mac—head to Bricsys.

Scribit: the robot that can draw on any surface

Let’s be honest—plenty of companies resort to pretty hyperbolic language when announcing their new products. With this in mind, we were understandably sceptical when Carlo Ratti Associati announced they’d designed “a new way of drawing”. Thankfully, it seems that what they created really does live up to the hype. Meet Scribit.

Scribit is a vertical plotter system that can turn any surface into your very own canvas. The system takes just a few minutes to set up; just hammer a couple of nails into your wall, plug Scribit in, and you’re ready to let it draw.

Once you’re good to go, the possibilities are near-endless. As Scribit comes with internet connectivity, you can access visuals from across the web. Those who are feeling creative, however, are free to create their own designs. This makes it a perfect choice for applications as wide-ranging as restaurant menus, stock ticker updates or wall art. Plus, if you want to change anything, you can. Scribit can identify the placement of an image upon a surface, and go over it to erase and re-draw.

Those of you already itching to get your hands on Scribit still have a bit of a wait on your hands. In fact, we haven’t even reached the crowdfunding phase yet—so any commercial launch is still a long way off! Nevertheless, we’re certainly already looking forward to the possibilities offered by this neat little robot. To learn more about how it all works, visit Scribit.

It’s for this reason that we here at Scan2CAD have put together this rundown of some of the best workstations for CAD, specifically desktop computers. If you’re looking for more mobile options you can see our article on the best laptops for CAD. We’ll also include the specs and stats you need to make an informed decision. Let’s jump in!

History of CAD Workstations

Once upon a time, a workstation was a radically different concept to a standard PC. In their earliest incarnations, workstations were single-user minicomputers. As such, a machine’s computing power—which was intended to support several users—was instead used by just one person. Over time, manufacturers began creating dedicated single-user workstations, but whilst they came to physically resemble PCs, they were far more powerful.

Workstations in the 1980s had the objective of meeting the three Ms: a Megabyte of memory, a Megapixel display, and a MegaFLOPS computing performance. Though these targets no longer seem remotely ambitious, they far outstripped the capabilities of standard PCs of the time. With high performance came high prices, however—it wasn’t until 1986 that Sun released the first sub-$10,000 workstation.

Despite the steep cost, workstations proved invaluable for CAD professionals. Their reliability, high computing performance and support for graphics made them perfect for work on 2D drafting software and, later, 3D modelling software. PCs, meanwhile, had very limited capabilities, and were not suitable for CAD use.

Over time, however, workstations and PCs have grown closer together, to the point where it can sometimes be hard to tell what the difference is between them. The two classes of machine now share technology—and, as a result, the price difference between the two is significantly smaller.

What is the Difference between a CAD Workstation and a CAD PC?

Nowadays, PCs and workstations look superficially largely the same. Indeed, CAD workstations are, essentially, a subset of PCs. As such, the distinguishing features of a workstation are found at the component level. Workstations are built to last, with faster processors, a greater number of cores, more memory, and, crucially, a better graphics card.

This durability is necessary to cope with the strain of coping with CAD work, and ensures that users will not have to frequently replace their entire machine. After all, a workstation’s intended user will make their living from what they do with their computer—so, it needs to be reliable.

As you may expect, these higher standards mean that workstations are costlier than consumer PCs. However, the price gap is far less pronounced than it once was. Rather than a workstation costing orders of magnitude greater than a standard PC, the difference may now be as little as $100. The price can be even lower when you build your own workstation, rather than buying a pre-built machine.

What to Look out for

There’s plenty of competition in today’s workstation market, ensuring that manufacturers have gone all out to produce some truly terrific workstations for CAD. But this also leaves consumers with the dilemma of working out which machine is worth their hard-earned cash.

