When developers and software companies first look at building on IntelliCAD, the same question comes up almost every time: "Where do I actually start, and what's the right fit for my product?"
It's a fair question. IntelliCAD powers hundreds of commercial CAD applications around the world, from specialized plugins to full vertical products used by engineers, surveyors, architects, and manufacturers. But that range is exactly why a single answer doesn't work. The right way to build on IntelliCAD depends on what kind of application you're trying to deliver and who your customers are.
Here are the four main paths developers take, and how to figure out which one fits your goals.
Path 1: Port an ObjectARX Application to IntelliCAD
For software companies with an existing ObjectARX®-based application, our IcARX API provides an ObjectARX-compatible interface that lets you target IntelliCAD with minimal code changes. This is the fastest way to expand your addressable market without rewriting the whole product.
Who this is for: Independent software vendors with an existing ObjectARX-based product looking to also target IntelliCAD users.
Path 2: Build a Vertical CAD Product
Companies creating a vertical CAD product tend to use our IRX (IntelliCAD's native C++ API) or native Teigha .NET® APIs because they provide the deepest integration with IntelliCAD. Members on this path almost always ship the product under their own brand, as their own version of IntelliCAD, with a distinct product name and identity built for a specific industry (AEC, surveying, MEP, manufacturing, GIS, and others).
Who this is for: Established CAD companies or ISVs building a full vertical CAD product for a specific industry.
Path 3: Customize and Automate IntelliCAD for Clients
Not every IntelliCAD development project is about shipping a product. Many firms, consultants, and internal development teams use ObjectARX (through IcARX) or AutoLISP® to automate workflows, build custom commands, and deliver tailored tools for their clients.
IntelliCAD has strong, mature support for both paths, and for teams whose developers are already fluent in these tools, it's often the fastest way to deliver real value without standing up a full SDK-based product.
Who this is for: Consultants, engineering firms, and in-house development teams building custom tools and automations for IntelliCAD users, without shipping a commercial product.
Path 4: The New Integrator Tier
The Integrator tier is a new commercial membership from ITC, launching after the release of IntelliCAD 15 (targeted for July 2026). It is designed for smaller ISVs and vertical developers who want a commercial path to IntelliCAD at a more accessible entry point than our existing commercial membership.
ITC provides a centrally-managed licensing system and a purpose-built Integrator build with customizable branding points. The member is responsible for creating their own branded installer and for distributing and supporting their product. This keeps the tier accessible without requiring source code access or the full commitment of an established commercial membership.
If you've thought about launching your own CAD application but balked at the cost of building a CAD engine or the scale of a full commercial membership, the Integrator tier is worth watching.
Who this is for: Smaller ISVs and vertical developers looking for a commercial path to IntelliCAD without the full commitment of our established commercial membership.
How Membership Fits
Each path maps to a different ITC membership tier. The tiers are designed so that what you pay and what you get aligns with what you're actually building. A small consultancy producing AutoLISP tools doesn't need the same level of access as a company shipping a full vertical product, and an Integrator launching their own branded CAD product operates at a different level again.
The membership structure is designed to meet developers where they are, not to force them into one size. We'll walk through how the tiers work in the upcoming webinar.
Learn More: Free Webinar, June 15
If you're evaluating IntelliCAD for a project, looking to port an existing product, or just curious about what the platform offers, our June 15 webinar walks through all four paths in detail. You'll see how existing member companies have built successful products using each approach, get an early look at what's coming in IntelliCAD 15, and get a first preview of the Integrator tier.
Date: Monday, June 15, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CET
Cost: Free. Recording available to all registered attendees.
ObjectARX and AutoLISP are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. .NET is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. IntelliCAD is a registered trademark of the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium. The IntelliCAD Technology Consortium is not affiliated with or endorsed by Autodesk, Inc. or Microsoft Corporation.