Alternatives to VariCAD
A 3D and 2D CAD program for mechanical engineering design on Windows and Linux. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
VariCAD
A 3D and 2D CAD program for mechanical engineering design on Windows and Linux.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as VariCAD.
SolidWorks
Industry-standard parametric CAD software for 3D design and product development.
SolidWorks is industry-standard parametric CAD with broad training and plugin resources, but it runs only on Windows and its licensing is costly for individuals.
Autodesk Inventor
Parametric 3D CAD software for mechanical design, simulation and engineering documentation.
Autodesk Inventor provides parametric mechanical modelling with simulation and documentation on Windows, sold by subscription only, whereas VariCAD includes all features in one licence.
Autodesk Fusion 360
Cloud-connected parametric CAD, CAM, and CAE platform with a free personal tier.
Autodesk Fusion 360 combines CAD, CAM and simulation on Windows and macOS with a free personal tier, but it needs an internet connection for full functionality.
FreeCAD
A parametric 3D modeller for real objects: design by sketching constrained 2D shapes, then change the parameters later.
FreeCAD is free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux, with parametric modelling, production drawings and workbenches for FEM and CAM.
Solid Edge
Mainstream parametric CAD software with a free Community edition.
Solid Edge is Siemens parametric CAD for Windows only, with a free Community edition and full features in paid commercial tiers.
IronCAD
Commercial 3D and 2D mechanical CAD software with drag-and-drop design and hybrid modelling.
IronCAD offers hybrid direct and feature-based mechanical modelling with drag-and-drop catalogs on Windows, sold through sales and resellers in several tiers.
Alibre Design
Parametric 3D CAD software for designing mechanical parts and assemblies, with optional CAM add-ons.
Alibre Design is lower-cost parametric CAD for Windows with optional CAM, FEA and motion add-ons, but advanced features need higher editions.
Onshape
Fully browser-based parametric CAD platform with real-time collaboration.
Onshape runs parametric CAD entirely in the browser with real-time collaboration, but needs a stable connection and makes free-tier projects publicly viewable.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
SolveSpace
A tiny parametric 2D and 3D CAD program built around a constraint solver, for designing real parts.
Siemens NX
High-end CAD, CAM, and CAE suite used in aerospace and automotive design.
DesignSpark Mechanical
A direct-modelling 3D CAD program with push-pull tools, aimed at engineers and makers without deep CAD experience.
DraftSight
A commercial 2D CAD desktop application for drafting and editing DWG drawings, from Dassault Systèmes.
Mayo
An open-source 3D CAD viewer and converter for STEP, IGES, STL and other formats.
Zoo Design Studio
A mechanical CAD application on Zoo's own geometry engine, with a built-in conversational CAD agent.
