ZWCAD 2027 Beta — Available Now
Professional CAD.
Without the AutoCAD Bill.
A fully independent, DWG-native CAD platform trusted by 1.4 million engineers, architects, and designers in 90+ countries. Own your licence outright, reduce costs by up to 82%, and be productive from day one.
1.4M+
Users worldwide
90+
Countries
149
Fortune 500 clients
100+
UK firms migrated
Benchmark: ZWCAD vs AutoCAD®
Tested across 500+ DWG files of varying complexity. Results may vary by hardware. © ZWSOFT benchmark data 2025.
Switch Without Disruption
Productive from week one
Own Your Licence
Pay once, no annual lock-in
Measurably Faster
Nearly 2× faster 2D drafting
Native BIM Connectivity
Open RVT files without Revit
Why Teams Choose ZWCAD
Everything AutoCAD Offers.
Without the Subscription.
Full DWG Compatibility, Day One
Open, edit, and save DWG, DXF, DWT, IFC, RVT, STEP, and PDF files without conversion. Your templates, layers, title blocks, and CAD standards transfer exactly as they are — no rework, no data loss.
DWG NativeIFCRVT ImportPDF Import
Up and Running in Hours, Not Weeks
ZWCAD mirrors AutoCAD's command aliases, Ribbon layout, and keyboard shortcuts. Experienced CAD users hit the ground running immediately. Classic or Ribbon mode, light or dark — it works the way your team already does.
Ribbon UIClassic ModeDark ModeAutoCAD Shortcuts
Your Existing Plugins Still Work
ZWCAD supports LISP, VBA, ZRX, and .NET — identical to AutoCAD's plugin interfaces. Your bespoke routines and third-party applications migrate with minimal or no modification. Over 400 industry-specific apps supported.
LISPVBA.NET400+ Apps
Operational in One to Two Weeks
Seeit3d migrates your printer configs, CTBs, fonts, hatch patterns, and command aliases in a single guided session. Our UK consultants have completed 100+ migrations — we handle the complexity so you keep working.
Template MigrationZero DowntimeUK Support
Independent Benchmark Data
ZWCAD Is Measurably Faster.
Here's the Evidence.
Speed matters when you're billing by the hour. ZWCAD outperforms AutoCAD in both 2D drafting and 3D navigation — benchmarked across thousands of real-world project files.
1.98×
Faster at Complex 2D Drafting
Tested across 500+ DWG files from 0.017 MB to 1,237 MB. Operations include Open, Pan, Zoom, Copy, Move, Select, Erase, and Save. ZWCAD completed every operation consistently faster than AutoCAD — typically in under half the time.
3×
Faster in Advanced 3D Navigation
Tested across 600+ DWG files covering Open, Zoom, Pan, Save, and Shademode. On complex assemblies and large architectural models, ZWCAD's 3D engine runs three times faster than AutoCAD — a difference teams notice from the first session.
Tests conducted on Windows 10 (64-bit), Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, 32 GB RAM. Performance varies by hardware, file size, and complexity. Source: ZWSOFT benchmark data, 2025.
Productivity Tools
The Features That Save Your Team
Hours Every Week
Purpose-built for real CAD workflows — not checkbox additions designed to fill a feature list.
Parametric Design
Apply geometric and dimensional constraints to entities. Adjust one element and linked geometry updates automatically — no manual redrawing required.
Flexiblock
Dynamic blocks with configurable actions and parameters. Change a component's shape or layout without deleting and recreating it from scratch.
Point Cloud Support
Attach, clip, and manage large point cloud datasets without performance degradation. Essential for as-built, renovation, and survey workflows.
Sheet Set Manager
Manage, access, and plot entire drawing sets from a single panel. Batch-plot hundreds of sheets in one operation without opening each file individually.
PDF Import
Import multi-page PDFs as fully editable CAD objects in a single step. Eliminates manual retracing of legacy documents and as-received drawings from clients.
