CAD Software Solutions

PTC’s computer-aided design (CAD) solutions have been the industry standard for product design and development software for parametric modeling, simulation and analysis, and product documentation for more than 30 years. Everyone’s product development challenges are unique—so you need choices, from robust on-prem solutions to innovative pure SaaS CAD solutions.

What is CAD?

Computer-aided design (CAD) is a way to digitally create 2D drawings and 3D models of real-world products before they’re ever manufactured. With 3D CAD, you can share, review, simulate, and modify designs easily, opening doors to innovative and differentiated products that get to market fast.

In 1985, Dr. Samuel Geisberg formed Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) and defined a radically new approach for CAD software. This innovation produced the first parametric and feature-based solid modeling CAD software in the market, which today is known as Creo, the industry standard for product design and development software.

More than 30 years later, the product development industry is beginning to adopt the next wave of technology-driven innovation, as so many other industries already have.

What is a CAD drawing?

A computer-aided design (CAD) drawing is a digital representation of an object, structure, or system created using specialized software to create precise and detailed visual plans. CAD drawings, utilized across various industries, such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing, enhance accuracy and efficiency in the design process by streamlining development and production workflows.

Explore CAD Drawings

Benefits of CAD

Reduce time to market

Increase engineering productivity by quickly modifying and updating designs, speeding up the design process, and reducing the risk of errors.

Increase engineering productivity by quickly modifying and updating designs, speeding up the design process, and reducing the risk of errors.

Enhance documentation and communication

Generate documentation directly in CAD software to accurately capture design data and provide detailed visual representation ensuring alignment among team members.

Generate documentation directly in CAD software to accurately capture design data and provide detailed visual representation ensuring alignment among team members.

Increase product development efficiency

Rapidly evaluate design options for optimization. Identify and eliminate design flaws early in the development process to reduce the cost and time from rework.

Rapidly evaluate design options for optimization. Identify and eliminate design flaws early in the development process to reduce the cost and time from rework.

Streamlined manufacturing

Integrate CAD files directly into machining systems, simplifying production planning, and ensuring a seamless transition from design to production.

Integrate CAD files directly into machining systems, simplifying production planning, and ensuring a seamless transition from design to production.

Accelerate high-quality innovation

Optimize your product performance and quality during the development process with increased precision and accuracy in your designs.

Optimize your product performance and quality during the development process with increased precision and accuracy in your designs.

How to choose CAD software

The mechanical 3D CAD buyer's guide helps you score and select the software that's the best fit for your organization. Using a 7-step process, you'll go through a worksheet of must-have fundamentals like sketching and parts and assembly modeling along with weighing more recent innovations like augmented reality and model-based definition.

3D CAD Selection Guide

Artificial intelligence in CAD

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the CAD industry by enhancing design efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. AI-driven tools leverage machine learning algorithms to automate repetitive tasks, generate optimized designs, and predict potential issues before they arise. This not only accelerates the design process but also improves the quality and functionality of the final product. AI-powered generative design and simulations enable engineers to test multiple scenarios quickly, enabling greater design exploration, reducing the need for physical prototypes, and minimizing costs.

Computer-aided design (CAD) capabilities

Explore Creo's advanced toolset to see how we enable users to expand deeper functionality. From generative design and additive manufacturing to simulation and analysis, learn more about Creo's capabilities in 3D part and assembly design, analysis, manufacturing, and more.

2D drawings

2D drawings serve as blueprints or guides for more complex structures and concepts that help designers and engineers to communicate their ideas effectively and lay the groundwork for further development.

3D design

3D design creates lifelike representations of objects, environments, and characters with advanced software tools.

Additive Manufacturing (AM)

Additive manufacturing can help develop innovative designs, optimize, and print to a variety of printers—all in service of improving quality while reducing costs.

Assembly drawings

Assembly drawings are technical illustrations, including dimensions, materials, and specifications, that guide workers in assembling product or system parts.

Assembly modeling

Assembly modeling involves assembling individual components into a complete, functional system to see how components fit and operate ahead of physical production.

CAM software

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software automates and optimizes production for precise control over machine tools, reduced human error, and enhanced efficiency.

Composite part design and manufacturing

Composite part design and manufacturing in engineering involves combining two or more materials to produce properties that are superior to individual components.

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) helps engineers to optimize their products for performance, reliability, and safety with computer software and tools.

Concept design

Concept design transforms ideas into visual representations, ensuring that the final design aligns with the project’s objectives and user needs.

Generative design

Generative design helps designers leverage software by inputting specific parameters to produce innovative and efficient solutions.

