List of the Top 17 MEP Software with a Free Trial in 2025

Revit specializes in software tailored for electrical design, whereas AutoCAD provides robust tools for both electrical and HVAC planning. You can unlock the full capabilities of your Revit model for electrical layouts by effortlessly generating one-line riser diagrams, optimizing feeder sizes, accurately calculating voltage drops, performing short-circuit analyses, and more. On the well-established AutoCAD platform, users have access to a comprehensive electrical design tool that integrates calculations with drafting functions seamlessly. The software supports everything from producing panel schedules to constructing one-line diagrams and evaluating fault conditions and voltage drops, addressing all key components of electrical design. Moreover, within the AutoCAD environment, the HVAC design module enables you to efficiently plan, size, and draft your ductwork, facilitating a smooth workflow for all your design requirements. This cohesive integration of features not only boosts productivity but also makes the entire design process more straightforward, ultimately leading to enhanced project outcomes. With such powerful tools at their disposal, engineers can focus on creativity and innovation while ensuring precise technical execution.

GeoHECRAS is a powerful river modeling application designed to analyze water surface profiles for both steady and unsteady flow scenarios, including various applications such as bridge and culvert crossings, FEMA floodplain assessments, stream restoration projects, inline reservoirs, and off-channel storage solutions. This software offers a user-friendly graphical interface that allows for the efficient creation of impressive HEC-RAS models and 3D visualizations while integrating data from diverse sources, including AutoCAD, MicroStation, ArcGIS, Google Maps, and Bing Maps, among others. Additionally, the versatility of GeoHECRAS makes it a valuable tool for engineers and planners in managing water resources effectively.

Revizto integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM) intelligence, ensuring that it is readily available and actionable for every member of the project team. With its sophisticated issue tracker and predefined workflows, Revizto enables team members to pinpoint and handle model-related issues seamlessly in both 3D environments and 2D drawings, including the management of clash groups. Additionally, Revizto empowers all users with consolidated access to project information across 2D and 3D workflows, allowing each individual to utilize the platform based on their specific project needs. This versatility enhances collaboration and improves overall project efficiency, making it an invaluable tool for teams.

Improve the precision of cost predictions for MEP building system projects throughout the detailing, fabrication, and installation stages by leveraging the capabilities of the Fabrication ESTmep™ software, which delivers essential insights into project costs and supports the creation of competitive bids. The seamless integration of CADmep, ESTmep, and CAMduct enables flexible workflows, allowing for the development of accurate models tailored for cost estimation. Utilizing the design line feature makes it simple to import models for financial evaluation and generate more competitive bids efficiently. Moreover, you can swiftly adjust databases for quick price modifications and provide clients with a variety of pricing options for services. Enhancing clarity through color-coded visualizations of job costs and performing thorough cost analyses further aids decision-making. Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep stands out as an all-encompassing cost estimation solution that equips mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractors with the tools to produce precise cost forecasts throughout the entire project timeline. Additionally, the software boasts a rich library of manufacturer items and pattern templates, including 54 newly added imperial ranges, ensuring users have access to a wide array of resources tailored to their project requirements. By harnessing these features, contractors can not only streamline their estimation workflows but also significantly boost project profitability, making the software an invaluable asset in the industry.

Cadsoft is the creator of Envisioneer, a cutting-edge 3D BIM technology. This software serves as the design hub, guiding projects from the initial concept to the on-site delivery of materials. Its user-friendly interface makes it a robust solution for residential design projects. With Cadsoft Envisioneer, you can experience home design in virtual reality (VR), allowing users to fully immerse themselves in a space long before construction begins. The integration with Oculus Rift enhances this experience, enabling users to visualize and navigate their future homes. Envisioneer also functions as a powerful collaboration tool that seamlessly supports Oculus Rift, allowing all stakeholders to view the final design and make immediate adjustments. Additionally, it can act as a virtual showroom, facilitating proactive discussions to resolve potential issues before they arise on-site. Through the Envisioneer VR app, both clients and project teams can share engaging panoramas or Google Cardboard experiences, giving clients the flexibility to explore their projects at their convenience. For those interested in discovering more about Envisioneer’s capabilities, please visit www.cadsoft.com for detailed information.

