progeCAD
Swiss AutoCAD-compatible 2D/3D CAD sold with a perpetual licence and no annual fee, from progeSOFT in Chiasso
Quick Overview
| Company | ProgeSOFT SA |
|---|---|
| Category | CAD Software |
| Headquarters | Chiasso, Switzerland |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Switzerland (EEA/CH) |
| Data Location | Desktop application; website data controller in Switzerland |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | DWG native, 2D and 3D, Dynamic Blocks, PDF to DWG, Revit and IFC import, STEP, IGES and SolidWorks import, Artisan render, 30-day trial |
| Pricing | Perpetual licence, no annual fee; see website for price |
| Best For | Windows users who want DWG compatibility without subscription fees |
| Replaces | AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT |
Detailed Review
progeCAD Professional works with DWG files from AutoCAD 2.5 through AutoCAD 2027, according to the vendor, and supports Dynamic Blocks. The sales model is a perpetual licence with optional upgrades.
The website's privacy policy and terms name ProgeSOFT SA, Piazza Indipendenza 3, 6830 Chiasso, Switzerland as owner. The company says it has been a founding member of the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium since 1999.
Perpetual licensing
The vendor states a one-off payment, no annual fee, and optional upgrades, so users decide when to upgrade.
Import and conversion
progeCAD imports Revit and IFC files and SolidWorks, STEP and IGES models, and includes PDF to DWG conversion.
IntelliCAD engine
The program is based on the IntelliCAD engine, which uses the Open Design Alliance library for DWG, so the DWG layer comes from a shared consortium rather than from the vendor alone.
Limitations to Consider
The prices are not shown on the pages checked, only on the shop, so cost has to be confirmed there. The engine comes from the IntelliCAD consortium and the Open Design Alliance library, so feature development depends partly on third parties. The Mac version is a separate product, iCADMac. For a vendor with cloud and mobile companions see ARES Commander.
Who Should Use progeCAD
Individuals and offices that want AutoCAD-like operation, DWG files and a one-time payment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Perpetual licence, no annual fee
- Native DWG
- Imports Revit, IFC, STEP and SolidWorks files
- 30-day free trial
- Swiss contracting entity
Cons
- Price not shown on product pages checked
- Engine depends on the IntelliCAD consortium and ODA
- Mac version is a separate product
- Customer logos on the site are vendor claims
Alternatives to progeCAD
Other European cad software worth comparing before you decide:
BricsCAD
Belgium · DWG-based 2D and 3D CAD from Ghent, with BIM and mechanical toolsets
ARES Commander
Germany · Family-owned Berlin CAD in DWG for Windows, macOS and Linux
Archicad
Hungary · BIM design software for architects, from Budapest
Allplan
Germany · BIM platform for architecture, structural and civil engineering
See all European cad software or compare them directly against AutoCAD on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The vendor states a perpetual licence with no annual fee and optional upgrades.
Its terms and privacy policy name ProgeSOFT SA in Chiasso, Switzerland.
Yes. DWG is its native format, and the vendor lists compatibility with AutoCAD DWG files from version 2.5 through 2027.