When buying a workstation, therefore, you need to know which factors to pay attention to. Luckily, we’ve put together a quick shopping list of features you should look out for in a great workstation:

• Budget. An easy one to start off with, but it’s worth mentioning: be sure to stick to your budget. This doesn’t just mean looking at the price of a machine as a whole, but also knowing what to prioritize. Is it worth having a touchscreen if you can spend the extra money on better processing power instead, for example? Be aware of what you actually want your machine to do, and spend money on that.
• Memory. Most CAD applications demand a lot of RAM—particularly those that perform complex rendering, simulation or analysis tasks. This means you’ll need a machine that puts plenty of memory at your disposal. Some machines also offer tools that correct memory errors, which can prevent major issues from occuring further down the line.
• Graphics. CAD is all about design (it’s in the name!), which means that you need to be able to see your models in their full glory. Workstation-class CAD graphics cards are generally the way to go thanks to their preference for greater levels of detail. NVIDIA Quadro and AMD FirePro are the market leaders in this field.
• Processing. There are plenty of issues to consider when it comes to choosing a processor, from the number of cores and threads through to the clock speed. The former is certainly tricky—some applications want more cores, whilst others can’t handle multiple threading. Check the requirements of the CAD program you use before committing.
• Operating System: Windows is the most popular operating system for CAD. Our top 5 workstations for CAD are suitable for both Windows and Linux operating systems. And if you’re a MacOS user, you will need a dedicated Apple workstation, we’ve 

These are some of the most important factors to check out—but they only just scratch the surface. There are other things to consider, such as the best keyboard for CAD and the best mouse for CAD. Let’s dive in and see what these machines are really made of!

Buying a pre-customized machine isn’t your only option. Thinking of building your workstation from scratch instead? Check out our guide to building the ultimate CAD PC.

Desktop Workstations for CAD

Here are the big beasts—top-of-the-range workstations for CAD for those in need of some serious power. Bear in mind that all machines featured here are customizable, giving you the opportunity to include and exclude components as you see fit to create your ideal CAD machine. Therefore, we recommend that you pay close attention to the specifications of the products we have recommended, do not assume that all workstations with the same model name will contain identical specifications.

We have worked to ensure each of the chosen workstations includes graphics cards fully certified for AutoCAD, as well as a good processor and other such required hardware. We have also opted to list mid-range to higher budget options which should be suitable for both 2D drafting and 3D model rendering. 

If you’re a MacOS user, don’t despair. We’ve added our best Apple Mac picks at the end of this post.

The vast majority of CAD users are still on Windows. As such, all of our recommendations are computers which ship with the Windows operating system. However, if you’re you’re looking for the best Linux workstation for CAD, any of our top 5 picks will be fantastic. You can simply install Linux – instead of Windows – on our picks. 

Here are the 5 best workstations for CAD:

1. HP Z2 Mini G9 Workstation
2. Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tower Workstation
3. Dell Precision 3660 Tower
4. HP Z2 Tower G9 Workstation
5. HP Z2 Tower G8 Workstation

These top picks are suitable for both Windows and Linux operating systems.

Be sure to keep reading below for details on each of our picks.

Quick Comparison Chart

The 5 Best Windows and Linux Workstations for CAD

1. HP Z2 Tower G9 Workstation

Product Description

If you prefer a tower desktop over a compact mini desktop workstation like the HP Z2 Mini G9, HP also has you covered with the equally capable HP Z2 Tower G9 workstation. The manufacturer designed the Z2 Tower G9 to run multiple multithreaded apps for fast rendering, real-time ray tracing, and simulation.

This is why the workstation is powered by dedicated graphics cards for CAD as well as Intel Core processors. You can configure the Z2 Tower G9 with up to the Intel Core i7-14700K, although you can still choose one from the 12^th or 13^thgeneration. This workstation is also unique – you can configure it with a GPU from AMD or NVIDIA. As a result, you aren’t just limited to a few high-end GPUs. You can also equip the workstation with entry-level or mid-range GPUs based on your budget.

This level of customization is, however, only possible on the HP online store. If you opt for Amazon, you can purchase the Z2 Tower G9 powered by the Intel Core i7-14700 and the NVIDIA RTX A2000 (with 12GB VRAM). This workstation features 64GB RAM and ships with the Windows 11 Pro operating system. Alternatively, you can buy the Z2 Tower G9 with the Intel Core i7-14700, NVIDIA T400, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage (available here). Other options ship with integrated graphics cards, meaning they aren’t ideal for CAD.

2. Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Workstation

Product Description

Lenovo markets its ThinkStation P-series workstation family as computers built to deliver superior reliability and performance. They can handle heavy workloads and have, in fact, been tested and proven to deliver the performance needed to run even the most demanding software. That is to mean the P-series workstations are ISV-certified.

