In only a few years, the use of mobile devices for mechanical engineering workflow has gone from being either impossible or impossibly limited, to routine and valuable. The first generation of mobile apps for CAD appeared with the introduction of Apple iPhone. They were either view-only devices or early proof-of concept projects. As mobile hardware has matured and the use of cloud technology has matured, CAD vendors have responded with much more useful products. This shift is reshaping how engineers and designers approach their work, offering new levels of flexibility and collaboration.
PTC Onshape was created as a cloud-based program, which made it easier for the developers to create a mobile version. Much of the backend work was already accomplished. Image source: PTC.
The push for mobile compatibility in CAD software is driven by several key factors. As distributed teams and flexible work arrangements become the norm, engineers and designers need access to their tools outside of traditional office settings. Mobile access facilitates quick reviews, approvals, and minor edits, streamlining communication within design teams. Engineers working in the field can access and modify designs in real-time, improving efficiency.
Demand Grows, Innovation Follows
As the demand for mobile CAD solutions grows, software providers are innovating to meet user needs. Most CAD vendors now offer companion mobile apps that allow users to view 3D models, make simple edits, and add annotations on the go. Some platforms are developing browser-based versions of their software that can run on tablets and smartphones, offering more functionality than dedicated apps.
Both solutions leverage cloud storage and computing power, enabling users to access and manipulate complex models without requiring powerful mobile hardware.
The newest mobile CAD app runs only in a browser and does not offer dedicated iOS or Android apps. Image source: Siemens.
Most major players in the CAD industry have developed mobile-compatible solutions. Unless stated otherwise, the apps listed below are available for both the Apple iOS and Android mobile environments.
- Autodesk AutoCAD Mobile. Design for viewing, editing, and markup, it can also be used to create new drawings.
- Autodesk Fusion 360 Mobile. A companion app to Fusion 360 that allows users to view, mark up, and collaborate on 3D designs.
- Graebert ARES Touch. This mobile CAD solution for iOS and Android allows users to view, edit, and create 2D CAD drawings, with a focus on compatibility with DWG files from any program including AutoCAD.
- SOLIDWORKS eDrawings Mobile. One of the oldest apps in this list, dDrawings Mobile enables users to view and mark up 3D CAD models created in SOLIDWORKS, plus the STEP and IGES neutral formats.
- PTC Creo View Mobile. This one is iOS only, for viewing and interacting with 3D CAD models from Creo.
- PTC Onshape. While Onshape can run from any browser on any device, PTC also offers dedicated apps to offer a better user experience. The company says one in eight Onshape sessions is now opened from one of the mobile apps.
- Siemens Zel X. A new cloud-based engineering platform from the makers of NX and Solid Edge. It works through web browsers, making it accessible on mobile devices. There are no specific apps for iOS or Android.
Graebert ARES Touch allows annotations to be added to existing DWG drawings using photos, notes, or voice notes. Image source: Graebert.
Trading Convenience for Power
These apps are convenient, but there is no mistaking them for full-blown CAD systems. Most mobile devices lack the computing power necessary for complex modeling tasks. The local file storage and retrieval is generally not optimal for such large files. The smaller screens can make detailed work challenging, especially for complex 3D models. Touch interfaces aren't as precise as mouse and keyboard setups.
SOLIDWORKS eDrawings Mobile includes augmented reality capabilities, allowing the use of the device's camera to view a model in real-world environments. Image source: Dassault Systemès.
Future Solutions
As technology continues to advance, we can expect mobile CAD solutions to become increasingly sophisticated and capable. While they currently complement rather than replace desktop CAD systems for most professional users, the line between mobile and desktop capabilities is likely to blur further in the coming years. Some vendors are already adding special features for iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, for example.
The integration of more powerful processors in mobile devices, advancements in cloud computing, and the development of more intuitive touch-based interfaces will all contribute to the evolution of mobile CAD. As these technologies mature, we may see a shift in how and where engineering design work is done, potentially leading to more flexible and collaborative design processes.
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