DesignCAD 2025
The CAD people learn on, then keep for twenty years.
A short learning curve with a deep toolset underneath. DesignCAD does real 2D drafting and real 3D modeling without the week of training, and it opens the drawings you already have.
Choose an edition
Two editions, one file format
DesignCAD 2D Express
2D drafting
$99.99perpetual · SKU 52302
Everything you need to produce a dimensioned drawing, and nothing you have to learn around it.
- Full 2D drafting & dimensioning
- DWG / DXF read & write
- Layers, blocks and symbol libraries
- Runs comfortably on older hardware
DesignCAD 3D Max
2D drafting + 3D modeling
$239.99perpetual · SKU 52296
The full product: draw in 2D, model in 3D, render it, and print to scale from the same file.
- Everything in 2D Express
- 3D solid and surface modeling
- Photorealistic rendering
- BasicCAD scripting and macros
- STL export for 3D printing
Which DesignCAD 2025 do I need?
Every edition opens and saves DWG/DXF. The rows below are the ones where the editions actually differ — what changes is how far into 3D and production you go.
| EditionPerpetual, per seat | 2D Express2D drafting$99.99 | Most capable3D Max2D + 3D$239.99 |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Draw Mode | — | ✓ |
| Pre-defined Views | — | ✓ |
| Drawing Compare | — | ✓ |
| Working Plane | — | ✓ |
| 3D Architectool Tool | — | ✓ |
| Lights | — | ✓ |
| Add to cart$99.99 | Add to cart$239.99 |
| BUNDLE | INCLUDES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| DesignCAD 3D Max 2025 + training | 3D Max plus the 2D/3D Computer-Aided Design with DesignCAD guide | $299.99 |
| DesignCAD 2D Express 2025 + training | 2D Express plus the 2D Computer-Aided Design with DesignCAD guide | $139.99 |
Recommended with this purchase
Electronic deliveryLicence key and download link are emailed within minutes of the payment clearing. Nothing ships.
30-day money-back guaranteeIf it does not do the job, tell us inside 30 days and we refund it — on a licence that has not been activated.
Keep the installerAdd the Extended Download Service at checkout and your installer stays available for two years instead of thirty days.
At a glance
Release2025.1
PlatformWindows
Editions2
DeliveryDownload (ESD)
LicencePerpetual
InterfaceEN / DE
ScriptingBasicCAD
3D printingSTL export (3D Max)
SupportIncluded
Already own a DesignCAD licence? An upgrade costs less than a new seat, and a 2D Express licence cross-grades to 3D Max. Check your upgrade price →
Every way to buy it
Editions and licence options
Already own it
Upgrade pricing
Upgrade Center
Coming from an earlier DesignCAD?
Upgrades are priced by how far back your licence goes. A 2D Express licence cross-grades to 3D Max at a lower price than buying 3D Max outright.
| FROM | TO DESIGNCAD 3D MAX 2025 |
|---|---|
| DesignCAD 3D Max, less than 5 years old | $129.99 |
| DesignCAD 2D, less than 5 years old | $169.99 |
| Anything older, or no licence | $239.99 |
What it does
Built for drawings that have to be right
Precision 2D drafting
Coordinate entry, object snaps, constraints and true associative dimensions. Print to scale on any sheet size.
Solid and surface 3D
Extrude, revolve, sweep and boolean real solids, then take them straight to STL for printing.
BasicCAD scripting
Automate the repetitive parts of your own workflow without learning a full programming language.
Reads what you already have
DWG and DXF in and out, so DesignCAD drops into a workflow built around other tools.
Runs on modest hardware
No workstation graphics card required. DesignCAD is deliberately light on the machine.
Perpetual licence
Buy the version, keep the version. No subscription, no phone-home, no expiry on the software you paid for.
Related reading
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Install the trial, open a file you actually have to deliver, and see whether DesignCAD does the job.
Made with DesignCAD
Ships, mechanisms and parts, drawn in DesignCAD.
DesignCAD has a long tail of engineering and modelling work behind it. This is a small part of what customers have sent in.
