DesignSpark CAD Design & 3D Modelling Software

We’ve built DesignSpark Mechanical with powerful gesture-based modelling, so you can use it even if you’re not a CAD software expert. It allows you to create complex geometry from zero. Our mechanical design software makes it easier to make edits in a CAD model without needing help from your CAD team, therefore eliminating this bottleneck.

What are the key features?

Easy geometry creation:

Available in: Explorer, Creator and Engineer plans.

The direct modelling kernel makes it simple to join line segments and curves into a surface. Make copies and patterns with the Move tool. Use 3D editing tools like Pull, Combine, and Blend to transform the solid into the desired shape.

3D Mirror tool:

Available in: Creator and Engineer plans.

Flip an object over a mirror line or plane. Changes to the original object are applied to its associated reflection, and you can also isolate the mirror relationship to certain features.

Detailing options in drawing sheets :

Available in: Creator and Engineer plans.

Detail your designs in 2D engineering drawings with notes, geometric tolerances, hole tables, BoM tables, welding symbols and surface finish tool. DSM supports multiple industry standards for your annotations (ASME, JIS, ISO and GB) and conforms to the ASME Y14.5 standard for GD&T symbol creation.

Model-Based Definition (MBD):

Available in: Creator and Engineer plans.

Model-based definition provides greater clarity of datum / control features over 2D drawings for in-depth 3D visualization with MBD through semantic GD&T and 3D dimension annotations. Easily convey manufacturing requirements and reuse specific parts in multiple projects.

Sketch with equations:

Available in: Explorer, Creator and Engineer plans.

Use parametric equations to define custom curve patterns in 2D and 3D space, or choose from available curve types including Archimedes spiral, Catenary, Sine wave, Helix, Slinky, Spirals, Lemniscate (Bernoulli), Trochoid, Tractrix, Lissajous, and Viviani’s curve.

Sketch with applied constraints:

Available in: Explorer, Creator and Engineer plans.

Apply constraints such as collinearity, tangency, and symmetry to create precise geometric relationships and use a construction line to mirror constrained features.

Integrated 3D model library:

Available in: Explorer, Creator and Engineer plans.

Choose from over one billion manufacturer approved part 3D models. Seamlessly insert into your current project or download for later use. Models are tagged with RS product codes so you can easily create a bill of materials and get a production quote.

Measure and Quality tools:

Available in: Explorer, Creator and Engineer plans.

Dedicated tools to check for errors, estimate size, mass, and volume of objects, display body interference and assess the quality of design surfaces by helping to identify anomalies.

Customisation options:

Available in: Explorer, Creator and Engineer plans.

Customise keyboard shortcuts, workspace views, rendering and shading settings, anti-aliasing, color schemes, toolbar layout etc. to make DSM suitable for day-to-day use.

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Compare Our Plans

EXPLORER

CREATOR

ENGINEER

Free 7-day trial

Free

No hidden feees

/ mo

billed yearly

/ mo

billed yearly

Subscribe to EXPLORER

Subscribe to CREATOR

Subscribe to ENGINEER

DesignSpark PCB

Unlimited schematic sheets and PCB layer count
Export to mechanical design software and Spice simulators
Manufacturing plots (Gerber, Excellon, drill, etc.) and reports (BoM, generic netlist, etc. )
Design rules checker and editor
Plotting - Pre plot checks New
Library - Component name ranges New
Bill of Materials composer
Save Copy As New
Library - Export/Import components New
Measure - Dual Units New
Units - Angular precision increased New
Integrated SnapEDA CAD library
Advanced DRC checks (undrilled pads, Via to SMD pad distance, etc.)
Blind and buried vias
Heirarchical schematic designs
Variant manager, TestLands and mechanical dimensions
Library Manager - Save Project Libraries New
Component Bin - Selection and ordering options New
Design Rules Checks - Additional checks New
Differential pairs and buses (define, edit, trunk routing, etc.)
Copper coverage report
IPC-2581 Output

