Cobalt review
A NURBS-focused CAD tool with direct, parametric and associative workflows.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Cobalt is desktop 3D CAD software from Ashlar-Vellum for product designers, mechanical engineers and inventors. It brings direct, associative and parametric modeling together, with wireframe, surface and solid tools. The hybrid approach suits work that moves between shaping geometry directly and using dimensions or equations to control it. Windows and macOS versions are available, making it a fit for individuals who want a desktop CAD workflow on either platform.
Surface work is a notable strength: Cobalt includes Class-A NURBS surface modeling and surface analysis alongside assemblies, drafting and rendering. Assembly tools include connect, mate, align and insert; drafting supports associative views, dimensions, GD&T and bills of materials. A mechanical parts library contains 149,000 parts, and import/export translators cover formats including ACIS SAT, DWG/DXF, IGES, STEP and Rhino 3DM. These capabilities make the product relevant to mechanical design and product development workflows that need both surfaces and production-oriented documentation.
The published plans are commercial single-user subscriptions. Cobalt Solo Monthly costs $69.95 per user per month, includes major upgrades and can be cancelled at any time. Cobalt Solo Annual costs $695 per user per year and includes major upgrades and electronic download. A 14-day free trial is offered, but there is no free plan. The product's documented focus is desktop modeling and drafting; sheet-metal tools are not included, and cloud-based collaboration is not clearly documented. Choose Cobalt for NURBS-focused desktop design with parametric and assembly tools; consider alternatives if sheet-metal workflows or clearly specified cloud collaboration are central requirements.
Cobalt pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Combines direct, associative and equation-driven parametric modeling.
- Includes Class-A NURBS surfaces, surface analysis and assembly tools.
- Supports drafting and a mechanical parts library of 149,000 parts.
- Where it doesn't
- No free plan; monthly pricing starts at $69.95 per user.
- Sheet-metal tools are not included.
- Cloud-based collaboration is not clearly documented on the reviewed pages.
Cobalt fact sheet, pricing and score →
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