PTC Creo is considered the leading CAD software platform on the market. However, many people wonder how this top player compares to Pro/E (also known as Pro/Engineer). So the question remains: Which is better when it comes to Creo vs Pro/E?

It’s a trick question: Creo is Pro/E.

The History of Creo

Creo is simply the latest version of Pro/E. Back in 2011, Pro/E was relaunched as a suite of applications and renamed “PTC Creo.” Since then, Creo has had four major upgrades, with the latest, Creo 5.0, having launched in March 2018. Creo is not a single product but rather a suite of applications, each of which is aimed at a specific CAD task.

The family of products that went along with Pro/E have all been rebranded and renamed within the new suite as follows:

  • Pro/E became PTC Creo Parametric
  • CoCreate became PTC Creo Direct
  • Product View became PTC Creo View

PTC Creo: The Complete Suite of CAD Applications

The Creo suite includes:

Which is better?
We think Creo is superior to Pro/E simply because it has all the latest CAD tools and features that you need to stay competitive in the market including augmented reality (AR), topology optimization, and comprehensive simulation.

Creo vs Pro/E Upgraded Tools and Features

In the last seven years, a lot has changed across the Pro/E and Creo platforms. Here are the newer features that our customers have been enjoying the most:

Improved UI and UX

PTC has significantly improved the user interface in the most recent versions of Creo. Some of the latest upgrades include the ability to customize ribbon toolbars based on user preferences and a general focus on improving the UX of all modeling tools.

Integrated Online Training

Unlike many other CAD platforms, PTC Creo includes access to integrated online training, including over 200 free tutorials, to help users refine and improve their skills. What’s more, PTC has a vibrant user community both online and at the local and regional levels to help everyone further their Creo skills or troubleshoot any issues they may have.

Integrated online training allows Creo users at all levels to improve and refine their CAD skills.

Flexible Modeling

Flexible Modeling tools allow Creo users to complete late-stage design changes without completely throwing project deadlines off-track. Upgraded tools remove the need for design teams to rework models from scratch and instead allow them to make modifications to geometry directly without losing original design intent.

Unite Technology

Working in a multi-CAD environment can be necessary but challenging. Translating CAD files is not only time-consuming, it’s also highly error-prone and often causes other larger issues in the design process. Unite technology allows Creo users to seamlessly open native CAD files from other applications without any file translations. This not only saves time, it also allows users to incorporate other CAD data into files without creating additional business objects and without needing to purchase additional CAD licenses.

Open any CAD file without tedious translation processes using Unite technology.

Render Studio

The Render Studio makes it easy to create stunning photorealistic images from 3D CAD files directly within the Creo interface. Instead of hiring outside designers, teams can create their own images for design review, marketing collateral, and packaging all while preserving their intellectual property (IP). Using these images can significantly improve communication and visualization between internal and external stakeholders.

Design Exploration

Design exploration tools give users the ability to explore design alternatives without ever having to make permanent changes to existing CAD files or models. Users can easily backtrack to previous decision points if they decide to go another direction or revert back to the original concept. Users can maintain original design ideas as well as branches of design all within a single model file.

Augmented Reality (AR) Tools

Augmented Reality (AR) brings your designs to life. Coupled with Vuforia™ technology, Creo makes it possible to create AR experiences that can be shared instantly around the globe. Using these tools, you can significantly improve the design and review process by showing how your products will look in the real world.

Topology Optimization

A new extension allows users to easily define their objectives and constraints and then lets Creo handle the rest. No need to complete complex manual parametric geometry tasks; Creo can generate it automatically, based on unique user specifications.

Productivity Enhancements

Basic design functionalities have also been improved to increase productivity and assist design teams in making better products faster with:

  • Dynamic cross-sectioning
  • Full-screen modes
  • Visual aids for missing references
  • View normal features
  • Improved draft features
  • Mid-plane options for Datum planes
  • On-the-fly sketch references
  • Mirror preview and update
To learn more about all the features added and upgraded since the last Pro/E release, check out some of our other blog posts:
What’s New with Creo 2.0?
Announcing PTC Creo 3.0
Creo 4.0 Has Arrived
Creo 5.0 Has Arrived
PTC Creo Price: How Much Does Creo Cost?

Creo vs. Pro/E Licensing Changes

Since the last release of Pro/E, PTC has modified their licensing models to only offer subscription licenses. If you currently have an active perpetual license for Pro/E, you will not be forced into the subscription model and your existing contract will be honored. However, if you want to upgrade to the latest version of Creo, you will need to purchase a new subscription license.

Creo is only offered via subscription licenses.

Given all of the new tools and features in the more recent version of Creo, we highly recommend upgrading. Plus, with a subscription license you will have access to all the latest releases (including ongoing maintenance and security updates), assisted support from PTC, and exclusive eLearning content.

Ready to Upgrade?

If you’re still using Pro/Engineer, then you could be falling behind your competitors who have the latest tools to create state-of-the-art products. In order to stay competitive, upgrade to the latest version: Creo 5.0.

From now until the end of September, PTC is offering buy one, get one half-off Creo licenses. Whether you have new hires or are looking to expand your design team’s capabilities, right now is the perfect time to buy.

Take advantage of this sweet offer

Or, if you want more information about Creo 5.0 and how to upgrade from Pro/E, contact us.