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing provides a comprehensive system to define and communicate engineering tolerances with symbols.

Model-Based Definition (MBD)

Model-based definition is a method of understanding and describing complex systems using mathematical and computational models.

Model-Based Enterprise (MBE)

A model-based enterprise utilizes detailed 3D models and simulations as a central point, enabling efficient workflow and rapid iterations based on real-time data.

MultiCAD

MultiCAD refers to the use of multiple computer-aided design (CAD) software programs and tools in a single project or workflow for greater flexibility and efficiency in design processes.

Simulation and analysis

Validate virtual 3D prototype performance to understand how designs perform in real-world conditions and test the stresses and loads of your design.

PTC’s CAD Products

Creo—Deliver your best designs in less time

Creo delivers the most scalable range of 3D CAD product development packages and tools in today’s market. Its variety of specific features, capabilities, and tools help engineers imagine, design, and create their products better. Creo includes breakthrough capabilities in additive manufacturing, generative design, IoT (Internet of Things), model-based definition (MBD), and augmented reality (AR).

Empower your engineering teams with our robust design system to:

Perform structural, thermal, modal, fatigue, motion, and mold analysis, toggling between steady-state and transient simulation
Create multibody modeling and exclude construction bodies from BOM information and mass property calculations
Run generative studies based on both engineering requirements, as well as manufacturing methods

Onshape—Modernize your product design process

The industry’s first pure Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product development platform unites robust computer-aided design (CAD) with powerful data management, collaboration tools, and real-time analytics. The cloud-native solution is a perfect fit for companies requiring the flexibility of remote design teams, enabling engineers to work together from anywhere, any time, and on any device.

Quickly deploy Onshape on any computer or mobile device to enable your teams with:

Real-time design views and collaborative workflows for interactive design reviews and concurrent design edits
Built-in version control and data management to eliminate the need for separate PDM (Product Data Management) systems
In-sync bill of materials (BOM) tables with editing assemblies
A robust REST API for improved integrations across your systems
Increased security from role-based access, AES-256 encryption, and more

Explore Onshape

Put the power of the cloud to work for you with Creo+ 

Creo+ combines the power and proven functionality of Creo, delivered via SaaS, with new cloud-based tools to enhance collaboration, improve accessibility for engineers, and simplify license management for CAD administrators. Creo+ is compatible with on-premises versions of Creo for better interaction with engineering colleagues and suppliers. 

CAD solutions for industry innovation

Electronics & high-tech

Electronics and high-tech companies face fast product cycles and relentless demand for groundbreaking solutions. CAD empowers these industries to stay ahead, streamlining product development and enabling rapid innovation.

With advanced tools like generative design, simulation, and additive manufacturing, CAD allows companies to develop designs with unparalleled precision and speed. By harnessing these capabilities, businesses can reduce time to market while creating cutting-edge products that meet evolving market demands.

Consumer electronics

CAD software enables consumer electronics companies to tackle challenges head-on with tools that accelerate development and improve product design.

Rapid innovation: CAD facilitates faster iteration cycles, allowing companies to meet tight market deadlines without compromising quality. Bringing together teams with collaborative design tools ensures smoother workflows and quicker decision-making.
Miniaturization: CAD supports the development of compact yet powerful devices. Features like generative design allow engineers to explore optimized geometries that reduce weight and volume while maintaining functionality, essential for wearables and portable electronics.
Sustainability: With a growing emphasis on eco-friendly design, CAD helps integrate sustainable materials and modular designs. PTC solutions make it easier to evaluate environmental impacts early in the design process, reducing waste and supporting recycling initiatives.

Industrial automation and controls

Industrial automation and controls companies require intricate system designs capable of integrating advanced technologies like AI and IoT. CAD solutions provide the precision and flexibility needed for designing these complex, high-performance systems.

System complexity management: CAD helps streamline the design of intricate, multi-component systems, ensuring every part fits and interacts flawlessly. Assembly modeling and simulation allow teams to validate designs under real-world conditions before manufacturing.
IoT and AI integration: CAD simplifies the design of components that incorporate smart technologies. This includes housing for sensors, integrated circuits, and other IoT-enabled elements that power connected systems, critical to automation.
Efficiency gains: By utilizing CAD’s multibody modeling and automated documentation features, manufacturers can significantly enhance production efficiency, lower costs, and minimize errors during assembly.

Equipment and infrastructure

The equipment and infrastructure sector demands precise designs and robust solutions for projects of significant scale and complexity. CAD solutions support this industry by providing advanced tools that facilitate the design, analysis, and optimization of large-scale systems and structures.

