You’re building fast, juggling feedback, switching between tools, and losing time. Whether it’s a new app, a hardware prototype, or a redesign, your current setup isn’t cutting it.
To make life easier, this guide breaks down the best product design software of 2025, free and paid. From UI/UX and 3D modeling to CAD and AI tools for product design, we’ve got you covered.
Why trust us? We’re product designers too. We use these tools daily, building, shipping, iterating. We know what works best.
Class recognizes class, and if you’re here, you’re already serious about great design.
The market backs the need for strong product design: companies are seeing up to 100% ROI from strong design (1), while UI/UX tools are growing 33% year over year (2).
If making the most of product design was just a thought before, these numbers are an eye-opener, saying it’s time to act now.
Let’s find the product design tool that gets you and your team the final product you’re after.
Price: Free for 3 files; Pro starts at $12/editor/month
OS: Web-based (Mac, Windows, Linux); desktop apps also available
Free/Paid: ✅ Free tier available; paid plans for teams
Users: 60M+ users, 200K+ organizations (as of 2024)
G2 Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ (5,000+ reviews)
Figma is hands-down one of the best product design software tools for teams who build fast and iterate together.
It’s built for the modern design process, browser-based, cross-platform, and multiplayer by default. Designers can work on the same screen in real time, leave comments, prototype user flows, and hand off to developers, all without switching tools.
It’s ideal for creating user interfaces, wireframes, and full UX design systems. FigJam, its built-in whiteboard, makes early-stage ideation easy. Plus, its learning curve is beginner-friendly, and its plugin library makes it endlessly adaptable.
Why Figma is the Best Product Design Software:
Real-time collaboration feels like Google Docs for design
Online product design tool that needs no installs or setup
Version control is built in, so you can always roll back
Includes prototyping and interactive flows. No code needed
Works across Mac, Windows, and browsers
Plugins for everything from icons to accessibility checks
Massive community for templates, UI kits, and product design inspiration
Whether you're looking for product design software for beginners or something powerful enough for full teams, Figma strikes the perfect balance.
OS: macOS only (collaboration via browser through Sketch Cloud)
Free/Paid: 30-day free trial; paid only after that
Users: Undisclosed
G2 Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐ (300+ reviews)
Sketch is the OG in modern product design software, especially for Mac users.
Before Figma went mainstream, Sketch was the go-to tool for designers building sleek UIs and digital products. It’s fast, focused, and still loved by many product design companies for its clean interface and reliable performance.
You can design offline, organize reusable symbols, and build consistent design systems with ease. While it’s Mac-only, it fits right into Apple-based workflows and connects smoothly with other tools like Zeplin and Adobe Illustrator.
Its plugin ecosystem is still strong, making it easy to extend functionality however you like.
Why Sketch is a Top Product Design Software:
Built exclusively for Mac with native performance
Lightweight and responsive for fast interface design
One of the first tools to support design systems at scale
Huge plugin library to customize your setup
Great for teams who already use Apple hardware
Simple interface. Easy for beginners, powerful for pros
Exports well for developer handoff and project management
Still used in many top agencies and digital product design services
If your team is all-in on macOS and wants something clean, fast, and focused on interface design, Sketch should be your go-to product design tool.
Price: Starts at $20.99/month (single app) or $54.99/month (full suite)
OS: macOS and Windows; some apps on iPad/mobile
Free/Paid: 7-day free trial; paid only afterward
Users: Undisclosed
G2 Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐ (7,000+ reviews)
Adobe Creative Cloud isn’t just one tool, it’s the full design stack.
From vector design in Illustrator to photo editing in Photoshop to prototyping in XD, it covers nearly every part of the product design process. Whether you’re creating assets, UI mockups, or 3D renders, Adobe has something in the toolkit.
It’s especially useful for teams that handle User Interface Design, branding, and marketing all under one roof. The tight integration between apps (like editing a Photoshop file inside Illustrator) makes things smoother.
And yes, it’s still the industry standard. You’ll find Adobe in every serious product design software list.
Why Adobe Creative Cloud is the Best Product Design Tool:
All-in-one suite for everything from UI to 3D to print
Illustrator and Photoshop still lead in visual quality
Adobe XD supports prototyping and interactive flows
Apps work seamlessly together via shared libraries
Tons of templates, kits, and creative assets
Beginner tutorials and pro-level resources everywhere
Supports product design inspiration and storytelling across teams
If your team needs tools for visuals, branding, prototyping, and UI/UX work, Adobe Creative Cloud is the number one option.
