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Competitors

Top 15 Autodesk Competitors and Alternatives

Kevin Johnson
July 1, 2023
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11 min read

Autodesk is an American company based in San Francisco, California, which offers software products and services. It was founded in 1982 by John Walker and a team of programmers.

Before establishing Autodesk, Walker acquired the computer-aided design (CAD) program Interact. This app helped design, engineering, and architecture companies create detailed technical drawings cost-effectively. The company enhanced the program with new features and renamed it AutoCAD.

In 2022, Autodesk had around 12,600 employees. The company updated its Autodesk Construction Cloud product in Nov 2022 with reality capture and new BIM model-based workflows. Users can now map and visualize assets in Autodesk Build in 3D. [1]

Autodesk offers several products, including AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, BIM 360, and Fusion 360. These software solutions cater to the architecture, engineering, construction, media, manufacturing, education, and entertainment sectors. Product design experts use Autodesk software to create technical drawings for physical and digital projects, from greener buildings to mesmerizing blockbusters. [2]

Autodesk expanded through strategic acquisitions. The company purchased Ithaca, Softdesk, Buzzsaw, Revit, CAiCE, MechSoft, NavisWorks, Opticore, BIMWorld, Qontext, Tinkercad, CadSoft, Spacemaker, and Innovyze. These acquisitions expanded Autodesk’s capabilities.

In Dec 2022, Autodesk released Revit 2023 with new features. However, the company faces stiff competition from Trimble, TurboCAD, PTC, Siemens, Dassault, Onshape, Matterport, and IronCAD. [3]

Here is an in-depth analysis of Autodesk’s top 15 competitors and alternatives:

1. Trimble (SketchUp)

Year founded: 1978
Headquarter: Westminster, Colorado

Trimble is a technology company that offers hardware, software, and services. It caters to construction, infrastructure, geospatial mapping, transportation, and agriculture sectors. In 2022, Trimble had around 11,825 employees.

Trimble offers SketchUp, 3D design software that simplifies 3D modeling. Users can create 3D text and import 2D views from various angles into another app to develop vector files for 3D logos.

As of June 2023, Trimble had a market cap of $13.05 billion. The company expanded its profit margin to 23.1% in 2022 and expects to hit its 26%-27% target by 2027. Trimble is the top Autodesk competitor and alternative. [4]

2. TurboCAD

Year founded: 1986
Headquarter: Novato, California

TurboCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software app offered by IMSI Design. The tool supports 2D and 3D design and drafting on MacOS and Windows operating systems. In Apr 2023, TurboCAD released TurboCAD 2023 Deluxe with over 20 new visualization and architectural tools. [5]

TurboCAD has two versions for Windows and Mac users, TurboCAD Windows Pro and Mac Pro, which offer 2D and 3D drafting tools. Designers can also use the TurboCAD Platinum edition to access 3D architectural and mechanical design capabilities.

The latest TurboCAD 2023 Deluxe offers several enhancements, including a class detection tool, automatic callouts, and OpenGL. TurboCAD is one of the best alternatives to Autodesk.

3. PTC Inc.

Year founded: 1985
Headquarter: Boston, Massachusetts

PTC is a computer software company owned by Rockwell Automation. It offers PTC Creo software for CAD modeling. In 2022, PTC had about 1,150 technology partners and over 6,500 employees in 80 offices across 30 countries.

PTC Creo is a comprehensive suite of CAD apps for product developers and designers. Users can model parts and assemblies, visualize animations, and create drawings. The company serves customers through ServiceMax and Codebeamer businesses.

Unlike Autodesk, PTC only caters to the manufacturing industry and is one of the best alternatives to Autodesk for manufacturers. [6]

4. Siemens

Year founded: 1966
Headquarter: Munich, Germany

Siemens is a German multinational technology corporation and Europe’s largest industrial manufacturing company. In 2022, Siemens had around 311,000 employees.

Siemens offers Solid Edge, a CAD software app with robust features and capabilities. In Oct 2022, the company introduced Solid Edge 2023 with product development tools to help users create, connect, and collaborate. Siemens is one of the top Autodesk competitors. [7]

5. Dassault Systèmes

Year founded: 1981
Headquarter: Vélizy-Villacoublay, France

Dassault Systèmes is a French Fortune 50 multinational software corporation. The company offers software for 3D product design, simulation, manufacturing, and other 3D-related applications. In 2022, Dassault had around 22,000 employees in 140 countries.

