What are Cloud Based CAD Software?
The easy availability of the internet and advancement of cloud computing technologies has opened new opportunities for CAD software companies.
Cloud CAD software is similar to traditional CAD software. But instead of utilizing local computational resources, they run on the cloud (Outsourced Computing Power).
This article will focus on how CAD in the cloud works, its advantages, limitations, and the Top 5 Cloud-based CAD software.
How does Cloud-Based CAD software work?
Cad software in the cloud does not require complete software installation on your local computer. They take advantage of cloud computing and the internet.
Firstly, a user needs to register with the cloud software provider and pay a license fee (if applicable). Afterward, They can use Cloud CAD software in internet browser apps such as google chrome or software dedicated apps.
A designer does not need to worry about your system’s computing power during CAD design Because the software does all computation work in the cloud.
In other words, to use a cad software in the cloud, You only need to sign in to your account from any device and start designing!! All cad design data is saved in the cloud. But for that, you need to have a good internet connection.
Advantages of CAD in cloud
Cloud-Based CAD software has the following advantages compared to conventional CAD software.
1. Low Cost
Since cloud cad software does all computation in the cloud servers, CAD software in the cloud does not require expensive workstations to work. It saves lots of hardware buying costs.
2. Latest Version
Since the software installation is in the cloud, software gets automatically updated. As a result, the User will always work on the latest CAD software version.
3. Accessibility from multiple devices
Users can access Cloud-based CAD software from any internet-connected device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone). Because they only need to install the app and Sign-in.
4. Improved Productivity
You can access software from anywhere with a good internet connection. For example, During vendor or customer visits, engineers can explain design on any internet-connected device. In this way, overall productivity increases.
5. More Flexibility
According to workload, a company can quit or buy additional software licenses, more computing power, or additional software modules. Because cloud-based cad software costs on a monthly or yearly basis.
6. Fast Speed
We can solve complex CAD problems quickly since the software does all computation in the cloud. When required, users can buy additional computing power to increase speed. Users also don’t need to worry about reduced computing power with time.
7. Improved Collaboration
In Cloud-based cad software, authorized users can access CAD data in collaboration with other users and start work on it. Therefore team collaboration improves in remote working environments.
8. Improved Safety
Cloud Cad software provider company manages the CAD data and keeps multiple copies. Therefore in case of file corruption, a previous version is always available.
Disadvantages of cloud in CAD
Along with so many advantages, Cloud-Based CAD software has the following disadvantages.
1. Security
In this, your CAD data is on software provider company servers. It may have the potential risk of hacking data. But these days, cloud servers are very secure.
The final decision on whether you want to keep your data on a shared cloud has to be taken by individuals.
2. Require a Good Internet Connection
CAD software requires a fast internet connection to run in the cloud. Otherwise, software response may lag because the software does all computation in the cloud.
3. Limited Options are Available
There are only a few companies that offer cloud CAD software solutions. Therefore limited software options are available.
Click this link to know the difference between CAD CAM and CAE software.
Top 5 Cloud Based CAD Software
| Sr.No | Description | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fusion 360 |
|
$360 / user (Yearly) |
| 2 | OnShape | Complete Product design & Development Solution |
|
| 3 | Solidworks X-Design | design, collaborate, communicate, share, get feedback, assign tasks, manage versions, send messages, find new suppliers and get quotes without leaving the 3DEXPERIENCE platform | Contact Solidworks |
| 4 | Nutanix Frame | It is not cad software. But this tool helps in running required CAD software in the cloud servers. | $33 / user (Monthly) |
| 5 | AutoCAD Web App | Edit, create and view cad drawings in the web browser | Plans Start @ $160/- |
Fusion 360 from Autodesk is one of the best options available for 3D CAD design. For hobbyists and small entrepreneurs, it is available free of cost. You can get a Fusion 360 professional license for 300$ for one year per user.
Fusion 360 is for professionals looking for cad software that can help them from concept design to manufacturing.
Onshape offers complete product design and development solutions to its users in the cloud. It utilizes cloud and user desktop computing power to deliver fast results. Different users can collaborate in the fusion 360 from internet-connected devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Compared to fusion 360, Onshape is more costly. Onshape professional and standard licenses are available at $2100/- and $1500/- per user per year.
Solidworks xDesign
xDesign enables users to design, collaborate, communicate, share, get feedback, assign tasks, manage versions, send messages, find new suppliers and get quotes without leaving the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
It helps in the entire product design and development cycle. Therefore With x Design, you can create, share ideas and collaborate anywhere.
The Frame is not cad software. But this tool helps in running required CAD software in the cloud servers. Afterward, you can access CAD software from the internet browser. Therefore Frame frees your Windows desktop applications to run in the cloud, allowing you to work from anywhere, on any device.
Frame claims, Configuring Autodesk Revit to run on this page took less than 15 minutes and didn’t require any changes to the application. You can start using a frame for $33 per user per month.
in the Autocad web app, you can edit, create and view cad drawings in the web browser. To start work, you only need to sign in. No software installation is required. AutoCAD in cloud monthly plan starts at $160/-
To sum up, CAD in Cloud has numerous advantages compared to its limitations. But during the final decision making all of the above points should be brainstormed. We suggest you also read this article on buyers guide to select best cad software for an application.
I will keep adding more information on CAD in Cloud. Add your suggestions, comments, or questions in the comment box.
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