Simulation for performance optimization: Equipment and infrastructure projects rely on components that must perform flawlessly under various conditions. CAD’s simulation tools enable engineers to test structures virtually, evaluating scenarios such as load, stress, thermal impact, and environmental factors. This ensures designs meet safety and performance standards before construction or manufacturing begins.
Assembly modeling for complex systems: Large-scale systems often involve numerous interconnected components. With CAD's assembly modeling capabilities, teams can design and validate complex assemblies, ensuring that all parts function together seamlessly. This is especially critical for heavy machinery, energy installations, and transportation systems where precision is paramount.
Generative design for efficient solutions: Generative design helps optimize the use of materials and creates innovative configurations that reduce weight and enhance functionality. This is particularly valuable in infrastructure projects like bridges, tunnels, and industrial equipment, where efficiency and durability are essential.
Streamlined collaboration across teams: Projects of this magnitude often involve multiple stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, and construction disciplines. CAD centralizes design data, promoting collaboration and real-time updates. This minimizes communication gaps, ensures alignment, and accelerates project timelines.

Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS)

Electronics manufacturing services (EMS) providers operate under a demanding set of requirements, from high-volume production to tight tolerances. CAD solutions are designed to meet these needs with advanced tools that support precision and scalability.

Production workflow optimization: CAD integrates smoothly with manufacturing systems, enabling a seamless flow from design to production. This eliminates inefficiencies and ensures that designs are translated into fully manufacturable products.
Precision and quality: By enabling virtual testing and simulation, CAD ensures that every component meets exacting standards, minimizing errors and defects during production.
High-volume manufacturing: Features like additive manufacturing allow EMS providers to quickly prototype and scale production with enhanced material efficiency, reducing overall turnaround times and costs.

Aerospace & Defense

Aerospace and defense companies choose PTC’s CAD solutions for their ability to handle the complexity, scale, and regulatory demands of mission-critical product development. Creo offers powerful, parametric, and simulation-driven capabilities for designing high-performance systems such as fighter jets, satellites, and UAVs. With deep integration into PLM tools like Windchill, Creo offers full traceability and compliance. Onshape brings cloud-native speed and flexibility to the design process, enabling real-time collaboration across globally distributed teams without the need for local installs or manual file management. Ultimately, PTC’s CAD solutions provide a robust, future-ready CAD foundation that supports innovation, security, and agility across every phase of the aerospace and defense product lifecycle.

Explore Our Aerospace and Defense Solutions

Industrials

Industrial manufacturers face increasing product complexity, shrinking margins, and pressure to accelerate time to market. PTC’s CAD solutions—anchored by Creo—enable teams to create comprehensive 3D models, streamline collaboration, and deliver high-quality, manufacturable designs faster. With support for model-based definition and seamless PLM integration, PTC’s CAD solutions help industrial companies reduce errors, improve efficiency, and drive innovation.

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Heavy Equipment

Heavy equipment manufacturers must design robust, configurable machines that meet rigorous performance and compliance standards. CAD tools empower teams with model-based design capabilities, enabling the creation of accurate 3D models, performance simulations, and seamless delivery of up-to-date product data to downstream teams. This streamlines workflows, reduces rework, and accelerates delivery.

Machinery & Tooling

Machinery and tooling companies require precision and customization to support a wide range of production technologies. CAD solutions streamline the design of both serial and special machines, promote the reuse of design elements, and integrate seamlessly with PLM. This ensures accurate, up-to-date product data flows across engineering and manufacturing.

Industrial Components

Component manufacturers manage extensive product catalogs and must deliver highly configurable parts to OEMs and machine builders. CAD solutions simplify the creation of product families, enable design automation, and maintain design intent across all variants. This accelerates time to market, enhances design quality, and ensures manufacturers meet the demands of their customers.

MedTech

CAD is essential in medical device development, where precision, safety, and speed are critical. From surgical tools to orthopedic implants and custom prosthetics, CAD enables engineers to visualize, simulate, and refine complex geometries early—reducing risk and accelerating innovation across the product lifecycle.

Efficiency & Costs: CAD streamlines workflows, reduces prototyping cycles, and minimizes waste. Integrated with 3D printing, it enables rapid, cost-effective production of patient-specific and low-volume devices, supporting faster iteration and personalization.
Quality & Innovation: High-fidelity models support rigorous testing, virtual validation, and regulatory compliance, while enabling creative exploration of novel, life-enhancing technologies and treatment solutions.
Model-Based Enterprise (MBE): CAD is the backbone of MBE, where a single 3D model governs design, simulation, manufacturing, and documentation—ensuring consistency, traceability, and faster time to market through digital continuity.

