HiCAD Viewer 2021, developed by the ISD Group, is a specialized viewing tool designed to display and evaluate complex 2D and 3D designs without requiring a full HiCAD license. The 2021 release is notable for its significant graphical performance overhaul and enhanced interaction between design structures. Key Features & Performance
HICAD is a popular CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software used for creating and editing 2D and 3D models. The HICAD Viewer is a free software that allows users to view and interact with HICAD files.
Released as part of the HiCAD 2021 major update, this viewer is widely used across industries like steel engineering, sheet metal processing, and plant construction. Key Features of HiCAD Viewer 2021
| Feature | Hicad Viewer 2021 | Autodesk DWG TrueView | eDrawings Viewer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Price | Free | Free | Free (Basic) | | Native Format | Hicad & DWG | DWG | SolidWorks (SLDPRT) | | 3D Support | Yes (STL/STEP) | No (2D only in free) | Yes | | Measurement | Yes (Full) | Limited (Requires login) | Yes (Pro version) | | Install Size | ~150 MB | ~1.2 GB | ~200 MB | | Batch Print | Yes | No | No |
Note: As of 2024-2025, support for HICAD 2021 is waning. Most developers have shifted focus to subscription-based cloud viewers. You should check the official developer's site (often NTT Data Engineering Systems or similar) to see if the 2021 viewer is still available for download.
Here is a blog post covering everything you need to know about the 2021 release. Unlocking Design Clarity: A Guide to HiCAD Viewer 2021
The 2021 version of the HiCAD family introduced several performance-focused enhancements that improved the viewing experience: