What it does
SimLab Composer is a Windows and Mac scene-authoring application for CAD visualisation, animation and interactive presentations. A continuing Free edition handles basic scene work, while paid editions add output formats, simulation and automation. A separate 21-day trial provides the Ultimate toolset.
Import a model through the File menu and choose the correct up axis. Place in View positions it in the current view, while Zoom to Imported Model centres the scene on it. Keep Dynamic Link retains a connection to the originating CAD file for updates. Import choices depend on the format and edition; STEP, IGES and ACIS require Mechanical or higher.
For an interactive PDF, open 3D PDF Settings, choose a template containing a 3D Area, then export the scene. WebGL has a separate template and navigation setup. A native SIM scene references resources on disk, whereas ZIM gathers textures, sounds and other resources into one transferable file. Pack can also collect OBJ, Collada or FBX with textures into a ZIP. A protected scene restricts saving to SIM, ZIM or VR packages and blocks ordinary geometry export.
| Plan | Annual price and features |
|---|---|
| Free | Limited, watermarked rendering and VR; excludes geometry export, 3D PDF, animation and texture baking |
| Pro | US$119 per year; adds geometry export, 3D PDF, animation and texture baking, though VR retains a watermark |
| Mechanical | US$599 per year; adds mechanical imports, simulation and watermark removal |
| Ultimate | US$1,199 per year; adds further import, scripting, command-line and collaboration features |
The 21-day trial requires contact details and a licence file, with no payment card required. Trial use is for evaluation. The published licence separately requires a server licence for unattended automation serving multiple users, and permits supplied models in renders, PDFs and WebGL without granting redistribution of their model files.
Strengths
- Import controls handle orientation, placement and linked CAD updates.
- ZIM and packed exchange files collect resources for handoff.
- PDF and WebGL templates support different interactive presentations.
Watch out for
- The Free edition excludes geometry export, 3D PDF, animation and texture baking.
- Pro's VR output remains watermarked.
- STEP, IGES and ACIS imports require Mechanical or higher.
Best for
- CAD teams preparing interactive product presentations
- Creators packaging scenes and resources for another machine
Sources
- SimLab Composer: CAD to VR, Simulation and 3D Rendering (Oct 28, 2026)
- SimLab Composer | Editions and Licensing (Oct 28, 2026)
- SimLab Composer | Mechanical and Ultimate Editions (Oct 28, 2026)
- SimLab Composer Pricing (Oct 28, 2026)
- File Menu | SimLab Help (Oct 28, 2026)
- SimLab Composer Supported 3D Formats (Oct 28, 2026)
- Download SimLab Composer Free Trial (Oct 28, 2026)
- End-User License Agreement for SimLab Composer (Oct 28, 2026)
- SimLab Composer Licensing (Oct 28, 2026)