ARES Commander
Berlin-made DWG CAD for Windows, macOS and Linux, from a family-owned company, with optional cloud and mobile companions
Quick Overview
| Company | Graebert GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | CAD Software |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | Desktop application; cloud sync optional via Trinity |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | Native DWG, 2D drafting, 3D modelling, Dynamic Blocks, BIM to CAD from Revit and IFC, PDF import and export, offline commenting, 14 languages |
| Pricing | Standalone perpetual from EUR 595; with Trinity from EUR 225 (perpetual, annual or 3-year plan); network from EUR 745 per seat |
| Best For | Teams on Windows, macOS or Linux that want DWG and a perpetual licence |
| Replaces | AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT |
Detailed Review
ARES Commander is the desktop product of Graebert GmbH, which describes itself as family-owned and independent for more than 40 years. It supports DWG of any version and covers 2D drafting and 3D modelling.
Graebert also sells ARES Kudo (online CAD) and ARES Touch (mobile CAD), and bundles all three as the ARES Trinity. The imprint names Graebert GmbH in Berlin, registered at the Berlin-Charlottenburg district court under HRB 32314.
Licensing choices
The standalone version is sold as a perpetual licence from EUR 595. The Trinity version offers perpetual, annual or 3-year plans from EUR 225, and floating network or cloud seats start at EUR 745 per seat.
Cross-platform desktop
ARES Commander runs on Windows, macOS and Linux and is available in 14 languages. The same user can use different computers under one licence.
BIM to CAD and verticals
The vendor lists tools that generate 2D drawings from Revit or IFC files, plus vertical products ARES Mechanical, ARES Map and ARES Electrical built on the same engine.
Limitations to Consider
The cheapest price shown applies to the Trinity version, while the standalone perpetual licence starts higher. Trinity collaboration connects to services such as Google Drive, Box, Dropbox and OneDrive, which are non-European providers. The main focus is DWG drafting, so for BIM-first building design see Archicad or Allplan.
Who Should Use ARES Commander
Offices and engineers who want a DWG tool on Linux or macOS as well as Windows, and prefer a family-owned German vendor.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Windows, macOS and Linux
- Perpetual licence available
- Native DWG, any version
- Prices published on the page
- Independent, family-owned vendor
Cons
- Standalone perpetual price is higher than the headline price
- Cloud features link to non-European storage services
- Not a dedicated BIM platform
- Network seats cost more per user
Alternatives to ARES Commander
Other European cad software worth comparing before you decide:
BricsCAD
Belgium · DWG-based 2D and 3D CAD from Ghent, with BIM and mechanical toolsets
Archicad
Hungary · BIM design software for architects, from Budapest
Allplan
Germany · BIM platform for architecture, structural and civil engineering
progeCAD
Switzerland · AutoCAD-compatible 2D/3D CAD with a perpetual licence
See all European cad software or compare them directly against AutoCAD on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The vendor lists Windows, macOS and Linux as supported platforms.
The standalone version is sold as a perpetual licence from EUR 595. The Trinity version is offered as perpetual, annual or 3-year plans from EUR 225.
The company describes itself as family-owned and independent for more than 40 years, and its imprint names Graebert GmbH in Berlin.