DesignSpark Mechanical

Unlimited projects and design size
Pull, blend, fill and combine tools for complex shapes and geometry manipulation
Generate Bill of Materials and get quotes
Import PCBs in the IDF format
Measure and quality tools (check mass properties, draft angles, curvature, deviation, etc.)
Equation and constraint-based sketching tools
Reverse engineer solid model from 3D scanned mesh (eg. STL)
3D Mirror tool
Detailing options for drawing sheets (full GD&T and support for JIS, ISO, ANSI industry standards)
Cosmetic threads
Import/Export STEP, IGES, AutoCAD DWG and DXF formats
Edit 3D objects from Drawing sheet views

Design and Product Resources

PCB Footprints And Schematics
Reference Designs
3D Product Models
Product Datasheet
RoHS and Reach Compliance Status (Y/N)
3D Model and Footprint
Lifecycle Risk
Environmental Risk
RoHS and Reach Compliance Information
DRC Status
Technical Attributes
Predictive Lifecycle Data
Alternative Products
Export Compliance - HTC, ECCN, and Schedule B
Product Change and End of Life Notifications

DesignSpark Circuit Simulator

Simulator Time Limit	1 min	60 min	60 min
Design, modeling, Simulator, and analysis environment for electronic and mechatronic circuits and systems.
Analog, digital, mixed-signal and multi-domain systems including electro-mechanical and electro-thermal.
User access to Partner provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models. Users can create and import Simulator models.
Unlimited public designs
Closed Groups for Collaboration
Private Groups for Collaboration (DesignSpark invite-only)

Training & support

Public discussion forum
Learning materials	tutorials, videos, and FAQs	+ advanced tips and tricks	+ advanced tips and tricks

Compare Our Plans

Free 7-day trial

Free

No hidden feees

/ mo

billed yearly

/ mo

billed yearly

Subscribe to EXPLORER

Subscribe to CREATOR

Subscribe to ENGINEER

DesignSpark PCB

	Unlimited schematic sheets and PCB layer count
	Export to mechanical design software and Spice simulators
	Manufacturing plots (Gerber, Excellon, drill, etc.) and reports (BoM, generic netlist, etc. )
	Design rules checker and editor
	Plotting - Pre plot checks New
	Library - Component name ranges New

	Unlimited schematic sheets and PCB layer count
	Export to mechanical design software and Spice simulators
	Manufacturing plots (Gerber, Excellon, drill, etc.) and reports (BoM, generic netlist, etc. )
	Design rules checker and editor
	Plotting - Pre plot checks New
	Library - Component name ranges New
	Bill of Materials composer
	Save Copy As New
	Library - Export/Import components New
	Measure - Dual Units New
	Units - Angular precision increased New
	Integrated SnapEDA CAD library
	Advanced DRC checks (undrilled pads, Via to SMD pad distance, etc.)

	Unlimited schematic sheets and PCB layer count
	Export to mechanical design software and Spice simulators
	Manufacturing plots (Gerber, Excellon, drill, etc.) and reports (BoM, generic netlist, etc. )
	Design rules checker and editor
	Plotting - Pre plot checks New
	Library - Component name ranges New
	Bill of Materials composer
	Save Copy As New
	Library - Export/Import components New
	Measure - Dual Units New
	Units - Angular precision increased New
	Integrated SnapEDA CAD library
	Advanced DRC checks (undrilled pads, Via to SMD pad distance, etc.)
	Blind and buried vias
	Heirarchical schematic designs
	Variant manager, TestLands and mechanical dimensions
	Library Manager - Save Project Libraries New
	Component Bin - Selection and ordering options New
	Design Rules Checks - Additional checks New
	Differential pairs and buses (define, edit, trunk routing, etc.)
	Copper coverage report
	IPC-2581 Output

DesignSpark Mechanical

	Unlimited projects and design size
	Pull, blend, fill and combine tools for complex shapes and geometry manipulation
	Generate Bill of Materials and get quotes
	Import PCBs in the IDF format
	Measure and quality tools (check mass properties, draft angles, curvature, deviation, etc.)
	Equation and constraint-based sketching tools

