7 Best Electrical Drawing Software (2024)

Diagrams

Every detail matters in an electrical drawing

7 Best Electrical Drawing Software (1)

An electrical diagram or drawing is a pictorial form of presenting an electronic circuit visually. Hence, an electric diagram consists of different components: symbols, sizes, markings, etc. Electrical diagrams can be used in several situations by professionals such as engineers, builders, technicians, programmers, etc. The electric diagram helps understand the overall electrical plan, how much it will cost, and what material will be required.

There are many ways of making an electrical drawing, but online electrical drawing software is a quick, easy, and convenient option. Today, we will talk about 7 of the best electrical drawing software to use in 2021.

List of the Best Electrical Drawing Software

Here are the top 7 electrical drawing software which you can use quickly and easily.

1.EdrawMax

7 Best Electrical Drawing Software (2)

With the help of EdrawMax, you can create professional electric drawings, whether you are an electrician, engineer, programmer, or builder. Use the best professional electrical drawing software of Edraw and make electrical drawings quickly and easily. It contains all the essential tools and components needed to create a detailed professional electrical diagram. You can also use different templates.

EdrawMax is a user-friendly drawing tool available for all operating systems and accessible on all browsers. What makes EdrawMax one of the best electrical drawing software is that it is super quick, easy, and fun to use.

Free Download

Free Download

Free Download

Wide range of drawing tools that are easy to use

Support all terminals (Windows, Mac, Linux, and Web)

Free and editable electrical diagram templates

Easy installation and registration

Complete user guides and video tutorials

Save documents in the cloud and export as Visio, PDF, graphics, Word, Excel, PPT

Pricing:

  • Online Tool/Basic Use: Free
  • Annual Plan: $99
  • Lifetime Plan: $245

Software Tool URL: https://www.edrawsoft.com/edraw-max/

Try and know which is your best electrical drawing software! You can download and use EdrawMax for free. With various built-in templates and symbols, it will suit your drawing needs.

EdrawMax

All-in-One Diagram Software

Create more than 280 types of diagrams effortlessly

Start diagramming with various templates and symbols easily

  • Superior file compatibility: Import and export drawings to various file formats, such as Visio
  • Cross-platform supported (Windows, Mac, Linux, Web)

2.ETAP

7 Best Electrical Drawing Software (6)

ETAP or Electrical Power System Analysis Software is an excellent tool for making electrical diagrams of different electric power systems. It contains many tools for automation, optimization, simulation, and analysis. With the help of ETAP, professionals can create detailed and lengthy electric drawings accurately.

As an excellent electrical drawing software, it contains CAD tools for advanced drawings. However, one drawback of ETAP is that it is only accessible on Windows and does not offer a free offline version.

Free trial available

Professional-level tools

Symbol library

Desktop App available

Not available for Mac or Linux

Not free

Pricing: Custom pricing.

Software Tool URL: https://etap.com/

3.AutoCAD Electrical

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AutoCAD Electrical is a drawing tool by Autodesk to create a wide range of electrical drawings using specially developed drawing tools to enhance electrical engineers' productivity. Technicians and engineers use this tool to make a detailed drawing using different features of AutoCAD.

However, AutoCAD Electrical is a sophisticated tool not suitable for all users, especially beginners. It also lacks premade templates or samples. Hence, it is ideal for experienced professionals who are looking for a pro tool.

Professional-level tools

Available for Mac and Window

Complex for beginners

No templates

Expensive

Pricing:

  • Monthly: $200
  • Annual: $1,610
  • Three years: $4,345

Software Tool URL: https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/included-toolsets/autocad-electrical

4.SolidWorks Electrical Schematics

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SolidWorks Electrical Schematics is a professional drawing software for collaborative diagram and design tools which can be used to make complete electrical systems. With the help of the symbol library, 3D manufacturing parts, and component models, you can create a pro electric drawing using this software.

SolidWorks Electrical Schematics offers no free version, but it does provide a free trial before you purchase this tool. All in all, it is an excellent tool with many positive reviews from its users.

Contains many tools

Available for Mac and Windows

Suitable for both beginners and professionals

Not free

Sign-up required

Pricing: Custom pricing.

