Resources & guides
Everything you need to brief, hire, and ship better CAD work
Practical guides for product teams, engineers, and founders — from hiring CAD designers to picking the right software and file format.
Direct service intent pages
Start here if you're evaluating how to engage a CAD partner.
4 resources
- OVERVIEW4 min read
Hire a CAD Designer Online
What to look for, how to write a brief, Upwork vs. dedicated CAD services, and how Marathon OS delivers in 24 hours.
Read more → - OVERVIEW4 min read
Online CAD Design Services
How managed CAD services work, when to use one, marketplace vs. Marathon OS, and how to brief for the best results.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
CAD Design Outsourcing Guide
When to outsource, how to pick a partner, in-house vs. freelancers vs. managed services, and a product-team brief checklist.
Read more → - COMPARISON4 min read
Freelance CAD Designer vs. Platform
Compare freelancers and managed CAD platforms on vetting, speed, revisions, and IP—and when each option wins.
Read more →
Software-specific service pages
Pick a software-specific workflow, outputs, and briefing checklist.
4 resources
- GUIDE4 min read
Hire a SolidWorks Designer
Native SLDPRT, SLDASM, SLDDRW plus STEP, IGES, DWG, DXF, STL—what to ask for, when to hire, and how Marathon OS matches you.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
Fusion 360 Design Service
Native F3D, F3Z plus STEP, IGES, STL, DWG, DXF—briefing tips, freelancer vs. managed service, and how Marathon OS delivers.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
AutoCAD Drafting Services
DWG, DXF, PDF conversions, as-builts, and technical docs—what to require, how to brief, and Marathon OS drafting workflow.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
Revit Modeling Services
BIM modeling, sheets, IFC/DWG/PDF exports, coordination—as-built and documentation scope with vetted Revit experts.
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Deliverable-type pages
Choose by output type and the file package you need delivered.
4 resources
- GUIDE4 min read
3D Product Modeling Service
From concept to production-ready CAD: formats, when to use modeling, DIY vs. managed service, and how to brief for quotes and prototypes.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
2D CAD Drawing Service
DWG/DXF, PDF, patent and shop drawings—in-house vs. freelancer vs. managed, what to require, and how to brief.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
Sheet Metal CAD Design Service
STEP, DXF flat patterns, enclosures and brackets—DIY vs fab vs managed, DFM-focused briefs, and Marathon OS workflow.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
STL File Design Service
Print-ready meshes, STEP/native options, snap-fits and iterations—briefing for FDM/SLA/SLS and Marathon OS delivery.
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Industry vertical pages
Find guides tailored to your domain and delivery constraints.
4 resources
- GUIDE4 min read
Mechanical Engineering CAD Service
Parts, assemblies, drawings, fixtures—full-time vs freelancer vs managed, outputs for manufacturing, and how to brief.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
Product Development CAD for Inventors & Startups
STEP for quotes, STL for prototypes, optional drawings—managed deliverables for founders without hiring freelancers.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
Architectural CAD Drafting Services
Floor plans, elevations, as-builts, DWG/DXF and PDF sets—in-house vs freelancer vs managed, standards, and how to brief.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
Product Rendering Service
Photorealistic PNG/JPG, turntables, exploded views—DIY vs freelancer vs managed, briefs for look-dev, and Marathon OS workflow.
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Comparison and decision pages
Compare options and use decision guides before committing scope.
4 resources
- GUIDE4 min read
How Much Does CAD Design Cost?
Pricing drivers for 3D modeling and drafting, quote checklist, and hourly vs fixed-price vs in-house.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
Best CAD Design Services Online (2025)
Compare marketplaces, design networks, and managed CAD on vetting, speed, deliverables, revisions, and IP.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
How to Write a CAD Design Brief
Templates and tips: scope, dimensions, manufacturing context, and structured briefs for accurate quotes.
Read more → - GUIDE4 min read
PDF to CAD Conversion Service
Editable DWG/DXF, optional STEP, clean PDFs—scans, layers, revisions, and when 3D reconstruction applies.
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