Price: Free plan available; Pro plans from $4/user/month
OS: Web-based (Mac, Windows, Linux); mobile apps available
Free/Paid: ✅ Free tier available; paid plans for teams
Users: Used by 100% of the Fortune 100 (at peak)
G2 Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ (2,000+ reviews)
Miro is a powerful product design tool for turning static screens into clickable, testable prototypes.
It’s not where you draw your UI, you import that from Sketch, Figma, or Photoshop. But once it’s in, you can simulate full app flows, share them with clients, and gather feedback in one place.
Its comment system ties notes directly to design elements, making it easier to iterate fast. The built-in Freehand whiteboard is great for early strategy and planning, idea sketching, and team workshops. If you’re doing remote work or user testing, InVision is still a solid pick.
Why Miro is the Best Product Design Software:
Turns static designs into interactive prototypes
Easy feedback from stakeholders right on the design
Whiteboard tool (Freehand) helps with early ideation
Developer handoff is clear and automated with Inspect
Works in any browser. No software installs needed
Supports User Experience Design reviews and tweaks
Offers centralized design system management (DSM)
Need a tool that bridges design and development without writing a line of code? Miro is the one you’ve been searching for.
5. Blender: Best for Free & Open-Source 3D Modeling
Price: Completely free and open-source
OS: Mac, Windows, Linux
Free/Paid: ✅ Fully free, no paid plans
Users: 3M+ active users
G2 Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐ (1,300+ reviews)
Blender is a powerhouse 3D creation suite that costs nothing.
It’s a rare free product design software that gives you everything: 3D modeling, animation, simulation, rendering, and even video editing.
While it's not a traditional CAD program like Fusion or SolidWorks, it’s perfect for concept design, visual exploration, and detailed mockups.
Industrial designers, indie creators, and even animation studios use Blender to create high-quality visuals or functional models ready for 3D printing. It’s open-source, constantly updated, and runs on every device.
Why Blender is a Top Product Design Tool:
100% free. No license, no limits
Great for concept art, visuals, and animations
Works on Windows, Mac, Linux. No barriers
Exports to STL/OBJ for 3D printing
Community-made add-ons for everything
Frequent updates with cutting-edge tools
Simulations for fluids, cloth, and physics
If you're exploring AI tools for product design, need visuals for a pitch, or just want hands-on modeling practice, Blender is a no-brainer.
Price: Free for students, hobbyists, and qualified startups; Pro starts at ~$60/month
OS: Mac and Windows
Free/Paid: ✅ Free (non-commercial) & Paid plans
Users: Widely used across engineering and product teams (exact figures undisclosed)
G2 Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐ (900+ reviews)
Fusion 360 is an all-in-one computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing platform.
It lets you design, test, simulate, and prep for manufacturing, all in one place. It’s especially great for mechanical design engineers, product teams, and startups building physical products.
You can run stress tests, simulate motion, and even prep toolpaths for CNC machines. For teams looking to streamline the product development cycle, from idea to final output, Fusion 360 is hard to beat.
Plus, cloud-based collaboration and version control make it easy to keep everyone on the same page.
Why Fusion 360 is the Best Product Design Tool:
Combines CAD, CAM, and simulation in one tool
Parametric modeling with precise control
Ideal for mechanical and industrial design
Simulations for stress, motion, and thermal loads
Supports additive manufacturing and CNC
Great for startups: free for early-stage use
Built-in collaboration tools and version tracking
Whether you're working on complex assemblies, running simulations, or handling manufacturing handoff, Fusion 360 supports every part of the product design process. It’s a must-have for serious design engineers.
Price: Starts at ~$1,300/year (or $3,995+ for perpetual license)
OS: Windows only
Free/Paid: Paid only (except for students/educators)
Used by: 70,000+ companies worldwide
G2 Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐ (600+ reviews)
SolidWorks is one of the most trusted names in the mechanical design software industry
It’s a serious, professional-grade tool used across industrial design, manufacturing, and product development teams.
Engineers rely on its parametric modeling, simulation tools, and detailed drawing capabilities to create the final product, whether it’s a simple bracket or a 1,000-part machine.
SolidWorks is not built for casual design. It’s built for precision. If you’re designing for production, doing computer-aided design with tight tolerances, or simulating real-world forces, this is the tool that delivers.
