Best Free Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software
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Compare the Top Free Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software as of March 2026
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What is Free Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software?
Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software is used by engineers to analyze and simulate the performance, behavior, and characteristics of designs in a virtual environment. CAE software enables engineers to perform various types of analysis, including structural, thermal, fluid dynamics, and electromagnetics, helping to ensure that products are optimized for functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness before physical prototypes are created. It includes tools for finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multibody dynamics (MBD), and optimization studies. CAE software is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing to improve product designs, reduce material usage, and shorten development cycles. Compare and read user reviews of the best Free Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.
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1
SkyCiv Structural 3D
SkyCiv Engineering
SkyCiv Structural 3D is a cloud-based Structural Analysis software that allows users to model, analyze and design complex 3D structures. It is completely online; requiring no installation to use. SkyCiv Structural 3D offers the very best in online structural analysis. It includes the following: - Powerful Analysis: Linear, P-Delta, Cables, Buckling, Plates, Frequency, RS - Integrated Design checks for steel, wood, connections, foundations, wind (AISC, NSD, AISI, EN, AS, CSA, BS plus more...)Starting Price: $79/month/user -
2
PlantFCE Model Builder
Storm Consulting
Customize models, refine designs, and export with precision. PlantFCE Model Builder offers intuitive 3D modeling for process plants. Model Builder is useful when estimating costs for an engineering project. View real-time updates in the rendering window as you edit the scene. Low lock-in with PlantFCE Model Builder* Model Builder allows you to import and export 3D models from and to industry-standard 3D model formats like GLB, OBJ, and STL. With an automatic clash check, reduce errors and save time.** PlantFCE Model Builder's automatic clash check** reduces time spent on clash check sessions and gives you more time to work on your project. Download for Windows and Mac on the PlantFCE website. *Exporting through Model Builder does not include Model Builder specific functionality like properties set on objects or features specific to Model Builder. **Clash check will be released in version 2.Starting Price: $49/month/user -
3
SimScale
SimScale
SimScale is a cloud-based web application that plays a key part in simulation software for many kinds of industries. The platform allows the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Thermal Simulation. It also offers 3D simulation, continuous modeling, and motion & dynamic modeling. -
4
AnyLogic
The AnyLogic Company
AnyLogic is the standard in multimethod modeling technology, delivering increased efficiency and less risk when tackling complex business challenges. The unmatched flexibility found in AnyLogic allows users to capture the complexity of virtually any system, at any level of detail, and gain a deeper insight into the interdependent processes inside and around an organization. AnyLogic has a GSA Contract schedule #47QTCA18D007Q. Government agencies of the USA may purchase through GSA Advantage. -
5
Solid Edge
Siemens
Solid Edge is a portfolio of affordable, easy to deploy, maintain, and use software tools that advance all aspects of the product development process – mechanical and electrical design, simulation, manufacturing, technical documentation, data management, and cloud-based collaboration. Developed on Siemens industry leading technologies, Solid Edge provides the most innovative and comprehensive approach to product development for the mainstream market.Starting Price: $75/month/user -
6
Vensim
Ventana Systems
Vensim® is the software of choice for thousands of analysts, consultants, and researchers worldwide for building high-quality simulation models in business, scientific, environmental, and social systems. Vensim integrates into one environment a powerful suite of tools for developing, testing, interpreting, and distributing models. These tools include cause-and-effect diagramming, graphical and textual model construction, easy reproduction of model structure using subscripts (arrays), Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis, optimization, data handling, and application interfaces. Further features enable advanced model resolution and fidelity. Vensim includes patented techniques to aid error detection, error prevention, and rapid comprehension of complex results.Starting Price: $50 per month -
7
ExtendSim
Imagine That
ExtendSim consists of a full range of tools for any type of simulation. No matter how you want to use ExtendSim, building models, running models, analysis, etc., there is a package that will fit your needs. There are ExtendSim products for building, experimenting with, and analyzing models, Model Developer Editions, and more specialized packages designed strictly for running models, analyzing models, or for use as a learning tool. Figure out which package might work best for you based on how you intend to use ExtendSim by visiting User Types. Create, use, and interactively run models, build custom interfaces and components, exchange data with and be controlled by other applications. Each Model Developer Edition (MDE) of ExtendSim has the same core set of capabilities. In them you can create and build models and interfaces, change values and settings, run simulations and animations, perform experiments, do analysis and optimization, save and export results. -
8
PoligonSoft
PoligonSoft
