# Page 4 | Alibre Design Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 4 - Is Alibre Design the right 3D CAD solution for you? Explore 181 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/172312/Alibre-Design/reviews --- Alibre Design 4.7 (181) [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 March 13th, 2026 # Page 4 - Reviews of Alibre Design ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 76-100 of 181 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use MV Maurice V. President Farming Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Alibre Design Used Extensively on our Farm" December 22, 2023 5.0 My overall experience with Alibre Design Expert has been great. We really like the Sheet Metal option. We have a Plasma and Press Brake in our Workshop and when we export DXF files to our shop machines the end products are exactly what we expected. No surprises. Pros We were looking for a 3D Modeling program to aid in the development of specialized farm equipment. I had many friends use solidworks and constantly complain about the cost. Solidworks for farmers if a very expensive option. After spending some time researching 3D Model programs we decided on Alibre Design. We have been using Alibre Expert for over 7 years. What I can say is that its a feature packed 3D modeling software that I know can compete with higher priced Solidworks. I have shown my engineering friends Alibre and they are amazed how powerful it is. The thing with Alibre is that its powerful and precise. Cons Coming from AutoDesk 2D to Alibre Design was a challenge. Alibre has developed a 800 plus page workbook that is excellent to learn on. There also is abundant YouTube videos that come available daily. I'm Still learning and improving my design skills. If I used it everyday I probably would have mastered it sooner. Alternatives considered [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design Very Good value for the money spent. We also wanted to buy and own the product. We do pay the annual maintenance fee and therefore we keep getting the new in improved versions. Switched from [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) Wanted to switch from 2D to 3D. Looked at many different programs but purchased Alibre Expert 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 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 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 MS Mike S. Senior Technical Advisor Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A solid piece of software that fits the bill for general engineering & design use" September 23, 2022 5.0 In my 8 years of using Alibre, I've never met an engineering task it wasn't suitable for, and I think that's a pretty solid reflection on the overall product Pros Our organisation has been using this software for over a decade, and it always lets us do the jobs we need to do. Generally very stable, and updates don't break things or make old CAD data stop working; the price is excellent for what the package offers. No hesitation in recommending. Cons There are a small number of things that could be a bit slicker (mainly around moving/renaming files which are associated between assemblies and drawings), but honestly, these are pretty minor issues which don't majorly impact on day-to-day usability, unless you are constantly moving and renaming your data archives for some reason. Once in a blue moon I've seen general exception crashes and lost some data, but this seems to be improving over time Review Source BB Benjamin B. Engineer Industrial Automation Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A modern 3D CAD solution" September 22, 2022 5.0 Pros We needed a modern 3D CAD solution for product design. Alibre Design has provided a robust 3D design platform with fully functional 2D CAD to produce drawings for fabrication. The customizable and sharable material and thread libraries have enabled rapid part and equipment design. The ability to move licenses as needed has been very convenient. Cons Alibre design is very stable, but the occasional software crash is unavoidable with any large software package. The software also occasionally loses its license, and requires that the key be reentered. Reason for choosing Alibre Design Value for the cost of the software. Alibre Design is a fantastic product for the price. Review Source CP Christopher P. Owner Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My ideas of Alibre" September 22, 2022 5.0 I enjoy the process of just learning the program. Being able to use this as a way to build a business is important to me. I enjoy the progress of being able to go from a visual thought to a model and then to a printed part. Pros I bought Alibre in 2010 and found that it was easy to use and the cost was perfect for me at the time. I liked that at the time it came with many features. The new versions seem to be becoming more feature rich allowing me to do more things at an easier and fast rate. The price is wonderful and allowing for more progress through management is important. The integration of Keyshot is a wonderful addition. Cons When bought in 2010 it came with other programs that I was hoping to use or get upgrades to. The addition slicing software would be nice. Alternatives