Working with product teams can be frustrating. Files are spread across different tools. Feedback gets buried in email threads. Design reviews feel slow and disorganized. And by the time everything is approved, you’re already behind schedule.
That’s why many teams use CoLab. It helps share designs, collect feedback, and keep everyone on the same page. But if CoLab isn’t quite working for you, whether it’s because of pricing, missing features, or limited integrations, it might be time to look at other tools.
In this article, we’ll go over 5 alternatives to CoLab worth trying in 2025. Each one offers something different to help your team move faster and work better together.
What is CoLab Software?
CoLab is a software designed to support engineering teams during design reviews. It helps collect and organize feedback from subject matter experts and connects that feedback directly to the design files.
This allows teams to keep track of what was said, even if some reviewers aren’t present during live meetings. The system also makes it easier to search and use past review data, which can help teams make more informed decisions in future projects.
The software includes AI features that assist with routine design checks. These tools review models or drawings and create comments based on set checklists. CoLab can connect with common PLM and CAD platforms and supports over 30 file types.
This makes it possible to review different kinds of CAD files within the same system, whether the team is working internally or with outside partners.
Why Look for CoLab Alternatives?
CoLab helps teams manage design reviews and feedback, but it might not be the right fit for everyone. Depending on your team size, tools, or workflows, you may find that another option works better for your needs.
Below are a few reasons why some teams explore alternatives to CoLab.
May Be Too Complex for Smaller Teams
CoLab is built for teams with structured engineering processes and detailed reviews. If your team is small or your review process is more casual, the platform may feel like too much.
You might prefer something easier to set up and use, without the extra steps or features that aren’t relevant to your workflow.
Limited Integration With Other Tools
While CoLab works well with major CAD and PLM systems, it may not connect easily with other tools your team uses every day, like task managers, cloud storage, or communication apps. If smooth integration with a wider toolset is important to your workflow, this could be a limitation.
Cost May Not Fit Your Budget
For smaller companies or teams with tight budgets, CoLab’s pricing might feel too high. If you only need basic review tools or are just getting started, there are other platforms that may offer the core features you need at a lower monthly cost.
Workflow Might Need More Flexibility
CoLab has a structured approach to how reviews and feedback are handled. That can be helpful for some, but others may need more flexibility in how tasks are managed or how files are shared. If your team works differently or needs more control over the process, another tool might be a better match.
5 CoLab Alternatives You Need to Check Out
If you need something with more features, better integrations, or a simpler setup, here are five alternatives to try in 2025.
1. CADchat
CADchat is a meeting and collaboration platform made for teams that work with CAD models. It’s designed for product teams including designers, engineers, manufacturers, and non-technical stakeholders.
With CADchat, you can meet in real time to view and edit CAD files together or give feedback anytime through shared workspaces.
It supports native CAD formats, tracks all changes, and makes it easy for both technical and non-technical users to join the conversation. CADchat helps teams reduce delays, avoid miscommunication, and move designs forward faster.
Main Features
Here are some of CADchat’s features that make it a strong alternative to CoLab software:
- Lower price: CADchat offers a free plan and the Pro plan at $19/month ($17 billed annually) with no annual commitment. This makes it more affordable for small and mid-sized teams.
- Real-time CAD reviews: Teams can open, view, and annotate native CAD files together without screen sharing or file conversion.
- Asynchronous feedback: Team members can leave comments directly on 3D models, even outside of scheduled meetings.
- Easy for non-technical users: Stakeholders without CAD tools can still review and give feedback clearly.
- Smart version control: Keeps track of changes and always shows the latest version, avoiding version chaos.
- Persistent workspaces: All files, comments, and meeting notes stay connected in one place for ongoing collaboration.
- Simple setup and browser extensions: No heavy integrations needed. Chrome and Edge extensions make it easy to use.
- Best for product teams: Designed specifically for teams working with CAD models across design, engineering, and manufacturing.
CADchat gives teams the tools they need to review and improve designs together, without the complexity or cost of some traditional engineering tools.
Cut approval time in half and skip the endless file versions with CADchat!
2. Onshape
Source: onshape.com
Onshape is a cloud-native CAD platform that helps teams collaborate in real time. It supports simultaneous editing, commenting, and live review sessions, all from one shared document.
Designers, engineers, and stakeholders can work together without needing to send files back and forth or worry about version control.
Onshape also offers strong access permissions, branching tools for exploring design ideas, and mobile access for teams on the go. It’s built to help distributed teams stay aligned, work faster, and manage design changes with ease.
Main Features
Here are a few reasons why you can use Onshape as a CoLab alternative:
- Real-time CAD collaboration: Teams can work together on the same design with simultaneous editing, Follow Mode, and built-in comments, avoiding back-and-forth file sharing.
- Integrated markup and task tracking: Users can add comments, assign tasks, and leave markups directly in the model, helping reduce emails and track design feedback in one place.
- Cloud-based with mobile access: Onshape works fully in the cloud and on mobile devices, giving teams more flexibility to review and edit designs from anywhere.
- Branching and merging for design exploration: Teams can safely test new ideas with design branches and merge only the best concepts into the main design.
- Role-based access and security: Onshape includes advanced sharing controls, RBAC, audit logs, and 2-factor authentication to protect your design data and manage permissions with ease.
3. Autodesk Viewer
Source: viewer.autodesk.com
Autodesk Viewer is a browser-based tool for viewing and sharing 2D and 3D design files. It works with many popular file types, such as DWG, STEP, DWF, RVT, and Solidworks.
