--- title: "Alibre Design Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "Is Alibre Design the right 3D CAD solution for you? Explore 184 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/172312/Alibre-Design/reviews/" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" --- Alibre Design 4.7 (184) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/172312/Alibre-Design/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated July 21st, 2026 # Reviews of Alibre Design Ease of use 4.6 Customer Service 4.8 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews JE Jeff E OwnerMusic, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Great customer support and rapid learning curve (I transitioned from AutoCAD and Pro E). Have been using since 2014 to support mechanical design, product development and even building "fly through" venue models to support a music based charity. “ March 15, 2026 JK Julian K EngineerElectrical/Electronic Manufacturing, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I found it difficult to set up defaults (dimension styles, set to use millimetres etc.) and get them to persist between drawing sessions.“ November 21, 2025 Sam R Principal Design EngineerDesign, Self-employedUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “I have also designed mechanical screw machine parts where the CAD models and drawings were sent out to a CNC based swiss screw machine shop for manufacture, also flawless.“ May 16, 2026 Sam R Principal Design EngineerDesign, Self-employedUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “I do have a word of advice: Keep your company employee owned and employee driven and never go public as that is the beginning of the end of a great company (been there done that, got no tee shirt and I don't recommend it!)“ May 16, 2026 SK Scott K EngineerEducation Management, Self-employedUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “I really like their pricing structure, subscription based or one time based with option to pay for upgrades as needed. Plus, I was able to write my own plugin to tightly integrate it to Orca Slicer for 3d printer. “ September 21, 2025 RJ Ron J Owner and EngineerConsumer Goods, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “difficulty getting the program to accept fillets - I spend more time trying to get the fillets to work than drawing the parts.“ June 26, 2025 MR Mike R OwnerConsumer Goods, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Alibre's pricing and licensing policy are very fair, and offer the best bang-for-buck, of all of the 3D CAD programs that I looked into, for my hobby and small business use.“ November 20, 2025 JK Jason K Mechanical DesignMachinery, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “For all intents and purposes no ability whatsoever to manage project files, creating an impossible mess on your hard drive that you can't fix because it will break all of your assemblies and require hours of re-locating files in their new locations.“ November 22, 2023 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 184 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Sam R. Principal Design Engineer Design Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Reasons why you should be a convert to Alibre Design" May 16, 2026 5.0 I use Alibre Design Expert almost on a daily basis for designing parts for test and mechanical fixtures for the various electronic products I design. These parts are then printed out of various materials on my BambuLab X1C FDM printer. I always use the STEP model output in millimeters as that seems to work best. I have tried the STL output but for some reason the STL files are huge (much larger than the STL files from SolidWorks). I believe this is due to configuration but I really do not know how to configure the output to be the same as SW was and STEP appears to work just fine. I have also designed mechanical screw machine parts where the CAD models and drawings were sent out to a CNC based swiss screw machine shop for manufacture, also flawless. I have also designed bent up sheet metal parts that were uploaded to vendors like SendCutSend and came out perfect. These were the first sheet metal parts I designed in Alibre. On the customer support side getting a real person that cares is a HUGE plus. Although I have had very few issues, mostly due to concept learning on my part, the support staff has always gotten back and usually within a few hours or the same day. Never had that level of support before from any CAD company. In addtion the YouTube training videos are very good and the live ask the engineers/users is amazing, they make you feel like you are part of the product improvement and development process. I do have a word of advice: Keep your company employee owned and employee driven and never go public as that is the beginning of the end of a great company (been there done that, got no tee shirt and I don't recommend it!) Pros Being a SolidWorks user since 2004, when I retired from my company I had no viable alternative for personal use. Like many I searched the internet for "Free" 3D CAD programs but found that the