Run CAD applications on high-performance cloud workstations built for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, large assemblies, BIM, and other graphics-intensive workloads.
750+ Ratings
Official Partner
30-day
Rolling Data
Backup
100%
Fully Managed Solution
10+
USA-based Data Center Partners
15+
Years of Industry Experience
8000+
Customers Served
CAD workloads are becoming more demanding as drawing sets, 3D models, assemblies, xrefs, point clouds, and project datasets grow in size and complexity. At the same time, CAD users may need to work across offices, homes, job sites, manufacturing facilities, or client locations. Traditional workstations can make this difficult because performance and access remain tied to physical hardware.
Ace Cloud Hosting delivers GPU-powered CAD virtual workstations where supported applications and project data run on centrally managed cloud infrastructure.
Connect to hosted CAD workstations from supported Windows, macOS, thin-client, and other compatible endpoints without requiring the local device.
Keep DWGs, xrefs, assemblies, BIM models, point clouds, templates, and libraries in a managed environment. Reduce scattered files, duplicate copies, and broken project dependencies.
Give authorized users access to current drawings, models, revisions, and project resources. Improve consistency across remote offices, teams, and contractors.
Instantly scale CPU, RAM, and GPU (VRAM) based on workload demands. Handle 2D drafting, 3D modeling, large assemblies, visualization, or point-cloud processing without performance slowdowns.
Control access to applications, folders, and project workspaces by user or role. Limit sensitive design data to authorized employees, contractors, and collaborators.
Protect drawings, product designs, and engineering data with MFA, encryption, and centralized policies. Restrict file transfers, local drives, USB access, and printing where needed.
Deploy virtual desktops across public, private, or hybrid cloud environments to meet SOC 2, ISO 27001, data residency, and organizational requirements.
Run CAD, BIM, and 3D modeling applications on high-performance cloud infrastructure to ensure fast response times, minimal latency, and a smooth user experience.
Use NVIDIA vGPU-powered cloud workstations for smooth viewport navigation, model rotation, rendering, and other graphics-intensive CAD workloads.
Deliver responsive CAD sessions through Citrix HDX while graphics processing remains in the cloud. Support GPU-accelerated DirectX and OpenGL applications.
Protect drawings, models, and intellectual property with clipboard restrictions, file-transfer controls, screen capture blocking, and endpoint security policies.
Get end-to-end management including environment setup, workstation provisioning, resource optimization, monitoring, and ongoing support for CAD workloads.
Work on architectural plans, fabrication drawings, electrical layouts, xrefs, and sheet sets from a centralized cloud workspace without moving files between individual machines.
Use GPU-enabled cloud workstations for parts, assemblies, sheet metal, and complex 3D models while scaling resources as model size and complexity increase.
Keep BIM models, linked files, families, and construction documents accessible in the same cloud environment for teams working across offices, job sites, and remote locations.
Process terrain surfaces, corridors, LiDAR datasets, point clouds, and geospatial references with cloud resources sized for data-heavy civil and infrastructure projects.
Run specialized CAD toolsets for P&IDs, plant layouts, electrical schematics, MEP systems, and GIS workflows without maintaining separate high-spec workstations.
Provision secure CAD workspaces for employees, contractors, and consultants, then scale users up or down as project requirements change.
CAD environments need the right balance of graphics performance, CPU resources, storage, data locality, and remote-session optimization. GPU-powered cloud workstations help address these infrastructure challenges while keeping applications and project data centrally managed.
Right-Sized GPU Cloud Workstations
Configure virtual workstations according to each CAD workload rather than replacing the complete physical workstation when requirements increase.
Complex models outgrow workstation resources
Right-Sized GPU Cloud Workstations
Configure virtual workstations according to each CAD workload rather than replacing the complete physical workstation when requirements increase.
Assemblies, xrefs, models, and point clouds become difficult to move between sites
Centralized CAD Data Environment
Keep the CAD application and its project data within the same cloud environment where possible. This reduces dependence on repeatedly transferring complete datasets between remote endpoints and office-based file systems.