Drawing Revision Compare
Instantly highlight every change between two drawing revisions. Visual diff overlay makes approval fast and accurate, even on complex multi-discipline sheets.
Smart Match
Identify all identical geometry in a drawing automatically, then batch-edit every instance at once. Eliminates manual searching across complex project sheets.
Similar Block Search
Locate blocks matching a specified graphic across your local files in seconds. Find and reuse components without manually digging through block libraries.
Smart Plot
Batch-plot across multiple files with automatic paper size detection. Eliminates per-sheet print setup for large drawing packages and planning submissions.
Smart Select
Filter and select objects by multiple properties simultaneously — colour, layer, type, attribute — with a single command. Replaces repetitive Ctrl+clicking across large drawings.
Smart Mouse Gestures
Assign frequently-used commands to configurable mouse gestures. Reduce repetitive keyboard use and accelerate common drafting operations significantly.
Area & Quantity Tables
Calculate room areas and perimeters automatically, then output a formatted schedule directly inside the drawing. Cuts hours from quantity takeoff workflows.
Native RVT Import
Open Revit files (2015–2025) directly in ZWCAD. Geometry, categories, materials, and layers are preserved and immediately editable. No Revit licence required.
3D Section View
Apply box or plane sections to any 3D model to inspect internal geometry in real time — no destructive editing. Works across DWG, RVT, and IFC files.
Batch Data Extraction
Pull attribute data and measurements from dozens of drawings simultaneously using reusable templates. Outputs refresh automatically when source files change.
Refreshed Interface
15% more drawing canvas space, a redesigned icon set, and a unified colour scheme built to reduce visual fatigue across full working days.
Smart Merge
Automatically nest drawing layouts across output sheets for optimal roll-plot coverage. Preview before committing — reduces paper waste on large infrastructure submissions.
Xref Colour Control
Override layer colours across all external references in a single operation, or set filters that apply automatically on attach. Source files are never modified.
Open API Ecosystem
400+ Industry Applications.
All Compatible Out of the Box.
ZWCAD's open API supports LISP, VBA, ZRX, and .NET — the same interfaces AutoCAD uses. Existing plugins, bespoke routines, and third-party tools migrate with minimal effort.
Architecture
Structural Engineering
GIS & Survey
Mechanical Design
Electrical
Plant Design
HVAC
Civil Engineering
Construction
Manufacturing
API: LISP
API: VBA
API: .NET
API: ZRX
Trusted by global industry leaders, including 149 Fortune 500 companies
ERICSSON
LG
VINCI
JOHNSON CONTROLS
TE CONNECTIVITY
COOPER STANDARD
EQUANS
+ 142 more Fortune 500 firms
Seeit3d — ZWCAD Authorised UK Reseller
You're Not Buying Software.
You're Gaining an Engineering Partner.
Every ZWCAD purchase through Seeit3d includes hands-on support from engineers who have completed 100+ CAD migrations. We handle the technical complexity so your team stays focused on delivering projects.
100+
UK firms migrated
UK
Authorised reseller
25+
Years of CAD expertise
Direct UK Technical Support
Qualified engineers available by phone and email — based in the UK, no offshore queues, no chatbots.
Hands-On Migration Assistance
We migrate your templates, CTBs, fonts, LISP routines, and printer configs — live, not via a PDF guide.
Training Built for Your Workflows
Training designed around your drawing types and industry — not a generic webinar from a shared recording.
Ongoing Account Support
We stay involved after go-live — licence reviews, upgrade planning, and ongoing optimisation as your team grows.
Customer Reviews — G2 2025
Rated #1 Easiest to Use in
General-Purpose CAD
★★★★★
"ZWCAD mirrors AutoCAD so closely in commands, shortcuts, and interface that our engineers were fully productive within a few days. The switch was far smoother than we had planned for."
Design Engineer · Small Business
★★★★★
"I evaluated several packages before settling on ZWCAD. The support available — both online and through Seeit3d — made a real difference to the transition. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it."
