Best CAD Software in the UK

MicroStation by Bentley Systems is the trusted computer-aided design (CAD) software built specifically for infrastructure design. It enables architects, engineers, and designers to create precise 2D and 3D drawings that bring complex projects to life—from bridges and highways to utilities and smart cities. With powerful tools for design, documentation, and visualization, MicroStation helps professionals deliver projects faster, more accurately, and with greater confidence. The software natively supports DGN, DWG, and point-cloud data, eliminating file conversion hassles and improving collaboration across teams. Its robust environment connects applications, data, and users to ensure seamless project delivery at any scale. MicroStation is the foundation of modern infrastructure design—reliable, interoperable, and built for professionals who build the world.

ActCAD is a native dwg/dxf cad software suitable for professional 2D drafting and 3D modeling projects. ActCAD is trusted by over 30000 users in over 103 countries for more than 10 years. The interface, commands, icons, dialogs, shortcuts etc. are very much similar to other popular cad software tools available in market. Flexible license types available even for single license. There is no learning for existing cad users while saving 80% of the costs. ActCAD offers free email technical support without any limitations. ActCAD can be fully customized and programs can be developed using our free API toolkit. It supports popular programming languages like , lisp dcl, .net, C++ etc. Apart from all regular commands, ActCAD offers many productive tools like pdf to cad converter, Block libraries, Image to Cad converter, handling point sets between Cad and Excel and many more. ActCAD is suitable for any high end professional projects in the domains of Architecture, Civil, Mechanical,Automotive

SkyCiv Structural 3D is a cloud-based Structural Analysis software that allows users to model, analyze and design complex 3D structures. It is completely online; requiring no installation to use. SkyCiv Structural 3D offers the very best in online structural analysis. It includes the following: - Powerful Analysis: Linear, P-Delta, Cables, Buckling, Plates, Frequency, RS - Integrated Design checks for steel, wood, connections, foundations, wind (AISC, NSD, AISI, EN, AS, CSA, BS plus more...)

Autodesk AutoCAD is the world’s leading 2D and 3D CAD software, trusted by millions of architects, engineers, and construction professionals. It provides precision tools to design, draft, and document complex projects across industries. The 2026 version introduces Autodesk AI, enabling automated drafting, smart block recognition, and real-time collaboration through Autodesk Docs. With customizable workspaces, AutoLISP automation, and access to over 1,000 apps, users can streamline every stage of their design workflow. AutoCAD also offers seven specialized industry toolsets that boost productivity by up to 63%, from architecture to electrical and mechanical design. Available on desktop, web, and mobile, AutoCAD empowers professionals to design anywhere with confidence and efficiency.

GeoHECRAS is a river modeling software used to compute water surface profiles for steady and unsteady flow models, bridge and culvert roadway crossings, FEMA floodplain encroachments, stream restorations, inline reservoir structures, off-channel storage areas, and much more. GeoHECRAS offers: • Quickly Build 1D & 2D HEC-RAS Models • Automatic Assignment of Land Cover as Manning’s Roughness • Digital Terrain Cross Section Cutting • Automated Bridge & Culvert Sizing and Designing • Automated FEMA Floodplain Encroachments • LiDAR Elevation Terrain Processing • Automated Model Calibration • AutoCAD, MicroStation & ESRI ArcGIS Compatible • 100% Compatible with US Army Corps of Engineers HEC-RAS GeoHECRAS provides an easy-to-use, single graphical platform to rapidly create stunning HEC-RAS models and 3D visualizations from a variety of different data sources like AutoCAD, MicroStation, ArcGIS, Google Maps, and more.

Civil 3D® civil engineering design software supports BIM (Building Information Modeling) with integrated features to improve drafting, design, and construction documentation. Conduct grading design studies based on project constraints. Grading Optimization is available in Civil 3D only as part of the Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection. Transform how you navigate, visualize, and interact with Civil 3D design models. Project Explorer is an extension available in Civil 3D only through the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Collection. Experience more efficient workflows for surface modeling, corridor modeling, site design, storm and sanitary, and plan production and documentation with Civil 3D® civil engineering design software. Securely access Civil 3D files, data shortcuts, and xrefs from multiple locations and companies, all in a common data environment.

GeoHECHMS greatly speeds up the creation, analysis, and review of stormwater models. It is a data wrapper to the industry-standard US Army Corps of Engineers HEC-HMS software using an AutoCAD compatible graphical user interface. GeoHECHMS offers: • Automated HEC-HMS Workflows • AutoCAD Civil 3D & ArcGIS Integration • Automated Watershed Delineation • Detention Pond Design • Purpose-Built Stormwater Design Tools • Automated TOC & Lag Time • Automated CN Computations • Comprehensive Report Generation GeoHECHMS lets you quickly compare different scenarios and alternatives, such as pre-development conditions with different post-development designs. Rapidly construct, design, analyze and compare detention and retention ponds.

SOLIDWORKS is the industry-standard 3D CAD and product development solution, trusted by millions of designers and engineers worldwide. For over 30 years, SOLIDWORKS has empowered innovators to transform ideas into real, manufacturable products through intuitive modeling, simulation, and collaboration tools. The 2026 release introduces groundbreaking capabilities including AI-powered drawing automation, fastener recognition, and the AURA AI virtual companion. Integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it enables seamless cloud collaboration and data-driven decision-making. From startups to global manufacturers, users rely on SOLIDWORKS to accelerate design cycles, improve accuracy, and reduce time to market. It’s the complete ecosystem for taking any product from concept to production.