Software Tool URL: https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-electrical-schematics

5.Electra E8

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Electra E8 is an easy, rapid, and affordable tool for electrical dawning. This electrical drawing software very useful and powerful. It allows you to create professional engineering diagrams as easy as possible, whether it's electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic.

Electra E8 is a paid tool that can be used on a desktop without any limitations. However, there is no online version, but you can get a free trial. This software also contains other CAD tools for all professionals.

Super quick processing

Free trial available

Great for engineers

No online version

Not free

Pricing:

  • Professional (Perpetual license): $2098 (one-time payment)
  • Enterprise (Perpetual License): $2398 (One-time payment)
  • Enterprise (Monthly): $79/month
  • Enterprise (Annually): $828/year

Software Tool URL: https://radicasoftware.com/index.php

6.ProfiCAD

7 Best Electrical Drawing Software (10)

ProfiCAD or Electrical CAD Software is a drawing tool specially designed for electrical diagrams as it contains many drawing tools for circuit boards. This electrical drawing software is straightforward to use and comes with great features. With the help of ProfiCAD, you can create many technical diagrams, including pneumatics and hydraulics.

It is a great tool for beginners and students as all you have to do is add symbols and attach the connecting wires. Electrical CAD Software can be used at home as well as commercial software. Download the app to start using it.

Video tutorials available

Easy interface

Good for beginners

No online version

Not available for Mac or Linus

Pricing:

  • Single User: $277
  • School License: $277
  • Website License: $877

Software Tool URL: https://www.proficad.com/

7.SmartDraw

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SmartDraw is a practical diagramming tool for all purposes, whether you want to create charts, graphs, infographics, or illustrations. You can use this multipurpose drawing tool to make professional-level content for any purpose. Similarly, you can also use SmartDraw to create engineering drawings such as electrical diagrams. Hence, SmartDraw also works as electrical drawing software.

SmartDraw has more than 4500 different templates and CAD-like drawing abilities. This circuit diagram maker is not free and requires account registration.

Wide range of drawing tools

Different templates available

Available online and offline

Expensive

No free trial

Not available for Mac or Linux

Pricing:

  • Single User: $277
  • School License: $277
  • Website License: $877

Software Tool URL: https://www.smartdraw.com/

Compare and Pick Up Your Electrical Drawing Software

As stated earlier, making an electrical drawing or any technical diagram on your own is quite hard. Such drawing is very complex and requires a high level of understanding. To create professional-level drawings, we have many useful digital tools today. Hence, there is also much electrical drawing software available out there, and we have listed the best ones for you.

However, picking the right one for you is not as easy as all the tools mentioned above come with their features and benefits. While some are great for all purposes, others are only suitable for engineering drawing. Similarly, some are good for beginners, while some are a better choice for professionals. With that being said, there is one tool in the list above that takes a slight edge over the others and that is, EdrawMax.

EdrawMax is the ultimate graphics tool for all your drawing needs as you can create any visual content using this tool - graphs, charts, diagrams, technical drawings, illustrations, storyboards, infographics, and more! The electrical drawing software of Edraw is free, comes with advanced drawing tools, a custom symbols library, free templates, and many beneficial features.

To put it in simple words, EdrawMax is the one-stop-shop for all your digital drawing needs!

7 Best Electrical Drawing Software (12)EdrawMax Desktop

Create over 280 types of diagrams

Windows, Mac, Linux (runs in all environments)

Professional inbuilt resources and templates

On-premises software for business

Enterprise-level data security

DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD

DOWNLOAD

7 Best Electrical Drawing Software (13)EdrawMax Online

Create over 280 types of diagrams online

Access diagrams anywhere, anytime

Templates Community

Team management and collaboration

Personal Cloud and Dropbox Integration

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7 Best Electrical Drawing Software (2024)

FAQs

Which software is used to draw electrical circuits? ›

SmartDraw comes with thousands of detailed electrical symbols you can drag and drop to your drawings and schematics. Open an wiring diagram or circuit drawing template—not just a blank screen. Add circuit symbols, switches, relays, and more. SmartDraw circuit drawing software works with you instead of against you.