Survey Engineer · Small Business
★★★★½
"Performance on large infrastructure drawings is noticeably better than AutoCAD. Batch plotting alone has reclaimed several hours per week. The cost saving over three years has been substantial."
Via Seeit3d
Common Questions
What Teams Ask Before
Switching from AutoCAD
Is ZWCAD a genuine AutoCAD alternative — or just a cheaper copy?⌄
ZWCAD is an entirely independent CAD platform, built by ZWSOFT from the ground up over more than 25 years. It is not a fork, reskin, or derivative of AutoCAD. It shares the same DWG format and API conventions because those are the industry standard — not because of any code overlap. Over 1.4 million engineers use it globally, including 149 Fortune 500 companies.
Will our DWG files, templates, and LISP routines work without modification?⌄
In the vast majority of cases, yes. ZWCAD reads and writes DWG natively, and supports the same LISP, VBA, and .NET APIs as AutoCAD. Most bespoke routines transfer without changes. As part of our onboarding, Seeit3d reviews your existing code and flags anything requiring adjustment before you go live.
Can we purchase a perpetual licence rather than a subscription?⌄
Yes — and this is one of ZWCAD's core advantages over AutoCAD. You pay once and own the software outright. Optional Flexible Upgrade cover provides access to future versions and priority support, but it is not mandatory. Your licence does not expire, and you are never forced into a renewal to keep working.
How long does the migration typically take?⌄
Most UK firms we work with are fully operational within one to two weeks — including template migration, staff training, and testing of existing routines. For larger teams or complex environments, we stage the rollout to ensure continuity on live projects throughout the transition.
What does purchasing through Seeit3d include?⌄
UK-based phone and email support, a dedicated onboarding call, hands-on migration of your templates, fonts, CTBs, and LISP routines, workflow-specific training, and ongoing licence management. We remain available after purchase — we don't step away once the invoice is paid.
Beta Available Now — Official Release May 2026
ZWCAD 2027.
Built Around How Engineers Actually Work.
The most significant ZWCAD release in years. Open Revit files without a Revit licence. Extract data from entire drawing sets in one step. 150% faster block editing. And a redesigned interface that gives your team 15% more drawing canvas.
Switch Without Disruption
Productive from week one
Own Your Licence
Pay once, no annual lock-in
Measurably Faster
Nearly 2× faster 2D drafting
Native BIM
Open RVT without Revit
ZWCAD 2027 — New Capabilities
Six Features. Six Real Problems Solved.
Every addition in this release addresses a workflow pain point raised directly by engineers, architects, and CAD managers in the field.
Feature 01
Native RVT Import — BIM without the Revit licence
Open Revit files (2015–2025) directly inside ZWCAD. All geometry, categories, families, materials, and layer structure are preserved and immediately editable through ZWCAD's standard layer panel. No Revit licence, no DWG export request, no coordination delay.
BIM ConnectivityFeature 02
3D Section View — inspect models without breaking them
Apply box or plane clipping to any 3D model and inspect internal geometry in real time — no destructive editing required. Works across DWG, RVT, and IFC. Eliminates the "can you send me a section at grid C?" back-and-forth from collaborative projects.
EfficiencyFeature 03
Batch Data Extraction — the schedule you used to build manually
Pull attribute data, coordinates, and area calculations from dozens of drawings at once using reusable extraction templates. Outputs update automatically when source files change — a meaningful saving for anyone doing quantity takeoff or project scheduling from CAD.
EfficiencyFeature 04
Smart Merge — optimal layout nesting for plotters
Automatically arrange drawing layouts across output sheets for the most efficient roll-plot nesting, with preview before you commit. Particularly valuable on infrastructure and planning submissions — where wasted paper across hundreds of sheets adds up to real cost.