real cost in "Free" is the steep leaning curve and the sometimes rather arcane GUI or text based input and little or no support. So I purchased Alibre Design Expert as I wanted the closest product to SW I could find. As they say "80+% of SW functionality at 20% of the cost". I did not need the advanced finite analysis features nor did I want a subscription or a product expires that could hold my designs hostage. A really big one for me as I could buy it at no interest over a 10 month period AND I own it. No subscription and I can buy maintenance when I need it also on the 10 month plan. And it does not expire. One of the side things I found out is Alibre as I undertand it by the employees who bought out the prior owners of the company. As in the CAD world they are a really small company that can turn on a dime and have ownership in the product they produce. It's a great thing to see and talk to people that have a stake and real pride in what they do. The enthusiasm shines everytime I see a live or training video. I recommend Alibre to everyone I know who needs a 3D CAD program or is currently using a costly 3D CAD program and needs to switch! Cons One of the things I wish it would do is automatically refresh the design when exiting a sketch as SW does. I brought this up recently in a Alibre Live YouTube. I said maybe they can make this a checkbox option as if you are working on a large model/assembly you may not want to auto refresh but I think you should at least have the option. One thing they should add to all of their 3DCAD products is rectangle by center as I understand that Atom does not have this. Even though I use the Expert version I think all version should have the same sketching tools. I think that would also make it easier for Alibre to maintain the software and have basic common software source code between versions. Sketch tools should be the same and perhaps have modeling tools between the Atom/Pro/Expert from basic to advanced as it is today. These comments aside I would still would recommend that prospective buyers download and try a copy for the demo period. I am sure that they will see the value in the product. I would like to be able to install my product on two machines and as long as it is only used on one at a time (like a book) the license remains valid without having to move the license back and forth. There are situations where I could be off line for more than a month and I would like that flexibility. Maybe by default a license should be good for two machines like a really powerful desktop and the ubiquitous laptop for presentations, etc. The advanage to Alibre for this is more people in corporate and private environments really get to see what Alibre can do! Switched from [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/) Cost, Not a subscription, better support when rarely needed. Review Source Craig F. Owner Industrial Automation Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My favorite 3D design tool" February 16, 2026 5.0 Overall it's a rocksolid design tool you can count on. Everything you need to get the job done and make it a joy while doing it. Pros I've used many CAD systems over the past 30 years. Alibre is by far one of the best mechanical design packages out there. It's ease of use, features, and value are unmatched. I use other CAD systems as well but given the choice of tool to work with I always pick Alibre. Cons It would be nice to have mesh editing tools to drive scan data in a design file. I'd love to have an integrated CAM plugin live Visualmill in Alibre. Switched from [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/178416/Fusion-360/)[Mastercam](https://www.capterra.com/p/230166/MasterCam/)[AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/)[FreeCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/167527/FreeCAD/) There is no other system with the ease of use , power and value like Alibre. It's also just fun to use. Review Source DL David L. Owner Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Brilliant value" July 31, 2026 5.0 I started with version 3, and I have had a licence ever since. It has been an easy fit to build my Industrial Design business around due to the quality of data output, ease of use and interoperability Pros Ease of use; price; quality of interface and operating logic; interoperability with other programs. . . Cons Not much. Possibly not as full featured asd some competitors; surfacing is quite crude. Industry picks favourites - due to training, so Alibre is a little unknown Switched from [KeyCreator](https://www.capterra.com/p/9512/KeyCreator/) It was shit. Alibre was a great introduction for parametric 3D Review Source RJ Ron J. Owner and Engineer Consumer Goods Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Many frustrating issues." June 26, 2025 3.0 The support has generally been good. If I did not have so many files saved in Alibre, on a major project that I need to finalize and then have molds built, I would be seriously looking at other CAD options. The issues make things take 2-3 times longer than they should. Pros Being able to make changes early in the