This module is designed for architects involved in the design of electrical and power equipment systems within buildings, and it can also serve to document the professional specifications of low-voltage electrical systems. Additionally, it enhances the functionalities and features of ArCADia's BIM software, allowing users to access various building modeling options integrated within the system. As a result, architects can benefit from an improved workflow and a more comprehensive approach to building design.

CAD and BIM Software Customized for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Cutting-Edge Building Design The reach and affordability of BIM have never been better. Since its inception in 1986, 4M has been at the forefront of providing innovative solutions for the Architecture and Engineering industries, having pioneered advanced BIM technologies since 1994. Today, 4M proudly serves over 35,000 users across 65+ countries worldwide. We are excited to present 4MCAD Professional CAD version 21, an economical and intelligent alternative to AutoCAD® for 2D and 3D design that utilizes DWG files. IDEA Architectural Design offers an intuitive BIM solution that supports comprehensive 3D/5D architectural design in both DWG and IFC formats. FINE MEP Building Services provides sophisticated BIM software specifically for designing and calculating building services. Furthermore, FineENERGY offers cutting-edge BIM tools for energy simulations and performance ratings. As a smart alternative to AutoCAD, our CAD software natively supports DWG, allowing seamless opening and editing of drawings originally created in AutoCAD, thus eliminating any complications with imports or exports. This level of compatibility ensures that users transitioning from other platforms will enjoy a familiar interface and user experience, making the shift to our software smooth and efficient.

Revit is a powerful Building Information Modelling (BIM) tool that supports engineers, designers, and contractors in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) industries by enabling the creation of detailed models and enhancing collaboration among all project participants. By leveraging Revit, the workflow for engineering design is significantly streamlined, as users can operate from a unified model that clarifies design intentions before construction begins. This approach allows for early detection of design conflicts and simulations, thereby making the design phase more efficient. Additionally, it equips users with vital data required for energy analysis, which aids in engineering calculations. With Revit, users can effectively design, model, and document building systems while seamlessly incorporating architectural and structural components into a unified building information model. The platform also features specialized tools for automating the arrangement of fabrication models, ensuring they are ready for precise coordination during the fabrication and installation stages. Ultimately, the use of Revit not only improves the accuracy of the team’s work but also speeds up project timelines, leading to a more organized construction process. Furthermore, the software’s advanced features encourage a collaborative and integrated approach to managing building projects, enhancing overall productivity and communication among all stakeholders involved.

Regardless of whether you specialize in lighting, scenic design, film production, event planning, or exhibit creation, Vectorworks uniquely positions itself as the ideal solution that offers the flexibility necessary to elevate your entire workflow. You can create sketches, models, and documentation of your imaginative ideas with unmatched accuracy, thanks to its sophisticated drafting capabilities and the most versatile 3D modeling engine, which utilizes SIEMENS Parasolid technology. With a comprehensive library that includes resources from various manufacturers in lighting, audio, video, scenic, and rigging, you'll be equipped to generate intricate light plots and simplify documentation to meet demanding deadlines. The platform features extensive import/export options, enabling you to integrate design and technical production data from multiple sources efficiently. Furthermore, the project sharing capability lets your entire team work collaboratively on the same Vectorworks file in real-time, enhancing productivity. You can also take advantage of Vectorworks Cloud Services for mobile access and sharing, complete with rendering, storage, and file sharing functions. By integrating Vision into Spotlight, you can easily evaluate changes to your designs, impressing clients while ensuring a seamless and effective design process. This level of adaptability not only streamlines your workflow but also positions Vectorworks as an indispensable asset for professionals dedicated to achieving the highest standards in their projects. In an industry where precision and efficiency are paramount, Vectorworks empowers you to realize your creative vision with confidence.