The ThinkStation P3 is a tower workstation that embodies all the above characteristics. It’s an excellent workstation for CAD design and can run a myriad of other software as well. It can be configured with the 14th-generation Intel Core i3, i5, i7, or i9 chips (or their 13th-generation equivalents). You can also choose from a wide array of professional GPU options, as listed in the table above.

The workstation that’s available on Amazon sports the Intel Core i9-13900, NVIDIA RTX A2000, 1TB SSD, and 64GB RAM. But if these specs don’t tickle your fancy, you can check out the Lenovo online store. Here, you can customize the ThinkStation P3 by choosing different features.

3. Dell Precision 3680 Workstation

Product Description

The Dell Precision 3680 replaces the now-discontinued Dell Precision 3660 tower workstation but extends the legacy attached to Dell’s lineup of 3000 series workstations. Sporting the 14^th generation of Intel Core i7-14700 or i9-14900 processors, which have 20 and 24 cores, respectively, the Precision 3680 is well suited for CAD.

However, these processors are overkill if you solely wish to use them to run CAD software. This is because CAD applications often only require a single core. For this reason, the Dell Precision 3680 is best suited for multitasking. The processors are nonetheless paired with up to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD.

The Dell Precision 3680 can be configured with dedicated professional CAD GPUs from either NVIDIA or AMD. You can choose from the new-generation NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada or the previous-generation NVIDIA T1000. You can also configure it with the previous-generation AMD Radeon Pro W6400. (But bear in mind that AMD has already rolled out the 7000 series of its Radeon Pro GPUs.)

It’s also worth noting that the options available on Amazon are quite limited. (Amazon’s catalog features the Dell Precision 3680 with the NVIDIA T1000 GPU or the more inferior Intel integrated graphics.) Dell’s online store, on the other hand, has a much more extensive catalog and offers the freedom to customize the workstation with a broad array of features. So, if you’re willing to trade off the convenience that comes with buying on Amazon, you can check out Dell’s website.

4. HP Z2 Mini G9 Workstation

Product Description

HP claims the HP Z2 Mini is the world’s most powerful mini workstation. And by looking at the features, it’s easy to see how they may have arrived at this conclusion. The Z2 Mini G9 has a sleek new look and a petite design. Under the hood, it can be configured with up to the 14^th generation Intel Core i9, up to the NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada GPU, up to 64GB RAM, and up to 8TB storage.

However, these advanced features are only available if you purchase the Z2 Mini G9 on HP’s online store. The site lets you customize the product. In fact, per the desktop’s datasheet, the Z2 Mini G9 can be configured with a processor from different processor families. These families include the Intel Core i3, i5, i7, and i9 from the 12^th, 13^th, and 14^thgenerations. You can also choose one of several professional GPUs.

If you prefer the convenience that comes with shopping on Amazon, you have a few pre-built options. You can select the option with Intel Core i3-12100, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada. Alternatively, you can purchase the one with the Intel Core i9-14900, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada.

5. HP Z2 Tower G8 Workstation

Product Description

HP markets the HP Z2 G8 workstation as the new benchmark for entry workstation power. Built in such a way that allows expansion, this workstation is future-proof, with one of the drawbacks being the fact that it uses Intel processors, whose motherboards, unlike AMD, are not cross-generational. You see, while you can install the latest AMD CPU on an AMD motherboard from a few years/generations back, the same cannot be said of Intel GPUs. Even so, you can still upgrade the storage, graphics card, and memory.

The HP Z2 G8 we have identified is powered by a single 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-11700 and Nvidia T1000 4GB GPU. Additionally, it boasts 16GB DDR4 RAM as well as 512GB SSD for unmatched speed.

Compared to the HP Z4 G4 workstation, the Z2 G8 has another key drawback, which could be attributed to the fact that it is cheaper and an entry workstation. For one, you cannot configure/customize this particular workstation on the HP store – it is available with the same spec.