Why SolidWorks is a Trusted Choice for Product Designers:
Feature-based parametric modeling for high accuracy
Handles complex assemblies and full documentation
Built-in simulation and validation tools (FEA, CFD)
Extensive part libraries and supplier integrations
Commonly used across various industries and suppliers
Strong ecosystem with plugins, training, and certifications
From consumer tech enclosures to heavy machinery, SolidWorks supports every stage. It's especially useful in product design companies where the handoff to manufacturing is direct.
Price: Free for hobbyists (public projects), ~$1,500/year for full access
OS: Browser-based (works on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, mobile)
Free/Paid: ✅ Free (limited), Paid for private/commercial work
Used by: Undisclosed
G2 Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ (200+ reviews)
Onshape brings product design software online, no installs, no hardware worries.
You open your browser, log in, and design. That’s it. It’s the first cloud-native CAD tool built for modern teams, and it shows. Multiple team members can create, edit, and comment on the same model.
It’s the CAD equivalent of Google Docs.
Onshape is ideal for teams that prioritize speed, collaboration, and flexibility. Whether you’re in an office, remote, or juggling time zones, your project stays in sync.
Why Onshape Stands Out:
Real-time collaboration (multi-user editing)
Built-in version control and branching
Runs on any device. Mac, PC, tablet, even phones
Powerful parametric tools and part libraries
No IT overhead; updates happen automatically
Instant sharing via link with permission settings
It’s also great for schools and classrooms. With no heavy install or expensive hardware needed, it makes product design tools more accessible.
9. Rhino 3D: Best Pick for Free-Form Surface Modeling
Price: $995 one-time license; 90-day free trial
OS: macOS and Windows
Free/Paid: Free trial; paid afterward
Users: Widely used by industrial designers, architects, and product design firms
G2 Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐
Rhino 3D is the go-to tool for designers working on complex, curved surfaces.
From cars and furniture to footwear and boats, Rhino is built for shape-driven design. Its NURBS-based modeling system gives precise control over curves and smooth forms.
It’s a favorite in industrial design because it’s flexible, fast, and doesn’t box you into rigid workflows. You can push, pull, tweak and iterate freely. But, the most special feature is Grasshopper, Rhino’s built-in node-based programming tool. It lets you create generative forms, automate designs, or test patterns.
Why Rhino 3D is the Best Product Design Tool:
Unmatched surface modeling precision for curved shapes
Works well across industries: footwear, furniture, marine, etc.
Supports 3D printing, mesh editing, and complex file imports
SketchUp is known as the “pencil of 3D modeling” simple, quick, and intuitive.
It’s great for beginners and fast ideation, it’s used to block out product shapes, test spatial ideas, or mock up rough prototypes.
With the push-pull tool, you can turn 2D sketches into 3D volumes instantly. Add to that a huge 3D Warehouse of prebuilt parts and templates, and you’ve got a solid entry-level tool.
It’s not a replacement for parametric CAD or complex surfacing tools, but for brainstorming and speed, it’s unbeatable.
Why SketchUp is the Best Product Design Tool
Beginner-friendly tool with a gentle learning curve
Great for early product ideas and concept mockups
3D Warehouse has millions of free prebuilt models
Supports STL, DWG, DXF, and more with Pro version
Available online, so no installation or heavy specs needed
Extension marketplace adds features like rendering or solid modeling
Ideal for teaching 3D fundamentals and basic modeling
Lightweight files make it easy to share with clients or stakeholders
Best AI Powered Product Design Software
The age of AI is upon us. So, it’s essential to look at 5 of the best AI-powered product design software in the market:
1. Uizard: Best for Rapid Sketch-to-UI Prototyping
Price: Free plan available; Pro from $12/month
OS: Web-based (Mac, Windows, Linux)
Free/Paid: Free tier available; paid plans for teams
Users: 170,000+ users (13K monthly actives)
G2 Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Uizard uses deep learning to turn sketches, screenshots, or plain text into polished UI designs. Its standout feature, Autodesigner, auto-generates multi-screen layouts, themes, and responsive wireframes in minutes (no code required).
Used by teams at Tesla, Apple, and Adidas, Uizard has become a go-to for rapid prototyping. It dramatically cuts design time, enabling teams to jump from idea to interface faster than ever.
