EPLAN
EPLAN is a leading electrical engineering software platform that provides automated solutions for panel building, switchgear manufacturing, and control system design. The software streamlines the entire engineering process from schematic design to documentation, featuring template-based design, automated wire connecting, cross-referencing, and access to millions of device data sets through the EPLAN Data Portal. EPLAN supports complete electrical engineering documentation including auto-generated reports, wire lists, and terminal diagrams. The platform integrates seamlessly with ERP and PDM systems, enabling fluid data flows from engineering to operations. EPLAN also includes fluid power engineering capabilities for pneumatic, hydraulic, cooling, and lubrication systems, making it a comprehensive solution for machine and plant engineering.
Full Pricing Breakdown
Official software licensing terms, volume discounts, educational exemptions, and renewal fees vary significantly across countries, exchange rates, and regional authorized resellers. Click below to verify real-time terms directly on the vendor portal.
Key Capabilities
Schematic Design
Data Management
Documentation
Integration
Fluid Power
Technical Audit
Compatibility & Interoperability
Trust & Support
The Pros
- Industry standard for electrical engineering
- Extensive device data portal with millions of components
- Automated documentation saves significant time
- Seamless ERP/PDM integration
- Template-based design for consistency
- Supports fluid power engineering
- Multi-language support
- Strong global support network
The Cons
- High cost compared to some alternatives
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Windows-only
- Pricing not publicly available
- Requires training for full utilization
CADGuide Verdict
Final Professional Conclusion
"The global market leader in electrical engineering CAD, providing highly automated schematic and panel design."
Expert Q&A
?What is EPLAN used for?
EPLAN is a comprehensive electrical engineering software platform used for automated schematic design, panel building, switchgear manufacturing, and control system engineering. It's widely used in machine building, plant engineering, automation, and industrial machinery industries for creating electrical schematics, generating documentation, and integrating with ERP/PDM systems.
?How much does EPLAN cost?
EPLAN is licensed on a Subscription model. Available editions include Electric P8 Subscription, Enterprise Solutions. Because official seat rates, multi-currency pricing, educational exemptions, and authorized reseller quotes vary by region, click the Official Live Pricing link on this page to verify real-time pricing directly on the vendor portal.
?Is there a free version of EPLAN?
EPLAN is a commercial product without a free permanent tier. Educational licenses are available at discounted rates for students and institutions. Commercial users can request an evaluation trial.
?What operating systems does EPLAN support?
EPLAN runs on Windows operating systems. It does not currently support Linux or macOS.
?Which file formats does EPLAN support?
EPLAN supports standard CAD and engineering formats including DXF, DWG, PDF, XML, CSV, and Excel for import and export. It also integrates with various ERP and PDM systems through dedicated interfaces.
?What are the best alternatives to EPLAN?
The closest alternatives to EPLAN are EPLAN Electric P8, AutoCAD, SolidWorks. EPLAN Electric P8 (offered on a Subscription license) competes directly on core Machine Building workflows, while AutoCAD (offered on a Subscription license) is another top-rated option in the same category. Compare their full technical specifications, file-format compatibility, and official licensing options side-by-side on CADGuide.
