CAD Software You Can Rely On for the Long Term
Many CAD products come and go.
Ours has been evolving for decades.
Mech-Q was originally developed in the 1990s in Australia as a professional engineering add-on for AutoCAD®. It was created by engineers and CAD professionals who needed reliable tools for mechanical, piping, structural, and reporting workflows that standard CAD alone did not address efficiently.
From the start, the focus was practical drafting — not trends, not short-term features. That foundation continues to guide development today.
From Mech-Q to AViCAD: A Natural Progression
As Mech-Q matured and adoption grew internationally, many users wanted more than an add-on. They wanted a complete CAD platform that preserved familiar AutoCAD® workflows while integrating engineering tools directly into the software.
In 2010, AViCAD was introduced.
AViCAD combined:
- A full 2D and 3D CAD platform
- Native DWG compatibility
- Integrated Mech-Q engineering tools
- A streamlined, efficient design without unnecessary software bloat
Rather than replacing Mech-Q, AViCAD expanded on it. Users could continue working inside AutoCAD® with Mech-Q or choose a standalone CAD environment with engineering tools already included.
That flexibility remains central to the platform today.
CADavenue: Global Reach With Hands-On Support (Since 2009)
In 2009, CADavenue was launched to support CAD professionals worldwide — including North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Based in the Pacific Northwest, CADavenue was built on a simple principle:
software is only as good as the support behind it.
We provide:
- U.S.-based phone and email support
- Assistance from real CAD professionals
- One-on-one help when needed
- Small, live training sessions
- Practical CAD courses focused on real workflows
This hands-on approach helps users stay productive without being left to figure things out alone.
A 20+ Year Collaboration Across Continents
Mech-Q was founded in Australia.
CADavenue is an extension of that work.
For more than 20 years, we’ve worked directly with the original Mech-Q development team, maintaining a close collaboration across regions. This ongoing relationship ensures:
- Continued compatibility with new AutoCAD® releases each year
- Coordinated feature development and maintenance
- Consistent behavior across platforms
- Long-term stability without disruptive changes
This is not a reseller arrangement — it’s a shared development history.
Our Story & Product Timeline
1990s
Mech-Q is developed in Australia as an AutoCAD® add-on, focused on real-world mechanical, piping, and structural drafting workflows.
2009
CADavenue launches to serve North America and a growing global user base, extending Mech-Q support worldwide while maintaining close collaboration with the original Australian development team.
2010
AViCAD is introduced as a complete 2D/3D CAD platform, with Mech-Q fully integrated — allowing users to work in a standalone CAD environment without sacrificing familiar AutoCAD® workflows.
2015–2020
AViCAD expands with AEC and architectural tools, performance improvements, and broader DWG compatibility, supporting both production drafting and design documentation.
2021–2025
Annual AViCAD releases continue alongside active Mech-Q development, ensuring compatibility with newly released AutoCAD® versions while refining stability, speed, and workflow consistency.
2026
AViCAD 2026 launches as the fastest release to date, featuring updated BOM and reporting tools, improved AEC utilities, and further performance refinements — reinforcing AViCAD’s focus on efficient, long-term CAD workflows.
Trusted by CAD Professionals Worldwide
CADavenue and Mech-Q are used by:
- Independent CAD professionals
- Small and mid-sized engineering firms
- Designers, fabricators, and contractors
- Long-time AutoCAD® users seeking flexibility and cost control
Many users stay with the platform for years because it supports real work without forcing constant retraining or subscription pressure.
“I received that CAD support I actually understood.”
“We switched to control costs, but stayed because the software just works.”
Ongoing Development, Not One-Time Releases
CAD software requires continuity.
Each year:
- AutoCAD® releases a new version
- Mech-Q is maintained to support current AutoCAD® releases
- AViCAD receives a major update focused on compatibility, performance, and workflow improvements
This consistent release cycle allows users to plan long-term without worrying about abandoned software or forced upgrades.
To maintain transparency, we publish update history and release information so users can see how the software evolves over time.
Looking Ahead With the Same Principles
Tools change. Good workflows endure.
Our focus remains:
- Preserving familiar CAD workflows
- Keeping software efficient and manageable
- Offering flexible licensing options
- Supporting users directly
- Maintaining compatibility year after year
That long-term mindset is why professionals continue to trust CADavenue, AViCAD, and Mech-Q — not just for today’s projects, but for the years ahead.
A Personal Note — Why We’re Here
Hi — I’m Erik, Head of Support at CADavenue.
I want you to know that when you work with CADavenue, you’re not on your own. My team and I are here to help — whether you’re installing software, learning a new workflow, or just need a quick answer to keep a project moving.
We’ve all spent years working hands-on with CAD and AutoCAD-based tools, so when you reach out, you’re talking to people who actually understand the work you’re doing. Sometimes that means a short email reply. Other times it’s a quick screen-share or a one-on-one session to sort something out together.
We take pride in being accessible, practical, and responsive — and in treating every customer with respect, no matter the size of their project or experience level.
If you ever need help, guidance, or just want to make sure you’re on the right track, my team and I are here and happy to help.
— Erik Z
Head of Support, CADavenue
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