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.
GX Works3
GX Works3 is a comprehensive configuration and programming software designed to simplify the setup, maintenance, and operation of Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-R and iQ-F series programmable logic controllers.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Design Master | GX Works3 |
|---|---|---|
| Website | designmaster.biz | mitsubishielectric.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | One_time |
| 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 | 1921 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, USA | Tokyo, Japan |
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.
GX Works3
GX Works3 is the latest generation of system design and programming software from Mitsubishi Electric, specifically built for the MELSEC iQ-R and iQ-F series. You can manage your entire automation lifecycle—from initial system design and hardware configuration to complex programming and long-term maintenance—within a single, integrated environment. The software focuses on reducing engineering costs by providing a highly intuitive, graphics-based configuration tool that lets you visualize your hardware setup instantly.
You can choose from multiple programming languages like Ladder, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagram to suit your specific project needs. The platform includes a powerful simulation engine, allowing you to test your code and hardware logic in a virtual environment before deploying to the factory floor. This helps you catch errors early, reduce commissioning time, and ensure your industrial processes run smoothly from day one.
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.
GX Works3 Features
- Module Configuration. Drag and drop hardware components to create a visual representation of your system while the software handles internal addressing automatically.
- Integrated Simulation. Test your program logic and monitor device states in a virtual PLC environment without needing any physical hardware on your desk.
- Multi-Language Support. Write your code using Ladder, Structured Text, or Function Block Diagrams, and even mix different languages within the same project.
- Global Label Management. Create and share labels across different program parts and even other software like GT Works3 to ensure data consistency.
- System Monitor. Troubleshoot your system in real-time with detailed diagnostic tools that highlight errors and provide suggested solutions for quick recovery.
- Safety Configuration. Set up and manage your safety CPU and remote I/O modules within the same interface to simplify your safety logic implementation.
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
GX Works3 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
GX Works3
Pros
- Intuitive graphical interface simplifies complex hardware configuration
- Powerful simulation tools reduce on-site commissioning time
- Seamless integration with other Mitsubishi Electric automation hardware
- Extensive library of pre-built function blocks saves time
- Robust diagnostic tools make troubleshooting significantly faster
Cons
- Large installation size requires significant disk space
- High initial license cost for small shops
- Learning curve when transitioning from older GX Works2