considered [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design Price and Function Switched from [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/) Price and functionality. Review Source RF Richard F. retired Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Alibre - basic but very useable." September 22, 2022 4.0 I started with Alibre before the ownership change designing automotive clutches and then retired. I have since returned to Alibre and using it to design replacement parts for power seat tracks that have not been available as well as a few automotive related 'gadgets'. Pros I've used AutoCad a little and tried some of the free cad programs. Alibre is a good compromise between the high dollar programs and the low end freebies. Cons The biggest drawback is the inability to import third party stl files so they can be modified. Review Source DR David R. CEO and Designer Computer Hardware Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Best CAD program for a starting business!" March 15, 2024 5.0 I love the product and preach it in classes. I preach it to people who are starting CAD. I preach it to people at walmart that are random. I walk up and say, hey, use Alibre. They are confused, but alas, not my problem there. Seriously, this product is really great. Pros The cost vs features is amazing. I am able to use the solidworks training books to complete the work with the same number of features as the books have. I have had one case where I could not, and that was with a rib. The ability to work without having to be online and have my files stored in the cloud is vital, as I was using Fusion360, went to work on a part from my laptop while on the road, and their servers were offline. No work was accomplished that day. I can switch between my laptop and my office with ease. If I forget to release my license on one machine, I can quickly do it online. Cons The default color schemes do not mesh well with my eyes. They also do not match Solidworks, which makes some work confusing during my solidworks training (the local College offers solidworks classes for working with CAD). As per my PROS, I am able to successfully do the homeworks from the solidworks books in Alibre. Switched from [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/178416/Fusion-360/)[Onshape](https://www.capterra.com/p/164681/Onshape/)[SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/)[FreeCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/167527/FreeCAD/) The pricing for 360 vs the features / stability was a big issue. It ran terribly on a brand new 16 core cpu with a brand new GPU. They claim it will run on a chrome book.The ability to pay once and never again is a huge selling point. The maintenance isn't terribly expensive and is optional. The sales rep \[sensitive content hidden\] is awesome. Dude spent a fair bit of time with me explaining issues away that I was having. 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 MH Matt H. Chief Engineer Medical Devices Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The best for less" September 30, 2022 5.0 I have been using Alibre for over 10 years, it has grown into a very capable software. The cost makes it an easy sell for companies or departments on a budget. I have tried other software over the years, but I always come back to Alibre. Pros Alibre on the surface is a no nonsense 3D CAD software, its great for creating simple parts to send to a fabricator or 3d printer. Once you get a little experience though it is very capable and can do pretty much everything that the other more popular software's can do. Cons The one feature that would be great to have is a thread generator. I mostly design for 3d printing and it is common for me to print threads directly into my parts. currently I would have to create a helical cut with the profile of the thread to create threads, other software can generate threads automatically just by selecting the hole and the thread size. Review Source BB Bradley B. OWNER Machinery Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A good product that keeps getting better" September 22, 2022 4.0 Overall my experience with Alibre Design is excellent. It is an affordable and capable mechanical design tool that I intend to keep using for the foreseeable future. Pros I have used Alibre Design in its most capable version since the very early 2000's and find it quite adequate for my needs. I have a limited budget and although the scripts/automation of some operations found in more up scale products are useful and convenient they are also expensive. I would rather spend the extra time to manually do these things than spend the money for automation. Similarly some of the more advanced functionality would be nice but I rarely have need of those sorts of things and can usually find a work-around. FYI- I am a machine design engineer with decades of experience and in the past I have used both Solid Works and Solid Edge in the most capable version available at the time and each for a period of years. During the periods where I used different design software I also used Alibre Design concurrently for personal projects. Cons Over the years Alibre Design has continued to expand its capabilities and the increased functionality