3D CAD Software Market Size Analysis Report by Deployment (Cloud-Based, On-Premises), Model (Wire-Frame, Surface, Solid), Application (Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Arts) – Global Industry Trends and Growth Forecast to 2030

Market Overview

The global 3D CAD software market size was valued at $9,264.8 million in 2021, and this number is expected to increase to $16,748.5 million by 2030, advancing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing use of 3D modeling and the rising demand for cloud-based and mobile-friendly 3D CAD solutions. Moreover, the adoption of such software is surging, due to the increasing number of professionals in the field of designing, especially in sectors such as aerospace & defense, automotive, and healthcare.

In addition, packaging machines are increasingly becoming complex, especially with the rise in the focus on efficiency, due to which designers and engineers are deploying such software to meet mechatronic engineering challenges. Thus, these factors are resulting in the increasing demand for 3D CAD software, globally.

Solid Model Contributes the Majority of Revenue

The solid model accounted for the largest revenue share, of more than 65%, in 2021, and the category is further expected to maintain its dominance during the predicted period, advancing at a substantial CAGR. This is attributed to the surging demand for greater simulation, manipulation, and modification in designs; and the rising need for most advanced modeling in three dimensions. Additionally, this model helps designers to ensure that an object looks exactly as they wanted it to be after manufacturing, and it provides a vision to the designers to make changes wherever required, which, in turn, create a significant demand for this model.

Moreover, the surface model category will witness significant growth in the coming years. This can be due to the rising adoption of such modeling, as it offers a more realistic approach for creating free-form shapes or objects, definitive in nature with no ambiguity; and the surging preference of designers, as the creation of complex surfaces using surface modeling is easier in comparison to other modeling techniques.

Shift from License-Based to Subscription-Based Model Drives the Market

Due to the high cost of CAD software, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) having limited IT budgets are leveraging professional CAD software on a quarterly or monthly basis. Since the development and installation of CAD solutions are highly expensive, the majority of users, rendering 2D CAD software, have now shifted to the subscription-based model.

With the increasing number of price-conscious customers in the global technology market, 3D CAD subscription-based offerings are gaining interest, while the use of traditional 2D CAD software is diminishing. Moreover, through this subscription model, CAD providers are reshaping their sales strategy to easily allow users to get in touch with an array of offerings provided by them.

Cloud-Based Deployment To Witness Fastest Growth

The cloud-based deployment category will register faster growth during the forecast period, advancing at a CAGR of more than 7.1%. This high growth can be ascribed to its convenience of usage, as it runs through a web or mobile app, or in a local browser, unlike traditional CAD software installed on a local computer; it can be updated through a remote server; and it is highly preferred by designers, as it offers greater collaboration, streamlined workflows, and design from anywhere options. Moreover, it is cost-effective software that helps in enhancing the quality of design while also improving the productivity of designers.

Increasing Need for Quality Automotive Products Boosts the Market Growth

The demand for quality automotive products has increased in recent years. Users are significantly focusing on quality products, rather than considering brand value. With millions of connected cars expected on road in the coming years, designers are considering advanced solutions and tools provided by 3D CAD software to align the design and development of products with error-free manufacturing. Further, 3D CAD plays a major role in ensuring the utmost quality and precision, while helping in manufacturing each part in the automotive industry.

Moreover, due to the increased investment in research and development (R&D) by product manufacturers, in order to compete in the market, such designing solutions have gained significant interest from designers to produce less vulnerable automotive products. Also, 3D CAD software lowers product recalls and further enables product designers with complex simulations of how new product designs will behave and function in response to real-world forces.

Manufacturing Holds Dominant Share

The manufacturing category accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021, and it is further expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period, advancing with a substantial CAGR. This is attributed to the increasing investments in various 3D printing technologies, which are assisting in the manufacturing of numerous parts with a wide range of materials based on end users’ requirements.

Additionally, the automotive category will witness significant growth in the coming years. This can be ascribed to the rising need for such software, as a result of the surging demand for more advanced and safe vehicles; the increasing need for advanced 3D designed features of the interior and exterior automotive parts and the implementation of existing designs in new vehicle variants; and the wide usage of such software, as it is used in every aspect of automotive design.

Explore more about this report - Request free sample pages

North America Leads the Market

North America accounted for the largest revenue share, of around 32.6%, in 2021 and is further expected to maintain its market dominance during the forecast period. This is attributed to the presence of a large number of software providers, high R&D expenditure, and the mounting usage of such software in the healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and media and entertainment sectors.

Furthermore, the market for 3D CAD software in the U.S. is experiencing significant development, owing to the growth in industries such as aerospace & defense and automobile. The aerospace & defense sector holds the prime share in the U.S. market for such software. This is mostly attributable to the enormous emphasis on the development of cutting-edge space shuttle, missile, and aircraft systems. Also, such software has become a crucial factor in product designing in this sector, as it demands great accuracy, particularly in the manufacturing of essential components such as wings and interbody sheets.

On the other hand, the APAC market will register the fastest growth in the coming years, This can be ascribed to the infrastructure development in emerging economies, which helps in improving the productivity of users via better data sharing and collaboration, and increasing workflow efficiency; the high adoption rate of advanced technologies; the rising demand for advanced modeling solutions, owing to the growing automotive, construction, and healthcare industries, in which 3D visualization and refined prototypes are needed to develop high feature-based products; the burgeoning media and entertainment industry; and the proliferating number of SMEs that seek digitally advanced solutions to streamline their operations.

In addition, Europe held a significant revenue share in 2021 and is expected to maintain its position in the coming years. This is ascribed to the well-established automobile sector, the growing healthcare industry, the rising spending on R&D to develop more precise equipment used during surgical procedures, and the ever-growing need for tooling and rapid prototyping in the aerospace & defense and industrial sectors, in the region.

Key Players in the 3D CAD Software Market Are:

• Autodesk Inc.
• Dassault Systèmes
• SolidWorks Corporation
• PTC Inc.
• Bentley Systems Inc.
• 3D Systems Inc.
• Hexagon AB
• Aveva Group PLC

3D CAD Software Market Size Breakdown by Segment

The study offers a comprehensive market segmentation analysis along with market estimation for the period 2017-2030.

Based on Deployment

• Cloud-based
• On-premises

Based on Model

• Wire-Frame
• Surface
• Solid

Based on Application

• Aerospace & defense
• Automotive
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Media & Entertainment
• Arts

Geographical Analysis

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • U.K.
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa