Abstract: A method for designing a first forming element for a forming tool that is intended for forming workpieces is provided. The forming tool includes the first forming element and at least one second forming element. The method includes the steps of: providing first data, characterizing an element geometry of the first forming element; providing second data, characterizing the second forming element; by way of an electronic computing device, carrying out a forming simulation on the basis of the first and second data, where a forming of a workpiece that is brought about by way of the forming elements is simulated by way of the forming simulation and a forming geometry of the workpiece; comparing the forming geometry with a predetermined target geometry; and if a difference determined by the comparison between the forming geometry and the target geometry exceeds a predetermined threshold, changing at least the first data.