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 for Linux
When deciding on the best Autodesk AutoCAD alternative, consider these alternatives. Check out these other software with a similar interface and features as well.
FreeCAD
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxFreeCAD 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
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxPortableApps.comLibreCAD (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
OpenSCAD
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxOpenSCAD 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.
BRL-CAD
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxBRL-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
CommercialMacWindowsLinuxBricsCAD 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
QCAD
Free PersonalMacWindowsLinuxQCAD 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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