CG

Software That Opens & Edits PDF Files (13 Tools, 2026)

PDF in the CAD world is more than just a print format — it's the lingua franca for stakeholder review. PDF carries vector geometry, layers, annotations, and (in 3D PDF / U3D / PRC variants) full 3D model data with measurement and section tools. Most CAD tools export PDF for plotting, markup, and digital sign-off, while specialist tools like Bluebeam Revu and Adobe Acrobat handle the review/markup side of the workflow.

Full read & write support (3)

  • R3
    Rhino 3D logo
    Rhino 3DRead & Write
    from $995 · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.9

    The industry standard for complex NURBS modeling and computational design.

  • A
    ArchiCAD logo
    ArchiCADRead & Write
    from $1800 · Windows / macOS · ★ 4.8

    The BIM software of choice for design-oriented architects.

  • A
    AutoCAD logo
    AutoCADRead & Write
    from $255 · Windows / macOS / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.8

    The global industrial standard for 2D drafting and 3D modeling.

Write / export (10)

  • AD
    Altium Designer logo
    Altium DesignerWrite Only
    from $3850 · Windows · ★ 4.9

    The professional standard for PCB and electronics design.

  • O
    Onshape logo
    OnshapeWrite Only
    from $1500 · Web / iOS / Android · ★ 4.9

    The professional CAD system built for agile cloud development.

  • R
    Revit logo
    RevitWrite Only
    from $355 · Windows · ★ 4.9

    The de-facto standard for Building Information Modeling (BIM).

  • S
    SolidWorks logo
    SolidWorksWrite Only
    from $1295 · Windows · ★ 4.9

    The de-facto industry standard for 3D parametric mechanical design.

  • PC
    PTC Creo logo
    PTC CreoWrite Only
    from $2430 · Windows · ★ 4.8

    The original parametric 3D CAD powerhouse.

  • SN
    Siemens NX logo
    Siemens NXWrite Only
    from $6000 · Windows / Linux · ★ 4.8

    Powerful high-end CAD/CAM/CAE suite for advanced manufacturing.

  • AI
    Autodesk Inventor logo
    Autodesk InventorWrite Only
    from $315 · Windows · ★ 4.7

    Professional-grade 3D mechanical design and simulation.

  • C
    CATIA logo
    CATIAWrite Only
    from $4500 · Windows · ★ 4.7

    The high-end PLM standard for Aerospace and Automotive engineering.

  • S
    SketchUp logo
    SketchUpWrite Only
    Freemium · Windows / macOS / Web / Android / iOS · ★ 4.7

    The world's most intuitive 3D design tool for architecture and interiors.

  • F
    FreeCAD logo
    FreeCADWrite Only
    Free · Windows / macOS / Linux · ★ 4.2

    The premier open-source 3D parametric modeler.

Frequently asked

What's a 3D PDF?
A PDF that embeds an interactive 3D model viewer using the PRC or U3D format. Acrobat Reader can rotate, zoom, section, and measure the embedded model without any CAD licence.

Other file formats