is always welcome. However this has come with a slight decrease in stability. A decade ago I could count the number of software crashes in a year on the fingers of one hand, Now it's more like 1-3 times a month. Not all that bad but could be better and there could be a more robust recovery capability. Reason for choosing Alibre Design Value. The cost/benefit ratio beats the competition while meeting or exceeding all my capability requirements. Review Source AS Abhijit S. Independent Contractor Design Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Alibre Design is the best CAD solution for me" September 23, 2022 5.0 I couldn't have wished for anything better. I am extremely satisfied with the tool and I love using it all day everyday. Pros As a solo young Independent Industrial Design, Design Engineering & CGI Contractor, working with many softwares in their pipeline including Mechanical CAD, Simulation, 2D Raster/Vector/Publishing, Mesh CAD DCCs, Animation and Visualisation tools, the costs can ramp up very quickly. To add to that, very few today offer perpetual licenses which is better as with Saas the data, software and access is controlled by company whose pricing, policies can change anytime. Alibre Design for me was a Professional MCAD software with amazing feature sets, very generous pricing and very flexible and pocket friendly upgrade options. Using Alibre, I am no more anxious about missing maintenance and paying huge costs or upfront overpriced licensing fee which is not solo contractor friendly. The modelling tools are great, the features match upto competitor mid-tier MCAD with 3x the price. The best part is the Company, their philosophy, being customer centric and the amazing community around this amazing tool. I could not have wished for anything else and I am very positive my relationship with Alibre Design is going to be very long term. Cons I feel the high tier surfacing for Industrial/Product Design use cases can be improved and I am positive the team is working on better surfacing capabilites. Review Source Adam G. Manufacturing Engineer Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "I guess some CAD software is better than no CAD software" March 26, 2020 3.0 My overall experience is that yes, this is functional CAD software, but you will be at least three times faster and ten times less frustrated if you use a more reputable program like AutoCad or Solidworks. Pros It is similar enough to Solid Works, so it was not too hard to learn on the fly. There is a metal simulation portion of the software that is very useful for bending and shaping metal components with decent realism. Cons The commands are not too hard to learn, but the software is extremely clunky, not responsive, and does not give much of an hint if there is a mistake in the drawing (overlapping line, enclosed loop, etc.). The program crashes regularly even running a on a brand new Thinkpad laptop with up to date specs. Lines have trouble "snapping" to points even when that option is turned on. And my largest gripe are that the user manual is pathetic, and their website is even worse when it comes to understanding featuresbor troubleshooting. Switched from [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) My current workplace uses Alibre. Review Source Response from Alibre November 27, 2023 Hi Adam, thanks for your feedback. We've made substantial improvements since 2020 on many fronts, including software stability, snapping, and especially the user manual. We now have a free 700+ page comprehensive user manual, in addition to our online Help, which has also been overhauled. If you can't seem to access the manual, please email us and we'll be happy to get it to you. Cheers, Max Freeman CEO | Alibre, LLC SS Steve S. President Aviation & Aerospace Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good software, good experience, good price, good communication." September 22, 2022 5.0 For us, everything starts with the solid model. We can't meaningfully do anything, from costs to processes, without modeling first. Alibre gets the job done. Pros Alibre is a reasonably full featured 3D modelling system that equals most of the functionality of much more expensive and well known modellers at a much more approachable price, particularly for small and medium businesses or private individuals. Note that I said it equals MOST of the functionality--Alibre does not have CFD or FEA packages as many of the Cadillac systems do. On the occasions wherein we need those operations, Alibre does a fine job of exporting common CAD file formats that will import into CFD or FEA software without issue. With that said, Alibre covers all of the other bases for parametric modeling in a reasonably easy to learn environment that is fairly efficient and has a good workflow. Cons I mean, you can get down in the weeds and nitpick anything to death pretty easily. I have had my share of requested changes filed with the Alibre devs, but overall Alibre has be steadily improving for years. Overall, Alibre does a great job. Review Source JK Joseph K. Engineer Consumer Electronics Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Now great 3D Mechanical CAD software that has come a long way in a short time." September 22, 2022 5.0 Very