HiCAD Plant Engineering review
A Windows desktop suite linking P&IDs, 3D piping, automated drawings and point-cloud planning.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
HiCAD Plant Engineering is a modular group of plant and pipeline design modules within ISD Group’s HiCAD 2D/3D CAD system. It is aimed at engineering teams that need process planning, piping layout and workshop documentation in one desktop environment, with a particularly strong fit for small to mid-size piping-focused teams. The workflow starts with P&ID planning, symbol libraries and component connections, then links process data to a 3D layout. Pipe-class data guides pipeline routing, while point-cloud planning supports work in existing environments.
Its standout capability is the connection between design intent and production documentation. HiCAD can automatically select and insert pipeline parts, flanges and reducers, then produce isometric and pipe-spool workshop drawings. Pipe drawings can include dimensions, flow arrows and pipe-part lists. Pipeline and pipe-support data can transfer to ROHR2 for calculation, while HELiOS manages order-related data and access rights. The wider HiCAD system also covers multidisciplinary plant, steel and sheet-metal modeling, giving teams a broader CAD context when those disciplines are part of the same project.
The product is delivered as Windows desktop software, and the commercial pricing model is contact sales rather than a published plan structure. A free student education license exists for HiCAD generally, but that does not establish a free commercial plan for the Plant Engineering modules. Support channels include email and documentation. Teams that value P&ID-to-3D continuity, pipe-class routing and automated isometric output should consider HiCAD Plant Engineering; organizations prioritizing browser deployment, a different operating system or a wider published integration ecosystem should compare alternatives.
HiCAD Plant Engineering pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Links P&ID process data directly to 3D layout planning
- Automates pipe-part selection, isometrics and spool drawings
- Supports point-cloud planning and ROHR2 data transfer
- Where it doesn't
- Windows desktop deployment limits platform flexibility
- Commercial pricing requires contacting sales
- Published integrations center on ROHR2 and HELiOS
HiCAD Plant Engineering fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update