Dassault and Autodesk offer CAD software apps. Professional CAD users, students, and educators can rely on Dassault’s DraftSight to create, edit, view, and share 2D and 3D DWG files.

In May 2023, Dassault partnered with Envision Digital to enable virtual experiences for engineers, manufacturers, and operation teams across industries. The two companies integrated Envision’s EnOS and Dassault’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform to simplify the design process. Dassault Systèmes is a worthy competitor for Autodesk. [8]

6. Onshape

Year founded: 2012
Headquarter: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Onshape is a CAD software system accessible over the Internet via a SaaS model. It uses cloud computing with compute-intensive processing and renders on Internet-based servers. In Nov 2019, PTC acquired Onshape for $470 million.

The main competitive advantage of Onshape is its seamless user experience. Designers on the platform don’t have to worry about records and leveraging the built-in cloud integration.

In 2023, Onshape introduced several updates to its CAD software system. Users can now rename folders inline within the breadcrumb area and access all feature studio keyboard shortcuts from the Help menu. Onshape is one of the best alternatives to Autodesk. [9]

7. Matterport

Year founded: 2011
Headquarter: Sunnyvale, California

Matterport provides an interactive viewing platform for 3D images and models. Users can capture, create, upload, store, share, and experience 3D scans of real-world environments. In 2022, Matterport had around 616,000 subscribers and about 8 million scanned spaces in storage. [10]

Matterport competes against Autodesk Construction Cloud in the construction industry. Both companies serve architects, engineers, and constructors, but Matterport also caters to real estate agents, retailers, and travel agencies.

In 2022, the company launched Matterport Pro3 Camera and is the top competitor for Autodesk Construction Cloud. [11]

8. IronCAD

Year founded: 2001
Headquarter: Atlanta, Georgia

IronCAD is a 3D and 2D CAD productivity platform that serves the mechanical design market and runs on Microsoft Windows. According to G2.com, IronCAD has a 4.3-star rating out of 5 from 42 customer reviews.

IronCAD caters to thousands of metal fabricators and custom machinery manufacturers globally. In Dec 2022, the company released IronCAD 2023 with several improvements and new functionalities. The enhancements include improved imported 3D and 2D drawing view creation, better property visibility and collaboration, and new 3D positional constraint types. These advanced design functions increase IronCAD’s competitive advantage over Autodesk. [12]

9. ActCAD

Year founded: 2006
Headquarter: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India

ActCAD is a 2D and 3D CAD software app with robust features. The platform supports several applications across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors. In Jan 2023, ActCAD served over 1 million users from around 76 countries.

ActCAD caters to structural, electrical, and mechanical professionals. The company offers ActCAD Standard for 2D drafting, ActCAD Pro for 2D and 3D modeling, and ActCAD Prime for 2D, 3D, and AEC objects. The latest ActCAD version uses the IntelliCAD 11.1 engine. ActCAD is one of the top alternatives to Autodesk. [13]

10. SolidWorks

Year founded: 1993
Headquarter: Waltham, Massachusetts

SolidWorks is a modeling CAD and computer-aided engineering (CAE) application. The app was developed by Dassault Systèmes and released to the public in Nov 1995. In Jan 2021, the company launched SolidWorks SP2.0.

SolidWorks caters to millions of engineers and designers from thousands of companies. In Dec 2022, the company released SolidWorks 2023 with several enhancements. Users can now open large assemblies 3-5 times faster than before. SolidWorks is one of the top alternatives to Autodesk 360. [14]

11. LibreCAD

Year founded: 2011
Headquarter: Headquarter-less

LibreCAD is an open-source CAD software application for 2D design. The app runs on Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems. According to G2, LibreCAD has a 3.8-star rating out of 5 versus 4 stars for Autodesk 360.

LibreCAD and Autodesk offer CAD software. But LibreCAD is a free app for 2D designers. Another advantage of LibreCAD is AutoCAD compatibility. So, LibreCAD users can open AutoCAD DWG files. This feature simplifies the design process. LibreCAD is a worthy alternative to Autodesk. [15]

12. Zillow 3D Home Tour

Year founded: 2006
Headquarter: Seattle, Washington

Zillow 3D Home Tour is a free virtual tour app. The platform serves real estate agents, homeowners, and home shoppers. In Aug 2022, Zillow launched its 3D home tour solution across the US. [16]

Zillow and Autodesk offer 3D software, but Zillow 3D Home Tour is an AI-generated floor plan tool. Constructors and real estate agents use the platform to create 3D virtual tours to market their properties. Zillow 3D Home Tour is one of the best alternatives to Autodesk for real estate agencies.