The Best MacOS Workstations for CAD

Whilst the most popular operating system for CAD continues to be Windows, there is a growing percentage of macOS CAD users, owing in part to the evolving sophistication of macOS-dedicated versions of popular CAD applications. This has made macOS computers good for CAD. However, keep in mind that some CAD programs, such as SolidWorks and CATIA, are not available for Mac. To use them, you first have to run Windows on the macOS device via a virtual machine/parallel. That said, other CAD applications, such as AutoCAD and SketchUp, are available on macOS and work perfectly with Apple’s ARM-based chips. 

It is worth pointing out that Apple also offers a good range of macOS laptops so if you prefer a more mobile option check out our comparison of the best laptops for CAD. However, we will continue to keep this post focused on the best workstations for CAD. On the macOS front, you have four great options.

1. iMac 24″

Product Description

The new 24-inch iMac, announced in 2024, continues the design philosophy introduced when Apple launched the M1-powered iMac in 2021 with a much larger 24-inch display. (The M1-powered iMac replaced the 21.5-inch Intel-powered iMac.) The new M4-powered iMac, therefore, features a 24-inch 4480 by 2520 display.

Under the hood, it’s powered by an 8-core or 10-core CPU, with the graphics processing handled by an 8-core or 10-core GPU. You can configure the iMac with a 16-core M4 with up to 24GB of unified memory and up to 1TB of SSD storage. The iMac with a 20-core M4 can be configured with up to 32GB of unified memory and up to 2TB of storage. (It’s worth pointing out that the core count does not include the neural engine cores.)

Compared to the previous-generation 2021 iMac with M1, the new M4-powered desktop is more powerful. Apple claims it’s up to 1.7x faster for daily productivity tasks and 2.1x faster for demanding workflows like CAD design.

The iMac starts at $1,299.00. This amount includes the cost of the iMac as well as the Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard. You can purchase extras like the Magic Trackpad and the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad separately.

2. Mac Studio

Product Description

In March 2025, Apple unveiled the new Mac Studio, featuring the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips. Marketed as the “ultimate pro desktop,” the 2025 Mac Studio delivers professional-level performance. In fact, it offers greater performance than the previous-generation model, which was powered by the M1 Max or M1 Ultra chips.

With support for up to 512GB of unified memory and up to 16TB of superfast SSD storage, the Mac Studio is the most powerful Mac on Apple’s lineup, according to the company. The Mac Studio with M4 Max is 3.5x faster than the previous generation M1 Max-powered Mac Studio.

Featuring the world’s fastest CPU core, according to Apple, the Mac Studio with M4 Max delivers excellent single-threaded CPU performance. This capability makes it perfect for running CAD software, which ordinarily only requires a single core. But this desktop would be an overkill if you want to use it to run CAD software. You are better off choosing the Apple Mac Mini. But if your workflow also involves other complex workflows that require outstanding multithreaded CPU performance, then the Mac Studio with M4 Max is an excellent choice.

On the other hand, the Mac Studio with M3 Ultra is nearly 2x faster than the Mac Studio with M4 Max. At the same time, it’s up to 2.6x faster than the previous-generation M1 Ultra-powered Max Studio. It’s perfect for rendering and AI applications, just to mention a few. It can be quite useful as the role of AI in CAD continues to evolve.

3. Mac Mini

Product Description

The Apple Mac Mini is the company’s most compact desktop computer, measuring 12.7 cm (5.0 inches) by 12 cm (5.0 inches) by 5 cm (2.0 inches), respectively. This means the length and width are shorter than the longest dimension of the iPhone 16 Pro (14.96 cm or 5.89 inches). The small form factor and its maximum weight of 730 grams or 1.6 pounds make the new Mac Mini a portable desktop.

It’s powered by an M4 with 10 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores or an M4 pro with 12 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores. The former can be configured with up to 32GB unified memory and up to 2TB storage, while the latter can be equipped with up to 64GB unified memory and up to 8TB SSD storage.

According to Apple, the Mac Mini with M4 delivers up to 1.8x faster CPU performance and up to 2.2x faster GPU performance over the previous-generation M1-powered Max Mini. The Mac Mini with M4 Pro’s GPU is up to 2x faster than the performance delivered by the M4’s GPU. It also has what Apple claims is the world’s fastest CPU core. This makes the Mac Mini with M4 Pro ideal for running CAD software applications.