pleased overall. I am glad that I have made the jump and am seeing the continous progress. Pros I was an avid SolidWorks user and the shift from SolidWorks to Alibre was a short learning curve. It has many of the same features as Solidworks at a competitive price. I like that the license is perpetual unlike the subscription base that other providers are moving to (please don't take that away). Assemblies and mating has come a long way since I first started using. Assemblies are now easy to accomplish. I like that there are frequent updates from Alibre that are always adding features and enhancements. I look forward to receiving the next update announcement. Cons It still has some features missing that I was used to in Solidworks but seems to be catching up fast. It has a couple of bugs that I have reported to Alibre and support seems to be very good and quite responsive. Switched from [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/) Initially an economic decision coupled with a desire to have a perpetual license. Review Source RP Rob P. CEO Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Powerful and simple" January 4, 2024 5.0 Fastest start with a new tool I've ever had, combined with a straightforward and helpful sales and support team makes it a no-brainer to select Alibre. Pros Straightforward, clean user interface. Easy to grasp concepts and tools. The only tool that I've ever used for design (and I've tried them all) that really made sense from the start. A few minutes with the trial version of Alibre and I was set. Since then, I've recommended Alibre to anyone who'll listen, and all our designs are completed in Alibre, too. I also love the documentation and YouTube videos - a great way to learn new ideas. The licensing model is also a win. Cons Nothing at all, really. So far, everything I've wanted to do has been possible and achievable. Alternatives considered [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/178416/Fusion-360/)[Onshape](https://www.capterra.com/p/164681/Onshape/)[SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/)[FreeCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/167527/FreeCAD/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design Primarly the ease of use, and when combining that with the licensing model it just makes sense Switched from [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/178416/Fusion-360/) I didn't like the licensing model of Fusion360, and I also don't find it particularly intuitive to use Review Source DS David S. Owner Consumer Goods Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Alibre represents a great "bang for the buck"." September 28, 2022 4.0 After using IronCAD, Alibre, and Solidworks (for my previous employer) for many years, I had to pick only one to use for my business. I sampled the latest IronCAD (Triball is amazing!), Autodesk's Fusion 360 (requires annual subscription), and Alibre before choosing Alibre Expert. I may have chosen otherwise if cost was no object but I don't design things every day and paying many thousands of dollars for a program just didn't make sense. Overall, I am glad I have Alibre. If you already know Solidworks, Alibre will be very easy to learn. Pros Alibre is very easy to use, and technical help is always readily available, whether within the users' forum or directly from Alibre. I use Alibre Expert which is reasonably priced, and you do not have to purchase the maintenance package. The latest version includes text embossment and engraving wrap which really comes in handy for some of my products. Cons Of course, there are features in Solidworks that are not yet available in Alibre but then again, a Solidworks license is far more expensive. Reason for choosing Alibre Design Cost, ease of use, no annual payment required Switched from [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/) Cost and frequency of use Review Source SG Samuel G. Electronics and Software Engineer, Retired Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Alibre Design: An Affordable and Capable Design Package that Presents a Lot of Flexibility" September 22, 2022 4.0 I use Alibre Design for multiple types of projects, from household repairs to designing electronics enclosures. It is quite applicable to wide range of projects. Pros Alibre Design offers an excellent environment for 3-D CAD projects. Additionally, it supports a 2-D drawing, Bill of Materials generation, and lots of support functions such as custom materials, expandable thread definitions, and more. Cons While very good, the 2-D drawing capabilities .do not quite match up to the 3-D CAD technology. Still, Alibre Design's overall quality and usability are very, very good. Alternatives considered [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design To be honest, cost was a big factor. I had taken some Solidworks tutorials, as well as trying a demo of Alibre Design. To my inexperienced CAD eyes, Alibre Design seemed to deliver much more bang for the buck. Whether or not that novice conclusion was true or not, i'm glad i went with Alibre - no regrets whatsoever! Review Source WL William L. CEO/Sr. Designer Industrial Automation Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Alibre Design, The Best" September 27, 2022 