Users can open models without installing software and leave comments using built-in markup tools. It is designed for quick access and feedback, whether working alone or with a team.
Main Features
We’ve listed below what makes Autodesk Viewer a suitable CoLab alternative:
- Web-based access – Users can open and view design files directly in their browser without installing any software.
- File format support – The tool supports a wide range of file types, including DWG, STEP, DWF, RVT, and Solidworks.
- Markup tools – Users can add comments and simple drawings to highlight areas or leave feedback on the design.
- Cross-device use – Designs can be viewed and shared on any device, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
- Free to use – Autodesk Viewer is available at no cost, with a sign-up required to upload and manage files.
4. eDrawings
Source: edrawingsviewer.com
eDrawings is a tool for viewing, sharing, and reviewing 2D and 3D design files. It helps teams communicate design ideas clearly by offering visual tools for collaboration.
The platform supports different CAD formats and allows users to mark up models, add comments, and review designs on desktop or mobile.
eDrawings also includes options for AR and VR review in its professional version, making it useful for teams that need context-aware feedback.
Main Features
Here are a few reasons why eDrawings can function as an alternative to CoLab Software:
- 2D and 3D model viewing – Users can open and explore CAD designs without needing full design software.
- AR/VR support – The professional version allows users to view models in augmented and virtual reality environments.
- MultiCAD compatibility – Design files from different native CAD systems can be shared and reviewed across teams.
- Cloud sharing and feedback – Users can share models and collect comments without requiring downloads or installs.
- Lightweight file format – eDrawings uses a compact format that makes it easy to share files without losing detail.
5. Anark
Source: anark.com
Anark is a platform that helps manufacturers share and manage engineering product data more efficiently. It connects design, work, and communication tools to help teams reduce errors, speed up decision-making, and cut down wasted time.
The platform is built to support secure collaboration across departments and suppliers, using current CAD and PLM systems as the base.
Anark is mainly used to streamline access to technical data, manage tasks linked to product development, and enable real-time communication during design and production.
Main Features
Here’s why Anark can be a decent CoLab alternative:
- Content management – Combines CAD files, technical documents, and PLM data into one system for easy access and sharing.
- Unified collaboration – Allows teams to chat, post images, and comment on files directly within the platform.
- Work management tools – Lets users assign and track tasks connected to specific CAD files, drawings, or instructions.
- 3D CAD publishing – Converts complex CAD models into easy-to-use formats like 3D PDFs and technical data packages.
- Knowledge capture – Helps create and store reusable content like visual instructions and expert-reviewed materials.
CADchat: The Best CoLab Software Alternative
CADchat is a simple, cloud-based collaboration tool built for product teams that work with CAD files.
It gives designers, engineers, manufacturers, and non-technical stakeholders one place to meet, review, and move projects forward.
Whether your team needs to work live or at different times, CADchat helps you cut delays, reduce confusion, and make better decisions faster.
Make Faster Decisions Without Delays
CADchat gives teams the flexibility to meet in real time or share feedback asynchronously. You can host live model reviews with engineers and manufacturers or leave clear, threaded comments for others to view later.
This means work keeps moving, even when schedules do not align. No more waiting for the next call or chasing approvals over email.
Keep Everyone on the Same Version
All CAD files, feedback, and discussions are stored in one shared cloud-based workspace. Every time someone joins a meeting or opens a model, they see the latest version.
You do not have to send attachments, worry about conflicting edits, or waste time finding the right file. CADchat handles version control automatically and logs every change for full transparency.
Help Your Entire Team Stay Involved
CADchat makes it easy for technical and non-technical team members to collaborate. Engineers and designers can review and edit CAD models directly.
At the same time, executives, marketers, and supply chain partners can view files and add comments without needing CAD software. Everyone stays in the loop, and decisions happen faster with fewer mistakes.
Use Browser Extensions to Simplify Scheduling
To make meetings even easier to manage, CADchat offers extensions for both Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
These tools let you schedule and manage meetings directly from your browser, so you can add CADchat sessions to your Outlook or Google Calendar without switching tabs. It is quick to set up and helps you stay organized during fast-moving projects.
Looking for a better way to collaborate with engineers and suppliers? Contact us today.
FAQs About CoLab Alternatives
What is CoLab software used for?
CoLab is used for design collaboration. It helps engineers and teams review CAD files and leave comments. Some users look for CoLab alternatives like CADchat because it offers free access, real-time collaboration, and version control in a cloud-based environment. CADchat supports multiple users and keeps everything in one place to improve communication and productivity.
How do you collaborate in CAD?
Collaborating in CAD works best with tools that allow real-time editing, version control, and input from both technical and non-technical users. CADchat gives teams a collaborative environment where they can review 3D models live or leave comments anytime. It connects users in one space, keeps files updated, and helps teams move faster without confusion.
Is there a way to collaborate on AutoCAD?
Yes, but AutoCAD’s built-in tools are often limited to real-time collaboration or working with multiple users. That’s why many teams use CADchat. It supports all major CAD file formats, gives free access to key features, and tracks changes in one cloud-based environment. CADchat helps teams work together more easily and reduces delays from version issues or scattered feedback.
Does SOLIDWORKS have collaboration?
SOLIDWORKS includes some collaboration tools, but they often require extra steps or software. CADchat is a fully managed service built to make collaboration simpler. It works with SOLIDWORKS files and supports real-time feedback, smart version control, and shared workspaces. It gives users a better way to connect, review models, and stay aligned across the team.
