Cloud CAD Software

Presenting the CADinfo.net list of cloud-based CAD software. Cloud-based software works by sharing the data i/o and computing functions between local and remote devices connected by a digital link of some kind. In practical terms between a tablet and a server connected across the Internet, although the devices and connections are not restricted to any particular type.

CAD software is typically complex with data being shoved around by all kinds of different functions and combinations of functions to produce a reliable result. Cloud CAD is technically a lot more challenging because of the components embedded within the application and their dependency various computer characteristics – characteristics that are typically available on desktop computers, but aren’t equally and consistently matched on mobile devices.

Early cloud CAD incarnations were more like server/terminal systems using desktops networked to high performance servers in another room. The value of cloud CAD s in the potential to use it in a mobile capacity – away from the office. But probably still not too far away. Cloud apps of this nature still require computing horsepower and a hefty Internet connection to be able to work without total frustration. We are talking a graphics based system with complex geometries and potentially a lot of data to consider.

Desktop CAD will be around for a long long time yet. The capacity and requirements of digital design tools ensures that all available computing power can be utilised in ever more demanding applications. This kind of power is simply not feasible in a mobile device. The future for cloud CAD lies in a different direction. Cloud CAD apps will be built differently from the starting line and do things that are typically only useful away from the desk and away from the office.

Cloud CAD is a different stream of thought to the idea that first came to mind – AutoCAD on an iPhone (shudder). That probably wasn’t ever going to work was it? There is some good work going on and some exciting times ahead in this arena.

The list is interactive. Your opinion is as important to the list as anyone else’s, whatever your connection might be. Add your candidates to the list. Vote thumbs up or down, add a comment, relist and share with your colleagues. We’d love to get your input on the list elements and on the list itself.

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