--- title: How much does CAD software really cost? description: Do you want to know what the costs of CAD software are? Read the main costs and benefits of CAD software for steel engineering in this blog. image: https://blog.isdgroup.com/hubfs/2019-05-20_ISDGroup_132.jpg --- [![ISD Group](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hubfs/ISD%20Group%20thema/images/isd-group-logo.svg "ISD Group")](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/) - Products - HiCAD - [CAD for All-rounders and Specialists](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/cad-for-all-rounders-and-specialists/) - [2-D/3-D CAD Software](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/cad-software-for-2d-3d-design/) - [The "All-in-One" CAD Solution](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/all-in-one-cad-solution/) - [Software Kernel](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/software-kernel/) - [Import and Exchange of Data](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/import-and-exchange-of-data/) - HELiOS - [PDM Product Data Management](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/pdm-product-data-management/) - [DMS Document Management](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/dms-document-management/) - [CAD Data Management](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/cad-data-management/) - 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[deutschDE](https://blog.isdgroup.com/de/was-kostet-eine-cad-software) - [françaisFR](https://blog.isdgroup.com/fr/ce-que-coûte-un-logiciel-de-cao) - [nederlandsNL](https://blog.isdgroup.com/nl/wat-kost-cad-software-voor-de-staalbouw) [CAD-Software HiCAD](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/tag/cad-software-hicad), [Steel engineering](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/tag/steel-engineering) # How much does CAD software really cost? 8 March 2021 ![How much does CAD software really cost?](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2019-05-20_ISDGroup_132.jpg?upscale=true&width=730&height=410&name=2019-05-20_ISDGroup_132.jpg) **How much does CAD software really cost? It is not easy to give a simple answer to this question. In order to decide which CAD software is most suitable for your company and to determine the costs, there are several aspects to take into account.** ## ``**Which CAD software solution is right for your company?** ## `` Every company is different. Companies differ from each other based on their size and number of employees, their production facilities, the products and services they deliver and the processes and systems they use. These are all things that must be taken into account when choosing the right CAD software and which determine the costs of a CAD solution, but also the yield and profitability of the CAD solution. ## 2D CAD software or 3D CAD software ## `` ## `` There is also a big difference between types of CAD solutions. 2D CAD software is cheaper than 3D CAD software, but it is not suitable for working with BIM. You are also missing out on several other benefits. For example, 3D CAD makes it possible to draw complex projects in a simple way, to make the drawings easier to read and to prevent errors. Nevertheless, 2D CAD can sometimes be useful, for example when you want to assess and modify views, sections and connections. Fortunately, you don't have to choose between 2D and 3D. ## `` ## `` ## `` ## `` ## Standard CAD software or tailor-made customisation ## `` In addition to choosing between 2D CAD software and 3D CAD software, you also have the choice between software with or without tailor-made customisation. The disadvantage of customisation is that it is more expensive than standard software alone. On the other hand, customisation can be designed completely according to your own processes and products. Customised software can be used to automate many repetitive tasks, which will save a lot of time during the engineering process. For example, customised software makes it possible to print or export all the drawings of a project and make DXF exports with a single press of a button. ## `` ## Supplier or partner ## `` ## `` Choosing and purchasing good CAD software is one thing, but the implementation and proper use of the software is at least as important. A good partner helps you to set up the software and connect it to the existing systems and processes of your company. This ensures that you get the most out of the CAD solution. A partner thinks along with you and helps you achieve your goals. This is in contrast to other CAD software suppliers, who are only partially available for questions and training. ## `` ## Save money with good CAD software ## `` ## `` As opposed to the question of how much CAD software costs, there is also the question of how much CAD software can reduce costs for you. The