chain and they update through. Being able to color. Mutiple view options. Cons Many crashes that shut down the program. Unable to define a radius size in a sketch before picking the lines. Unable to intersect a line to a curve or two curves. difficulty getting the program to accept fillets - I spend more time trying to get the fillets to work than drawing the parts. The program says the sketch has no errors, but then refuses to extrude the sketch and does not give an indication of what the problem is. Frequent errors introduced extra lines when mirroring a sketch - hard to clean up. When doing a "save as," it defaults to the last saved file rather than the file it came from, so many drawings end up in unrelated projects/files rather than the project file. I find trying to do 3D sketchin almost imposible. Switched from [SketchUp](https://www.capterra.com/p/211798/SketchUp/) The design tree that I can easily adjust the dimensions of. Review Source Response from Alibre June 30, 2025 Sorry to hear about your experience with crashes occurring in Alibre. We have reviewed your tickets with our support team and we agree there are a few behaviors that need to be tightened up. Like the ability to define a fillet radius before selecting the lines or edges... instead of after. However, some of the issues you are experiencing come down to workflows that are not recommended. You may review the Best Practices section of our Help File for workflow tips, especially when it comes to sketching and fillets. Alibre, like all CAD programs, performs best when you use smaller steps. Doing too much in a single feature can cause CAD to become over-taxed while calculating and projecting the desired geometry. It can also cause future edits to become more complicated. Breaking things down into smaller separate features, like a single extrusion for your base part, then apply cuts to remove material, will make things easier to process and edit. Same goes for things like mirror/fillets.. AN Adam N. Owner Broadcast Media Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Simply the Best for Anyone Who Respects Their Money and Their Data" January 23, 2026 5.0 Pros Alibre Design Pro/Expert is software that respects its users. With pricing options for every budget, friendly upgrade options, and nearly every tool the other guys have, Alibre is a no-brainer. It's easy to use, doesn't send your data to the cloud, and doesn't send your data to AI for machine learning. In a world where we're all getting sick of subscriptions, online-only software, forced cloud storage, and AI learning, Alibre is a huge breath of fresh air. Cons Windows only right now, but they're working on fixing that! With v29, Alibre intends to remove their Windows dependencies and consider other operating systems in the future! Switched from [Onshape](https://www.capterra.com/p/164681/Onshape/) Onshape's terms of service is very sketchy in that they take a lot of your data and sell it. Their free version has tons of limitations, including an outright ban on any commercial use. Their cheapest version that allows this is $1500 per year. Compare that to Alibre, where the cheapest version is only $200, one-time payment, and still allows commercial use. The mid-tier version by Alibre is closer to the features in OnShape, and it's only $1000. Again, a one-time payment. Review Source RF Reg F. Senior Electronics Engineer Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Alibre Design Expert - 3D CAD, CAM and PDM" January 28, 2026 5.0 My overall experience has been very good, I especially look forward to new releases which offer new features. The provision of the PDM to Design Expert Users (on Maintenance) also helps to justify continuing to pay annual maintenance. Pros Alibre Design Expert provides great features in a competitive value for money package. The addition of PDM has provided a central location for the storage of all design files and part libraries. The continuous development and release of new features (as well as bug fixes) again offered in a value for money annual maintenance package. Meshcam Pro for Alibre provides an entry level CAM capability which is suitable for my hobbyist workshop without costing a fortune. The Import of PCB step files form my PCB Design Package allows verification of fitment and interfaces well with mechanical design. the ability to colour components now makes this even more realistic. The ability to produce 2D Drawings for system assembly which can be included together in the PDM with the 3D Design files. Cons On occasion integrated packages get dropped or no-longer work with new versions (This happened with the integrated CAM Package). The made me nervous about purchasing the Meshcam Pro for Alibre, however it continues to work with the latest releases. Switched from [AutoCAD LT](https://www.capterra.com/p/2011/AutoCAD-LT/) I wanted a package which would meet my needs without having to constantly pay for expensive upgrade to get new features or the ability to produce CAM for my small workshop. Review Source DP Dave P. Automation Engineering Tech Industrial Automation Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Life