Cadwork
Cadwork is a modular CAD, CAM, and BIM suite aimed at timber and engineered-wood projects, combining detailed 3D modeling with IFC exchange, shop data, and CNC-oriented outputs for fabricators and builders.
Mass timber and light-frame jobs often need one model that still talks to architects in IFC and to the shop floor in machine code. Cadwork’s North American site pitches the suite as software solutions for wood construction, with a modular layout so teams can add CNC interfaces, list exports, and collaboration pieces as their workflow grows (cadwork.ca, 2025).
The 3D module is described as the core engine: a standalone timber modeling environment that also lists common exchange formats such as IFC, SAT, STEP, and DXF, plus optional bridges toward tools like Rhino or Revit when partners hand off geometry (cadwork.ca 3D module, 2025). That mix matters when a fabricator receives an architect’s IFC and must refine it for panels, fasteners, and production lists without rebuilding the project from scratch.
For openBIM-heavy jobs, the dedicated IFC and BIM material highlights long-running IFC import and export, a BIM manager tree for navigating IFC structure, attribute mapping, and a BCF manager for issue exchange without constantly re-sending whole models. The same page notes BuildingSMART certification for both IFC import and export as a quality signal for wood-focused workflows (cadwork.ca IFC/BIM module, 2025).
Specifications
Pricing
Platforms
Used for
Used by
Tasks
Pros and cons
Pros
- Deep focus on wood and engineered timber
- Long track record with IFC workflows
- Modular purchase so teams buy what they use
- Web-based model sharing options in the suite
Cons
- Public site does not list fixed license prices
- Full evaluation expects organized training rather than a silent download
- Primary materials positioning may feel narrow if you rarely build in timber
- Windows-centric deployment in published module descriptions
Key features
Timber-first 3D: Model post and beam, prefab panels, CLT, stairs, and related framing with tools tuned to wood construction.
IFC and BIM manager: Import and export IFC, inspect structure in a tree view, map property sets, and coordinate issues with BCF.
ProBuild packaging: Bundles core modules such as 3D, 2D, lists, shop drawing export, basic stair lite, DWG/DXF conversion, and WebViewer or BIMteam sharing.
Fabrication links: CNC machine interfaces, lamella data for glulam, and list exports toward spreadsheets or ERP systems.
Point cloud and layout: Work with LAS or PTS point clouds and connect field layout workflows such as total station oriented modules.
Automation and parametrics: Optional API in Python or C++ plus Rhino.Inside style interfaces for scripted or parametric catalog work.
Pricing
Commercial license (quote)
Contact sales
Vendor does not publish list prices on the public site; request a formal quote from Cadwork.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Cadwork cost?
The public English site does not publish standard seat prices online. Pricing is arranged through Cadwork representatives, and the trial page directs prospects to a contact form after discussing training options (cadwork.ca trial and contact pages, 2025).
Does Cadwork run on macOS?
Published module descriptions emphasize a standalone Windows desktop suite for the core 3D engine and related modules. If you need macOS or Linux, ask the vendor for the current platform matrix before you standardize hardware (cadwork.ca 3D module, 2025).
Does Cadwork support IFC and BCF?
Yes. The IFC and BIM module page documents IFC import and export, a BIM manager for navigating IFC data, attribute mapping, and a BCF manager for issue-based collaboration. It also references BuildingSMART certification for both directions of IFC exchange (cadwork.ca IFC/BIM module, 2025).
What formats besides IFC can Cadwork exchange?
The 3D module page lists IFC alongside SAT, STEP, and DXF as common exchange routes, and the ProBuild overview mentions a DWG and DXF converter plus optional Rhino and Revit oriented interfaces for passing models toward fabrication (cadwork.ca 3D and ProBuild pages, 2025).
How do I try Cadwork before buying?
The North American trial page offers roughly two months of use after a two day training block, either onsite, online with a representative, or through an online tutorial path, then asks you to submit a request form for access (cadwork.ca trial page, 2025).
Who is Cadwork built for in the AEC market?
Copy on the 3D module page explicitly names architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, builders, offsite fabricators, and small single-person shops that want one system from early design toward fabrication. The home positioning stays on wood and engineered wood construction (cadwork.ca 3D module, 2025).