	Unlimited projects and design size
	Pull, blend, fill and combine tools for complex shapes and geometry manipulation
	Generate Bill of Materials and get quotes
	Import PCBs in the IDF format
	Measure and quality tools (check mass properties, draft angles, curvature, deviation, etc.)
	Equation and constraint-based sketching tools
	Reverse engineer solid model from 3D scanned mesh (eg. STL)
	3D Mirror tool
	Detailing options for drawing sheets (full GD&T and support for JIS, ISO, ANSI industry standards)
	Cosmetic threads
	Import/Export STEP, IGES, AutoCAD DWG and DXF formats
	Edit 3D objects from Drawing sheet views

	Unlimited projects and design size
	Pull, blend, fill and combine tools for complex shapes and geometry manipulation
	Generate Bill of Materials and get quotes
	Import PCBs in the IDF format
	Measure and quality tools (check mass properties, draft angles, curvature, deviation, etc.)
	Equation and constraint-based sketching tools
	Reverse engineer solid model from 3D scanned mesh (eg. STL)
	3D Mirror tool
	Detailing options for drawing sheets (full GD&T and support for JIS, ISO, ANSI industry standards)
	Cosmetic threads
	Import/Export STEP, IGES, AutoCAD DWG and DXF formats
	Edit 3D objects from Drawing sheet views

Design and Product Resources

	PCB Footprints And Schematics
	Reference Designs
	3D Product Models
	Product Datasheet
	RoHS and Reach Compliance Status (Y/N)
	3D Model and Footprint

	PCB Footprints And Schematics
	Reference Designs
	3D Product Models
	Product Datasheet
	RoHS and Reach Compliance Status (Y/N)
	3D Model and Footprint
	Lifecycle Risk
	Environmental Risk
	RoHS and Reach Compliance Information
	DRC Status

	PCB Footprints And Schematics
	Reference Designs
	3D Product Models
	Product Datasheet
	RoHS and Reach Compliance Status (Y/N)
	3D Model and Footprint
	Lifecycle Risk
	Environmental Risk
	RoHS and Reach Compliance Information
	DRC Status
	Technical Attributes
	Predictive Lifecycle Data
	Alternative Products
	Export Compliance - HTC, ECCN, and Schedule B
	Product Change and End of Life Notifications

DesignSpark Circuit Simulator

	Design, modeling, Simulator, and analysis environment for electronic and mechatronic circuits and systems.
	Analog, digital, mixed-signal and multi-domain systems including electro-mechanical and electro-thermal.
	User access to Partner provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models. Users can create and import Simulator models.
	Unlimited public designs
	Closed Groups for Collaboration

	Design, modeling, Simulator, and analysis environment for electronic and mechatronic circuits and systems.
	Analog, digital, mixed-signal and multi-domain systems including electro-mechanical and electro-thermal.
	User access to Partner provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models. Users can create and import Simulator models.
	Unlimited public designs
	Closed Groups for Collaboration

	Design, modeling, Simulator, and analysis environment for electronic and mechatronic circuits and systems.
	Analog, digital, mixed-signal and multi-domain systems including electro-mechanical and electro-thermal.
	User access to Partner provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models. Users can create and import Simulator models.
	Unlimited public designs
	Closed Groups for Collaboration
	Private Groups for Collaboration (DesignSpark invite-only)

Training & support

	Public discussion forum
	Learning materials tutorials, videos, and FAQs

	Public discussion forum
	Learning materials + advanced tips and tricks

	Public discussion forum
	Learning materials + advanced tips and tricks

Frequently asked questions

What is CAD software?

Computer-aided design (CAD) software allows you to digitally create 2D drawings and 3D models from zero. With CAD software, you can design, modify, and share designs, render realistic concepts, simulate real world performance, draft documents and much, much more.

What does that mean in real terms for your business? A complete overhaul of your manual drafting process to digital, rapid, cost-effective concept development, constant innovation, optimization of your production and faster products to market.

DesignSpark Mechanical is a brand-new specialist Mechanical CAD (MCAD) software built for mechanical engineers. With DesignSpark Mechanical, you can create billions of precise 3D modelling specifications for engineering and manufacturing projects to new levels of accuracy, consistency, and realism.

What is CAD used for?

CAD software systems make it easy to develop precision 2D and 3D mechanical drawings ready for factory production, along with a complete package of support information, such as the manufacturing materials, technology, mould finishes, and tolerances required for production.

With a sophisticated CAD program like Design Spark Mechanical, you'll also have access to a variety of advanced and professional features (plan dependent) for 3D mechanical designs, from billions of product downloads, easy bill of materials creation, adaptable formatting, and plenty more.

Some of the applications CAD software can be used for include:

Creating, preparing, and modifying models for 3D printing.
Creating photorealistic renderings for presentation and marketing purposes.
Creating a bill of materials (BOM) – a complete inventory of all the materials and components required to manufacture the products – for management of production and cost analysis.
Importing standardised mechanical parts from linked databases.
Various analyses, including thermal, vibration, motion, ergonomic, aerodynamic, and stress and buckling analyses, as well as mould flow analysis for injection molding.
Various simulations including drop tests, fabrics, and inflatables.
Advanced Geometric, Dimensioning, and Tolerancing (GD&T) for optimising production processes.
Texture mapping and painting for video games, movies, and art.

Which industries use CAD software?

The versatility of CAD 3D modelling software means it's used across variety of industries, including:

What are the advantages of CAD?

CAD integration has overhauled the traditional manual drafting process in the past few decades to make 3D modelling and product production faster, cheaper, and simpler than ever before.

CAD software offers the following benefits:

Rapid concept development and manufacturing: you can put together accurate 3D model concepts quickly for early visualisation and prototypes. Coupled with rapid manufacturing technologies, CAD programs have streamlined the process from concept through to manufacture.
Optimised production: state of the art 3D modelling software provides a virtual environment where faults and imperfections can be ironed out to minimise the gap between design intent and the manufactured product.
New levels of visualisation for your clients: photorealistic renderings, animations, analysis, and simulations can be targeted at clients via presentations and marketing campaigns to boost your engagement.
Broad scale usability: offering advanced features in an ever more simplified package, CAD software delivers complex 3D modelling specifications in a straightforward manner, enhancing the ability for those outside the CAD team to create manufacturing-ready models.
Versatile application: a sophisticated tool capable of conducting every application in the drafting process, CAD software also runs across numerous formats, making it hugely versatile for use across various projects in a broad spectrum of industries and professions.

Why use DesignSpark Mechanical CAD software?

Go from concept sketch to prototype, and further

Tired of traditional CAD tools with parametric constraints? Unlock your creativity with DesignSpark Mechanical – a direct modeller that allows you to reshape your 3D models with a simple push or pull. Our easy-to-use toolset will help you save time, money, and create error-free geometry.

Start your prototyping journey with our free-of-charge Explorer software, and upgrade anytime to our Creator or Engineer paid subscription plans for advanced features.

Compare our subscriptions here

Generate a bill of materials and get instant online quotes

Get a complete inventory for your models to better understand your requirements and costs with our BOM generator, available across all free and paid DesignSpark Mechanical plans. All it takes to create a BOM in your desired format is the click of a few buttons. Then, request a quote as well as stock information in seconds through the RS Online or Allied Electronics websites.

Work with a variety of industry standard file formats

Switching from another CAD software to DesignSpark Mechanical? Pick up where you left off. Our 3D modelling software allows you to easily collaborate 3D PDFs and exchange files with other MCAD software, including STL, SKP, OBJ, and AutoCAD DXF. You can also get your model ready to print by exporting directly to STL, the most widely used format for 3D printing. This means you’ll have a functional prototype in a flash.

Create your own technical drawings with full GD&T and support annotations

Subscribe to our Creator or Engineer plans and you'll be able to share your 3D mechanical design across other programs, such as AutoCAD, CATIA, ArchiCAD, and others. DesignSpark Mechanical engineering software enables you to work with the standardized STEP and IGES file formats as part of these subscriptions – just one of the many advanced and professional standard features that make up the different packages we offer.

