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Autodesk AutoCAD Alternatives

Autodesk AutoCAD Alternatives

Autodesk AutoCAD

Known for robust compatibility and as the standard application for computer-aided design, Autodesk AutoCAD supports a wide variety of files formats. Though there are other alternatives that support the opening of .dwg files that store 2D and 3D data.

As AutoCAD is paid software, you might want to look into the many free alternatives that are available. On top of this, though AutoCAD is available on most popular desktop and mobile operating systems, it does not have a Linux-based client, so alternatives to AutoCAD that run on Linux are available as well.

Best Autodesk AutoCAD Alternatives

Looking for a program that is like Autodesk AutoCAD? We have our top picks here. If you need another program that has some of the features of Autodesk AutoCAD on your device, read what we recommend in this post.

SketchUp

SketchUp

FreemiumMacWindowsWeb

SketchUp (formerly Google Sketchup) is a 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering, film, and video game design—and available in a freeware version, SketchUp Make, and a paid version with additional functionality, SketchUp Pro. SketchUp comes with a 3D Gallery that lets you search for models and share yours.

Features:

  • 3D modelling
  • 3d sketching
  • Clear and fast workflow
  • Pencil
  • 3d Drawing
  • Browser based
  • Cabinet design
  • Image to 3D
  • Interior Design
  • Mechanical Design
FreeCAD

FreeCAD

FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinux

FreeCAD is a general purpose parametric 3D CAD modeler. The development is completely Open Source (LGPL License). FreeCAD is aimed directly at mechanical engineering and product design but also fits in a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or other engineering specialties. FreeCAD features tools similar to Catia, SolidWorks or Solid Edge, and therefore also falls into the category of MCAD, PLM, CAx and CAE.

Features:

  • 3D modelling
  • Parametric Modeling
  • Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
  • DWG support
  • FEM
  • Procedural modeling
  • Windows XP Compatibility
  • 3d Drawing
  • Bim
  • Drawing 2D
LibreCAD

LibreCAD

FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxPortableApps.com

LibreCAD (originally QCad then CADuntu) is an open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux. It is based on Qt, which is a leading cross-platform application and UI development framework. LibreCAD can read DWG files (and others) as of the latest Nightly build. It writes DXF files, but can also export SVG, JPG, PNG, PDF and other files.

Features:

  • Bim
  • Construction layers
  • Drawing
  • Portable
DraftSight

DraftSight

CommercialWindows

DraftSight is a professional-grade, open 2D CAD product for users who want a better way to read, write and share DWG files. DraftSight is easy to use and is available for professional CAD users, students and educators to download and activate for free.* Based on advanced architecture, DraftSight has a small footprint, should take less than a few minutes to download, and runs on multiple operating systems, including Windows XP®, Windows Vista® and Windows® 7.

Features:

  • Drawing 2D
  • 3d sketching
OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD

FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinux

OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and MacOS. Unlike most free software for creating 3D models (such as the famous application Blender) it does not focus on the artistic aspects of 3D modelling but instead on the CAD aspects.

CMS IntelliCAD

CMS IntelliCAD

CommercialWindows

CMS IntelliCAD® is a full-featured Compatible CAD Software. CMS IntelliCAD also offers a full suite of 2D and 3D AutoCAD® software compatible drawing tools! It is the smartest choice for anyone who creates or communicates using CAD drawings.

Features:

  • 3D modelling
  • Drawing 2D
  • DWG support
  • 3d renderer
  • BIM import
  • Constructive geometry
  • Import 3D models
  • Command Line support
  • Construction layers
  • Data export/import
  • Extruding sketches
  • IntelliCAD
  • Native.dwg file support
  • Parametric vector shapes
  • Project overview
  • Realistic rendering
  • Surface Modelling
  • Vectorize raster images
  • Workflow Designer
  • Dwg compatible
  • Real time rendering
BRL-CAD

BRL-CAD

FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinux

BRL-CAD is a powerful cross-platform open source solid modeling system that includes interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, image and signal-processing tools, a system performance analysis benchmark suite, libraries for robust geometric representation, with more than 20 years of active development.

Features:

  • Benchmark analytics
  • Image Processing
  • 3D modelling
BricsCAD

BricsCAD

CommercialMacWindowsLinux

BricsCAD the first all-in-one CAD design solution in .dwg that answers all your needs; 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and BIM. The BricsCAD® family of products brings a cost-effective, multi-platform CAD solution to Windows, macOS, and Linux. BricsCAD is available as a permanent/perpetual license & subscription license, for networked or stand-alone computers. You can also add All-In Maintenance for ease of keeping up-to-date.

Features:

  • 3D modelling
  • Bim
  • BIM import
  • Drawing 2D
  • DWG support
  • Mechanical Design
  • Mechanical Simulation
nanoCAD

nanoCAD

CommercialWindows

nanoCAD is a pro-grade 2D CAD system with native DWG support and full customizability. It is totally free, for business, professional, or personal purposes. It is fast, lightweight, capable, and , unlike most free CAD programs, completely uncrippled. nanoCAD includes: 1. Classic CAD interface. Any engineer could easily master nanoCAD since everything is in their right places: menu, button icons, panels, command line, and the commands theirselves are easily recognizable.

Features:

  • 3D modelling
  • Convert DWG to PDF
  • DWG support
  • Night mode/Dark Theme
  • Convert PDF to DWG
QCAD

QCAD

Free PersonalMacWindowsLinux

QCAD is an application for computer aided drafting in 2D. With QCAD you can create technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts or schemas and diagrams. QCad uses the AutoCAD DXF file format internally and to save and import files. AutoCAD DWG support is available as a commercial plugin. QCAD is available in two versions: Community edition and Professional edition. QCAD Community Edition is free and open source.

Features:

  • Drawing 2D
  • Scripting

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