Exocad DentalCAD is the main competitor to 3Shape among CAD programs for dental labs. If you decided to buy Exocad, install Exocad DentalCAD or just figure out where to download Exocad latest version — this guide is for you. We cover the Exocad DentalCAD installation process, license activation, implant library connection and typical problems. And most importantly — who to contact if you need Exocad installation done in an hour.
What is Exocad DentalCAD
Exocad DentalCAD is a CAD program from German company exocad GmbH (headquarters in Darmstadt). Designed for designing dental prostheses, crowns, bridges, veneers, abutments and surgical guides for implantation.
The latest Exocad DentalCAD version is 3.3 Chemnitz (released in 2024, updated with patches). Previous major releases: 3.2 Elefsina, 3.1 Rijeka, 3.0 Galway. Each Exocad version is named after a European city. Exocad DentalCAD price starts at 4500 euros for the base license.
Exocad DentalCAD runs on Windows 10/11 64-bit. macOS and Linux are not officially supported. On Mac you can run through Parallels Desktop or Boot Camp with Windows.
Where to buy Exocad DentalCAD
Exocad DentalCAD is sold **only through official dealers** of exocad GmbH. Direct purchase from exocad.com website is not available. Dealers exist in all countries:
In Europe: Camlog, Henry Schein, Whip Mix. In USA: Glidewell, Henry Schein. In Latin America: dental dealers through local partners. In Spain: dealers through Dentsply Sirona Iberia. In Russia and CIS: Avantis 3D, DentSoft, Hi-Tech.
Exocad DentalCAD price varies by country:
- Base license: 4500-6000 euros
- Implant Module: +1500-2500 euros
- Model Creator (printable models): +1000 euros
- FullDenture Module (full dentures): +2000 euros
- Smile Creator (smile design): +1500 euros
- Bite Splint Module (splints): +1000 euros
- Update Plan (version updates): +500-1000 euros/year
Exocad license is perpetual. Pay once — use as long as you want. Update Plan is optional — without it you stay on the purchased version.
Exocad DentalCAD system requirements
Minimum: Intel Core i5 8th gen, 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB, SSD 256 GB. Recommended: Intel Core i7 12th gen, 32 GB RAM, NVIDIA RTX 3060 12GB, NVMe 1 TB. Details in article «Exocad DentalCAD system requirements».
Exocad DentalCAD installation process
Installing Exocad DentalCAD requires the following steps:
Step 1: Getting the distribution. The dealer provides a download link (usually through exocad FTP server). Installer size — 1.5-2 GB.
Step 2: License activation. Two options exist:
- USB dongle (CodeMeter) — physical key plugged into USB port. Most reliable.
- Software license (Activation Code) — no dongle, through online activation. Tied to specific computer.
Step 3: Module installation. If you bought Implant Module, FullDenture or others — they install separately after the base program.
Step 4: Connecting implant libraries. Important: Exocad DentalCAD comes with a minimal library. Libraries for specific brands (Straumann, Nobel Biocare, MegaGen, Osstem, ZimVie) download separately and install manually. Each brand — separate procedure.
Step 5: Export configuration. If you have a mill (Roland, VHF, Imes-Icore) — you need STL export setup for the specific equipment. If 3D printer — format for the slicer.
Step 6: Test project. Create a project on a test scan, design a simple crown, verify everything works.
How long does self-installation of Exocad take
If you have Exocad experience and necessary knowledge — 2-4 hours for base installation, plus 1-2 hours for connecting implant libraries of needed brands, plus 1-2 hours for export configuration to mill or printer. Total 4-8 hours.
Without experience — plan for a full day. And be ready that some steps will need to be redone after consultation with dealer tech support.
Typical Exocad DentalCAD installation problems
«CodeMeter dongle not working» — common problem. Solution: reinstall CodeMeter drivers from Wibu-Systems website, check version (need current).
«Program opens, but no modules» — modules install with separate installers. Check that you have installers for all purchased modules.
«Won't open STL from scanner» — need the right version. Exocad DentalCAD 3.3 Chemnitz opens STL from any modern scanner. Older versions (3.0 and below) may not understand new formats.
«Straumann library won't connect» — libraries need to be installed through special installer (Library Setup). Not enough to just copy files into program folder.
«License expired» — Update Plan ended. Program continues working on the version you updated to, but you don't get new updates.
Exocad DentalCAD version comparison
Exocad 3.3 Chemnitz (current) — best work with large scans, AI plugins for auto-design, color scan support.
Exocad 3.2 Elefsina — stable, many labs still work on it. Lower hardware requirements.
Exocad 3.1 Rijeka and 3.0 Galway — outdated, not supported by modern scanners and printers. Time to upgrade.
We install Exocad DentalCAD in an hour
We install Exocad DentalCAD remotely in 60-90 minutes. What's included:
- Installation of latest Exocad DentalCAD version (3.3 Chemnitz)
- License activation
- Implant library connection for all needed brands (Straumann, Nobel, MegaGen, Osstem, ZimVie, any others)
- Export configuration for your mill or 3D printer
- 1-year activation warranty
We connect via AnyDesk or TeamViewer, perform installation in real time, you see the entire process. More on how remote installation works — in article «How remote installation works».
Message Telegram @keys_helper or WhatsApp — we'll arrange a convenient time, install Exocad DentalCAD today.
If choosing between Exocad and 3Shape — article «3Shape vs Exocad: which to choose in 2026». If interested in Exoplan (implant module) — separate program from exocad GmbH, we install it too.
