My policy is that I don’t remove or change existing posts, just add updates to them. I’ve been slowly going through and adding notes to my old posts, and will update this post with additional information in the (hopefully near) future.

Also, the MCAD market changes frequently, and I don’t feel the need to compete with those who follow it closely (such as Deelip). Alibre is still worth considering (possibly used with another program), but it’s not such a great deal as it was a couple years ago. Alibre Design Professional can import neutral formats such as STEP, but not vendor-specific formats such as Solidworks.

The Alibre programs work well, but I find that you need to invest in the now 2000$ (or higher in some markets) Expert to be able to collaborate and import assemblies, that are constrained – this ability to import SW, ProE, Inventor might however be valuable to many. You seem to get good value, but not the same capabilities for less as some will try to tell you.

I just checked on my PC, and Alibre 11.2 Standard lists STEP AP203 and AP214 as export options. The product comparision at Novedge also lists STEP import and export for Standard.

Figure out what you want (STEP, IGES import/export, part creation, assemblies, etc); here are some options to consider:
1. Try buying Alibre Design Standard V12 with 1 year maintenance for $185 at Novedge while it’s still available.
2. If you can live with IGES files and 10 parts per assembly, consider VX Innovator Light for $95; I recommend trying the trial version first to verify (and you have to anyway if you want the $95 price).
3. Look at PunchCAD’s ViaCAD 2D/3D ($99) and ViaCAD Pro ($249); both claim to import and export STEP files. I’m not sure they’re the best choices for typical MCAD-style design (e.g. there’s no mention of doing assemblies).

I’ll check on Alibre Standard soon — IIRC, it’s supposed to export STEP, but it’s best to verify.

I thought Ralph’s post said maintenance was required. I’ll update this post shortly.

Thanks!
Max Freeman
Alibre, Inc.