In terms of connectivity, the Mac Mini features two front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack. Its rear features additional ports: three Thunderbolt 4 or 5 ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port.

4. Apple Mac Pro

Product Description

All the other MacOS desktops above don’t support expansion. This is perhaps why the Mac Pro exists. It includes seven PCIe slots that let you add storage, video and audio I/O, and networking cards. Other notable features include the M2 Ultra chip with 24 CPU cores and up to 76 GPU cores. While the M2 Ultra was the largest and most capable chip Apple had ever created when it was unveiled in 2023, this status has been taken over by the M3 Ultra.

That said, the Mac Pro is quite capable. Its M2 Ultra delivers up to 20% faster CPU performance and 30% GPU performance than the M1 Ultra. This performance is also aided by up to 192GB of unified memory and up to 8TB of superfast SSD storage.

With a starting price of $6,999.00, the Mac Pro is the most expensive desktop in Apple’s lineup, bearing in mind that it can be optioned to over $11,500. But Apple includes a Magic Mouse and a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad whenever you purchase the Mac Pro, perhaps to offset the total cost. This means you only need to purchase a display.

What About Building A Custom CAD Workstation?

A workstation is just one piece of the puzzle if you are looking to build the ultimate CAD PC. You need to consider peripherals such as a keyboard and mouse, in addition to a monitor. As we have detailed in our article, the best mouse for CAD offers comfort, has high sensitivity, and has several programmable buttons, just to mention a few factors.

If you are looking for the best mouse for CAD, for example, the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse is your best bet., if you are looking for a high-precision CAD mouse, you can go with the Keychron M6. Check out the article for a more comprehensive list.

We have also covered the best keyboard for CAD as well as the best monitor for CAD. Check out these detailed articles for inspiration and guidance on what to purchase.

Conclusion

Finding the best workstation for CAD is not easy as some manufacturers can make promises that sometimes are just that… promises. And since workstations pack more power and are designed to effectively handle the heat generated by the processor and GPU more effectively, they are more powerful than their laptop equivalents. To help you in your journey, we have compiled a list of the best workstations for Windows and Linux, as well as the best workstations for macOS. And to recap, here are the best workstations according to category.

• Best macOS workstation for CAD: Apple Mac Studio
• Best Windows/Linux workstation for CAD: HP Z2 Tower G9

If you found this article useful, you may benefit from these other popular comparisons on the best hardware for CAD:

• Compared: The Best Monitors for CAD
• Compared: The Best Laptops for CAD
• Compared: The Best Tablets for CAD
• Compared: The Best Graphics Cards for CAD
• Are MacOS Computers Good For CAD?
• Compared: The Best Keyboards for CAD
• Compared: The Best Mouse for CAD

Fortunately, we’re happy to report that there’s no shortage of Scan2CAD success stories. Amongst them are sculptor David Mayne and model aircraft manufacturers Camden Custom Cutters. In today’s article, though, we’re turning our attention to Steve Mabbutt, a trainee interior designer from South West England. We’ll take a look at how he decided on his career path, his influences, and (of course!) how he uses Scan2CAD.

Scan2CAD: Hi Steve, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for us! So, you’re training in Interior Design at the University of South Wales—why did you choose interior design as a career path?

Steve: I chose interior design years ago while studying graphic design at a lower educational level. I’d grown up obsessed with The Sims and had frequently redesigned and rearranged rooms of my house—much to my mother’s dismay!

Then, coincidentally, I’d been working on a project which involved renovating the local hospital to provide graphic artwork to keep the patients positive and calm. Against my tutor’s advice I created a full design schedule and model, which paved the way for my career today!

Steve’s initial floor plan

Scan2CAD: What excites you about interior design?

Steve: Unlimited possibilities and new technology! Combining design styles and movements from different periods with life in the present day is a challenging task, but the feeling of accomplishment afterwards is completely worth it.

Many people believe interior design to be about fluffy pillows and wallpaper, when the reality is much more architectural. Understanding spatial layouts, building regulations and prioritising the clients’ needs are all part of any project, and I love nothing more than discovering something new that needs to be solved.

Steve’s finished design

Scan2CAD: Who or what are your influences in interior design?