After AutoDesk" February 28, 2026 5.0 Alibre Design Expert is definitely a professional software, and is intuitive enough that most users will be onboard in a pretty short time. The software is not a memory hog, it runs very fast. I have gotten to the point now that I don't even miss Autodesk Inventor any more for 3D modeling. Pros Well I was an AutoCad and Inventor user for 30 years, and watched the price go up every year, some updates did not really change too much to justify the price increase. Then came the subscription license, that was the last straw. I immediately began looking for a perpetual license software. I found Alibre Experrt Design and decided to try, and after a short learning curve I am now comfortable with the software. Tech support is one of the best! They reply quickly and always are able to solve the problem. They have replied even on holiday weekends! You will never get that kind of service from Autodesk! Another bonus is the PDM document manager, it works very well! Cons I do miss the parts library that Autodesk Inventor came with out of the box. I do sometimes have trouble figuring out why a constraint will not work, but that is always a user caused problem. I don't really have a Con list. Switched from [Inventor](https://www.capterra.com/p/236745/Inventor/) Subscription license, costs were out of control. Review Source BC Brian C. Owner Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Very Happy Long Time User" November 30, 2025 5.0 I have been a customer for over 10 years and am very happy with the Value of Alibre design and the technical support when I have needed it. Pros I've been an Alibre user for well over 10 years and really enjoy the power and intuitive interface of the product. I use the 3D modelling and assembly a lot and find it allows me to design and engineer more quickly and accurately than some other CAD programs. Cons Sometimes the motion in the assemblies get corrupted or disconnected pretty easily and I have to go back and either completely reassemble or spend quite a bit of time repairing and issue. Alternatives considered [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/)[Creo](https://www.capterra.com/p/164678/Creo/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design The initial cost and annual maintenance were much more than Alibre Design with not a lot of loss in functionality. Switched from [Vellum](https://www.capterra.com/p/10029054/Vellum/) Price and ease of use. Once I made the change, I wouldn't go back. Review Source JE Jeff E. Owner Music Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best Value Solid Modeling CAD Package" March 15, 2026 5.0 A+++ on customer support. As a Mechanical Engineer with over 40 years experience the product has been great. Outstanding ease of use and should you have a question - customer support is there to help. Pros Ease of use for 3D modeling and drawing. Cost effective with great solutions for every budget and need. Great customer support and rapid learning curve (I transitioned from AutoCAD and Pro E). Have been using since 2014 to support mechanical design, product development and even building "fly through" venue models to support a music based charity. Most capable product that punches way above it's weight from a cost perspective. Cons Zero complaints. Does exactly what I need! I don't really have any complaints about this product.. Switched from [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/)[Creo](https://www.capterra.com/p/164678/Creo/) Needed an affordable 3D modeling package to support my business.. Review Source BL Brian L. Co-owner Consumer Goods Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great software!" December 31, 2025 5.0 Very positive, easy to use and does a great job. I have been using it since 2011 and it has had continuous improvement. Pros Perpetual license, cost and fully featured. Ease of drawing, extruding and creating fully functional 3D designs. Cons Occasional glitches on radii or chamfers, which I can eventually get them where I want them, just have to do them individually most of the time. Automatically created threads, seem to not work correctly either. Switched from [Vectorworks Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/29995/Vectorworks-Architect/) Lack of 3D capabilities at the time, this was back in 2011 Review Source JD Jim D. Creator Design Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Alibre 3D CAD. The unknown Gem" December 9, 2024 5.0 I started with Atom in early 2023 but very soon upgraded to to Alibre Design Expert for all of the extra features. It is a superb piece of software. I've just taken out 12 months maintenance so I can upgrade and now have Alibre PDM. You only need maintenance if you require the latest features and top level support (which is superb). If not then carry on without maintenance. There's also a user forum which is great for sharing ideas, tips & tricks etc. Pros Ease of use, Efficiency of software, Price, Value for money, Lifetime license. Cons Can't think of anything really. I used Inventor for 14 years and there are differences but it's just a