Best Woodworking CAD Software | UK Guide | 2023

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Best Woodworking CAD Software
If you are looking to produce superior woodworking results, it might be time to invest in some CAD software. Computer-aided design (CAD) software replaces the need to create manual drafts before undertaking woodworking projects. The best software allows for advanced modelling and analysis, while also allowing you to review your design plans before producing an automatic draft. CAD software not only takes the effort out of producing manual drafts, it also reduces the margin of error associated with creating manual plans yourself. Below, we explore some of the best CAD software solutions for woodworkers currently available.

SketchList 3D

This woodworking CAD software is ideal for those looking to produce wooden furniture designs. Compared to other CAD software packages out there, SketchList 3D is fairly easy to use, with plenty of in-depth articles and video references available for you to make full use of your new software. Developing designs is incredibly straightforward, with user-friendly drag and drop functionality. You can easily add virtual joints to your designs, emulate drill holes or change material finishes with a single click. If you want to produce detailed designs quickly, this is the software for you.

This software also gives you a clear idea of potential costings. You get a quick overview of how much the material required is likely to cost, allowing you to produce reliable costing reports. This software is also fairly affordable. Currently, you can make use of a free trial to get to grips with the key features provided by SketchList 3D. Once the trial period is often, you can activate your license for a one-off fee.

Easy Woodworking Design

This CAD software is designed with woodworkers in mind. This is a fairly new addition to the woodworking CAD software scene, but it holds up well against other products on the market. If you have little experience with CAD software, this user-friendly package makes it easy to get to grips with CAD basics. In addition to being a fully-featured piece of CAD software, it also boasts a management system that allows you to take designs from conception to realisation more quickly.

This woodworking software is largely automated, meaning you do not need to be fully versed in CAD software to get the most out of it. You can easily add specific information and notes to individual design boards, while editing existing boards is also simple. This software is also fairly affordable, with annual pricing making it a cost-effective software solution.

Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is arguably the best woodworking CAD software on the market. This comprehensive software allows you to create plans for woodworking products and will also suit the advanced requirements of professionals. Although comprehensive, this software is fairly easy to use, meaning you will not have to spend hours getting to grips with the basics. It will also satisfy those who want 3D design functionality. If you want an authentic impression of what your potential products will look like, Fusion 360 is the way to go.

This cloud-based software is also free to use, although this only applies to those looking to make use of it for personal projects. If you intend to use the software for professional applications, you will need to purchase a license.

EZ Wood Project Designer

If you want to produce larger items like furniture, EZ Wood Project Designer is a suitable choice of CAD software. This software keeps things fairly simple, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to access guides, draft templates and complete detailed plans. The software is also a complete option, with all the features you will need to produce superior woodworking plans. Although an advanced option, you don’t necessarily need a lot of experience with CAD software to get the most out of EZ Wood Project Designer.

This is particularly suitable for beginners who want to learn the foundations of CAD software. It is also reasonably priced. Another great feature is the ability to work with both 2D and 3D designs, giving this software plenty of scope. However, it may prove a bit simplistic for professional users.

Pro100

This CAD software has broad appeal. Although it probably best suited to the needs of interior designers, it provides all the functionality that woodworkers will need. This software is incredibly easy to use, allowing you to realise your projects in both 2D and 3D. The rendering engine is particularly impressive here, making the resultant 3D plans a very good indicator of what woodworking products will actually look like.

You also have plenty of additional features to complete more advanced designs. The cost estimation tool will also give you a clear idea of what woodworking projects will set you back. If you need software that can be used to support money-making woodworking endeavours, this cost tool will prove very useful.

The Verdict

If you are fairly new to woodworking and are keen to explore what CAD software can do, keep things simple and go for one of the more affordable packages on the market like Fusion 360 or EZ Wood Project Designer. Both software packages are inexpensive, but offer plenty of enhanced features that will allow you to fully realise your woodworking plans. They are also incredibly easy to use, so you will not have to spend an age mastering software navigation basics before you can make full use of them.

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