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How is CAD software used?

Computer-aided design (CAD) software is widely used across various industries to create precise drawings and technical illustrations, empowering engineers and designers to transform concepts into 2D and 3D models. See how top companies harness CAD software to enable the creation of complex designs with innovation and efficiency.

Hill Helicopters unlocks top-class performance processes

Hill Helicopters took control of their data management, change control, and other business processes to make the production of visually stunning designs the foundation of their strategy.

Read Their Story

Actronika relies on Onshape for design of interactive products

Actronika designs touch-sensitive haptic technology systems for interactive consumer products and relies on Onshape’s SaaS CAD platform to collaborate with manufacturing partners in real time.

Read Their Story

Cummins: Prioritizing sustainability in product designs with Creo

Leveraging Creo Generative Topology Optimization, Creo Simulate, and Creo Simulation Live (CSL), Cummins is designing and testing digital prototypes to understand how they will perform in a real-world engine system.

Read the Case Study

CUPRA: Optimizing vehicle component design with Creo

Thanks to PTC’s CAD software, CUPRA has managed to optimize the design and manufacturing of their vehicle components resulting in a 15% reduction in component costs.

Read Their Story

SoulArc Boards: Gaining competitive edge in skateboard design with Creo

SoulArc Boards credits Creo for playing a crucial role in the company’s success. Using Creo’s design platform, they meet their internal metrics and design groundbreaking products.

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Lixil accelerates market entry with PTC’s efficient CAD solutions

By combining model-based product development (MBPD) with Creo’s powerful simulation capabilities, Lixil saves months of time on their entire design process.

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MAN Energy Solutions enhances manufacturing with Creo’s 3D CAM tools

Creo NC and Tool Design has allowed MAN ES to optimize their digital processes and reduce complexity in manufacturing producing parts faster than competitors.

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CAD (computer-aided design): Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of computer-aided design? (CAD)

Computer-aided design (CAD) allows users to create digital 2D drawings and 3D models. The creation of these models allows users to iterate on and optimize designs to meet design intent. It increases the quality of the overall design, allowing users to test out real world conditions, loads, and constraints on the design thus creating a virtual prototype of any object.

What are the types of CAD?

2D CAD and 3D CAD are broad classifications of distinct types of CAD, and CAD with the addition of CAE (computer-aided engineering) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software elements is now becoming the norm.

What are the advantages of CAD Software?

Presenting 3D objects accurately is easy in CAD software instead of relying on hand drawn models. Once modeled, a 3D object can be analyzed, optimized, and tweaked with technologies like generative design to create the best version of that object within the scope of design intent.

Who uses CAD Software?

CAD software is used by designers, engineers, and hobbyists to create virtual models of objects. Anyone can use CAD, but we see it most frequently used in the manufacturing space. Any company responsible for the design and creation of a product—from homes to industrial complexes, toys, electronics, cars, and everyday objects—can utilize CAD to create their products.

How do I learn CAD?

PTC’s CAD solution Creo is simple to learn and is known for its ease of use. We offer Creo training that lets you become a Creo power user.

How is Creo different from Creo+?

Creo+ combines the power and proven functionality of Creo, delivered via SaaS, with new cloud-based tools to enhance collaboration, improve accessibility, and simplify license management. In addition to all the capabilities of Creo, Creo+ includes collaboration tools to enable multiple team members to review, explore, and edit part design—in real time. CAD administrators will appreciate the cloud-based desktop tools for license management, deployment, and telemetry services. Creo+ is compatible with on-premises versions of Creo for better interaction with engineering colleagues and suppliers. Get the best of both worlds—proven Creo technology, combined with cloud-connected collaboration and license management tools. 

Does PTC CAD Software, Creo, have AI?

Yes! PTC has been integrating AI into Creo since Creo 7.0 in order to enhance productivity, accelerate design workflows, and enable more innovative engineering outcomes. Since Creo 7, Creo’s Generative Design capabilities have been powered by AI to automatically generate optimized geometry based on user-defined goals, constraints, and loads. With the newest release of Creo, Creo+ 13.0, the Creo AI Assistant (Beta) provides troubleshooting support to users by connecting them directly to the information they need when they need it. It provides an intelligent and context aware search through our Technical Support information and presents that information clearly and directly in the product. During this Beta phase, the Creo AI Assistant is enabled on a subset of error messages. This will be expanded as we move forward on our AI journey. For more information on future AI capabilities, please contact one of our experts.

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