What IntelliCAD does

IntelliCAD Technology Consortium (ITC) is a non-profit, member-owned cooperative founded in 1997 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon. It develops and licenses the IntelliCAD CAD engine — a professional-grade 2D/3D CAD software program and solutions development platform built on Open Design Alliance (ODA) technology libraries and incorporating over 400 man-years of accumulated intellectual property. The platform supports native .dwg compatibility (versions 2.5 through AutoCAD 2016+ without translation), native 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, multi-core processing, BIM (Revit/IFC underlays), mobile deployment (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android), and an extensive multi-language API surface (LISP, DCL, COM, VBA, .NET, ADS/SDS, IRX, IcARX, TX/TA/TG/TC, plus CUI/MNU menu formats). Special Interest Groups cover BIM, Mobile, AI-assisted CAD, and DGN editing.

ITC's business model is a cooperative OEM/embedded licensing platform. Commercial members license the IntelliCAD source code, development platform, and worldwide distribution rights, then bundle branded IntelliCAD engines with their own vertical applications. Revenue is generated through annual commercial membership fees, Mobile SIG membership (e.g., $3,000/year for royalty-free worldwide mobile distribution), and professional development/testing services. ITC does not sell directly to end users; only member companies distribute end-user products. Named commercial members span AEC/MEP, civil/survey, BIM, manufacturing, steel framing, forensic evidence capture, and interior design verticals, and include ZWSOFT (ZWCAD, 900,000+ users across 90+ countries), Carlson Software, MicroSurvey, ArCADiasoft, progeSOFT (progeCAD), CMS, ActCAD/Jytra, CADian, 4M, FRAMECAD, Wrightsoft (Right-CAD), ACCA software, Trimble MEP, CAD Projekt K&A, and MidasIT. The organization is governed by a member-nominated board and operates without external shareholders, with a stated mission focused on member commercial success rather than profit maximization.

Name

IntelliCAD

Legal name

The IntelliCAD Technology Consortium

Website

https://intellicad.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

IntelliCAD Technology Consortium is a non-profit cooperative that develops and licenses the IntelliCAD 2D/3D CAD engine and development platform to commercial members, who bundle branded IntelliCAD-based products for AEC, MEP, civil/survey, BIM, and manufacturing verticals worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

CAD Development Platform

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

Industry-Specific Low-Code Platforms (Vertical App Platforms) (HDAEAKAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Developer Experience Platforms for Enterprise (IDEs, CI/CD, Dev Portals) (HDAEAKAI)

Keywords

• CAD development platform
• DWG file compatibility
• OEM CAD engine
• 2D 3D drafting
• CAD software licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Commercial Membership Licensing: The ITC licenses the IntelliCAD technology to commercial member companies who pay membership fees in exchange for access to source code, development services, and worldwide distribution rights to co-op technologies. Members bundle branded IntelliCAD engines with their vertical CAD solutions.
2. Development and Testing Services: The ITC provides development and testing services to members, including automated testing framework, crash reporting framework, and member development services.
3. Mobile Platform Licensing: The annual fee for the IntelliCAD Mobile Platform is $3,000, including royalty-free, worldwide distribution rights for members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

IntelliCAD Technology Consortium develops and licenses the IntelliCAD CAD engine and solutions development platform, a professional-grade 2D/3D CAD software program built on Open Design Alliance (ODA) technology. The cooperative licenses the engine, source code, APIs, and co-op technologies to commercial member companies who bundle branded IntelliCAD engines with their vertical CAD solutions and distribute them worldwide. The platform includes native .dwg compatibility, multi-language APIs, BIM integration, 64-bit architecture, and the IntelliCAD Mobile Platform for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.