2. Stitch (by Google): Best for Prompt-to-App UI Design
Price: Undisclosed (early access)
OS: Web-based (browser-compatible across systems)
Free/Paid: Currently free (beta/early access)
Users: Undisclosed
G2 Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐
Stitch is Google’s newest AI-powered UI tool, using Gemini 2.5 Pro to generate UI designs and clean frontend code from simple prompts. Just type or drop in a reference image, and get full app mockups and React/HTML code instantly.
Announced at Google I/O 2025, Stitch helps design and dev teams move from idea to production-ready UIs in a single flow. It's built to eliminate handoff delays and unlock more time for actual UX strategy.
3. Visily: Best for AI Wireframing & Prototyping
Price: Free for individuals; Team plan starts at $10/month
OS: Web-based (Windows, Mac)
Free/Paid: Free & Paid plans
Users: 100,000+ users across 140+ countries
G2 Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐
Visily uses AI to generate wireframes from sketches, screenshots, or plain text. It refines visuals with smart templates, detects spacing issues, and lets users flip between low-fi and high-fi prototypes.
Its instant “idea-to-layout” approach has made it especially popular with startups and non-designers. With AI suggestions and layout cleanup, Visily helps teams move from concept to click-ready UI much faster.
4. UX Pilot: Best for End-to-End AI UX Design
Price: Starts at $39/month; free trial available
OS: Web-based
Free/Paid: Free trial; paid for full features
Users: 300,000+ users
G2 Rating: 4.0/5 ⭐
UX Pilot automates entire UX flows, not just individual screens. From one-line prompts, it can generate multi-screen prototypes, predict user interactions, and export clean, production-ready code in React or Vue.
Its AI usability tools (heatmaps, accessibility checks, interaction prediction) allow designers to test and refine quickly. UX Pilot compresses weeks of design and handoff work into minutes, making it ideal for fast-paced teams.
5. Adobe Firefly (Creative Cloud): Best for AI-Generated Visual Assets
Price: Included in Creative Cloud ($20.99+/month)
OS: macOS, Windows, iPad
Free/Paid: 7-day trial; paid only
Users: 37M+ Creative Cloud subscribers
G2 Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐
Adobe Firefly brings generative AI directly into Photoshop, Illustrator, and more. It powers features like text-to-image, vector recolor, and AI-based object removal. All while respecting commercial licensing.
83% of creative professionals now use generative AI, and Firefly is at the center of that shift. It allows designers to create faster, iterate smarter, and keep assets consistent, from brand visuals to UI mockups, all with simple prompts.
2D vs 3D Product Design Software
Choosing between 2D and 3D product design software depends on your product type and design goals. Often, product designers use both, switching between tools based on project phase and purpose.
2D product design software is ideal for flat visuals like UI design, icons, schematics, and packaging. Tools like Figma, Adobe Illustrator, and Sketch help visualize user flows and layouts. These are commonly used in UX/UI projects where screens are flat, not physical.
Great for digital interfaces and quick sketches
Easier to learn; works well on both Mac and Windows
Perfect for graphics, schematics, and early concept work
Often used before moving to 3D or manufacturing
3D product design software like SolidWorks, Rhino, or Onshape is essential when building physical products, especially when fit, materials, components, and function matter.
Shows depth, volume, and real-world interaction
Used in mechanical design, additive manufacturing, and industrial design
Simulates how parts will connect or move
Supports 3D printing, CAM, and engineering drawings
Today, most product development workflows combine both. You might design a phone’s casing in Rhino 3D, prototype it with 3D printing, then switch to Adobe XD to build the screen UI.
These tools often integrate, letting teams manage project data, iterate quickly, and ensure quality from concept to final product.
Smart designers know: it’s not about 2D vs 3D. It’s about using the right tool at the right stage.
How to Choose the Best Product Design Software
There’s no one-size-fits-all product design tool. The best pick depends on your workflow, team, and type of product (digital or physical).
1. Define Your Project Type 🛠️
Start with what you're designing. Need realistic 3D models with detailed components and materials? Go for CAD tools like SolidWorks or Rhino.
If you're focused on apps or websites, UX/UI tools like Figma or Adobe XD are better. Some projects need both, like designing a wearable and its interface.
That’s where understanding what is product design becomes critical: it often spans physical and digital work.
Make sure your tools support your full range.
2. Match the Tool to Your Skill Level 👶
Beginners thrive on intuitive tools like SketchUp or TinkerCAD. They're great for getting started without overwhelming menus.