OutputFeatures 05 + 06
Xref Colour Control
Override layer colours across all attached external references in a single operation — or set rule-based filters that activate automatically on file attach. Source files are never modified. Team-wide visual consistency without relying on anyone doing it manually.
CollaborationRefreshed Interface — 15% More Drawing Canvas
A redesigned icon set, unified colour palette, and a reconfigured panel layout that recovers 15% of screen real estate for the drawing. CAD professionals spend eight hours a day inside their drafting environment — ZWCAD 2027 was built with that in mind.
User ExperienceFeature Comparison
ZWCAD 2027 vs AutoCAD 2027
A factual, side-by-side comparison with no editorial spin. The full 200+ feature document is available on request.
Capability
ZWCAD 2027
AutoCAD 2027
Perpetual licence — own it outright, no subscription
✔
Subscription only
Native RVT (Revit) import — no Revit licence required
✔
✗
Smart Merge — optimised print layout nesting
✔
✗
Automated area & perimeter measurement schedule
✔
✗
Batch coordinate extraction to table
✔
✗
Barcode & QR code generation
✔
✗
3D Section View — box and plane clipping
✔
✗
Full DWG native read/write — all versions
✔
✔
Xref layer colour override — batch operation
✔
✔
Smart block placement with auto-alignment
✔
✔
Full 200+ feature comparison available on request — contact Seeit3d.
Seeit3d — ZWCAD Authorised UK Reseller
Try the Beta with a Seeit3d Consultant by Your Side
Register through Seeit3d and receive a personalised download link, a UK-specific setup guide, and a complimentary 30-minute onboarding call with a qualified engineer — not a support ticket, a real conversation with someone who has done this 100+ times.
Savings Calculator
See Exactly What Your Team Would Save
by Switching to ZWCAD
Configure your licence below and compare the total cost of ZWCAD against AutoCAD's current UK subscription pricing — per seat, per year, and across your full intended period of use.
ZWCAD vs AutoCAD — Live Cost Comparison
All figures in GBP. AutoCAD benchmark: $1,890/seat/year. ZWCAD pricing reflects Seeit3d UK indicative perpetual rates.
Number of licences (seats)
How many team members need access to ZWCAD?
ZWCAD edition
Choose the tier that fits your team's workflow requirements.
Licence type
Standalone: one seat per machine. Network: a shared pool — efficient when not all users work simultaneously.
Ownership model
Perpetual: pay once, own outright. Add Flexible Upgrades for version access and priority support — without changing the ownership model.
Comparison period (years)
AutoCAD costs accrue every year. How many years do you plan to use CAD software?
Your Cost Comparison
Seats configured
5
AutoCAD — per seat / year (subscription only)
£1,512/yr
ZWCAD Standard — per seat (standalone licence · perpetual)
£799
AutoCAD — total over 3 year(s)
£22,680
ZWCAD — total over 3 year(s)
£3,995
Your estimated saving
£18,685
82% less than AutoCAD
Over 3 year(s) · 5 seat(s)
AutoCAD benchmark: $1,890/seat/year at £1 = $1.25. ZWCAD figures are Seeit3d UK indicative rates and may vary by volume — contact us for an exact quote. Flexible Upgrades estimated at 18% of perpetual price per year. All prices exclude VAT.
Official ZWSOFT Pricing
Transparent Pricing.
No Hidden Renewal Costs.
All ZWCAD licences are perpetual — you own the software outright. Choose standalone or network access below.
Standalone Licence
A standalone licence is tied to one machine. Simple to manage and the most cost-effective entry point for teams with fixed CAD workstations.