What software do electrical drafters use? ›

CAD software is an essential tool for creating electrical drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and many other forms of electrical design.

What CAD software do electrical engineers use? ›

AutoCAD Electrical is an Autodesk software specially made for Electrical, Instrumentation and Control System Designers helping designers to: create and modify electrical control systems.

Which software is best for schematic diagram? ›

Top 10 Diagramming Software
  • Miro.
  • Lucidchart.
  • Visio.
  • Sketch.
  • SmartDraw.
  • Gliffy.
  • Draw.io.
  • Creately.
26 Oct 2022

Is AutoCAD Electrical free? ›

"AutoCAD is a valuable resource for engineers and an amazing tool for students!" Overall: AutoCAD Electrical is actually "inside" the AutoCAD software "bundle", which is available with a special free license if you are a student.

Is SmartDraw free? ›

We offer free accounts to those looking to create simple diagrams, while SmartDraw offers only a free 7-day trial.

How do I make a wiring diagram in Word? ›

Create an electrical engineering diagram
  1. On the File tab, click New, and then search for Engineering templates.
  2. Click one of the following: ...
  3. Choose Metric Units or US Units, and then click Create. ...
  4. Drag electrical component shapes onto the drawing page. ...
  5. Use the Connector tool.

What is the most popular PCB design software? ›

Top 10 PCB Design Software
  • Altium.
  • Altium 365.
  • Fusion 360.
  • Ansys RedHawk.
  • NI Multisim.
  • Autodesk EAGLE.
  • KiCad EDA.
  • EasyEDA.
26 Jun 2019

Can I use AutoCAD for electrical drawings? ›

Subscribe to AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT and efficiently create electrical drawings. AutoCAD subscriptions include the AutoCAD Electrical toolset, made especially for electrical design. Enjoy cross-platform workflows with AutoCAD web and mobile apps.

Is AutoCAD used by electrical engineers? ›

An Overview of AutoCAD Electrical - YouTube

Do electrical engineers need AutoCAD? ›

Is AutoCAD necessary for an electrical engineer? For electrical design engineers, yes. Take note that AutoCAD is just one of the few brands of electrical drafting/design software used in the industry, but it is very popular. Your CV is enhanced by having AutoCAD experience added.

What is a CAD engineer salary? ›

Mechanical CAD Engineer salary in India ranges between ₹ 1.5 Lakhs to ₹ 7.5 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 3.0 Lakhs. Salary estimates are based on 126 salaries received from Mechanical CAD Engineers.

What tools does a electrical engineer use? ›

Today, we will be covering the “Must Have” tools for every electrical engineer, which includes these various tools:
  • Hand Tools.
  • Measuring Tools.
  • Oscilloscopes.
  • Soldering Tools.
  • Cable and Boards.
  • Power Supply Tools.
11 Oct 2019

Is AutoCAD Electrical different from AutoCAD? ›

Since AutoCAD Electrical is a software which is specially designed to electrical control designers, it has built-in features and benefits that will let the users to intensely increase the efficiency during the project's design phase while maintaining a smooth integration with the conventional AutoCAD environment.

How do I create a schematic in AutoCAD? ›

You create a schematic diagram by connecting symbols with lines to show the basic function of a building system in the overall design. You drag and drop schematic symbols into a drawing and connect the symbols with schematic lines, drawing the schematic lines just as you draw lines in AutoCAD®.

How do I make a circuit in Excel? ›

Using Drawing Tools in Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and Office ...

Is AutoCAD hard to learn? ›

AutoCAD is a fundamental but complex program and starting to learn it can be hard. Here are the best way to learn AutoCAD on your own! AutoCAD is 2D CAD software by Autodesk. Although it also has tools for 3D modeling, it's famous for its main focus is on 2D CAD.

Which AutoCAD version is best for electrical engineering? ›

AutoCAD MEP

Used by mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection professionals. Supplies tools to help draft, design, and document MEP building systems in both 2D and 3D cad.

Where can I get AutoCAD for free? ›

The one and only way to access a full and unrestricted version of AutoCAD for free is to be a student, educator, or academic institution. Those eligible can apply for AutoCAD's educational license and get a free year of Autodesk software, including AutoCAD.