13. FreeCAD

Year founded: 2002
Headquarter: Brussels, Belgium

FreeCAD is a parametric 3D CAD design modeler. The platform focuses mainly on 3D solid modeling, but it also supports other functionalities such as 2D modeling, point clouds, plant design, and pipe layout. In 2022, the FreeCAD community had about 15 veteran members and developers.

The main competitive advantage of FreeCAD is that it is free. However, FreeCAD is more similar to SolidWorks and LibreCAD than AutoCAD. AutoCAD is only available for Windows and MacOS operating systems, while FreeCAD runs on Windows, MacOS, and Linux devices. FreeCAD is one of the best free alternatives to AutoCAD. [17]

14. Sketchfab

Year founded: 2011
Headquarter: New York City, New York

Sketchfab is a 3D modeling platform. Users can publish, share, discover, buy, and sell 3D, VR, and AR content. In Jul 2021, Epic Games acquired Sketchfab and merged the platform with its new marketplace.

Sketchfab offers a web-based 3D viewer, app-free augmented reality, 3D asset management, and an API for creating interactive 3D experiences. Users can upload their designs and buy 3D models from other creators. The platform has over 4 million 3D files.

In 2023, Sketchfab changed its terms of use and privacy policy. Consumers under 18 years cannot access or use the platform. Sketchfab is one of the best alternatives to Autodesk 360. [18]

15. Cupix

Year founded: 2015
Headquarter: San Jose, California

Cupix is a 3D and 360° virtual tour creation platform. It serves architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms. In Apr 2022, the company launched CupixWorks X 3D digital twin platform. [19]

Autodesk and Cupix offer 3D software. But Cupix only caters to architects, engineers, and constructors. The main competitive advantage of CupixWorks X 3D is its Gamma Engine which enables elevation-aware 3D walk-path mapping. Cupix is one of the best alternatives to Autodesk Construction Cloud.

 References & more information

  1. Collins, M. (2022, Nov 3). Updates to Autodesk Construction Cloud adapt to changing construction industry. Geo Week News
  2. Autodesk, Inc. (2023 Feb, 23). Autodesk, Inc. Announces Fiscal 2023 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Results. PRNewswire
  3. Modlar Editor (2022, Dec 22). Autodesk Releases Revit 2023 with New Features and Updates. Modlar
  4. Samaha, L. (2023, Jan 20). Here’s Why Trimble Is a No-Brainer Growth Stock. The Motley Fool
  5. Nov Edge Editor (2023, Apr 21). What’s New in TurboCAD 2023? Novedge.com
  6. PTC Inc. (2023, Apr 26). PTC Announces Second Fiscal Quarter 2023 Results. PRNewswire
  7. Owusu-Korkor, A. (2022, Oct 12). Introducing Solid Edge 2023. Siemens.com
  8. EC Editor (2023, May 16). Envision Digital and Dassault Systèmes announce global partnerships to drive industrial decarbonization. Energy Connects
  9. LaFleche, M. (2023, May 22). What’s New: Hole Tool Update, Renaming Folders, and Drawings. Onshape.com
  10. Starks, R. J. (2022, Oct 20). Why Matterport has massive upside potential. The Motley Fool
  11. Matterport Inc. (2022, Nov 10). Matterport Announces Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results. Globe Newswire
  12. IRONCAD Editor (2022, Dec 19). IRONCAD 2023 Launched Expanding CAD Productivity and Accelerating the Product Design Process. IronCAD.com
  13. G2 (2023, Jan 10). ActCAD Overview. G2.com
  14. Vargatu, A. (2022, Dec 12). New in SOLIDWORKS 2023: Large Assemblies Open Four Times Faster. Engineers Rule
  15. TrustRadius Insights (2023, May 13). What is LibreCAD? TrustRadius.com
  16. Zillow (2022, Aug 8). Zillow’s AI-powered interactive home tours are now available nationwide. PRNewswire
  17. Fuentes, L. (2023, Feb 10). FreeCAD vs. LibreCAD: The Differences in 2023. All3D.com
  18. Ślusarczyk, P. (2022, Dec 11). Starting in 2023 SketchFab will be available only for adults. 3D Printing Center
  19. Cupix (2022, Apr 12). Cupix announces the launch of CupixWorks X 3D Digital Twin Platform. Business Wire
  20. Featured Image by Kumpan Electric

 Tell us what you think? Did you find this article interesting? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

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