The metrics outlined are indicative of the foundational data that supports the design's objectives, promoting a balanced and secure power distribution system that accounts for factors such as short circuit current, grounding configuration, voltage hierarchy, and connection to the electrical grid. PowerCalc stands out as a cutting-edge tool for crafting a building's power distribution architecture. This powerful application yields results based on an extensive database, which significantly curtails the design time, reduces potential errors, and alleviates possible process interruptions. By utilizing its vast proprietary database, PowerCalc makes well-informed selections of suitable values to guarantee compliance with NEC and other pertinent codes and engineering standards, including the NEC lookup tables. With only three necessary user inputs per circuit—load kVA, load type, and number of poles—PowerCalc is capable of producing 300 outputs that align with NEC, IEEE, and various other standards. Additionally, any alterations made in the design are automatically reflected throughout the entire system, thereby improving both efficiency and precision in the design workflow. This fluid integration empowers designers to devote more time to innovative ideas while still maintaining compliance and operational effectiveness, ultimately enhancing the overall design experience.

Create, design, and document infrastructure systems using advanced tools specifically crafted for MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) tasks. The environment is equipped with unique palettes and dedicated ribbons that are intended to optimize your workflow efficiency. Enhance the visual appeal of your documentation while also boosting your drafting productivity. Effortlessly convert multiple blocks and symbols in batches to save time. You can enrich your Content Library with more MEP components and additional folder structures. The 2022 version of AutoCAD® brings forth specialized toolsets for a variety of industries, providing a more cohesive experience across different Autodesk platforms, alongside innovative automation features such as Count. This version also allows for the creation of both single and multiline text (mtext) as a single text object, facilitating detailed formatting for text, columns, and boundaries. Dimensions can be automatically generated, and as you hover over selected objects, a preview will be displayed before they are created. You can craft leaders with a variety of content types, including text or blocks, giving you the ability to easily format leader lines and apply specific styles, ensuring that your designs remain both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This efficient design process ultimately aids in achieving your project objectives with greater ease and effectiveness, making it easier to meet deadlines and client expectations.

Immerse yourself in the simulation of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and fluidic forces that are vital for achieving the outcomes you envision for your projects. With SOLIDWORKS® Flow Simulation, a user-friendly Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool embedded within the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD environment, you can quickly and easily model how liquids and gases interact with your designs to evaluate their performance and functionality. The SOLIDWORKS® suite is crafted for simplicity, fostering smooth collaboration that boosts your capacity to develop products more efficiently and economically. Utilizing SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation, you and your team can accurately mimic fluid behavior, temperature distribution, and the forces at play, which are essential for your product's success. Companies of all sizes need integrated solutions to inspire innovation and enhance their operations. By harnessing the power of CFD, you can thoroughly assess how fluid dynamics, thermal transfer, and related forces influence your projects, while simultaneously exploring various "what if" scenarios to streamline design improvements. This methodology not only elevates the quality of your products but also significantly speeds up the entire development lifecycle, ultimately positioning your team for success in a competitive market. Moreover, by adopting these advanced simulation techniques, you can unlock new possibilities for creativity and innovation, ensuring your designs stand out.

SOLIDWORKS® Electrical Professional integrates the electrical schematic design tools of SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematics with the 3D modeling capabilities of SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D to create a unified platform. To effectively design embedded electrical systems, having a cohesive electrical toolset that accommodates both single-line and multi-line schematics is critical. It is also essential to maintain synchronization between 2D and 3D models for all mechanical and electrical components. This software facilitates the planning of electrical systems by enabling users to develop complex embedded electrical layouts through simple visual representations of components and their interconnections. In addition, it features an intuitive schematic creation tool that simplifies repetitive processes, boosting productivity. Users are also empowered to produce 2D panel designs directly from electrical schematics, which include outlines for the various electrical components. Supported by a vast library of schematic symbols that conform to industry standards like IEC, ANSI, JIS, and GB, along with a detailed database of manufacturer parts, this solution serves as a crucial asset for engineers and designers alike. The integration of these functionalities not only enhances workflow efficiency but also streamlines the documentation process for electrical systems, ultimately driving innovation in design practices.