Take advantage of a market leading global hosting partner

DesignSpark Mechanical is provided in partnership with TraceParts S.A., a premier supplier of 3D digital content for engineering applications. It provides free access to millions of CAD models and thousands of supplier catalogues.

Make things easier with customisation

To improve productivity while using DesignSpark Mechanical, you can tweak and customise things like command shortcuts, design views, rendering, application colour scheme, and interface. The enhanced usability of DesignSpark Mechanical means you don't need to leave the full design process in the hands of your CAD team. Our CAD software isn't just for CAD experts, and customisation options make it easier to build understanding across your business.

Create precision models with quality CAD tools

Our engineering design software comes with a built-in set of powerful tools to analyse geometry for the size, shape, and quality of bodies. Conduct analysis and simulations to better understand your models and create accurate visualisations that can be used for your clients. H3: Advanced sketching

With DesignSpark Mechanical, you can create intricate designs using equation-driven and constraint-based sketch modes. Find out how to use Equation and constraint-based sketching in DesignSpark Mechanical here.

Make your creations look realistic

Produce impressive high-quality prototypes when you take advantage of the different graphics styles available in the Display tab. This allows you to add a degree of realism to your design, aiding visualisation and closing the gap between design intent and the final manufactured product.

How to get DesignSpark Mechanical CAD for free

You can get started with DesignSpark Mechanical for free today by signing up to our Explorer plan. Our CAD free software package offers you unlimited downloads from millions of 3D models, schematics, and footprints and will always be free with no hidden fees to worry about.

Download DesignSpark Mechanical Explorer for free

Looking for advanced features?

Then look at our monthly subscription and free plans. Our paid Creator plan allows for unlimited projects and design size and offers our 3D Mirror tool among other features. Our paid Engineer package includes everything you get in our free Explorer plan, plus a number of other professional standard elements. All plans come with discussion forums and learning materials.

Get started with DesignSpark Mechanical 3D modelling CAD software today

Want to know more about what DesignSpark Mechanical has to offer? Use our tutorials to learn the basics of DesignSpark Mechanical here, or take a look at our support FAQs and Mechanical forum to get all the answers you need.

Can I pause my subscription?

We have made our subscriptions as flexible as possible, this includes offering the ability to pause your subscription at any time and select the length of time (1, 2 or 3 months) that you would like to pause for.

What if I want to upgrade in the future?

Upgrading is really simple, and can be done at any time via the My subscription tab in your account area.

Can I cancel my Free trial at anytime?

At any time within your free trial, you can cancel your subscription and revert to the Free Explorer membership tier

Download Mechanical Software

DesignSpark Mechanical features vary depending on which subscription you are on. Register for a free DesignSpark account to explore our entry level software or upgrade to a Creator or Engineer to unlock more features and release your imagination

Download Software

DesignSpark CAD Design & 3D Modelling Software

What are the key features?

Easy geometry creation:

3D Mirror tool:

Detailing options in drawing sheets :

Model-Based Definition (MBD):

Sketch with equations:

Sketch with applied constraints:

Integrated 3D model library:

Measure and Quality tools:

Customisation options:

Discover team solutions! Request a quote for multiple users

Compare Our Plans

EXPLORER

CREATOR

ENGINEER

Compare Our Plans

Frequently asked questions

Go from concept sketch to prototype, and further

Generate a bill of materials and get instant online quotes

Work with a variety of industry standard file formats

Create your own technical drawings with full GD&T and support annotations

Take advantage of a market leading global hosting partner

Make things easier with customisation

Create precision models with quality CAD tools

Make your creations look realistic

Looking for advanced features?

Download Mechanical Software

Subscriptions Pricing Page

Learn DesignSpark Mechanical

DesignSpark Mechanical Forum

DesignSpark Mechanical Software Support FAQs

DesignSpark Mechanical Software Articles