Which is better Visio or SmartDraw? ›

Both programs make it easy to work with the other members of your team, but Visio has better real-time capabilities than Smartdraw. For technical problems or other questions, both programs offer support through email or help desk, a knowledge base, and chat support.

How much does SmartDraw cost? ›

SmartDraw Pricing Overview

SmartDraw has 2 pricing edition(s), from $5.95 to $9.95. A free trial of SmartDraw is also available.

What is similar to SmartDraw? ›

Lucidchart
  • Online.
  • Android.
  • iPhone.
  • Android Tablet.
  • iPad.
  • bambooHR.
  • Microsoft Office Powerpoint.
  • Microsoft OneDrive.

What are the 4 types of electrical diagrams? ›

6.2: Types of Electrical Diagrams
  • Schematic Diagrams.
  • Wiring diagrams.
  • Block diagrams.
  • Pictorial diagrams.
11 Sept 2021

What are the 7 parts of electrical plan? ›

1.1 Drawing Sheet Sizes. 1.3. 1.2 Drawing Scale.
...
2.1 Plan Requirements.
  • (A) Location and Site Plans.
  • (B) Legend or Symbols. ...
  • (C) General Notes and/or Specifications.
  • (D) Electrical Layout.
  • E) Schedule of Loads.
25 Sept 2019

What are the 3 types of wiring diagrams? ›

There are three ways to show electrical circuits. They are wiring, schematic, and pictorial diagrams.

Is there a free version of Visio? ›

No, Microsoft Visio is not a free tool. It comes with monthly or annual subscription plans as well as one-time software purchase for standard and professional versions licensed for 1 PC.

How do I use Visio? ›

How to use Microsoft Visio - YouTube

Can I use AutoCAD for PCB design? ›

Achieving professional printed circuit board (PCB) design results with AutoCAD requires a structured design approach. This design approach includes the use of AutoCAD layers, blocks, and attributes and conversion of AutoCAD data into the Gerber and Excellon data required by board manufacturers.

Which is better Orcad or Altium? ›

The biggest advantage for Altium Designer users is the powerful electronics development features and the ability to access all the essential PCB design features in a single program. In contrast, OrCAD users must purchase licenses for multiple programs at high expense to have the same capabilities.

How much does Orcad cost? ›

PCB Design Software Pricing Comparison
DipTrace FullNo limits$995
EagleNo limits$60/month, $495/year
Cadence OrCad PCB DesignerNo limits$2,300
Altium DesignerNo limits$7,245
DipTrace Lite500 pins, 2 signal layers$145
3 more rows

What is MEP in AutoCAD? ›

The 2023 MEP toolset is included with AutoCAD. HVAC and building systems are made easy with an industry-specific toolset for MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) that increases productivity by up to 85%. * With the MEP toolset, you can: Access our library of 10,500+ intelligent MEP objects.

Is learning AutoCAD Electrical worth it? ›

AutoCAD Electrical has always been a great tool for engineers and designers to deliver professional work. It is the most popular software of choice for designing and developing professional electrical drawings, PLC diagrams, control and power circuits, and mechanical drawing in any industry.

Do electrical engineers use Fusion 360? ›

Fusion 360 Electronics unifies a single platform that enables electrical engineers to work with designs from a true 3D realm. With Fusion 360 3D PCB editor, designers can make changes such as moving a 3D component or changing the board shape and propagating the PCB layout and the mechanical design.

What are disadvantages of AutoCAD? ›

Following are disadvantages of AutoCAD :
  • Line – As AutoCAD produces drawings with help of line and shape tools and curves, arcs and straight lines helps in producing shapes. ...
  • Limited File Formats – As it is leading CAD, it limits number of file formats it can import or export. ...
  • Color, Fill and Texture – ...
  • Non-Parametric –
18 Aug 2022

How big is AutoCAD Electrical? ›

12.0 GB

Which types of engineers use CAD? ›

Jobs that use AutoCAD CAD software
  • Architects, Architectural designer, and drafter.
  • Electrical engineer, design and drafter.
  • Electronics engineer, design and drafter.
  • Plumbing designer, HVAC designer, MEP designer.
  • Interior designer.
  • Industrial engineer.
  • Manufacturing engineer.
  • Mechanical engineer, design and drafter.
8 Jul 2021

Why AutoCAD is more widely used instead of other drafting software? ›

In AutoCAD, you don't have to go through a long process just to adjust your drawing. You can create designs quickly and easily, using the software's easy tools to complete tasks in a fraction of the time it would take via manual drafting. It's also very easy to make changes and adjustments.