Graphics-intensive workloads need more than network access to office resources
GPU-Accelerated Application Delivery
Run CAD processing on the cloud workstation and use Citrix HDX Graphics to deliver the interactive session to the endpoint. This architecture is designed for professional OpenGL and DirectX applications, including CAD/CAM/CAE workloads.
Local CAD files increase exposure across employee and contractor devices
Centralized Access & Session Controls
Keep project data inside managed cloud infrastructure and control how users interact with it.
Run CAD applications and project files in a high-performance cloud environment without relying on physical workstations.
Access CAD, BIM, engineering, and design applications through a centrally managed virtual desktop, with GPU resources available for graphics-intensive workloads.
Work with 2D and 3D Drawings from a Centralized CAD Workspace
Access CAD applications for DWG drafting, layouts, annotation, detailing, sheet sets, and reference management through a centralized cloud workspace, keeping project files and workflows consistent across users and locations.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD Architecture
AutoCAD Mechanical
AutoCAD Map 3D
MicroStation
AutoCAD Raster Design
BricsCAD
AutoCAD Civil 3D
Work with 2D and 3D Drawings from a Centralized CAD Workspace
Access CAD applications for DWG drafting, layouts, annotation, detailing, sheet sets, and reference management through a centralized cloud workspace, keeping project files and workflows consistent across users and locations.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD Architecture
AutoCAD Mechanical
AutoCAD Map 3D
MicroStation
AutoCAD Raster Design
BricsCAD
AutoCAD Civil 3D
Work with Parts, Assemblies, Drawings, and Parametric Models
Run MCAD applications for parametric modeling, assemblies, sheet metal, product design, and manufacturing documentation on a cloud desktop or remote GPU virtual workstation, without relying on high-end local hardware.
SOLIDWORKS
Siemens NX
Solid Edge
CATIA
PTC Creo Parametric
PTC Creo Direct
Autodesk Fusion
Autodesk Inventor
Run Model-Based Building and Infrastructure Workflows in the Cloud
Access BIM and civil design applications for building modeling, site development, transportation, structural design, and infrastructure projects through a centralized cloud environment with scalable compute resources.
Autodesk Revit
Navisworks
ArcGIS Pro
Tekla Structures
OpenCities Map Ultimate
PLAXIS 2D
STAAD.Pro
Vectorworks Architect
Run Specialized CAD Applications for Multidiscipline Design Workflows
Run specialized CAD applications for plant design, P&IDs, electrical systems, MEP, mechanical detailing, mapping, and raster workflows within a centrally managed cloud workspace.
Smart P&ID
OpenPlant Modeler
OpenPlant PID
Smart Electrical
OpenPlant Isometrics Manager
OpenPlant Support Engineering
AUCOTEC Engineering Base
Hexagon Smart 3D
| Operational Area | Traditional Remote Access | Secure Cloud VDI |
|---|---|---|
| Design Data Protection | CAD files may remain on local devices | Drawings, models, and project data stay inside secure infrastructure |
| Access Security | Often relies on device or password-based access | MFA and role-based access controls |
| Workforce Scalability | New users require workstation procurement and setup | CAD desktops can be provisioned as teams scale |
| Device Security | Limited device control | Secure endpoint policies enforced |
| Endpoint Dependency | Performance depends on local workstation specifications | Processing runs on cloud CPU, RAM, and GPU resources |
| Backup & Recovery | Depends on local or manually managed backups | Centralized backup and recovery capabilities |
| Performance & User Experience | Dependent on local device and network quality | Consistent performance with optimized virtual desktop delivery |
| IT Management | High effort for device management and updates | Centralized management with minimal IT overhead |
| Third-Party Access Management | Difficult to securely manage vendor or contractor access | Role-based access for external users |
Why Ace Cloud Hosting?
8000+ Businesses Love Ace Cloud Hosting for Remote Desktop Hosting Services
*Ace Cloud Hosting partners with U.S.-based data centers that are SOC 2, HIPAA, and SSAE 16 certified.