right CAD software and partner can help your company reduce costs in a number of ways. Make an [appointment](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/contact-us/) with our experts to find out how ISD Group can help your company reduce costs. ## `` Wondering what the use of smart CAD software can bring to your company? Download the Draw2design customer case now and read why owner Raymond van Amersfoort uses CAD software from ISD Group. ## More information? Do you want to know more about how HiCAD can strengthen your organisation? Then go to our blog: ["Why HiCAD is the best choice"](https://blog.isdgroup.com/test/en/why-hicad-is-the-best-choice?hsLang=en). Or do you want to read more experiences of current HiCAD users besides the Draw2design customer story? Then go to our [reference page.](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/references/) [![ISD WHITEPAPER](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Steel%20engineering%20campaign/ISD%20WHITEPAPER.png?width=660&name=ISD%20WHITEPAPER.png)](https://content.isdgroup.com/7-golden-tips-for-a-profitable-steel-engineering-company?hsLang=en) - - - - - [mailto:?subject=How%20much%20does%20CAD%20software%20really%20cost?&body=https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/how-much-does-cad-software-for-steel-engineering-really-cost](mailto:?subject=How%20much%20does%20CAD%20software%20really%20cost?&body=https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/how-much-does-cad-software-for-steel-engineering-really-cost) ![Willem van Kreij, Sales consultant](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Willem%20van%20Kreij.png?width=192&height=192&name=Willem%20van%20Kreij.png) Willem van Kreij, Sales consultant Willem van Kreij (Sales Manager), started at ISD Group in 2013 and has since grown into a true knowledge partner for the facade engineering industry. Willem's specialty is helping companies to improve their business processes. His knowledge and experience in the field of 3D CAD solutions make him a valuable partner for our customers. [![EN\_Voorkant klantcase](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Steel%20engineering%20campaign/EN_Voorkant%20klantcase.png?width=170&height=240&name=EN_Voorkant%20klantcase.png) Why Draw2design chooses HiCAD Download the whole story Download](https://content.isdgroup.com/customer-case-draw2design?hsLang=en) [go back](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en) ## You may also like these blogs ## [![J. Van Belzen B.V. - fietsbrug haarlemmertrekvaart](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/thumbnail%20picture.jpg?width=360&height=202&name=thumbnail%20picture.jpg) CAD-Software HiCAD, Blog, Steel engineering, Sheet metal processing, Trends and Innovation From Point Cloud to Sheet Metal: HiCAD Modules Make Bicycle Bridge a Reality Complex designs call for smart solutions. Thanks to the industry-specific tools in HiCAD, J. van Belzen was able to flawlessly engineer a technically challenging bicycle bridge. A powerful example of how CAD software can be perfectly aligned with the unique demands of the steel construction.. read more](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/from-point-cloud-to-sheet-metal-hicad-modules-make-bicycle-bridge-a-reality?hsLang=en) ## [![Van Hoesel logo op voorkant gebouw](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/tumbnail%20afbeelding.jpg?width=360&height=202&name=tumbnail%20afbeelding.jpg) CAD-Software HiCAD, Blog, Facade engineering Innovation and quality since 1965: From aluminium window frames to smart automation As a leading, forward-thinking supplier, Van Hoesel has been at the forefront since 1965 in the design, production, installation and maintenance of aluminium window frames and curtain walls. Traditional craftsmanship is still very much alive, now combined with digitalisation and automation. They.. read more](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/innovation-and-quality-since-1965-from-aluminium-window-frames-to-smart-automation?hsLang=en) ## [![Flikweert Vision logo](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled-1.jpg?width=360&height=202&name=Untitled-1.jpg) CAD-Software HiCAD, Blog, Special Machine Construction Efficiency in every drawing: Why the world market leader chooses HiCAD Flikweert Vision builds innovative sorting machines for the potato and onion industry, with a proprietary AI algorithm as their beating heart. Smart technology inside the machine also calls for smart engineering. That is why the company has relied on HiCAD since its founding. The point cloud module.. read more](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/efficiency-in-every-drawing-why-the-world-market-leader-chooses-hicad?hsLang=en) Do you have any further questions? We will gladly help you. 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