$199 one-time · per platform
Design in precise 3D
Direct face editing, dedicated hole and thread tools, woodworking features, drawings, and built-in AI-assisted modeling.
The CAD/CAM value comparison
Shape the part.
VPath CAD
VPath CAD + CAM
Your desktop workspace
Mac or Windows.
Shape the part.
Skip the extra steps.
Push/pull a face. Place a hole or boss. Add a standard thread. VPath puts practical modeling tools in your hands, with exact dimensions and editable history.
(Updated )
$348 one-time · per platform
Take the model to the machine
$199 CAD + the optional $149 CAM add-on. Add 2.5D and 3D toolpaths, stock and tool setup, and machining previews.
Mac or Windows.
One-time purchase.
Choose the version for your computer. Mac and Windows are purchased separately. Design locally, with no VPath account or required subscription.
Compare how you work
Start with the 2D, 3D, and machining packages each product offers, then compare the everyday tools that make a difference.
✓ IncludedAdd-on / higher editionDifferent workflow / limits— Not includedNot listed / stated: not confirmed
Scroll across for more products and down for more features. Product names and feature labels stay in view.
| Feature | VPathCAD + optional CAM | Vectric SparkMac | Vectric VCarveDesktop / Pro | Carbide CreatePro | MillMageCore / Pro | EstlcamCAM + control | Autodesk FusionPersonal use | FreeCADOpen source | Shapr3DPro | PlasticityIndie / Studio | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At a glance: design & machining packages | |||||||||||||
| Basic 2D packageDrawing / sketching, curves, text and layout. | IncludedSketches, curves & text | IncludedVectors & text | IncludedVectors & text | IncludedVectors & text | IncludedVectors & text | Not statedDXF / SVG import for CAM | IncludedSketches & text | IncludedSketches & drafting | IncludedSketches & text | IncludedCurves & text | |||
| Basic 3D packageSolid creation, relief design, or machining imported models. | IncludedSolid modeling | Not included2D / 2.5D CNC design | 3D import & machiningCreate models in separate CAD | Relief modeling | Depth-map workflowRelief carving in Pro | STL machiningCreate models in separate CAD | IncludedSolid modeling | IncludedSolid modeling | IncludedSolid modeling | IncludedSolid modeling | |||
| Advanced 3D packageLofts, sweeps, shells, and surface editing. | IncludedSolids & surfaces | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | IncludedSolids & surfaces | IncludedSolids & surfaces | Advanced solidsLoft, sweep, shell & direct edits | IncludedStudio adds advanced surfacing | |||
| 2D / 2.5D CAM packageProfiles, pockets, drilling and engraving. | CAM add-on | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | IncludedPersonal-use limits | Included | Not included | Not included | |||
| 3D machining packageRoughing and finishing a 3D shape. | CAM add-on | Not included | IncludedImported models | IncludedRelief roughing & finishing | Pro | IncludedSTL-based | IncludedPersonal-use limits | CAM workbenchSome 3D operations experimental | Not included | Not included | |||
| Direct modeling & everyday tasks | |||||||||||||
| Starting workflow | Pick, drag & typeDirect tools with editable history | 2D CNC design | Job, drawing & toolpaths | 2D / relief design | Beginner ModeGuided project setup | Import & assign toolpaths | Workspaces & timeline | Workbenches & feature tree | Adaptive modeling tools | Direct modeling commands | |||
| Push/pull an existing solid face | Pick a face & dragOr enter an exact distance | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Press Pull / Offset Face | Feature / offset workflowPart tools or additional workbench | Offset FaceDrag or enter a distance | Direct face offset | |||
| Place a hole directly on a face | IncludedPick face, position hole | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | IncludedHole placement tool | Sketch + Hole feature | Sketch + extrude cut | Cylinder + Boolean cut | |||
| Place a cylindrical boss on a face | IncludedPosition, size, draft & base radius | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Sketch + Extrude | Sketch + Pad | Sketch + Extrude | Cylinder + Boolean union | |||
| Dedicated dado / rabbet / groove features | IncludedNamed, editable CAD features | Not includedMachining toolpaths | Not includedMachining toolpaths | Not includedMachining toolpaths | Not includedMachining toolpaths | Not includedMachining toolpaths | Sketch + cut features | Sketch + Pocket | Sketch + extrude cut | Profiles + Boolean cuts | |||
| Internal thread tool | IncludedChoose standard on a native hole | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | IncludedHole / Thread tools | IncludedSketch-based Hole feature | Revolve or imported geometry | Helix / manual modeling | |||
| External thread tool | IncludedSelect a cylinder; choose standard & pitch | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | IncludedThread tool | Helix or community add-on | Revolve or imported geometry | Helix / manual modeling | |||
| Solid CAD + CAM in one document | CAM add-onKeep CAD, drawings & machining together | Not included2D CNC workflow | Not included2D / imported relief workflow | Not included2D / relief workflow | Not included2D / depth-map workflow | Not includedCAM-focused | IncludedPersonal-use machining limits | IncludedCAD + CAM workbenches | Not included | Not included | |||
| Pricing & platforms | |||||||||||||
| Purchase price | $199CAD, per platform | $200 | $349 / $699Desktop / Pro | $360or $120/year | $99 / $199Core / Pro | $59 | FreeEligible personal use | Free | $299/yearAnnual billing | $175 / $299Indie / Studio | |||
| CAM price | +$149$348 with CAD, per platform | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | IncludedPersonal-use limits | Included | Not includedSeparate software | Not includedSeparate software | |||
| License | One-time | Perpetual | Perpetual | Perpetual or annual | Perpetual | Perpetual | Annual renewalFree, non-commercial | Open source | Subscription | Perpetual | |||
| Optional update costs | No subscription | Major upgradesMinor updates free | Major upgradesMinor updates free | License dependent | $40/yearAfter included first year | $23/yearAfter included first year | Included | Free | IncludedWith subscription | Optional renewal12 months of updates included | |||
| Desktop platforms | Mac or WindowsPurchased separately | MacApple silicon | Windows | Mac / Windows | Mac / Windows | Windows | Mac / Windows | Mac / Windows / Linux | Mac / WindowsAlso iPad / visionOS | Mac / Windows / Linux | |||
| Project storageWhere design projects are stored; separate from AI processing. | Local filesNo VPath cloud account required | Local files | Local files | Local files | Local files | Local files | Cloud-managedCached designs work offline | Local files | Local + cloud syncDownloaded projects work offline | Local files | |||
| Commercial work | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not includedPaid Fusion required | Included | Included | IncludedStudio required for companies over 10 employees | |||
| 2D design & sketching | |||||||||||||
| 2D drawing & curves | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not statedDXF / SVG import for CAM | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| Text & lettering | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Text engraving | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| Numeric sizing & positioning | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| Driving sketch constraints | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Tool constraintsDuring construction | |||
| 3D modeling & documentation | |||||||||||||
| Exact 3D solid modeling | Included | Not included | Not included | Not includedRelief modeling only | Not includedDepth-map workflow | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| Extrude & revolve | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| Loft & sweep | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| Solid union / cut / intersect | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| 3D fillets & chamfers | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| Shell / hollow solids | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| Surface modeling | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Solid-focused | IncludedAdvanced tools in Studio | |||
| Editable feature history | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Not includedDirect modeling | |||
| Components & assembly relationships | Components & matesAssociative placement | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Align partsNo assembly relationships | InstancesNo assembly mates | |||
| Technical drawing sheets | Included | Not included | 2D dimensions | Not included | Not included | Not stated | LimitedPersonal-use drawings | Included | Included | Hidden-line SVG | |||
| Import options | |||||||||||||
| SVG import | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Included | |||
| DXF import | Included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | StudioWindows only | |||
| Editable vector PDF import | Included | Not included | Included | Not included | Included | Not included | Not included | External conversion | Not includedImage reference only | Not included | |||
| STEP import | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| IGES import | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | License dependent | Included | Included | Studio | |||
| STL / OBJ import | IncludedBoth | Not included | BothOne third-party model per project | STL only | BothConverted to depth maps | STL only | IncludedBoth | IncludedBoth | IncludedSTL reference | IncludedBoth | |||
| Export options | |||||||||||||
| STEP export | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| IGES export | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not includedPaid Fusion | Included | Included | Studio | |||
| STL export | Included | Not included | Not listed | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| OBJ export | Included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| 3MF export | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included | Mesh workbench | Included | Included | |||
| DXF export | IncludedDrawings / flat patterns | Not included | Included | Not included | Included | Not included | Sketches only | Included | Included | Not included | |||
| SVG export | IncludedDrawing sheets | Not listed | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Not included | Included | Included | Included | |||
| Drawing PDF export | Included | Not included | 2D layout | Not included | Print to PDF | Not stated | Print drawings | Included | Included | Not included | |||
| CNC machining & CAM | |||||||||||||
| Profile / contour toolpaths | CAM add-on | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Not included | |||
| Pocket toolpaths | CAM add-on | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Not included | |||
| Drilling toolpaths | CAM add-on | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Not included | |||
| Engraving | CAM add-on | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Not included | |||
| V-carving | CAM add-on | Included | Included | Included | Pro | Included | Included | Included | Not included | Not included | |||
| 3D roughing & finishing | CAM add-on | Not included | Included | Included | Pro | Included | IncludedPersonal-use limits | 3D operationsSome experimental | Not included | Not included | |||
| Toolpath / material preview | CAM add-on | Included | Included | Included | Included | Toolpath preview | Included | Included | Not included | Not included | |||
| Postprocessed G-code export | CAM add-on | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | IncludedPersonal-use limits | Included | Not included | Not included | |||
| Direct CNC machine control | Not includedUse a sender / controller | Not includedUse machine controller | Not includedUse machine controller | Separate Carbide MotionCarbide machines | IncludedSupported firmware | IncludedCompatible hardware | Not includedUse machine controller | Not includedUse a sender / controller | Not included | Not included | |||
| True-shape nesting | Not included | Not included | Pro | Not included | Pro | Not stated | Not includedPaid extension | Community add-ons | Not included | Not included | |||
| AI-assisted design & MCP | |||||||||||||
| MCP integration | IncludedBuilt in | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Paid Fusion onlyAutodesk MCP | Community add-on | Not included | Not included | |||
| MCP modeling approach | Purpose-built CAD tools | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Paid Fusion onlyCommands & scripts | Add-on dependent | Not included | Not included | |||
| Create & revise models through MCP | IncludedSketches, solids, face edits | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Paid Fusion onlyCommands / API | Community add-ons | Not included | Not included | |||
| Inspect geometry through MCP | IncludedFaces, edges, measurements | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Paid Fusion onlyRead / API tools | Community add-ons | Not included | Not included | |||
| Viewport feedback through MCP | IncludedCamera controls & images | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Paid Fusion onlyRead / screenshot tools | Community add-ons | Not included | Not included | |||
| Drawings & BOM through MCP | IncludedPDF / SVG / DXF + CSV | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Paid Fusion onlyVia API workflows | Add-on / Python | Not included | Not included | |||
| CAM workflows through MCP | CAM add-onSetups, tools, operations, output | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Paid Fusion onlyLicense-dependent CAM workflows | Add-on dependent | Not included | Not included | |||
| MCP editing & file controls | IncludedOperation permissions & folder access | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Paid Fusion onlyLocal desktop connection | Add-on dependent | Not included | Not included | |||
Where VPath earns its place
Start with the face in front of you
Push/pull a solid face, position a hole, or place a cylindrical boss directly on your part. Drag to shape it, then enter exact dimensions without drawing a new support sketch for each hole or boss.
Tools for parts you actually make
Choose a thread standard for a native hole or an outside cylinder. Add editable dados, rabbets, and grooves with dedicated tools. Keep those details in the same model as your drawings and optional CAM.
AI that works on your model
Connect a compatible AI assistant through VPath’s built-in MCP support to create and refine editable geometry. Use the same native tools and history when you take over.
Can I start with CAD and add CAM later?
Yes. VPath CAD is $199 for your chosen platform. Add CAM for $149 when you’re ready to create CNC toolpaths.
What does the CAM add-on include?
Create manufacturing setups, define stock and tools, and generate 2.5D and 3D toolpaths from your models. Preview the toolpaths and material removal in the same workspace.
Which version should I buy?
Choose VPath for Mac from the Mac App Store or VPath for Windows from the Microsoft Store. Each platform requires its own purchase.
AI-assisted CAD, built in
From a conversation to an editable design.
VPath gives your AI assistant purpose-built tools for modeling, inspecting, documenting, and preparing your parts for machining.
Plan around your design requirements
Built-in guidance helps your assistant establish critical dimensions, preserve design intent, consider fits and clearances, and check the result against your requirements. Model with native tools and keep the edits in your history.
Inspect, then make the handoff
Give your assistant geometry measurements and viewport images to review its work. Create components and mates, export drawing sheets and a bill of materials, and prepare CAM jobs with the optional add-on.
Connect without installing a CAD bridge
MCP is built into VPath. Choose your compatible AI assistant and control which operations and folders it can access. For AI assistance on your own computer, connect a locally running AI language model through a compatible local MCP client.
One workspace, from idea to toolpath.
Explore VPath’s modeling tools and example projects, or choose your store.
$199 CAD · Optional $149 CAM add-on · Per platform