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ZeroCAD features

Everything ZeroCAD includes, from the first sketch to the finished part.

125 features in 12 groups

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Sketching

Lines held by the dimensions you set.

  • Sketch toolsLines, arcs, circles, splines, slots and polygons.
  • ConstraintsParallel, tangent, equal, symmetric and more.
  • Driving dimensionsChange a number and the sketch follows.
  • Fully defined at a glanceColors show what's locked and what's still free.
  • Construction linesGuides and centerlines that shape without building.
  • Trim, extend and offsetClean up a sketch in a stroke.
  • Sketch patternsRows and circles of shapes in one move.
  • Project and referenceUse the edges of other parts in a new sketch.
  • TextLettering to emboss or engrave.
  • Start from a drawingBring in a 2D drawing your team already has.

Part modeling

Solid, precise and fully editable.

  • Extrude and revolveTurn sketches into solids.
  • Sweep and loftShapes that follow paths and blend between profiles.
  • HolesCounterbores, countersinks and tapped holes from standard sizes.
  • Fillets and chamfersRounded and beveled edges, variable where you need them.
  • Shell and draftHollow parts and molding angles in a click.
  • Patterns and mirrorRepeat features in rows, circles or along a path.
  • Full historyEvery feature in order, editable at any step.
  • Parameters and equationsDrive the design from named values and formulas.
  • ConfigurationsOne part, many sizes, from a table.
  • Direct editsPush and pull faces on any model, even one without history.
  • Mass propertiesWeight, center of mass and inertia, always current.
  • ThreadsReal or cosmetic threads from standard sizes.

Surfaces and freeform

Smooth shapes, held to precision.

  • Surface modelingPatches, lofts, sweeps and boundary surfaces.
  • Freeform shapesSculpt soft forms, then make them precise.
  • Seamless blendsSurfaces that flow into each other without a visible join.
  • Surface analysisStripes and curvature maps reveal every ripple.
  • Thicken and stitchTurn surfaces into solids.
  • Scan to modelTurn a 3D scan into a clean, editable shape.
  • Mesh repairFix holes and errors in scanned or downloaded models.

Assemblies and motion

Parts that fit and move for real.

  • AssembliesBring parts together, from a simple bracket to a whole machine.
  • JointsRigid, hinged, sliding, cylindrical and ball joints.
  • LimitsJoints that stop where the real ones do.
  • Gears, cams and beltsMotion that drives other motion.
  • Design in contextBuild a part right inside the assembly.
  • Interference checksFind parts that collide.
  • Motion studiesDrive a mechanism and watch it move.
  • ContactParts that push each other as they move.
  • Exploded viewsStep-by-step explosions that show how it goes together.
  • Standard partsBolts, nuts, bearings and pins, ready to drop in.
  • Bill of materialsEvery part counted, always current.
  • Lightweight viewsSimplified versions of big assemblies for fast work.

Sheet metal, frames and molds

Designed the way it will be built.

  • Sheet metalFlanges, bends, hems and tabs with real bend rules.
  • Flat patternsUnfold any sheet metal part for cutting.
  • Welded framesStructural frames from standard profiles, with cut lists.
  • WeldsWeld beads modeled and noted.
  • Plastic partsBosses, ribs and lips for molded parts.
  • Mold toolsParting lines, cores and cavities.
  • Pipes and tubesRouted runs with fittings and bends.
  • Cables and harnessesWiring that follows the assembly.

Technical drawings

Drawings that keep up with the design.

  • Drawing viewsFront, top, side, section, detail and broken views.
  • Automatic viewsViews placed from the model in one move.
  • DimensionsPlaced by hand or automatically, and tied to the model.
  • Tolerances and fitsLimits, fits and geometric tolerances to standard.
  • AnnotationsSurface finish, welds, datums and notes.
  • TablesParts lists, hole tables and revision tables.
  • BalloonsNumbered callouts linked to the parts list.
  • Sheet formatsTitle blocks and borders for your company.
  • Drawings that updateChange the model and every view follows.
  • Notes on the modelDimensions and tolerances placed right on the 3D part.
  • 2D draftingLines, layers and blocks for when you just need to draw.