HydroCAD Stormwater Modeling provides easy TR-20, TR-55, SBUH, and Rational hydrology, plus TC calculations, pond storage, outlet hydraulics, pump routing, underground storage, pollutant loading, and more. Special features include direct CAD import, dam breach routing, skimmers, tubes, siphons, local rainfall data import, and a constantly expanding chamber library. Interactive graphical environment is fast and intuitive, producing better results in less time on every project.

Intended for architects and all who shape and create building forms. ArCADia-ARCHITECTURE contains specialized architectural functions and options to accelerate the creation of documentation, including: automatic cross-sections, automatic dimensioning or lists creation. Thanks to the BIM technology used, the designer creating the architectural design automatically receives a digital model of the building. Because to that, the design process can be controlled on the interactive 3D preview at all times. This module expands the capabilities of the ArCADia BIM program with advanced functions, which means that part of the building modelling options are available in the ArCADia BIM program.

The primary applications of AxisVM are in the design of buildings, and industrial and geotechnical structures. Due to its powerful finite element solver and practical modeling tools, it has also been used in bridge design, and in the design of composite structures, machines, and vehicles. Besides the basic configurations, optional design modules are available for structures made of reinforced concrete, steel, timber, and masonry members and connections. In addition, thanks to the special elements and analysis capabilities, users have successfully applied AxisVM to the design of innovative and custom structures. Reports can be created based on tables, drawings, and detailed design calculations with additional headings and text lines. Reports are auto-updating, i.e. generated based on the most current model data and results.

ClearCalcs is a cloud structural engineering software that enables engineers and designers to streamline their repetitive calculations with easy-to-use calculators for beams, columns, foundations, and more. With calculators available for the US standards, Eurocode, Australian standards, New Zealand standards, and Canadian standards, ClearCalcs is a one-stop shop for improving your productivity and design capability. Calculations can be linked together with one click, saving on time and errors, copy-pasting loads, and reports print to a simple, one-page PDF for easy checking.

Faster, lighter, easier and specialized for the design of rural infrastructure, RoadEng significantly speeds up the corridor design process. Built from the ground up to work with surfaces, cross-sections, and alignments, RoadEng handles larger data sets in ways other civil design software cannot. No additional CAD software required. You don’t need to struggle with complicated and expensive CAD software. No need to learn and re-learn complicated software for complex highway interchanges and other things you don’t do. Geometric corridor design in a simple and intuitive user interface. Visualize your road design in 3D, plan, profile and section views simultaneously. Make a change to the project, dynamically watch all of the windows update. Minimize earthwork costs for roads, highways, and other corridor projects. Automatically balance your mass haul. Get the lowest cost vertical alignment.

Ribbon tabs, quick access toolbar manager, "customize" dialog box to change menus, toolbars, keyboard shortcuts, and aliases. Autocomplete of commands that are started with some typed characters , for heavy command line users. General options for settings can be customized (display, paths/files, user preferences, crosshairs, profiles). Publish command to plot several layouts to DWF/PDF or to Plotter named in page setup. Modify 2D drawing objects and 3D 3D solids. Three-dimensional meshes made of polygons. GRAITEC has built up an extensive BIM technology portfolio encompassing ground-breaking, innovative developments, delivering exceptional business, process, technology and service solutions worldwide. GRAITEC has also expanded on its exceptional relationship with Autodesk and is a Platinum Partner in Europe and Autodesk Gold Partner in the US & Canada, making us one of the largest partners in the world.

nanoCAD’s Topoplan module extends the nanoCAD platform with tools for digital terrain modeling and documentation. It is designed to make the work of surveyors more efficient. nanoCAD platform provides you with a full set of basic and advanced design tools for creating and editing 2D/3D objects. It offers multiple drawing and editing methods for most geometric elements. nanoCAD platform is the base on which you build a more powerful CAD system to your specifications. Topoplan Module converts nanoCAD Platform to an engineering solution for creating a digital terrain model and preparing topographic plan drawings. Quick selection and switching between preset topographic scales. Comprehensive tools for working with surfaces and generating contours. Multiple data sources for creating digital terrain models. Varied ways for displaying terrain models. Support for Civil 3D objects and customizable user interface.

Achieve site balance, stay on schedule, and track progress remotely from any location using our cloud-based platform. Save time and manage projects remotely using weekly aerial images captured by drones. Get ahead of schedule and reduce errors in the field with precise sequence planning. Make fast decisions using overlays of project documentation and user-added data. Communicate and collaborate instantly using mobile-friendly web platform. Track progress on multiple projects with a portfolio dashboard. We foresee a future of construction automation, where software, heavy machinery, and people will work harmoniously to build the designs we envision and allow the construction industry to do more with less.

2D draughting and 3D modelling software for the construction and engineering industries. Caddie combines accurate drawing with GIS information (SG Diagrams, Satellite Imagery, ArcGIS content, Open Streetmap information etc.) in many different projections allowing users to create working drawings, 3D models and photo-realistic renders of their schemes. Caddie uses the industry standard .DWG format for storing drawings and can be licenced for single user, multiple user or cloud licenced. Caddie includes vertical applications for Architecture (2D and 3D), Civils, Digital Terrain Modelling, GIS, Landscape Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Photo-realistic rendering, Steelwork, Surveying, and Town Planning. Caddie outputs to printers and plotters, PDF, 3D printers and many other formats. In addition to normal image formats Caddie also supports MrSID and ECW formats for imagery. A 14 Day trial version with full functionality allows potential users to evaluate the software at no cost.

RIB Civil is one of the most modern CAD software solutions for civil engineering, road construction and sewer construction. It uses intelligent, integrated workflows to improve the predictability, productivity and profitability of civil engineering projects. RIB Civil allows true model-oriented, project-accompanying work until project completion. This BIM 5D method offers a wide range of advantages in every project phase and, overall, shorter lead times with above-average transparency and quality.