Steve: The influences I use are massively dependent on the project itself. The client will normally have an existing idea. Failing that, the building’s character and history will help me to associate relevant influences. My personal influences, however, are quite broad.

I’m a massive fan of modernist (i.e., De Stijl and Bauhaus), minimalist and industrial styles. People such as Arne Jacobsen (famous for the Egg chair), Eero Saarinen and Tadao Ando have designs I could admire for years. In fact, I recently had the opportunity to visit Japan and see some of Ando’s buildings—I was like a kid in a candy shop!

Scan2CAD: What design software do you use in your work?

Steve: Often, this will depend on what I’m designing. AutoCAD is the main software I use for plans, elevations and sections, while Revit and 3DS Max are used for visual renders. However, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Fusion 360 also get used a great deal, especially when my 3D printer is involved! Oh, and—of course—Scan2CAD!

Scan2CAD: Tell us about a project for which you’ve used Scan2CAD—and show us the end results!

Steve: For my final major project, I had to select an empty building which is in need of a new purpose so that it can be utilized by the local community. I selected a three-storey building in a small town in the South West of England and contacted the local council for as much information as possible.

The plan was to create an arts and crafts center which would bring life back to the area, and repurpose a building which was once part of a leather glove factory. The plans, elevations, sections and area maps were all sent to me as PDF files, and with the size of the project, it would have taken me at least another month to manually redraw everything required.

Steve’s 3D printed model – inside and out!

Scan2CAD dropped that time down to less than an hour, and has actually put me ahead of schedule by so much that I’ve had two holidays since the project started! The plans after conversion were very much usable, though they required some tweaking and cleaning up. Whether that’s down to user error, or just the best I could achieve with dirty scans, it certainly hasn’t caused me any big problems. (Editor’s note: check out our raster cleanup tools for best results!) In fact, fellow students have even asked for help with converting PDF to DWG, too!

If, like Steve, you prefer lounging on a beach to toiling at your desk, you’ll love Scan2CAD, which can vectorize raster images and PDFs in as little as a few seconds. To enjoy learn more about Scan2CAD, click below.

There are plenty of big stories to cover this month. To begin with, we’ll look at the release of AutoCAD 2019, which transforms a suite of programs into just one. Secondly, we’ll check out what’s new in PTC’s latest edition of Creo.

After that, we’ll move on to another innovative feature from the team over at Onshape which aims to end “design gridlock”. Finally, FloMASTER‘s new CAD connectivity comes into focus. Let’s begin!

Autodesk unveils AutoCAD 2019

In every year since 2003, Autodesk has chosen to release its latest version of AutoCAD in March. Though the exact release date always remains under wraps, the CAD community now eagerly awaits the latest version of AutoCAD right as spring rolls around, making it one of the most anticipated events of the CAD calendar. Autodesk did not disappoint this month, with AutoCAD 2019 hitting the market on March 22nd.

The key change that’s being made here is less one of increased functionality, and more one of packaging. Before, AutoCAD was a suite of products, with separate licenses for programs such as AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Mechanical, and so on. Now, that’s changed—the new tagline is “Only One AutoCAD”. What used to be separate products are now “specialized toolsets”: all under one roof. These include:

• Architecture
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• MEP
• Plant 3D
• Map 3D
• Raster Design

You may notice that one AutoCAD product is missing from the list: Civil 3D. This program won’t feature as a specialized toolset; instead, it will become a standalone program, retitled Autodesk Civil 3D.

Another key change is the launch of the AutoCAD web app. This sees AutoCAD join many of its competitors in making a foray into CAD in the cloud. There’s also an AutoCAD mobile app to join other iOS and Android CAD offerings.

Updates to the actual functionality of AutoCAD are less prominent here, but one key change is the introduction of DWG Compare. This allows you to identify the differences between two revisions of a drawing, including the ability to view clashes, changes, and to systematically check details in a file.

Other updates include “Share Design Views”, which lets you share designs without sharing the files themselves, plus new icons and better 2D graphics performance. Check out the full details at Autodesk.

PTC introduces Creo 5.0

If one major release wasn’t enough this March, we’ve got another one to report. This month saw the unveiling of Creo 5.0: the latest version of PTC’s CAD suite. The suite, which “enables users to go from concept to manufacturing in one design environment”, has received some key updates to help it remain competitive in a world where product design is in constant flux.