case of becoming familiar with the tools. Alternatives considered [FreeCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/167527/FreeCAD/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design Great product and features at the right price. Switched from [Inventor](https://www.capterra.com/p/236745/Inventor/) I retired. I was an employee in a design office. Review Source JW Jared W. Owner, Engineer Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Powerful, Affordable CAD" February 26, 2025 4.0 I am just beginning to utilize it as I have nearly 30 years of experience with SolidWorks and old habits die hard. Pros Alibre is an affordable, all-in-one CAD solution. While it's similar to other packages, there is a small learning curve. Cons I would like the ability to customize view controls using keyboard shortcuts, i.e. Zoom to Window, Zoom All, View Orientation, etc. Alternatives considered [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/178416/Fusion-360/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design I don't like subscription models and too many software companies are pushing them. Switched from [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/) Alibre is a more affordable package. I also liked the CAM package offered. Review Source GC Gareth C. Engineer Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Powerful easy to use CAD with flexible licensing" September 5, 2024 5.0 Pros Powerful and easy to use software / not subscription based. Cons N/A - my experience has been entirely positive. Switched from [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/) I used Solidworks throughout uni and in my daytime job but could not justify the upfront cost for my personal endeavours. Alibre gives me 80% of what I am familiar with in solidworks for a reasonable cost. Review Source TA Timothy A. Director Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I wish I had switched to Alibre years earlier than I did" August 29, 2023 5.0 I have designed parts for motor sport applications as well as 'in house' commercial products and even a self build house project. I love Alibre. Pros The online tutorials make self tuition very easy. Having switched from a very old and uncommon 2D design package which had no functional similarity to Alibre I needed and utilised all of the tutorials. I praise thier clarity Cons There is nothing I don't like. Its a pleasure every time I have an excuse to have something to design. Alternatives considered [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design Cost initially then the quality of online support offered to a new user transfering from a very old 2D package Review Source PK Phil K. Operations Manager Aviation & Aerospace Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Getting a Lincoln at the price of a Chevy....this software is a premium entry point for the price!" August 29, 2022 5.0 I couldn't be happier with Alibre. One of the best parts of Alibre, as a whole, is their support of education. I contacted them to ask about software for a CAD class I was teaching, and they donated 30 seats of the software for my students! Pros This software is so easy to learn and operate. When I first wanted to get into CAD, I did demo's on a few different software options, and Alibre was the easiest to just pick up and use "right out of the box". After using the software for a few years, I introduced it into a Youth CAD Class I was teaching. I had students ranging from 8yo to 13yo in my class, and they all became very proficient in CAD utilizing this software. Cons Alibre has a few little quirks here and there that are challenging to navigate through. I believe this is due to their support team being relatively small. This is likely why their software is so affordable (low overhead). I believe it's a very fair tradeoff. Alternatives considered [BobCad-CAM](https://www.capterra.com/p/230337/BobCad-CAM/)[AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design Alibre was not all that much more in price than BobCad, and was significantly more affordable than AutoCAD. The tradeoff was getting a software that also outperformed both of the other softwares! Switched from [BobCad-CAM](https://www.capterra.com/p/230337/BobCad-CAM/) If Alibre is a Lincoln.....BobCAD is certainly like downgrading to riding a bicycle. Review Source DH Darrell H. Owner / Mechanical Engineer Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Highly Recommend Alibre Design Expert!! No better Value out there!!" September 22, 2022 5.0 Excellent! Wonderful! Value and Cost Effectiveness are unmatched in the industry. I would be less productive and less profitable with any other Software. Alibre Design Expert allows me to make 3D Models and 2D Drawings for my Mechanical Design Project, that accurately communicates all the proper and relevant information to the many Machine Shops that I work with. Also, allows me to make excellent Proposal and Informational PDF files (3D and 2D) for my Customers. Pros Overall, it is very easy to use, and it works great. Allows me to make Excellent 3D Models and 2D Drawings. I often get positive comments on my Shop Drawings and 3D PDF Models. Cons Hidden Line Management in 2D drawing can be a real pain and cumbersome to manage. No option to set Annotation Text Colors and Leader Colors to be the same, by default. (Req'd by my Internal DWG Standards). 