Professionals might need precision modeling or simulation features, which tools like Rhino or SolidWorks provide.
Overkill can slow you down, so start with tools that fit your current experience.
For teams, you can mix levels. Simpler tools for early mockups, advanced ones for final output.
If you’re having trouble identifying product design tools from ux design tools, check out this guide on product design vs ux design.
3. Check Compatibility with Your System 💻
Some tools work best on specific systems. Product design software for mac includes Sketch, while product design software for windows includes SolidWorks.
Others like Onshape or Figma run in the browser, making them great for mixed-device teams.
Always check system requirements and integrations with your stack. Design tools should work with your project management and collaboration tools.
💡 Pro Tip
Mac users may prioritize visual polish, while PC users might value raw performance.
4. Consider Collaboration Features 🤝
Design is rarely a solo effort. Do you need real-time feedback, version control, or stakeholder comments?
Onshape and Figma are top picks with cloud collaboration built-in. This is great for remote teams or distributed product designers.
Avoid emailing multiple versions with “final_v5_FIXED_2”. Get software that supports smooth data sharing and team collaboration.
Features like branching, history, and permission control reduce rework and improve feedback flow.
5. Decide Between Free and Paid Tools 💸
You don’t need to spend big to get started. Tools like FreeCAD, Blender, or GIMP are powerful product design software open source options.
That said, paid tools often offer better polish, support, and advanced features like CAM or simulation.
Think long-term: Will your team grow? Will you need pro exports, better file compatibility, or cloud storage?
Try the free version first, then upgrade if needed. Even product design tools for windows like Fusion 360 offers free startup plans.
6. Look at Features that Match Your Workflow 🧩
Do you need parametric modeling, real-time preview, or support for 3D printing? Make a checklist.
For example, Rhino is great if you work with complex curves and want freedom in modeling.
If you’re building for digital use, look for tools that support interactive UX design or User Interface Design, like XD or ProtoPie.
Don’t forget import/export needs: if you're passing models between tools, compatibility matters more than fancy features.
7. Think About Scalability & Community 🚀
Choosing a popular tool can save you headaches later. With a big user base comes more feedback, plugins, and tutorials.
Tools like Adobe Creative Cloud or Figma have large communities, which means onboarding new team members is easy.
Also, check if the tool works for both solo use and larger teams, with components libraries and asset syncing.
Good community = faster learning. Good scalability = smoother team growth.
Final Verdict: What’s the Best Product Design Software?
There’s no single “best” product design software. Only the best fit for your needs. That said, if we had to pick standouts:
Figma is unmatched for digital design, real-time collaboration, and UI/UX work.
SolidWorks remains the top choice for mechanical and industrial product design with precision.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Use 2D tools like Figma or Adobe XD for UI, screens, and concept sketches
Use 3D tools like Rhino or Fusion 360 for physical products and prototypes
Mac users have great options like Sketch and Rhino; Windows supports nearly every tool
Free/open-source tools (like Blender or FreeCAD) are great for early-stage projects or teams on a budget
The right tool supports your workflow, your team, and your product goals.
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FAQs
What’s the best software for product design?
Figma is best for digital design, and SolidWorks is ideal for engineering. Figma handles UI/UX, prototyping, and real-time collaboration. SolidWorks is great for 3D CAD, product mechanics, and manufacturing. Choose based on whether your product is digital or physical.
What is product design software?
Product design software helps you create and test product ideas. It includes tools for 2D/3D modeling, UI/UX design, CAD, and prototyping. You can use it to design apps, devices, packaging, or full product systems. Popular tools include Figma, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and Adobe XD.
Which software is easy to design?
Canva and Adobe Express are the easiest for beginners. They offer drag-and-drop tools, templates, and simple editing. Great for quick visuals, mockups, or social media graphics. For UI/UX, Figma is also beginner-friendly and widely used.
Which is the best free product design software?
Blender (for 3D) and Figma (for UI) are top free product design tools. Blender handles 3D modeling, rendering, and animations. Figma lets teams design interfaces and prototypes in real-time. Both offer full features with strong communities and zero cost.
Which is the best paid product design software?
Adobe Creative Cloud and SolidWorks lead the paid tools. Adobe offers Photoshop, Illustrator, and XD for design and prototyping. SolidWorks is the top pick for engineering and 3D product design. Both tools are industry standards trusted by top companies.