Abstract: Topology optimization is an important method to design high-performance and lightweight innovative structures. Additive manufacturing technology builds as-designed structures via layer-by-layer joining material, which makes it possible to manufacture complex topologies. The combination of the two has natural advantages. To further deepen the application of topology optimization in the field of engineering, it is imperative to develop a topology optimization design module for incremental manufacturing. The topology optimization functions of Autodesk Netfabb, Altair Inspire, Siemens NX and PTC Creo are compared and analyzed. On this basis, the development trend of topology optimization design for additive manufacturing is put forward, aiming to provide reference for the development of domestic industry software design.