Professional tools for modeling and optimizing metal casting processes with the ability to predict the formation of defects in cast parts. - Filling Dynamics - Macro and Microporosity - Residual Stresses - Deformations and Warping - Cracks (Hot and Cold) - Hydrostatic Pressure - Mold Wear - Slag Formation PoligonSoft provides reliable simulations that prevent waste and costly redesigns, allowing manufacturers to "get it right" the first time. The core of PoligonSoft includes three calculation systems: hydrodynamic, thermal, and stress. Along with a set of additional options, it allows the simulation of all traditional casting technologies and many special processes. At PoligonSoft, all stages of the casting production process can be sequentially simulated: mold heating, mold filling with molten mass, solidification on the bench or in the thermostat, extraction of the cast part from the mold, cutting of the feeding system and risers, etc.Starting Price: $14,137 USD/year -
9
RunMat
Dystr
RunMat (by Dystr) is a fast, free, open-source alternative for running MATLAB code. Users can run their existing MATLAB code with complete language grammar and core semantics. No license fees, no lock-in. RunMat is built with a modern compiler, which enables blazing-fast calculations. It boots in 5 milliseconds, GPU optimization is enabled by default, and it's a single, compact, cross-platform binary. Typical engineering use cases - Controls/signal processing & numerics: accelerate MATLAB-style loops plus heavy linear algebra; enjoy faster iteration due to instant startup and tiered JIT. - Batch/CI & serverless jobs: snapshots + compact binaries make it easy to run .m workloads in containers or ephemeral runners at scale. - Plot-heavy workflows: interactive GPU plots for exploratory analysis and reportable exports for stakeholders. - Education: remove license friction and start labs instantly; Jupyter kernel supports reproducible worksheets.Starting Price: $0 -
10
HydroCAD
HydroCAD Software Solutions
HydroCAD Stormwater Modeling provides easy TR-20, TR-55, SBUH, and Rational hydrology, plus TC calculations, pond storage, outlet hydraulics, pump routing, underground storage, pollutant loading, and more. Special features include direct CAD import, dam breach routing, skimmers, tubes, siphons, local rainfall data import, and a constantly expanding chamber library. Interactive graphical environment is fast and intuitive, producing better results in less time on every project.Starting Price: $295.00 -
11
Simcad Pro
CreateASoft, Inc.
Simcad Pro lets you visualize, analyze and optimize process flow systems in an interactive 2D/3D simulation modeling environment. Plan, optimize, and re-arrange processes and procedures while optimizing layouts, facility improvement, automation and scheduling. Simcad Pro integrates live and historical data to provide the most effective simulation tool on the market. Applications in multiple industries including manufacturing, automation, logistics, distribution warehouse, food and beverage, services, and more. Multi-Threaded - 64 bit Engine. On-the-fly simulation - Make real-time changes to the model while the simulation is running. Animate the model in 2D, 3D and VR with Ray Tracing, light effect, and shadows. Singular model building environment. Smart, Spatially Aware Agents, Sub-Flows, Collision Avoidance and Real-Time Connectivity. Spaghetti Diagrams, Congestion Analysis, Heat Maps, Efficiency and OEE. Extensive reporting and analysis tools. Scenario Analyzer.Starting Price: $4950.00/one-time/user -
12
MatDeck
LabDeck
MatDeck is a universal, technical software for Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Coding, Databases and many other uses. Our software offers a complete Python IDE; thousands of mathematical functions; a drag and drop GUI Designer and various visualization tools, all embedded within a cutting-edge, live document for an inexpensive and professional computing environment.Starting Price: Free -
13
CAEplex
Seamplex
Just open a regular web browser such as Firefox or Chrome and search online for “caeplex.” It works in any operating system such as Windows, MacOS, GNU/Linux, iOS, Android, etc. The computations are performed on our servers so CAEplex works on any existing PC, laptop, tablet or phone without requiring any hardware update nor maintenance. No need to buy a new computer nor to add RAM to your oldie one. Our killer feature: “ease and speed.” A CAEplex case can be solved from scratch down to the results in less than one minute thanks to our 3-step workflow. If you know a faster FEA app, please let us know. CAEplex can be used from any mobile device such as a tablet or phones, no matter how old or wrecked. Access and show your work from any location at any time. Enjoy working in an agile development leveraging simulation (we rather say “modeling”), additive manufacturing, and mobile online collaboration.Starting Price: $25 per month -
14
WELSIM
WelSimulation LLC
WELSIM finite element analysis software helps engineers and researchers conduct simulation studies and prototype virtual products.Starting Price: $45 per user per month -
15
Simio
Simio
Simio is a simulation, production planning and scheduling software designed from the ground up to support the object modeling paradigm. Simio aims to deliver rapid risk analysis and cost reduction capabilities to organizations of all sizes and industries. Simio is available in five editions to suit the unique needs of businesses: Personal, Design, Team, Enterprise, and Portal editions. Simio Academic Edition is also available to students and faculty. -
16
Creo
PTC
Imagine, design, create, and innovate your products better with Creo, 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software, and solutions for product design and development. Now, more than ever, product design and manufacturing teams are expected to create products more efficiently and cost effectively, without sacrificing innovation or quality. Fortunately, Creo delivers the most scalable range of 3D CAD product development packages and tools in today’s market. Creo 7.0 has breakthrough innovations in the areas of generative design, real-time simulation, multibody design, additive manufacturing, and others! Take your products from concept to digital prototype efficiently, precisely, and intuitively with Creo—on the cutting edge of CAD for more than 30 years. With Creo 7.0, PTC amply demonstrates its skill at adding compelling new features to an already robust tool-set using smart partnerships to extend its capabilities even further.
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