Design Master
Design Master provides specialized electrical and HVAC engineering software that automates complex calculations and drafting tasks directly within AutoCAD and Revit to streamline your entire building design process.
DipTrace
DipTrace is a professional schematic capture and PCB design software providing an intuitive interface with multi-sheet schematics, smart manual routing, and 3D modeling to streamline your electronic engineering projects.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Design Master | DipTrace |
|---|---|---|
| Website | designmaster.biz | diptrace.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | One_time |
| Starting Price | $90/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2001 | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, USA | Dnipro, Ukraine |
Overview
Design Master
Design Master offers a suite of engineering tools specifically created for electrical and HVAC professionals who work in AutoCAD and Revit. Instead of jumping between separate spreadsheets and drafting programs, you can perform complex calculations like load analysis, short circuit studies, and duct sizing directly within your design environment. This integration ensures your schedules and drawings stay synchronized automatically as you make changes.
You can choose between specialized modules for electrical, HVAC, or plumbing needs depending on your project requirements. The software is designed for MEP engineering firms and individual consultants who need to increase accuracy while reducing the time spent on repetitive drafting tasks. By automating the technical math, you can focus more on high-level design and less on manual data entry.
DipTrace
DipTrace provides you with a comprehensive suite for electronic circuit design, from initial schematic capture to final PCB layout. You can create complex multi-sheet schematics and transform them into printed circuit boards using advanced manual and automated routing tools. The software focuses on a short learning curve, allowing you to move from a concept to a finished board design quickly without navigating overly dense menus or complex command structures.
You can visualize your hardware before production with real-time 3D modeling and export files for manufacturing in standard formats like Gerber and ODB++. Whether you are an electronics hobbyist building a prototype or an engineer designing multi-layer high-speed boards, the platform scales its capabilities through various license tiers based on your specific pin count and signal layer requirements.
Overview
Design Master Features
- Integrated Electrical Calculations Perform short circuit, voltage drop, and arc flash calculations instantly as you place components in your drawings.
- Automated Panel Schedules Generate and update panel schedules automatically, ensuring your documentation always matches the latest version of your design.
- One-Line Diagram Tools Create dynamic one-line diagrams that stay linked to your floor plans to eliminate coordination errors between views.
- HVAC Load Calculations Calculate heating and cooling loads directly from your building geometry to size equipment accurately without external tools.
- Duct and Pipe Sizing Size your ductwork and piping systems based on flow requirements and pressure drop limits with built-in automation.
- Revit Integration Enhance your BIM workflow with specialized tools that add advanced engineering data and calculations to standard Revit elements.
DipTrace Features
- Schematic Capture. Design multi-sheet and hierarchical schematics easily with a visual editor that supports visual pin-to-pin logical connections.
- PCB Layout. Place components and route traces using smart manual tools or a high-speed shape-based autorouter for complex board designs.
- 3D Preview. Rotate and inspect your board in high-quality 3D to check mechanical clearances and component alignment before manufacturing.
- Library Management. Create custom footprints and symbols quickly with automated wizards or choose from thousands of pre-built standard components.
- Real-time DRC. Catch errors as you design with live design rule checking that highlights clearance violations and unrouted nets immediately.
- Manufacturing Exports. Generate all necessary production files including Gerber, Excellon, and ODB++ formats to ensure compatibility with any fabrication house.
Pricing Comparison
Design Master Pricing
- Short circuit calculations
- Voltage drop analysis
- Automated panel schedules
- One-line diagram generation
- Photometric lighting levels
- Equipment and wire sizing
- Everything in AutoCAD tier, plus:
- Native Revit parameter syncing
- Advanced arc flash analysis
- Feeder and branch circuit sizing
- Customizable shared parameters
- Enhanced Revit schedule control
DipTrace Pricing
- 300 pins limit
- 2 signal layers
- All four modules included
- Non-profit use only
- Standard libraries included
- Everything in Free, plus:
- 500 pins limit
- 2 signal layers
- Commercial use allowed
- Perpetual license
- Free minor updates
Pros & Cons
Design Master
Pros
- Significant reduction in manual calculation errors
- Excellent technical support from knowledgeable engineers
- Seamless integration with existing AutoCAD workflows
- Automatic updates to schedules save hours
- Highly specialized for NEC compliance standards
Cons
- Initial setup requires significant time investment
- Interface feels dated compared to modern apps
- Learning curve for customizing specific block libraries
DipTrace
Pros
- Extremely intuitive interface compared to traditional CAD tools
- One-time purchase model avoids recurring subscription costs
- Excellent 3D visualization for mechanical clearance checks
- Fast learning curve for beginners and hobbyists
Cons
- Library search functionality can feel slightly dated
- Auto-router may require manual cleanup for complex boards
- Limited high-speed design features in lower tiers