Online CAD software

Updated: July 30, 2023

Online CAD software is a powerful solution that allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) projects entirely within a web browser. These specialized platforms offer a range of CAD tools and features, enabling users to design and model 2D and 3D objects, architecture, engineering projects, and more. Online CAD software provides a flexible and accessible option for professionals, students, and hobbyists, eliminating the need for complex desktop installations and ensuring cross-platform compatibility. With real-time collaboration capabilities, multiple users can work together on the same CAD project, enhancing teamwork and productivity. Moreover, many online CAD platforms integrate with cloud storage, enabling users to store and access their designs securely from anywhere with an internet connection. Online CAD software empowers individuals and teams to bring their design ideas to life and revolutionizes the way CAD projects are executed, making it an invaluable tool for the modern design landscape.

See also: Top 10 Online ERP software

2021. Autodesk acquires Upchain



Autodesk, renowned for its CAD and 3D modeling tools, has completed the acquisition of Upchain, a startup specializing in cloud-based product life cycle management (PLM) services. Upchain recognized that existing solutions for life cycle management, designed to guide businesses from product inception to production while facilitating collaboration with their supply chains, were cumbersome and primarily tailored for large multinational enterprises. In contrast, Upchain focuses on serving small and mid-sized companies, offering a more affordable and user-friendly alternative to other PLM solutions. Its customer base spans diverse industries, including textiles, apparel, automotive, aerospace, industrial machines, transportation, and entertainment.


2015. Cloud-based CAD service Onshape gets $80 Million



Onshape, the provider of the first fully cloud-based professional 3D CAD system that can be accessed on any computer or mobile device, has announced $80 million in funding. Onshape's cloud-based nature allows users to access the platform from anywhere with a stable internet connection. The mobile tools offered are robust and not a limited or compromised version of the product. All devices involved in a CAD project have access to the same data stored on a unified transactional database, eliminating concerns about overwriting each other's work. Additionally, changes made are automatically saved. Onshape, founded three years ago, is determined to bring the collaborative essence of applications like Google Docs and Slack to the field of CAD. According to McEleney, the existing tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks not only come with high upfront costs but are also ill-suited for collaborative teamwork, especially on mobile devices.


2013. Dexma - SaaS service for engineering design



Engineers - are smart people and they invent innovations themselves. But, for some reason, SaaS services for collaborative design haven't become the mainstream among them yet. But imagine what innovative products could be created, if the best minds from around the world (but not just teams hired in local project offices) could work together. In early 2012, the market leader, Autodesk launched the SaaS service for engineers Autodesk 360. And now they'll get a serious competitor with Dexma - the service of Russian company Ascon (which is known for its engeneering system KOMPAS). The service allows you to collaborate on projects - distribute tasks, share files and documents, form the product component-lists and the lists of required materials, calculate costs. And right in the browser engineers can view CAD-files - 3D models. ***