ALCAD 2D/3D presents a strong alternative to AutoCAD, boasting a familiar interface and similar features. This software is dedicated entirely to CAD functionalities. For those interested, a comparison chart between ALCAD and AutoCAD is available on their official site: Compare ALCAD | ALCAD (alcads.com). With a fully compatible DWG-CAD interface, ALCAD serves as a practical choice for former AutoCAD users. The ALCAD 2025 Professional version, designed for both 2D and 3D projects, is priced at an annual fee of €199 or a one-time purchase option for €349. Furthermore, this pricing model positions ALCAD as a compelling option for individuals seeking to invest in CAD software while avoiding the ongoing expenses linked to other alternatives. The software's straightforward pricing and robust features make it appealing for both new users and seasoned professionals alike.

Advance Steel is a dedicated software solution specifically tailored for the steel detailing industry, featuring a powerful 3D modeling interface that is integrated with an extensive document management system. In this 3D environment, users can work with various intelligent structural elements such as beams, plates, bolts, and welds, which can be effortlessly interconnected using Parametric Connection tools that enable the copying of connections throughout the model. This setup creates a centralized platform that produces essential drawings, including General Arrangements, Shop Assembly, and Part drawings crucial for the fabrication workflow. Moreover, the software supports platework, allowing users to create complex folded plate details necessary for generating flat pattern drawings designed for shop applications. In addition, it boasts intelligent macros that streamline the process of forming steel frameworks, facilitating easy modifications to the overall dimensions of frames and the selection of section profiles. The inclusion of Parametric connection tools for standard connections, combined with the ability to craft custom connection details to meet specific requirements, enhances its usability. This multifaceted approach guarantees that Advance Steel effectively addresses the varied needs of contemporary steel detailing projects, making it an invaluable resource in this field. Furthermore, its user-friendly interface and extensive capabilities contribute to increased productivity and precision in the design and detailing process.

CAD Schroer offers an extensive range of standard software solutions and applications that concentrate on technologies such as CAD, PLM, PDM, IoT, VR, and AR. Our product offerings are divided into two primary lines: M4 and i4. The M4 line provides innovative solutions tailored for CAD, plant engineering, and factory design. Conversely, the i4 line supports your Industry 4.0 strategies and digital transformation efforts with standardized software for AR, VR, and IoT applications. With the introduction of version 7.0, CAD Schroer has melded the MEDUSA4 and MPDS4 products into a cohesive CAD suite, thereby unifying all CAD solutions under the M4 brand for future developments. Each product package will be specifically designed for various industries and given unique names, such as M4 DRAFTING for 2D mechanical engineering or M4 FACTORY for comprehensive 2D and 3D factory layout planning. This strategic reorganization not only strengthens our capability to address the varied needs of our customers but also positions us as a leader in the fast-paced technological environment. As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering innovation and excellence in all our offerings.

AutoPIPE is a sophisticated software tool specifically crafted for performing pipe stress analysis. Its intuitive modeling interface, paired with advanced analytical capabilities, significantly boosts productivity and improves quality control measures. The software promotes effective collaboration among pipe stress engineers, structural engineers, and CAD designers through its compatibility with leading plant design software. It includes specialized functionalities for detailed assessments of buried pipelines, hot clash detection, wave loading, fluid transients, as well as the implementation of FRP/GRP or plastic piping. In addition, AutoPIPE optimizes workflow by seamlessly integrating with various Bentley and third-party applications such as OpenPlant, AutoPLANT, PlantSpace, Hexagon PDS and SmartPlant, Autodesk Plant 3D, and Aveva E3D Design. Moreover, AutoPIPE skillfully pinpoints the most appropriate locations for pipe supports, ensuring adherence to design specifications while maintaining a cost-effective strategy that prioritizes quality and safety. Ultimately, this software not only enhances engineering efficiencies but also provides dependable and innovative solutions that can adapt to diverse project needs. Its versatility makes it an invaluable asset for engineering teams aiming to streamline their processes and achieve superior results.