Simulation

Test it before you make it.

  • Stress analysisSee where a part bends and where it might fail.
  • Safety factorKnow how much margin your design has.
  • MeshingAutomatic meshes, refined where it matters.
  • Loads and supportsForces, pressures, bolts and fixtures applied on the model.
  • ContactParts that touch, slide and press on each other.
  • VibrationNatural frequencies and mode shapes.
  • Heat transferTemperatures through a part, steady or over time.
  • Airflow and fluidsWatch air and liquid move through and around your design.
  • FatigueSee how long a part lasts under repeated loads.
  • BucklingFind the load where a slender part gives way.
  • Shape optimizationLet the loads decide where material belongs.
  • Design studiesChange a dimension and compare results side by side.
  • Results you can traceEvery result shows the method and settings used.
  • Engineer sign-offWarnings when inputs are out of range; a professional engineer signs off.

Machining

From model to machine.

  • SetupsStock, fixtures and work origins set on the model.
  • Tool libraryMills, drills, taps and inserts with speeds and feeds.
  • 2D toolpathsFacing, pocketing, contouring and drilling.
  • Adaptive clearingSteady tool load for fast, safe roughing.
  • 3D finishingSmooth surfaces with parallel, scallop and spiral passes.
  • Multi-axisTilt the tool to reach every face.
  • TurningFacing, turning, grooving and threading on the lathe.
  • Mill-turnTurned and milled features in a single setup.
  • Hole makingDrilling, tapping and boring from the model's own holes.
  • Cut simulationWatch the stock being removed, with collisions flagged.
  • Machine-ready codeInstructions written for your machine's controller.
  • Setup sheetsTools, offsets and notes for the operator.

3D printing and laser

Print it, cut it, engrave it.

  • SlicingLayers, walls and infill set for strength or speed.
  • SupportsAutomatic or painted supports that come away cleanly.
  • OrientationFind the best way to lay a part on the plate.
  • Print platesArrange many parts on one plate.
  • Multi-material and colorPaint colors and materials onto the model.
  • Layer previewWatch each layer build, with time and material shown.
  • Printer profilesSettings matched to your printer and material.
  • Resin printingHollowing, drain holes and supports for resin.
  • Laser cuttingCut paths, kerf and cut order set for clean parts.
  • EngravingImages and text burned at the depth you want.
  • Sheet parts to the laserFlat patterns unfolded and sent to cut.
  • Send to the machineJobs go to your printer or laser straight from the model.

Product rendering

Studio shots without a studio.

  • Live renderThe image refines as you work.
  • Real materialsMetal, plastic, glass, rubber and paint that look true.
  • Studio lightingSoftboxes, spotlights and lighting environments.
  • Camera and depth of fieldLenses and focus for the hero shot.
  • TurntablesA product spin in one move.
  • Exploded animationsShow how it all goes together.
  • Color variationsThe same product in every finish.
  • BackplatesPlace the product into a photo.

Engineering math

Calculations that live beside the design.

  • Live calculationsEquations with units that update as you type.
  • Units everywhereMix units freely and get the right answer.
  • Matrices and solvingSystems of equations solved in a step.
  • PlotsLine, scatter, surface and contour plots.
  • Data analysisBring in measurements, clean them and find the trend.
  • ScriptingWrite and run engineering scripts in a full editor.
  • System modelsBlock diagrams of controls, motors and dynamics.
  • Control designTune a controller and watch the response.
  • OptimizationFind the best values within your limits.
  • Signal processingFilters and frequency analysis.
  • Linked to the modelResults drive dimensions in the part.
  • Calculation sheetsClear, printable calculations for review.

Lab Partner in ZeroCAD

Your partner at the workbench.

  • Parts from a descriptionDescribe a bracket and get a real, editable part.
  • Draw it upA drawing with views and dimensions, ready for your review.
  • Set up a studyLoads and supports applied, results explained.
  • Plan the toolpathsA first machining plan for you to check.
  • Do the mathCalculations written out with units and working.
  • Explain any toolAsk how something works and it shows you.
  • Always yoursEvery change is reviewable, and you can undo it.
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