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.
MagiCAD
MagiCAD is a specialized BIM software for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design that integrates directly with Revit and AutoCAD to streamline complex engineering calculations and 3D modeling workflows.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Design Master | MagiCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Website | designmaster.biz | magicad.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Custom |
| Starting Price | $90/month | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2001 | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, USA | Turku, Finland |
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.
MagiCAD
MagiCAD provides you with a powerful set of tools specifically designed for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design. It functions as an extension for Revit and AutoCAD, allowing you to perform complex engineering calculations, such as pressure drops and sound levels, directly within your 3D model. You can access a massive library of over one million manufacturer-verified BIM objects, ensuring your designs are accurate and ready for installation.
The software helps you automate repetitive drafting tasks and resolve coordination issues before they reach the construction site. Whether you are designing ventilation systems, electrical circuits, or piping networks, you can maintain high data integrity throughout the project lifecycle. It is primarily used by MEP engineers, designers, and BIM managers in the construction and building services industries to increase productivity and design quality.
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.
MagiCAD Features
- BIM Object Library. Access over one million intelligent, manufacturer-verified BIM objects with accurate dimensions and technical data for your MEP designs.
- Integrated Calculations. Perform real-time engineering calculations for sizing, pressure drops, and flow rates directly within your Revit or AutoCAD models.
- Collision Detection. Identify and resolve structural conflicts automatically to ensure your pipes, ducts, and cables fit perfectly in the physical space.
- Automatic Provision for Voids. Create and manage wall and floor openings automatically based on your MEP runs to simplify coordination with structural engineers.
- Circuit Wiring Tools. Draw wires and manage electrical circuits efficiently with automated tools that handle wire lengths and voltage drop calculations.
- Schematic Drawing Sync. Link your 2D schematic diagrams with your 3D models to ensure data remains consistent across all project documentation.
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
MagiCAD Pricing
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
MagiCAD
Pros
- Massive library of real-world manufacturer components
- Seamless integration with Revit and AutoCAD workflows
- Highly accurate built-in engineering calculation engines
- Significant time savings on repetitive drafting tasks
- Excellent support for localized engineering standards
Cons
- Significant initial learning curve for new users
- Pricing is high for small independent firms
- Requires a host platform like Revit or AutoCAD
- Hardware intensive when handling very large models