What is electrical design engineer? ›

An electrical design engineer is someone who is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and supervising the manufacturing of electrical equipment. This equipment can include the likes of power generation equipment, communications systems, navigation systems, radar systems, and electric motors.

Which design course is best for electrical engineer? ›

Courses to get you started
  • Air Insulated Electrical Substation Design. ...
  • Ultimate Electrical Design Course from Zero to Hero. ...
  • Electrical Low Voltage System Distribution Design. ...
  • Motor Starter Circuits (Motor Control) ...
  • Advanced Diploma in Electrical Design Engineering. ...
  • Understanding Switchboards / Electrical Panels.

Which software is used in Control Panel design? ›

The E3. panel design software allows engineers to layout components inside panel and switch cabinet enclosures. Intelligent automatic snapping points allow parts to be easily placed in their correct location, and with keep-out and height restrictions it is also possible to prevent clashes.

What can solidworks electrical do? ›

SOLIDWORKS Electrical is a systems-level electrical design package that allows you to design electrical schematics quickly and accurately with customizable design tools. Electrical makes creating 2D schematics a quick and painless process.

What is electrical design? ›

Electrical design entails planning, creating, testing, or supervising the development and installation of electrical equipment, including lighting equipment, power systems, power distribution, fire and life safety systems, electronic components, and voice and data communications infrastructure.

How can I learn electrical design? ›

Get a bachelor's degree

The first step to start your career as an electrical design engineer is to get a bachelor's degree. Architectural engineering or a computer design engineering course can be helpful in learning the software that is required for electrical systems design.

Is Electrical Engineering a good career? ›

Here in India, the career scope of Electrical engineering is great. The demand for fresh electrical engineers is rising with the growing consumption of electricity and electrification.

What is electrical drafting and design? ›

Design of Electrical Services for Buildings provides a basic grounding for students and graduates in the field. It covers methods of wiring, schemes of distribution and protection for lighting and power installations. Systems such as alarms and standby supplies are also covered.

How do I draw a panel in Autocad? ›

AutoCAD Electrical Control Panel Board Drawing Tutorial ... - YouTube

What is E3 series? ›

E3. series encompasses all aspects of electrical design like functional design, detailed schematic, wiring diagram, cabinet layout, formboard, reports, and manufacturing documentation.

Is solidworks electrical any good? ›

Overall: Overall, SolidWorks Schematics is the best choice for electrical drawings and system designs since it has a lot of features, flexibility, is user friendly and easy to explore meeting all the basic requirements.

How much is solidworks electrical schematics? ›

What is the Price of SOLIDWORKS Electrical? The Cost of SOLIDWORKS and Subscription Services? The basic SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematic Standard price is $4,195. The annual subscription service is $1,000 and covers technical support, upgrades, and much more.

Do electrical engineers use Solidworks? ›

Do Electrical Engineers use SOLIDWORKS? Electrical engineers need direct access to all electrical projects and data within the CAD environment to streamline the design process. SOLIDWORKS Electrical integrates electrical schematic design data with the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD model.

Can I use AutoCAD for electrical drawings? ›

Subscribe to AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT and efficiently create electrical drawings. AutoCAD subscriptions include the AutoCAD Electrical toolset, made especially for electrical design. Enjoy cross-platform workflows with AutoCAD web and mobile apps.

What are the 3 types of power supply? ›

Linear, Switched, or Battery-based? There are three subsets of regulated power supplies: linear, switched, and battery-based. Of the three basic regulated power supply designs, linear is the least complicated system, but switched and battery power have their advantages.

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