Product overview

IntelliCAD Technology Consortium is a non-profit cooperative that develops the IntelliCAD CAD engine and development platform, which powers hundreds of commercial CAD applications worldwide. The core IntelliCAD 14 platform provides 2D/3D CAD functionality with native .dwg compatibility and over 400 man-years of intellectual property. The platform includes specialized modules: IntelliCAD Mobile for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows; specialized APIs including IcARX for ObjectARX compatibility and VLISP for Visual LISP development in Visual Studio Code. Multiple commercial members distribute rebranded products including progeCAD, ZWCAD, ActCAD, CMS IntelliCAD, and CADian. Vertical solutions from members include Carlson Software (civil/survey), MicroSurvey (surveying/forensics), ArCADia BIM (architecture), 4M Suite (BIM/architecture), FRAMECAD (steel framing), Right-CAD (HVAC), and ALCAD (MEP). Add-on integrations include ARTISAN renderer, ETOOLBOX CAD Viewer, CADprofi libraries, DotSoft tools, and Simpson Strong-Tie Drawing Finder plugin.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IntelliCAD 14 Professional-grade 2D/3D CAD software engine and development platform powering hundreds of commercial applications. Incorporates over 400 man-years of intellectual property with native .dwg compatibility and a familiar user interface. Licensed to commercial member companies who bundle it with their vertical CAD solutions.
• IntelliCAD 14.1 Updated release of the IntelliCAD 14 CAD engine and development platform with refinements to the core engine, APIs, and member-facing features.
• IntelliCAD Mobile Platform Mobile CAD viewing and development platform supporting Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Views .dwg, .dxf, .dgn, .dwf, .dae, and .sat files with architecture, civil, and mechanical objects. Licensed to ITC Mobile SIG members at $3,000 per year with royalty-free worldwide distribution rights.
• IntelliCAD API Suite (IcARX, IRX, TX, TA, TG, TC, .NET, LISP, COM, VBA) Extensive API suite enabling members to create custom objects, complex applications, and complete vertical solutions. Includes IcARX (ObjectARX-compatible C++ interface), LISP, DCL, DIESEL, COM, VBA, ADS/SDS, IRX, TX, TA, TG, TC, and .NET APIs for porting existing applications without code rewrites.
• Commercial Membership Licensing Annual membership licensing program granting commercial member companies access to IntelliCAD source code, development services, and worldwide distribution rights to co-op technologies. Members bundle branded IntelliCAD engines with their vertical CAD solutions and distribute under royalty-free terms.
• API Membership Membership tier providing CAD developers with access to IntelliCAD platform APIs, sample code, and developer support for building custom CAD solutions and integrations.
• Member Development Services Development and testing services provided to ITC members, including the automated testing framework, crash reporting framework, and bespoke development support.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 400 man-years of intellectual property available for less than half the price of a full-time developer
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Open Design Alliance (ODA)coreTechnology or IntegrationThe ITC is a founding member of the Open Design Alliance. IntelliCAD has always been based on technology governed and advanced by the ODA. IntelliCAD uses the latest ODA libraries for .dwg support, BIM components (Revit underlays, IFC), Architecture, Civil, Mechanical components, Facet Modeler, and Mobile platforms. The ODA relationship is fundamental to IntelliCAD's technical foundation and interoperability.
• ITC Mobile SIG MemberscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMembers of the ITC Mobile Special Interest Group license the IntelliCAD Mobile Platform technology to build and distribute mobile CAD viewing and markup applications. The annual fee is $3,000 with royalty-free worldwide distribution. Members include companies deploying IntelliCAD mobile technology to over 100,000 downloads.
• 4M S.A.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner4M S.A. (Greece) has been an ITC member since 2002 and develops CAD and BIM software including 4M IDEA, 4M STRAD, 4M STEEL, 4M FINE-HVAC, 4MCAD, and others. Their product 4M FineHVAC was used for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar Foundation Stadium.
• ArCADiasoftcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerArCADiasoft (Poland) has been an ITC member since 2002 and develops BIM applications for architecture, construction, and installations. They produce over 100 products for architects and engineers including ArCADia BIM, INTERsoft-INTELLICAD, and ArCADia-RAMA.
• CADian Inc.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCADian Inc. (Republic of Korea) develops a comprehensive lineup of IntelliCAD-based CAD solutions ranging from general-purpose CAD to industry-specific functions for Architecture, Civil/GIS, and Plant/Duct markets. Products include CADian Professional, CADian Classic, and numerous add-on modules.
• Carlson Software Inc.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCarlson Software joined the ITC in 2007 and ported its civil, survey, GIS, construction, mining, and data collection software to IntelliCAD. Products now include IntelliCAD built-in at no extra cost. Carlson is a major contributor to LandXML open data standards.
• MicroSurvey Software Inc.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMicroSurvey (Canada) joined the ITC in 2005 and builds vertical solutions for survey design, mapping, mining, and public safety sectors. Their IMS Map360 product runs on IntelliCAD and handles data from manual measurements, survey equipment, laser scanners, and cameras on vehicles and drones.
• progeSOFTcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerprogeSOFT (Switzerland) has been an ITC member since 1999 and delivers progeCAD, a 2D/3D DWG/DXF-native CAD software based on IntelliCAD. Their products serve designers, engineers, and creatives in over 70 countries.
• ActCAD / Jytra Technology SolutionscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerActCAD by Jytra Technology Solutions (India) develops ActCAD 2D & 3D CAD solutions based on IntelliCAD. ActCAD 2027 is built on IntelliCAD 14.1 engine. ActCAD offers global perpetual licenses and serves global markets.
• CAD-Manufacturing Solutions (CMS)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCMS (USA) develops CMS IntelliCAD products (Premium Easy Run, Premium Edition Plus, Premium Edition), QuoteCAD Manufacturing, and ETOOLBOX CAD Viewer. CMS provides OEM licensing of IntelliCAD to other companies and delivers cloud, mobile, and desktop CAD solutions.
• ZWSOFT (ZWCAD)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerZWSOFT (China) has been an ITC member since 2002 and develops ZWCAD and ZWCAD Mechanical, used by over 900,000 users from more than 90 countries. ZWCAD is a .dwg-compatible CAD solution available in 15 languages for AEC and manufacturing.
• WrightsoftcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerWrightsoft (USA) develops HVAC planning, design, sales, and installation software. Their Right-CAD product is based on the IntelliCAD engine and simplifies HVAC design from load calculations to system design and parts take-off.
• FRAMECAD LtdcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerFRAMECAD (New Zealand) joined the ITC in 2011 and develops the FRAMECAD System—software and hardware for designing and building steel-framed buildings. Their products combine IntelliCAD-based software with BIM workflow and collaborate across construction teams.
• ACCA software S.p.A.minorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerACCA software (Italy) develops PriMus-CAD and PriMus-TO products based on IntelliCAD, serving the construction and engineering estimating markets.
• Trimble MEP (Stabicad)minorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerTrimble MEP (Netherlands) distributes Stabicad, an IntelliCAD-based MEP software solution for the building services industry in the Netherlands and Belgium.
• CAD Projekt K&AminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCAD Projekt K&A (Poland) develops CAD Kitchens STANDARD/MAX and CAD Decor/Decor PRO, IntelliCAD-based solutions for interior design and kitchen planning.
• MidasITminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMidasIT (Republic of Korea) develops midas CAD ArchiDesign and midas CAD, IntelliCAD-based CAD solutions for architecture and general CAD use.
• Open Design Alliance (ODA)coreTechnology or IntegrationIntelliCAD uses ODA libraries for BIM (Revit .rvt/.rfa files and IFC files), Architecture entities (walls, windows, doors), Civil objects, Mechanical objects, Facet Modeler for smart meshes, and Mobile platform technology. The ITC also employs ODA source code.
• Open Design Alliance (ODA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe ITC is a founding member of the ODA. Both organizations have grown together for over twenty years. ODA Summit 2022 highlighted industry topics for CAD, BIM, mechanical and more, with ITC participation.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Autodesk: Autodesk is the market-leading CAD platform company behind AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, and Inventor. IntelliCAD and its members compete directly with Autodesk in DWG-based desktop CAD and increasingly in the vertical markets Autodesk has been re-entering.
• Trimble: Trimble owns SketchUp and distributes Stabicad (an IntelliCAD-based MEP product). It overlaps IntelliCAD's verticals (AEC, surveying, MEP) and competes for the same end-user design workflows through broader Trimble Construction software suites.
• Dassault Systèmes: Dassault Systèmes provides SolidWorks, CATIA, and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform across MCAD and PLM. It competes for the same AEC/MCAD member verticals IntelliCAD powers, and for cross-platform CAD platform leadership against which ITC benchmarks.
• Siemens Digital Industries Software: Siemens offers NX, Solid Edge, and Teamcenter PLM, competing for the MCAD and AEC-vertical software budgets that several ITC members (CMS, MicroSurvey, 4M, ALCAD, Stabicad) target with their IntelliCAD-based products.
• PTC: PTC delivers Creo, Onshape (cloud-native), and Windchill PLM. Onshape in particular represents the cloud-native threat to desktop DWG engines, while Creo competes in MCAD verticals adjacent to ITC's member base.
• Nemetschek Group: Nemetschek owns Vectorworks and Allplan, serving the AEC vertical through which it competes with several ITC members (ArCADiasoft, 4M, Carlson, FRAMECAD) that rely on the IntelliCAD engine for their vertical offerings.

Direct peers

• ZWSOFT: ZWSOFT develops ZWCAD, a DWG-compatible CAD platform used by 900,000+ users across 90+ countries. ZWSOFT has been an ITC member since 2002 and is also the subject of active ITC litigation, making it simultaneously a member-licensed peer and a direct commercial competitor.
• Nanosoft (nanoCAD): nanoCAD is a DWG-native, low-cost desktop CAD platform that positions similarly to IntelliCAD-based products (progeCAD, ZWCAD, ActCAD), competing for the same price-sensitive DWG-compatible seat buyers.
• Bricsys: Bricsys (acquired by Hexagon) develops BricsCAD, a DWG-native 2D/3D CAD platform sold both standalone and embedded via OEM/developer licensing, making it the most direct competitor to IntelliCAD's platform-and-licensing model.
• GstarCAD: GstarCAD offers a DWG-compatible 2D/3D CAD platform globally, often sold at lower price points to compete with AutoCAD and IntelliCAD-based products like ZWCAD and progeCAD.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IntelliCAD

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about IntelliCAD