What CAD software should you learn?

I tried to narrow your options by giving you segments based on which to sort your needs.

What CAD software should I learn?

Also, here are my mini-series if you want to learn SolidWorks.

Mini-Series:

[Movieman]

I started using AutoCAD in 1993. Version 10-11 I believe. Then in 1996 I started my mechanical design career at a medical device manufacturer. There they were using ProEngineer 3D. So, I had it installed and learned how to use it over the next year. But then the company acquired several other smaller medical device companies. They all used SolidWorks 1997. So, I had it installed and learned how to use it. Even took several of the the different courses offered by the software resellers on site at the company. I got tired of switching between ProEngineer, AutoCAD and SolidWorks. I found SolidWorks worked best for me. So now it's been 26 years Iv'e been using SolidWorks in various industries like Aviation, Medical Devices, Consumer Products, Sheet Metal, Plastic Product Design etc. I still use SolidWorks every day at work. It has served me well. Currently using version 2016. Due an upgrade soon.

[lq_]

I am aerospace engineer and for fellow engineers, specially for freshman I would strongly advice not to master a specific software but instead master the CAD fundamentals and design philosophy. At college I used to work with NX but pandemic arrived and school shot out, I didn't have access to NX anymore so I downloaded Freecad, yes, obviously NX is far superior it holds your hand if you are not so good at fundamentals, it forgives you errors. In the other hand, Freecad mistreat you if you don't have fundamentals but you can design pretty much anything, from mechanical design to surfacing, only if you have mastered fundamentals before.

[dothgaerwenoakblossom]

2 minutes in and the concept of splitting the categories makes so much sense

[ErwinReyolada]

Im a CNC machinist and I really want to learn and be expert in solidworks but its difficult for me because I didnt go to college. I dont have pc or laptop to use but i know basics. I only watching yt tuitorial ls and its very helpfull ❤️.. I hoping to get a laptop this coming 2023. wish me luck !! 😁

[bikeninja]

nice run down...I agree with it all. So I tried to learn ProE back in 2011 to be able to CAD model stuff for side projects. Spent a year on it, couldn't figure it out, interface sucked. Next tried Solidworks, within a few weeks I was modeling a dirt bike engine... going on 12+ years now, expert level modeler working full time as a design freelancer. I can model literally ANYTHING with that software. It's a massive package with many plug-ins available. Easy and intuitive to self learn... It can even be stretched to do "organic" stuff if you have the patience for it. I do have my eye on some of the new comers as you mentioned but once you're good with a CAD package that you like, just stick with it. No affiliation with them.

[SinCityo]

As a Product Designer, AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS is the way to go

[saturapt]

Been using Catia, Creo, Solidworks, 3dexperience and Inventor.
Incmy opinion Solidworks is the best by far, of course Catia is more complete and powerful but Solidworks is just so simple and nicely made

[elpablo]

I'm just starting to explore this as a new hobby interest, but you packed so much value into everything you said I'm already planning on taking your course. You've earned a follow man :)

[Sibaat_Khan]

I am jewelry designer. I do work in Rhinoceros and Gemvision matrix. Gemvision matrix works like a.i. like auto diamonds and settings at all. So may be A.I. will be helpful tool for 3d artists rather than replacement of them.

[evardmuts]

I am Mechanical engr graduate, am trying to learn SW and I found out about 3D experience and paying $10 a month, non commercial, but allowed to commercialize $2000 a year.
I think simulations is not included but it is great start to learn and get hired

[hanstubben]

I use Solidworks since 1998, by far the best 3D engineering CAD, on the other end I´m also a Autocad user since 1988 (release 8, DOS) and must say that I still can´t work without. Almost all my projects are done in Solidworks and I make complete assemblies of machine plants (cotton gins) with it, but when it comes to drawing a functional diagram, a floor layout, a location drawing of the site, then Autocad is the way to go. Draftsight was a good free alternative for Autocad, but now they charge you too and is not on par with Autocad.

[kevinhooper]

I subscribed to your channel at 3 minutes into this video when you have yet to make any recommendations because I really appreciate the way you communicate with the viewer and the quality of the video you're producing. Just wanted to encourage you with that feedback.

[ayou]

Channel quality is going up every single video. Nice job!

[Falco]

I have a question. In my university CAD design is a class offered on the 1st semester of the 1st year, basically you get to learn the basics of inventor and once you get done with the exam you'll never touch CAD design for the rest of the degree. With prices that high for solidworks or inventor how are you supposed to get out of university and land any sort of job if you can barely remember the basics of what you did years ago and you obviously never worked in the industry? Do companies take the toll, are you the one that buys the software at your own expense, never having worked a day in your life? This looks like a massive barrier to entry... am I missing something here?

[arjunsharma]

Hello sir, thank you for this video. I have worked with SolidWorks, Fusion 360 and AutoCAD. I consider solidworks to be easiest to work with. My question is more about how to approach a certain company professional, for example a person working in the design division of a manufacturing company, what all should i say and what should I do to expand my portfolio so that i have things to display as my work? Should the portfolio be catered to their company or show my work in general with the software?

[matze]

Im working on Solidworks for 15 years now. Its great. Period.

[jackjonathan]

your videos are the highest quality when it comes to cad tutorial and tips and tricks. just love to watch em. keep up the good work and merry christmas🎄

[ShapeyFiend]

I do Building Services Engineering and Public Lighting Design as a sole trader. What I've found so far is in my industry is basic 2d autocad design is still almost exclusively what's used even though it's rather dated because clients aren't interested in paying for more detail. They just want work produced quickly as possible. The exception to this is more high end designs for Intel or server farms and things like that where good Revit skills are commanding a massive premium.

There is some talk that all public work will have to be produced in Revit at some point which would probably be the thing drives more widespread adoption. Larger architects seem to mostly be switched over to Revit now but there are still plenty of smaller enterprises don't seem to use it at all.

[blueckaym]

Nice video that focuses on what usually brings people to such subject!
I'm a hobbyist/freelancer myself, so I prefer cheapest or free options available.
And here's one of the main troubles for many people (like me at least) that most companies use the free versions as a fish-hook to reel you in to their paid (and expensive) options ... or sometimes it's not even intentional, they are free, grow a big community, and then they are bought for cheap by a big company and the free versions and feats are brutally chopped or very limited.
Also not being a CAD pro, I prefer not to spend dozens of hours just to learn new software - it (and the paid versions) are worth it if you can sell your work and it's an investment,
but for hobbyists whatever software you start with you want it to be user-friendly and do your (admittedly not too complex) things as fast as possible.
I personally think that I'll head towards FreeCAD, because of the free for commercial use, and the fact that it's open source license, so it'll be difficult for a big company to appropriate it in the future.
I'm not yet familiar with FreeCAD so the ease of use and learning are still a big question for me.
But I liked a lot your very first sentence - "You should only master one CAD software ..." :)

[deadinside]

I'm a beginner with this, but is there a big difference in performance between a software for CAD and software for CAM. I'm asking because i'm seeing a lot about MasterCam and AutoDesk Fusion 360 as being the best at both being CAD/CAM software.