2D Drawings from Scratch are difficult. Easier to make a 3D Model and then Generate the 2D DWG. Can be slow, when you just want to make a sketch. Alternatives considered [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/)[Inventor](https://www.capterra.com/p/236745/Inventor/)[AutoCAD LT](https://www.capterra.com/p/2011/AutoCAD-LT/)[CATIA](https://www.capterra.com/p/100453/CATIA/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design I own the software. No Internet Connection Required to operate it. Can run it on more that one device. No Annual Subscription Fee. Very reasonable maintenance pricing. Outstanding Capabilities. Initial Cost. Review Source SU Sascha U. freelancer Design Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Easy to learn CAD software at a reasonable price." September 28, 2022 5.0 Pros Although it has it's share of idiosyncrasies, Alibre proves itself to be a good solidworks alternative for individuals and small businesses. The price of Alibre Atom and Design Pro makes them attainable to home users, Atom especially which is quite a powerful CAD application in it's own right, given it's low price. Overall I am generally designing objects for 3D print, and Alibre gives me the tools I need in an easy to learn package. I often use it alongside Blender and ZBrush, when I need certain components to be accurately modelled or made in a parametric manner. Cons Alibre is a bit lacking in surface modeling tools, making it harder to model complex curved or organic surfaces. Sometimes there are also basic tools you expect to be there, and they don't exist. For example scaling a sketch requires a workaround of extruding the sketch, scaling the entire object, projecting the sketch, suppressing the rescale and extrude, then going into sketch edit and moving the sketch back into position using a somewhat cumbersome move tool. Alternatives considered [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/178416/Fusion-360/)[SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design Honestly because at the time fusion 360 started screwing over their long time personal/free plan customers, while jacking up their prices. Did not seem like a company policy I was comfortable with. I learned solidworks in class, but the software was just not affordable. Alibre had a similar interface and most of the important features I needed. Review Source MN Matthew N. Lead Engineer Defense & Space Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Absolutely Wonderful" March 30, 2024 5.0 Absolutely wonderful, the workflow is logical, the interface is clean and it runs smoothly on my computer. Having had experience since high school (in the F1 in Schools Program) with CATIA, SolidWorks, ProDesktop and ProEngineer and having used Inventor at university, AlibreDesign Expert was a 100% seamless experience - no learning curve at all - doing the common things were much faster with the cleaner interface. Pros The ease of use. Everything is clearly laid out in a logic flow. You only see the things you need at a time which leaves the UI clean and very user friendly. Also, the ability to import common file formats (CATIA, SolidWorks, Inventor, ProE, NX, etc.) makes Alibre Design Expert the go to. Lastly the pricing is perfect for those of us who use the software both professionally and personally at home. As an engineer having my own commercial use licence lets me consult and design when I need to, as I need to. Cons Nothing - Alibre Design Expert does everything I need. Alternatives considered [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/)[TurboCad](https://www.capterra.com/p/32368/TurboCAD-Professional/)[Inventor](https://www.capterra.com/p/236745/Inventor/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design The features, the clean interface, the user-friendliness, the fact that AlibreDesign isn't excessively large as a program and that it was licenced and priced in such a way that I could afford it as an individual wanting to use it for both commercial and personal use. Most other systems are priced as if only large companies are buying the software. Alibre understand that both companies and individuals want and use AlibreDesign commercially, and as such they priced it accordingly. Lastly, Alibre care about their product and their users. The Alibre user forums have active involvement by the CEO and other staff, commonly noting and fixing issues that users have found whilst also genuinely noting user feedback and implementing suggestions that users have put forward and voted on. Review Source AH Arron H. Production Manager Shipbuilding Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Manta Review" July 28, 2025 4.0 it has been relatively good ive only used 2 drawing programes alibre been one of them and have found it is able to do what we require but look forward to seeing where this product goes next Pros it has helped alot