Work with Alibre users
Take files from customers or suppliers on Alibre Design and assemble, detail or machine them in MECHCAD.
MECHCAD 2026 · ALIBRE FILES
Work with Alibre users: open Alibre files in MECHCAD and keep editing the features
Do your customers, suppliers or colleagues use Alibre Design? MECHCAD 2026 opens .AD_PRT and .AD_ASM files, with parts as editable sketches and features, so both programs can work side by side. For teams who want the full Alibre Design workflow, MET continues to sell, train and support Alibre.
| File | Result in MECHCAD |
|---|---|
| Alibre part (.ad_prt) | Editable sketches + features (falls back to a solid if a feature cannot be rebuilt) |
| Alibre assembly (.ad_asm) | Converted to MECHCAD parts + assembly |
How to do it
- 01
Download and install MECHCAD 2026, then press Start 30-day Premium trial on the Welcome screen.
- 02
File › Open… and select an .ad_prt or .ad_asm file.
- 03
Edit the features, then Save As .metprt.
Editable features
Change sketch dimensions and features straight away.
Everything after import
Assemblies, drawings, BOM, robot simulation and CAM.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Alibre installed to open the file in MECHCAD?
No, MECHCAD reads Alibre files itself. If your team also wants Alibre Design, MET sells and supports it.
Should I choose Alibre Design or MECHCAD?
Whichever suits your team. Alibre Design is a proven US brand, and MET remains an Alibre partner that fully supports it. MECHCAD is MET’s own Thai brand, developed and supported locally. The two can share files.
What if a feature cannot be rebuilt?
That part is imported as a solid instead, and you can add new features on top.
Read the full steps in the manual
SolidWorks, AutoCAD and Alibre are trademarks of their owners. MET is an Alibre partner and is not affiliated with the owners of SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
ALIBRE DESIGN OR MECHCAD
Alibre or MECHCAD? MET supports both
PROVEN US BRAND · MET IS AN ALIBRE PARTNER
Alibre Design
For customers who prefer a proven 3D CAD brand from the USA. MET remains an Alibre partner and fully recommends and supports Alibre Design: sales, installation, training and local support in Thailand.
Explore Alibre DesignTHAI BRAND · DEVELOPED AND SUPPORTED BY MET
MECHCAD / MCAD
For customers who prefer a Thai brand. MECHCAD (3D CAD/CAM) and MCAD (2D) are developed in Thailand by the MET team, with local development and support.
Explore MECHCADThe two work together: MECHCAD opens Alibre parts and assemblies (.AD_PRT / .AD_ASM), so teams on either program can share files. Whichever you choose, the MET team will help you pick what fits your work. Talk to MET