FAQ

Product

What is Meridian?

Meridian is a parametric CAD program for the desktop. It has parts, assemblies, drawings, structural simulation (FEA), fluid simulation (CFD, Beta), rules, a command line and an MCP server for AI agents.

Which systems does Meridian run on?

Meridian runs on Linux and Windows. It is a desktop program only.

Is Meridian finished?

No. Meridian is in beta. Each release is a beta release. The About window and the start page show a "Beta" badge.

Can I buy Meridian one time, without a subscription?

Not at this time. The pricing page shows a one-time purchase of Meridian 1.0 as "Not available until full release".

Subscription and licence

How much does Meridian cost?

The Meridian plan costs $14.99 a month.

Is there a free trial?

Yes. The trial is 7 days. You must give a card to start the trial. The first charge occurs when the trial ends. Each account can get the trial one time.

Can I get a refund?

No. Meridian does not give refunds. When you cancel, you keep access until the end of the time that you paid for.

How do I cancel?

Go to the account page at https://meridiancad.app/account/ and cancel the subscription there.

On how many computers can I use Meridian?

On 3 computers. To use a different computer, remove one on the account page.

Can I use Meridian without an internet connection?

Yes, for some time. A licence lease is valid for 7 days. Meridian renews it when it can. Connect to the internet at least one time in 7 days.

Where do I download Meridian?

From the account page at https://meridiancad.app/account/. You must have a confirmed email address and an active subscription or trial. On Linux, you can also use the install command. Refer to Getting started.

How do I get updates?

Meridian looks for updates when it starts and one time each day. You can also select Help > Check for Updates. Refer to Account and licence.

Modeling

Can I open STEP files?

Yes. Select File > Import to add the bodies of a STEP, STL or OBJ file to a part. On the command line, meridian import can make an assembly from a STEP file with a product structure.

Can I export STEP files?

Yes. Use the command line: meridian export <file> --format step. Meridian writes STEP AP242. The File > Export command in the window exports STL, OBJ, 3MF, XML, PNG and SVG.

Can I use keyboard shortcuts from a different CAD program?

Yes. Meridian has keymap presets that are similar to Inventor, SOLIDWORKS, Fusion, Creo and Onshape. Go to Tools > Preferences > Keyboard & Mouse. Refer to The interface.

Can I work in inches?

Yes. Select the units in the first-run setup, or start from the inch part template. A number without a unit uses the document unit. You can also type a unit, for example 2 in.

Will my files open in later versions?

Yes. A file that Meridian 2.0.41-alpha or later writes opens in each later release. Refer to File formats.

Simulation

Are the simulation results reliable?

The structural solvers pass NAFEMS benchmarks and analytic checks. Refer to Validation. Always check the mesh, the supports and the loads. Make the mesh finer and compare the results.

The flow solver is Beta. Use its external drag and lift above a Reynolds number of about 1,000 as indications only.

Are simulation results saved in the file?

No. The studies are saved, but the results are not. Run the study again after you open the file.

Does Meridian use my graphics card for simulation?

Only the flow solver can use the graphics card, through OpenCL. Refer to GPU compute.

Can I simulate an assembly?

Yes, for structural studies. Flow studies are for parts only.

Automation and AI agents

Can an AI agent use Meridian?

Yes. The MCP server meridian-mcp lets an AI agent open, change, check, simulate and export models. Refer to MCP server for AI agents.

Can an AI agent damage my files?

The agent can only use files in the workspace folders that you set. Use --read-only to stop all changes. An agent that controls Meridian Studio cannot save, close documents, exit or change the preferences.

Can I automate Meridian without an AI agent?

Yes. Use the meridian command line in scripts, and Meridian Rules in documents. Refer to Command line and Parameters and rules.

Help

How do I report a problem?

In Meridian, select Help > Report an Issue. On the website, click Report an issue in the footer.