Users are encouraged to design their own aircraft, and design software titled "Plane Maker" and "Airfoil Maker" are included with the program. This has created an active community of users who use the simulator for a variety of purposes. Since designing an aircraft is relatively simple and the flight model can help predict performance of real-world aircraft, several aircraft companies use "X-Plane" in their design process. The CarterCopter uses "X-Plane" for flight training and research. "X-Plane" also contributed to the design of the Atlantica blended wing body aircraft.