5.0 Been using it for over 12 years, have designed 14 AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robot), some weighting in at 1500 pounds. That is complete design to include pulling in the electronic PCBs for a visual. Pros Ease of use, coupled with great functionality. Depending on your needs the different levels of packages. the combination of 3D modeling that can be converted into sheet metal. Cons Do not have anything that I find as a con. Reason for choosing Alibre Design At the time the cost was low in comparison to all others and more effective than the other entry products and did not require classes to learn. This was 12+ years ago. Review Source GC Gavin C. Director Defense & Space Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Long time satisfied user" January 27, 2024 5.0 We have used Alibre since 2012, and along with additive manufacturing it has enhanced and enabled our engineers and designers abilities to create, communicate ideas, and model more complex products and subsystems. Back in the day the initial learning curve to design in 3D was steep, coming from a 2D environment, but it was hugely worthwhile. Pros All needed functionality for moderately complex modelling and design provided at a price point that allows use widely throughout the company. We also appreciate the steadily increasing functionality with each new version. Cons Little to complain about. Very occasional crashes and hangs like most cad software. Some advanced features not available. Review Source Theodore (Ted) K.. S. Owner, Designer/Drafter Industrial Automation Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Excellent CAD Software" June 23, 2020 5.0 Switching a product line for concept to manufacturing was so easy. New designs could not be easier. I can not wait to try Alibre out for Automation Design projects in the near future. Pros Extremely easy to learn. Other than proprietary snag of Dimension Drawings of other similar CAD software, switching is easy, simply import the 3D object and re-create great dimension drawings for manufacturing and incorporate the changes/dimensions/GD&T with ease. From then on, updates and/or revisions of a part for manufacturing are so simple, it is amazing. I literally had a lot of fun learning Alibre Design Professional. Cons Recreating the dimensional drawing for manufacturing was the only thing that I could find missing in converting from other similar software's. This is simply a proprietary matter period. Alternatives considered [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design After trying out the 30 day trial, the choice was easy, go with Alibre Design Professional. Switched from [SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/) Client Requirements. Review Source Anoop N. Operations Manager Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great CAD tool with value for $$$" September 23, 2022 5.0 Pros Alibre design has the all the basic features for someone doing basic Product Design and System integration design. I enjoy using Global Parameters, Scripting and Configurations. Makes my designs modular and configurable. And, it has great Value for money!! Cons Alibre lacks easy integration with PCB / Electronics / Electrical Design software. Alternatives considered [Onshape](https://www.capterra.com/p/164681/Onshape/)[SolidWorks Premium](https://www.capterra.com/p/93121/SolidWorks-Premium/) Reason for choosing Alibre Design We had files and designs from a Contractor who used Alibre. The pricing was very attractive. Review Source SB Stephan B. Physics engineer Industrial Automation Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The ultimate design tool" September 22, 2022 5.0 I use Alibre to develop a new king of industrial instrument that measure gazes in open and closed systems. I use a lot the configuration feature. Also, I use it to design test fixtures with aluminum extrusions and design wood work for home. It is my central tool in all my creative activity. Pros I adopted Alibre Desing many years ago after having tried many others. What made the difference is the short learning curve. I design a complete first draft of my project in 3 days. This was very convincing, almost addictive... Cons It would be nice to link certain parameters to the configuration name. When using extrusion with different length, I write the length in the name of the specific configuration. During development it can happen that I change the length but forgive to change its name. This would ensure the in integrity of the data. Review Source JW James W. CEO Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great value for money professional package for people who don't need it as their every day tool" September 22, 2022 4.0 Very happy user for many years. Pros Value for money it cannot be beaten. It has modelled many of our products and designs for sheet metal, plastic injection moulding, metal machining via CAD etc. Cons There are limitations and frustrations in modelling complex forms. For straightforward mechanical designs its perfect including sheet steel etc. Complex artistic forms is where it begins to hit limits. Reason for choosing Alibre Design Just so much better value. 85% functionality for 10% price. Review Source Similar Products Featured