Standard
ZWCAD Standard
Full professional 2D CAD — the most direct AutoCAD replacement for drafting teams
Standalone — one-time payment
$899 / seat
Perpetual licence · own it outright
- Full DWG, DXF, DWT compatibility
- Complete professional 2D drafting toolset
- LISP, VBA, .NET API — full plugin support
- Smart tools: Match, Select, Mouse, Plot
- PDF import — multi-page, editable objects
- Sheet Set Manager — batch plot entire sets
- 3D solid modelling
- Point Cloud support
- GIS integration
Most Popular
Professional
ZWCAD Professional
2D and 3D CAD with full API, BIM connectivity, and GIS — the complete package
Standalone — one-time payment
$1,399 / seat
Perpetual licence · own it outright
- Everything in Standard
- Full 3D solid modelling toolset
- Point Cloud — import, clip, manage
- GIS integration
- Raster-to-vector conversion
- ZRX API — extended developer access
- Native RVT import (ZWCAD 2027)
- 3D Section View (ZWCAD 2027)
MFG
ZWCAD MFG
Professional plus a complete mechanical design and documentation toolset
Standalone — one-time payment
$1,699 / seat
Perpetual licence · own it outright
- Everything in Professional
- Standard parts library
- AutoCAD® Mechanical compatibility
- Automatic BOM generation
- Mechanical drawing tools and annotation
- Power Dimension — smart tolerances
- Mechanical calculation tools
Network Licence
A network licence lets multiple users share a pool of seats across your TCP/IP network. Managed by the ZWCAD Network License Manager on your server — a pool of 8 typically covers a team of 10–12 without contention.
Standard
ZWCAD Standard
Full professional 2D CAD — shared access across your network
Network — one-time payment per seat
$999 / seat
Network licence · shared via NLM
- Full DWG, DXF, DWT compatibility
- Complete professional 2D drafting toolset
- LISP, VBA, .NET API — full plugin support
- Smart tools: Match, Select, Mouse, Plot
- PDF import — multi-page, editable objects
- Sheet Set Manager — batch plot entire sets
- 3D solid modelling
- Point Cloud support
- GIS integration
Most Popular
Professional
ZWCAD Professional
2D and 3D CAD with full API, BIM connectivity, and GIS — shared network access
Network — one-time payment per seat
$1,549 / seat
Network licence · shared via NLM
- Everything in Standard
- Full 3D solid modelling toolset
- Point Cloud — import, clip, manage
- GIS integration
- Raster-to-vector conversion
- ZRX API — extended developer access
- Native RVT import (ZWCAD 2027)
- 3D Section View (ZWCAD 2027)
MFG
ZWCAD MFG
Professional plus a complete mechanical design toolset — shared network access
Network — one-time payment per seat
$1,849 / seat
Network licence · shared via NLM
- Everything in Professional
- Standard parts library
- AutoCAD® Mechanical compatibility
- Automatic BOM generation
- Mechanical drawing tools and annotation
- Power Dimension — smart tolerances
- Mechanical calculation tools
Prices sourced from ZWSOFT's official pricing page on April 23, 2026. Standalone: Standard $899, Professional $1,399, MFG $1,699. Network: Standard $999, Professional $1,549, MFG $1,849. All prices exclude VAT and optional annual maintenance. Contact Seeit3d for a confirmed UK reseller quote including current volume discounts.
Understanding Your Options
Licence Models That Put You in Control
Perpetual Licence
Pay once, own the software outright. No annual renewal, no subscription to cancel. Your licence remains valid indefinitely — you choose if and when to upgrade to a future version.
Flexible Upgrades
An optional add-on to a perpetual licence. Provides access to future version releases and priority technical support. Renew it when it suits your team — or not at all.
Standalone Licence
Tied to a single machine. The most straightforward option for individual CAD workstations, smaller practices, or any environment where users work from a fixed location.
Network Licence
A shared pool of seats managed via the ZWCAD Network License Manager. Efficient for larger teams — a pool of 8 typically covers a team of 10–12 without anyone being locked out.
Seeit3d — ZWCAD Authorised UK Reseller
Want a Firm Quote for Your Team?
The calculator gives you a strong indicative figure. For an exact quote — including current volume discounts, network pricing, and Flexible Upgrade costs — speak to a zwcad consultant directly. We respond within one working day.