There are five important new features which set Creo 5.0 apart, including:

• Topology Optimization Extension. Taking a defined set of objectives and parameters, the Topology Optimization Extension automatically generates a number of optimized designs. This tool aims to allow users to create more efficient parts, helping to speed up the design process and introduce more innovation.
• Additive Manufacturing Plus Extension for Materialise. If you’re a regular reader, you may seen our 3D printing article. If so, you might remember that we mentioned Materialise: the Belgian 3D printing firm that offers users a variety of printing materials and colors. Users will now be able to print production-grade metal parts straight from Creo 5.0 through Materialise, as well as connecting to Materialise’s online library.
• Mold Machining. This tool offers dedicated machining capabilities for molds, dies, electrodes and prototype machining.
• Flow Analysis. This CFD solution makes it possible to use Creo 5.0 to simulate fluid flow issues. Additionally, it promises great ease-of-use, accuracy, and speed.
• Collaboration Extension for Autodesk Inventor. If you know your Autodesk software, you’ll be familiar with Inventor. Now, you can bring Creo and Inventor together thanks to this extension, which enables data reuse and resource sharing.

With everything from productivity enhancements through to tools for both additive and subtractive machining, it’s clear that this is a substantive update from PTC. Learn more about Creo 5.0 at PTC.

“Treating design gridlock”: Design Data Management 2.0 from Onshape

Ending design gridlock: from files to databases. Image source: Onshape.

Over the last few years, few CAD companies have been quite as innovative as Onshape. Not only were they the first to produce a full-cloud CAD solution, but they also hit the headlines as recently as January, when they unveiled Parametric Modeling 2.0. Now, the team at Onshape are ready to tackle their next problem: design gridlock.

Onshape compare “design gridlock” to a chronic disease, and lament its ability to “[divert] precious engineering energy into useless overhead”. In short, design gridlock refers to the inability of designers and engineers to progress because they are unable to (or are unsure if they can) access the same files. Chasing up correct files takes up precious time—and, after all, time is money.

The solution Onshape offers up is Design Data Management 2.0. Onshape identify files as the “root cause of design gridlock”; the logic goes that, if you get rid of files, you get rid of gridlock.

The alternative, therefore, is to store data in a database. Using the database, you can view all actions by all users, and every previous state of a design remains accessible forever. This means no overwriting—and no losing precious work. Another key benefit is that, because the database exists in the cloud, your data is all in one secure location, rather than being scattered across numerous discrete workstations.

Designers can also use the new functionality to collaborate instantly. Meanwhile, if you wanted different designers to take one design in multiple directions, you can—all working in parallel, whilst the original design remains intact. There are yet more reasons to get excited about Design Data Management 2.0—check them out at Onshape.

FloMASTER increases integration with CAD software

If you’ve really been paying attention to World of CAD, you may remember Siemens’ acquisition of Mentor Graphics in December 2016. Since then, we’ve covered plenty of other Siemens products, with Solid Edge featuring in our top 5 SolidWorks alternatives. Nonetheless, we hadn’t returned to Mentor—until now.

This month, Mentor announced some exciting updates to their computational fluid dynamics software, FloMASTER. Hailed as “the result of extensive years of research and development”, the new release brings CFD closer to CAD by enhancing FloMASTER’s integration with other software.

The key update here is CAD-to-FloMASTER—or CAD2FM, for short. Using this feature, engineers can quickly create representations of 3D systems. In order to do this, it takes 3D descriptions of piping networks, and automatically abstracts them into FloMASTER components. As a result, engineers have to put in less manual work.

While this feature would be newsworthy alone, there are plenty of other FloMASTER features worth talking about. Firstly, there’s new functionality for air conditioning systems, with an enhanced Enthalpy Solver and new components added to the Vapour Cycle library. Due to this, engineers can study and optimize complex systems for aerospace, automotive and building systems.

There are also new enhancements to script-based components; you can now use input and output signals and write custom results. Meanwhile, engineers can expect a better user experience: schematic annotation, a new results dashboard, more powerful parametric analysis tools, and more. If you’d like to find out more, then head over to Mentor.