Move graphics-intensive applications and project data to GPU-powered cloud VDI built for demanding CAD use cases.
Get hands-on support to configure your CAD cloud environment and migrate supported project files, user profiles, settings, and related applications.
Reduce dependence on frequent high-end workstation refreshes. Scale cloud resources according to workload requirements instead of replacing complete systems.
Located across multiple regions, our SOC 2, HIPAA, and SSAE-16 certified data center partners offer peak performance with 99.99% uptime.
Get support through calls, chat, and email, including weekends and holidays, for issues related to the hosted cloud environment.
Run graphic design, 2D, 3D modeling, and rendering CAD workloads on GPU-powered cloud desktops without performance bottlenecks.
CAD hosting runs supported desktop CAD applications on a cloud-based virtual workstation instead of relying on the user's local workstation for processing.
The CAD application runs inside the hosted environment with assigned CPU, RAM, GPU, and storage resources. Project files and related applications can also remain within the same environment. Users connect remotely through a supported endpoint. The cloud workstation processes the CAD workload while the remote session delivers screen updates and user input.
Supported applications can include AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor, Revit, Civil 3D, CATIA, Solid Edge, MicroStation, TurboCAD, and others.
AutoCAD specialized toolsets such as Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, MEP, Map 3D, Plant 3D, and Raster Design can also be evaluated for deployment. Compatibility depends on the application version, operating system, virtualization support, licensing, GPU requirements, and integrations.
No. CAD workstation sizing should follow the workload. A user performing primarily 2D drafting may need fewer graphics resources than someone manipulating large 3D assemblies, detailed BIM models, or point clouds. Workstation sizing can consider:
Standard VDI is generally designed for office productivity and less graphics-intensive workloads. GPU-powered VDI adds graphics resources to the virtual workstation so applications can use hardware acceleration for demanding visual workloads.
NVIDIA RTX Virtual Workstation provides professional graphics capabilities, RTX Enterprise drivers, larger GPU frame-buffer profiles, and support for professional design applications. Citrix HDX Graphics supports hardware-accelerated DirectX and OpenGL applications, including CAD, CAM, CAE, GIS, and other professional 3D workloads.
Yes, in some cases, but it depends on the software vendor and license model. Autodesk, for example, allows licenses for multiple Autodesk products to be managed through the same Network License Manager, and its documentation specifically allows different product licenses, such as Revit and 3ds Max, to be combined on one license server. Each application still requires the correct product entitlement or feature code. </p
Applications from different vendors may require separate license managers. For example, SOLIDWORKS uses its own SolidNetWork licensing system. License-server architecture should therefore be reviewed for each CAD application before deployment.
Yes, supported Citrix configurations can provide multi-monitor and high-resolution display capabilities. NVIDIA RTX Virtual Workstation also supports professional multi-display configurations, with capabilities depending on the assigned vGPU profile. Display resolution, monitor count, frame rate, GPU profile, and available network bandwidth should be considered during workstation sizing.
CAD hosting keeps drawings, models, and project files within a centralized virtual environment instead of storing them on local endpoints. Organizations can restrict clipboard access, local drive mapping, USB redirection, file transfers, and screen capture to reduce unauthorized data movement. Role-based access controls also help ensure that sensitive CAD files and intellectual property are available only to authorized users.
Yes, compatible PDM, PLM, file storage, and other engineering systems can be connected with hosted CAD workstations based on their application and virtualization requirements. CAD applications and project data can remain centrally accessible, while supporting systems such as PDM/PLM platforms and file servers can be integrated into the wider environment.
Compatibility should be validated for each application, including its version, database dependencies, license server, network requirements, and vendor licensing terms.
Yes. Additional virtual workstations can be provisioned when project teams expand, contractors join, or workloads increase. Different users can receive different workstation profiles. A 2D drafter does not need to consume the same GPU and memory resources as a user running large assemblies or visualization workloads. Access can also be removed when a project or contract ends.
Yes. Ace Cloud Hosting offers a 7-day free trial that can be used to evaluate the environment with representative applications and workloads. For an accurate test, use the same types of:
