StyleCAD
StyleCAD, a Los Angeles-based private software firm (SoftFashion, Inc.) founded in 1996, provides modular Windows CAD software for pattern design, grading, marker making, and automated nesting to fashion, furniture, automotive, aerospace, and industrial material manufacturers in over 15 countries via a global distributor network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What StyleCAD does
StyleCAD, operating under the parent company SoftFashion, Inc., is a Los Angeles-headquartered private software company that has been developing CAD software for the textile, apparel, furniture, automotive, aerospace, and industrial materials industries since 1996. Its platform is a modular Windows-based CAD system for pattern design, grading, and marker making, built around core products (PDS Pattern Expert, Grading Module, and Marker Making System) and extended by add-on modules including the AI-powered AutoMarking System, the Cut Planner optimization tool, the StyleManager data utility, and a 2D/3D integration layer with Browzwear's VStitcher. Technical differentiators include a patented QuickStep workflow accelerator, double precision floating point calculations, and the company's claim of the fastest grading and marking speed in the industry, supported by an extensive third-party format import/export layer (Gerber, Lectra, Optitex) and broad hardware integration (plotters, digitizers, wide-format printers). Customer-reported outcomes include 30-50% productivity improvement and 40% productivity increase during digitizing, pattern grading, design modification, and marker creation.
StyleCAD firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- StyleCAD
- Legal name
- SoftFashion, Inc.
- Website
- https://stylecad.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- StyleCAD, a Los Angeles-based private software firm (SoftFashion, Inc.) founded in 1996, provides modular Windows CAD software for pattern design, grading, marker making, and automated nesting to fashion, furniture, automotive, aerospace, and industrial material manufacturers in over 15 countries via a global distributor network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
StyleCAD industry classification
Industry- Product category
- CAD Software for Apparel and Industrial Pattern Design
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (5132)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial/Product & Furniture Design (BPAHAKAM)
Keywords
Where StyleCAD is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Angeles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
StyleCAD business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Licenses: One-time perpetual licenses and subscription-based licensing for StyleCAD PE System, Split PE_PG System, and various modules. Includes PDS Pattern Expert, Grading, Marking, Output Manager, Plot Manager, DXF Import/Export, and Training.
- Module Add-ons: Additional revenue from optional modules including Gerber Import Module, Lectra Import Module, Optitex Import Module, Gerber Export Module, Lectra Export Module, and Optitex Export Module.
- Automarker System: Separate licensing for AutoMarker Lite (400 pieces max), Server Version (4000 pieces max), and Server Premium versions with best yield in the market.
- VStitcher Integration: Separate product line for VStitcher/Lotta 3D software, StyleCAD/VStitcher Plugin, VStitcher Converter Plugin, and related training.
- Professional Services: Training and support services included with software packages and available separately.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | StyleCAD PE System - Full CAD suite |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | StyleCAD Split PE_PG System |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | StyleCAD Automarker - Lite Version |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | StyleCAD Automarker - Server Version |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | StyleCAD Automarker - Server Premium |
| Subscription | Annual | VStitcher/Lotta |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | StyleCAD Cut Planner |
| Subscription | Annual | StyleCAD/VStitcher Plugin |
| Subscription | Annual | VStitcher Converter Plugin |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | StyleCAD StyleManager |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
StyleCAD product offering
Product offeringCore offering
StyleCAD develops and sells modular CAD software for pattern design, grading, and marker making used in the textile, apparel, furniture, automotive, aerospace, and industrial materials industries. The platform combines core modules (PDS Pattern Expert, Grading, Marker Making) with add-ons including the AI-powered AutoMarking System, Cut Planner, StyleManager production data tool, and 3D integration with Browzwear VStitcher. The software is sold as perpetual licenses and subscriptions, with implementation, training, and import/export modules for Gerber, Lectra, and Optitex file formats, and is distributed globally through direct sales and an authorized distributor network.
Product overview
StyleCAD is a CAD software platform for the textile, apparel, furniture, automotive, and industrial materials industries. The platform consists of a modular architecture with core products (PDS Pattern Expert for pattern design, Grading Module for size scaling, and Marker Making System for manual marker creation) plus add-on modules. Key add-on modules include the AutoMarking System (AI-powered automated nesting with Lite/Server/Premium tiers), Cut Planner (optimization for cut order planning), StyleManager (production data management), and 3D integration with Browzwear VStitcher (including converter plugins for Gerber/Lectra/Optitex files). The product supports multiple import/export modules for competitor file formats (Gerber, Lectra, Optitex) and integrates with various plotters and digitizers. Available in PE (Pattern Expert) and SE versions, with Split PE_PG configuration option. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, the company serves customers globally through distributors on all continents.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PDS Pattern Expert: A high-performance pattern design software that uses state-of-the-art technology for pattern making.
- Grading Module
- Marker Making System
- AutoMarking System
- VStitcher 3D
- Cut Planner
- StyleManager
Products and services
- PDS Pattern Expert High-performance pattern design software with advanced drafting tools including guide lines, curve bending, rotate/flip, trim/extend, and copy/paste operations. Uses double precision floating point numbers for maximum accuracy and features patented QuickStep technology for efficient data entry. Sold to pattern makers and apparel designers.
- Grading Module
- Marker Making System
- AutoMarking System AI-powered automated marker nesting system using state-of-the-art algorithms for faster and better nesting results. Features sectional marker capability for virtually unlimited pieces, up to 5 additional marker widths, partial automarking combining user experience with computer processing, and unlimited job queuing for unattended operation. Sold to apparel, furniture, automotive, and industrial materials manufacturers.
- VStitcher 3D Browzwear's VStitcher 3D simulation software for apparel design and development, distributed and supported by StyleCAD. Includes parametric avatar, smart trims/shoes/furs, 3D virtual tape, material library, V-RAY render, HDRI background, and drag and drop interface for buttons and zippers. Sold to apparel designers and brands needing 2D-to-3D simulation.
- Cut Planner
- StyleManager
- StyleCAD/VStitcher Plugin
- VStitcher Converter Plugin
- StyleCAD PE System
- StyleCAD Split PE_PG System
- AutoMarking Lite
- AutoMarking Server
- AutoMarking Server Premium
- Gerber Import Module
- Lectra Import Module
- Optitex Import Module
- Gerber Export Module
- Lectra Export Module
- Optitex Export Module
- StyleCAD V13 Major software version release of the StyleCAD platform introducing new pattern design tools (Raglan Sleeve, Flat Collar, Standing Collar), measurement-based pattern making for shirts and skirts, an enhanced QuickStep feature, and improved DXF export to Adobe Illustrator.
- StyleCAD V12 Major software version release of the StyleCAD platform introducing Split Core, enhanced grading tools, 3D feature improvements, CNC cutter support, and Made to Measure capabilities.
- StyleCAD V11 Major software version release of the StyleCAD platform introducing curve blending enhancements, manual seam corner, line up grading, fusible blocks in PDS, piece-to-piece plaid control, and stacking pieces in marking.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30%-50% productivity improvement
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use StyleCAD
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
StyleCAD technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration20 records
AI capability4 records
Feature6 records
StyleCAD partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- BrowzwearcoreStrategic integration partnership with Browzwear for VStitcher 3D simulation software. StyleCAD provides 2D pattern design and grading capabilities that integrate with VStitcher for a complete 2D/3D apparel design workflow. Includes converter plugin supporting Gerber, Lectra, and Optitex file formats for VStitcher.
- VStitchercoreIntegration with VStitcher 8.0 providing 2D/3D data transfer, parametric avatars, smart trims, material library, V-RAY rendering, and HDRI backgrounds. Full synchronization of pattern data between StyleCAD 2D and VStitcher 3D environments.
- Elizabeth MachinesmajorAuthorized distributor for Australia and New Zealand region handling sales, support, and implementation of StyleCAD products.
- Sivanol PrometmajorAuthorized distributor for Croatia covering sales and support in the Adriatic region.
- G-Cutter S.a.r.lmajorAuthorized distributor for France (Marseille region) handling StyleCAD sales and support.
- S R TechmajorAuthorized distributor for India handling StyleCAD software distribution and support.
- StyleCAD ItalymajorRegional office and authorized distributor for Italy with local sales and support capabilities.
- IP DATA GROUPmajorAuthorized distributor for Lithuania and Sweden covering Baltic and Scandinavian regions.
- United MachineriesmajorAuthorized distributor for Pakistan handling StyleCAD distribution and support.
- MNM LankamajorAuthorized distributor for Sri Lanka covering sales and implementation support.
- Pathfinder/DC ServicesmajorAuthorized distributor for USA East Coast region serving Hickory, NC area.
- Unique Service LLCmajorAuthorized distributor for Uzbekistan covering Central Asian market.
- Logicoupe S.a.r.lmajorAuthorized distributor for France (Paris region) handling StyleCAD sales.
- Apparel - Der SchnittmajorAuthorized distributor for Germany covering sales and support.
- Industrial Technology ServicesmajorAuthorized distributor for India (Tamil Nadu region) handling StyleCAD distribution.
- StyleCAD Korea, IncmajorRegional subsidiary in Seoul, Korea serving as authorized distributor and support center for Korean market.
- Servicios y Asesoria Samm S.A. de C.V.majorAuthorized distributor for Mexico covering Latin American market.
- DSW POLSKA SPÓLKA Z O.O.majorAuthorized distributor for Poland handling StyleCAD sales and support.
- Ar-is Sanayi Dikis Makineleri ve Tic. Ltd. StimajorAuthorized distributor for Turkey covering Istanbul region.
- ArmodeminorAuthorized distributor for France handling StyleCAD software distribution.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
StyleCAD competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Lectra: Global leader in apparel and fashion CAD/CAM software; acquired Gerber Technology in 2021 to become the dominant player in the same pattern design, grading, and marker making market as StyleCAD. Headquartered in France with global enterprise sales coverage.
- Optitex: Provides 2D pattern design and 3D fashion simulation software (Optitex 3D) directly competing with StyleCAD's PDS, Grading, and Marker Making offerings. Israeli-headquartered vendor with strong global installed base in apparel, automotive upholstery, and furniture.
- Browzwear: Maker of VStitcher 3D apparel simulation software; StyleCAD's strategic integration partner for 2D-to-3D workflows and a direct competitor in 3D fashion design. Both partnership and competitive overlap with StyleCAD across the apparel digital design stack.
- Tukatech: Offers TUKAcad pattern design and marker making software suite plus TUKA3D 3D simulation, directly competing with StyleCAD across apparel CAD. US-headquartered with strong mid-market apparel customer base globally.
- CLO3D: Korean-origin 3D garment simulation and apparel design software with pattern-making capabilities. Directly competes with StyleCAD in the 2D-to-3D digital apparel design workflow that both companies position as the modern standard.
- Assyst (Assyst Bullmer): German provider of apparel CAD solutions including pattern design and marker making (assyst.apparel), directly competing with StyleCAD especially across European markets. Strong in furniture and automotive upholstery verticals as well.
Emerging players
- Style3D (Linctex Digital Technology): Chinese-origin 3D apparel design platform rapidly gaining share in Asia and globally with pattern design and 3D simulation tools overlapping with StyleCAD's PDS and VStitcher integration offerings. Strong cloud and collaborative features.
Regional players
- Audaces: Brazilian apparel CAD software company with pattern design and marker making tools directly competing with StyleCAD. Strong regional dominance in Latin America but limited penetration in StyleCAD's core North American and European markets.
Broad incumbents
- EFI (Electronics For Imaging): Broader industrial printing and textile software conglomerate whose Optitex acquisition brought it into direct competition with StyleCAD. Offers wider portfolio spanning textile printing, ERP, and apparel CAD; does not specialize solely in pattern design.
Others
- ALVANON: Apparel fit and sizing data platform providing adjacent tools and standards used by the same fashion customers as StyleCAD. Not a direct CAD competitor, but ecosystem-adjacent — collaboration or data integration with ALVANON could enhance StyleCAD's value proposition.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
StyleCAD social profiles
Digital presenceStyleCAD financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
StyleCAD leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
StyleCAD subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
StyleCAD funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
StyleCAD M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about StyleCAD
What does StyleCAD do?
StyleCAD develops and sells modular CAD software for pattern design, grading, and marker making used in the textile, apparel, furniture, automotive, aerospace, and industrial materials industries. The platform combines core modules (PDS Pattern Expert, Grading, Marker Making) with add-ons including the AI-powered AutoMarking System, Cut Planner, StyleManager production data tool, and 3D integration with Browzwear VStitcher. The software is sold as perpetual licenses and subscriptions, with implementation, training, and import/export modules for Gerber, Lectra, and Optitex file formats, and is distributed globally through direct sales and an authorized distributor network.
Is StyleCAD a public or private company?
StyleCAD is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was StyleCAD founded?
StyleCAD was founded in 1996. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is StyleCAD based?
StyleCAD is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.
How does StyleCAD make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Software Licenses are the primary driver. The others are module Add-ons, automarker System, VStitcher Integration and professional Services.
Who are StyleCAD's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Lectra, Optitex, Browzwear, Tukatech, CLO3D and Assyst (Assyst Bullmer). Style3D (Linctex Digital Technology) is listed as an emerging player. Audaces is listed as a regional player. EFI (Electronics For Imaging) is listed as a broad incumbent. ALVANON is listed as an others.
Does StyleCAD have an API?
No public API is recorded for StyleCAD.
What industry is StyleCAD in?
StyleCAD's product category is CAD Software for Apparel and Industrial Pattern Design. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAKAM, Industrial/Product & Furniture Design. Its NAICS code is 5132 and its SIC code is 7372.