with our 3d rendering of products so our workers can see the end result Gordon in new zealand has been a massive help with support and different ways to design things Cons some of the sheet metal options could have some different features such as with lofting been able to move where the join will be more information on 3d tube drawings when compounding angles and rools are required Review Source ML Mike L. President Military Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Feedback about Alibre Design" August 11, 2025 5.0 Despite the issues with the "help" feature, I am happy with the software. It has materially leveraged our capabilities. We have been using it for years. Pros It is incredibly powerful software available at an affordable price. We use it for its solid model design capabilities and also to reveal X/Y coordinates needed to construct CNC machining programs. Cons The software-resident and online "help" feature is too rigid and finding solutions to specific issues involves lots of guessing and lots of lost time. Support via email is good, but not real-time, when users are at an impasse and need immediate resolution before being able to move forward with the task at hand. Review Source EG Emray G. Systems Design Aviation & Aerospace Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Freed to Create" January 20, 2025 5.0 I have used Alibre for the design of electronic packaging, modeling electronic parts, and aerodynamic components. I even use it to model my hobby of woodworking projects speeding my building projects from the printed dimensioned parts. Pros I love the product. It is friendly to use and interfaces without issue to 3D printers. The modeling capability has brought speed and accuracy to my designs. Documentational prints of the designs are easily created. Find the sheet metal capability useful. Cons I really have found nothing I would raise an issue with Alibre. It meets all my needs. Rarely I had to begin over on a design as I could not determine how to get rid of the inability to fix a component in an assembly. Review Source BR Bill R. President Design Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Alibre review" October 9, 2025 5.0 Excellent value. I was looking for an additional design tool to add to my suite of design software tools. Pros Affordable design package with a reasonable array of functionality. Specifically the ability to work with EZ-CAM. Cons A rather unique user interface that takes a bit of effort to become comfortable with. Looking forward to exploring this design tool. Review Source MT Mel T. Owner Farming Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "One happy camper" November 17, 2024 5.0 I would recommend it to anybody that wants design anything. Pros Great product at an affordable price. Great customer support, even on Sunday! Cons Little sketchy on troubleshooting yourself but customer support is within a few minutes even seconds. Review Source TT Timothy T. principal Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Alibre Design review" October 27, 2024 5.0 very good - I use it primarily for 3D printing of custom fixturing for industrial measurement sensors, and it works very well for that. Pros functionality and flexibility - easy to build complex assemblies Cons learning curve can be a little steep - sometimes confusing. That said. the included and online help is excellent. Review Source JK Jason K. Mechanical Design Machinery Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Perhaps it will work for a hobbyists." November 22, 2023 3.0 Pros The Cons out-weigh the pros. The one pro being low cost. If decision were mine, I would be using Solid Works. Cons Under utilization of computer power and graphics cards. For all intents and purposes no ability whatsoever to manage project files, creating an impossible mess on your hard drive that you can't fix because it will break all of your assemblies and require hours of re-locating files in their new locations. Reason for choosing Alibre Design Management wanted a low cost product. Alibre is a low cost product. Review Source Response from Alibre November 27, 2023 Thanks for your feedback, Jason. It sounds like your primary issue is the current lack of PDM for data management. While many businesses are using Alibre Design today without issue, certainly some have higher data management requirements. To that end, we've been busy making a fully native PDM solution set to launch early 2024. That solution will solve each of the data management challenges you list above, and more. It will have Where Used, versioning, roll back, check in / out, locking, easy moving / duplication / renaming of files without breaking anything, really robust searching, and a lot more. We're looking forward to the release since this has been requested a lot, and we're very excited to be able to solve this market need some of our customers are experiencing. We hope that after you are able to use it, you might reconsider your rating if you find it has solved your issue. Cheers, Max Freeman CEO | Alibre, LLC Similar Products Featured ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.