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Your Guide to Purchasing CAD Software in Singapore (2025 Edition)
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- Gretchel Panaga
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Your Guide to Purchasing CAD Software in Singapore (2025 Edition)
In Singapore’s fast-paced construction, manufacturing, and design sectors, CAD software is essential for delivering accurate, efficient, and coordinated project outcomes. From architectural planning to mechanical product design, CAD tools help Singapore-based firms meet both local and international project standards.
Whether you’re a SME, contractor, or part of a large multidisciplinary consultancy, choosing the right CAD software in 2025 can significantly impact your productivity and project delivery.
What is CAD Software?
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software allows professionals to create, edit, and manage 2D drawings and 3D models digitally. In Singapore, CAD tools are widely used across industries like Architecture Design, Construction Management, Product Design, and even those for Civil Infrastructure works.
With the push for digital transformation under Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and IMDA Smart Nation initiatives, digital design workflows using CAD and BIM software are becoming the norm—not the exception.
Benefits of CAD Software
CAD software allows companies to annotate important details in product plans or construction drawings. This conveys important information to fabricators or site workers, and allows the final product (or project) to be aligned with the initial design.
While there are a number of free CAD tools available, these tend to lack features such as access to CAD templates, file format compatibility, and integration with BIM tools. For example, CAD software like MicroStation contain scripting features and live cloud synchronization that ultimately improve productivity. These features frees up employee's time to focus on more value-added offerings for the company.
CAD Software by Industry
In our experience, the use of CAD software is largely driven by the preferred software platform in use by a particular industry segment. In Product & Building Design, the use of Autocad software is driven by the industry's reliance on Autodesk products.
Some of the most popular CAD tools include:
🏗 Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC)
- MicroStation – Used in LTA, PUB and infrastructure projects
- AutoCAD – Popular across M&E and architectural firms for 2D drafting
- Revit – Mainstream BIM tool in Singapore for DfMA and public tenders
- SketchUp – Widely adopted by interior designers for fast concept work
🚇 Civil & Infrastructure Engineering
- MicroStation – Supports complex infra modeling and GIS
- Civil 3D – Used in roadworks, geotech modeling, and drainage design
- Aveva E3D – Widely used in offshore engineering works
⚙️ Mechanical & Product Design
- SolidWorks – Ideal for part assemblies, simulations, and educational use
- Fusion 360 – Cloud-based solution for rapid prototyping and fabrication
- Inventor – Autodesk’s solution for product design and manufacturing
CAD Software vs BIM Software
There’s often confusion between CAD and BIM software. This is partially driven by the fact that BIM software usually contains embedded CAD tools to help with annotation and markups.
The key differences between CAD & BIM tools can be found here:
| Aspect | CAD Software | BIM Software |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Drafting 2D drawings or Individual 3D objects | 3D modelling libraries to speed up creation of large, multi-object models. Usually contains CAD Drafting features. |
| Output | Lines, shapes, geometry | Intelligent models with embedded data |
| Use Case | Detailing, schematic design, component design | Coordination, quantity take-off, clash detection |
| Examples | AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360 | Revit, ArchiCAD, OpenBuildings Designer |
| Workflow | Drawing and modeling focused | Process-driven and collaborative |
Unless your team is directly responsible for authoring BIM models, most companies can operate effectively with CAD software, which is typically more affordable. Many of our clients choose to outsource BIM modeling to us, allowing them to focus on using CAD tools to produce shop drawings, detailing, and other project deliverables.
💡 _In Singapore, BCA mandates the use of BIM software (e.g. Revit) for certain e-submission requirements, especially for projects above 5000sqm.
CAD Software Prices in Singapore (2025)
| Software | Licensing | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| AutoCAD | Subscription (annual) | ~SGD 2,500/year |
| MicroStation | Subscription (annual) | ~SGD 2,720/year |
| Revit | Subscription (annual) | ~SGD 3,500/year |
💡 SMEs can check if they’re eligible for grants via Enterprise Singapore or Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG).
How to Choose the Right CAD Tool
When selecting a CAD platform in Singapore, consider:
- ✔️ Your specific industry workflow
- ✔️ BIM e-submission compatibility (Revit, IFC export)
- ✔️ Availability of local support and training
- ✔️ Collaboration features for remote or hybrid teams
- ✔️ Integration with your tools (e.g. ERP, GIS, or BIM software)
Where to Buy
CAD software is often available through local resellers or directly from software vendors. Local resellers can provide tailored support, training, and payment terms that are preferred by companies.
Ultimately, the best CAD software for you depends on your specific industry requirements, and some companies may choose to rely on experienced BIM Consultants to complete their CAD works.
Getting Started with CAD Software
Whether you're in construction, design, or engineering, choosing the right CAD software will be an important part of your software budget. Need help evaluating CAD options or understanding how to meet BCA’s BIM standards? Talk to a consultant or request a software demo.