Best Free CAD Software in 2024 [with videos]

CAD stands for computer-aided design software. Simply put, these are computer programs that allow users to create 3D models and 2D drawings of products in the design phase. CAD software is an excellent tool for visualising the product concept and creating the necessary documentation for production.

But 2D and 3D CAD programs can be expensive to buy or subscribe to. Additionally, there are so many alternatives to choose from that finding the right fit becomes a difficult task in itself.

This is why we created this article listing some of the best free CAD software. Additionally, we have added some trial versions for the most well-known powerful CAD programs around.

What Makes Computer-Aided Design Software a Necessity for Engineers?

Computer-aided design software has pretty much completely replaced manual drafting. From being a coveted luxury in design, CAD software is now the default design tool in all sectors of engineering.

In recent years, its ability to ensure communication/collaboration through cloud storage and seamless integration with CAM and CAE systems has significantly increased its proliferation and ubiquity through the design space. The software allows us to create highly complex 3D designs that can take full advantage of the CAM possibilities of today to deliver truly amazing results.

Computer-aided design software further provides many additional functionalities such as analysis, modification, and optimisation of the design prior to manufacturing. The designers can rectify any design errors in the 3D models before the manufacturing phase begins. Making small changes to see how they improve the overall aesthetics and functionality of the product is made very easy.

All these great advantages with little to no disadvantages have made 2D and 3D CAD software a necessity in modern design setups.

How to Choose the Best CAD Software?

There are many different types of CAD programs available in the market. The best CAD software for an application changes from case to case as it depends on many factors such as the desired capability, pricing, application, and ease of learning. One must ask himself the following questions to choose the right CAD software for himself.

What is the purpose?

This is the most important factor that will determine the best CAD software for one’s needs. Companies create CAD software with a certain target audience in mind.

Some software is designed with lots of functionalities that can be used in a variety of fields (general-purpose software such as SolidWorks), while others are designed with a focus on specific niches such as automobile design (e.g. CATIA).

Most free CAD software does not have a specific focus but they still differ from one another.

What features do you need?

Modern CAD software provides a wide range of features. Some software can get really bulky, demanding higher storage and computer processing power from the user. But if finite element analysis, topology optimisation, generative design, etc. are all part of your project flow, these features can be found in many CAD packages.

It is best to opt for features that are most relevant to the application that the software will be subjected to. Writing down a list of your desired features can significantly narrow down the search for the perfect CAD software for you.

Level of expertise

If you are a student and/or a beginner, it might be better to start with CAD software with a short learning curve. Features that help beginners must be given preference. These are:

• A uniform interface throughout the program
• Free learning material
• An active online community for common questions

If you are an advanced user, you need to give thought to features such as:

• The CAD program’s feature set meets all your needs
• It is natively interoperable with relevant solutions such as simulation
• Can import/export all relevant file formats
• The development team is active and regularly introduces new features to keep up with the latest trends

Free 3D CAD Software

We will be starting out with 3D CAD software. The advanced features of 3D CAD have become essential tools from the point of mechanical engineering. All in all, this has proven to speed up the design process by 45% compared to 2D drafting programs.

But these CAD programs can be costly. In many cases, the monthly subscription fee of 3D CAD software can be significantly higher than the lifetime fee of a 2D CAD alternative. This leads to many users looking for free 3D CAD software or professional-grade software with extended trial periods.

We have compiled a list of 3D CAD programs that are either free, have long trial periods or come at a comparatively low cost. If you’re looking for a great 3D CAD program, you can select one from here:

• OnShape
• Fusion 360
• FreeCAD
• Sketchup
• Autodesk Inventor
• SolidWorks
• Solid Edge

Onshape

Onshape is a 3D CAD software designed by a team that initially worked for SolidWorks. Among fully free 3D parametric modelling software, Onshape is one of the very best.  There are some very useful advantages in preferring this CAD software over its competitors for 3D modelling.

To begin with, Onshape has parametric modelling. This means the feature tree records every operation (model history) to support as many edits as needed. Onshape is a feature-packed 3D modeller at par with many paid alternatives. Yes, it may not have all features (FEM support for instance) when you first start but they can be easily added via 3rd party apps from the App store. Most of the apps in its App store are free as well.

In addition to these apps, Onshape can load feature scripts from the community to generate custom geometry. Users also have the option to write their own code for it. These feature scripts allow quick access to difficult-to-design parts.

Onshape is a fully cloud-based 3D modelling software. All you need to do is sign up for an account and start using it. No installation, only login.

Being completely cloud-based has several benefits. One of these is the auto-save function. There is no need to save regularly out of fear of losing work. It also helps users pick up where they left off when working from home. Also, the CAD software never crashes as it is independent of the hardware of the computer it is being used on.

Another benefit is the availability on all platforms which allow you to connect to the internet. This also boosts collaboration and communication efficiency. It works like Google Docs where multiple users can access the same document remotely and make edits on it simultaneously. There’s absolutely no need to save files to share via email or other channels.

An underrated advantage that Onshape offers is that it offers quality STL printing. Only those who have used other free CAD software (such as SketchUp) to create STL files to manufacture complex parts will understand the value of a watertight STL file. Onshape creates files that are perfect for CNC manufacturing methods such as laser cutting or additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing.

Supported file formats

Imports Parasolid, ACIS, STEP, IGES, CATIA v4, CATIA v5, CATIA v6, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Inventor, Pro/ENGINEER, Creo, JT, Rhino, STL files, OBJ, NX, glTF, 3MF, DWT, DXF, and DWG.

Exports Parasolid, ACIS, STEP, IGES, STL, Pro/ENGINEER, Creo, JT, Rhino, NX, JT, GTLF, Collada, PVZ, 3MF, OBJ, SolidWorks, DXF, DWG, PDF, SVG, PNG, JPEG, and DWT.

Operating system

Owing to it being a cloud-based CAD software, Onshape can be used on all platforms such as Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. Similarly, it works well on iOS as well as Android devices.

Pricing

The free version is free with few limitations. Also, you can apply for a free 14-day trial of the professional edition.

For the paid version, there are three packages: Standard, Professional, and Enterprise.

The Standard plan is also free for students, educators and hobbyists. OnShape is also offering its Professional plan to hardware startups and entrepreneurs at no cost.

Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE/PCB software first released by Autodesk in 2013. It is largely considered the best free CAD software around because of its advanced features.

Fusion 360 seamlessly connects the dots between design and fabrication by offering capabilities such as conceptual design, simulation, rendering, and CAM integration. As such, Fusion 360 is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses that need a solution to integrate their entire manufacturing process.

Fusion 360 has a neat and simple user interface. It’s intuitive and easy to get the hang of, making it suitable for novice CAD users while having the advanced features of premium software also present.

The organisation setup is quite modern with its palettes, tiles, menus, and toolbars compared to older Autodesk counterparts such as Inventor. The right-click menu, for example, brings the most used tools to the top and also offers the click-and-drag ability to quickly access common CAD tools.

Similar to Onshape, Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD software. It uses the power of the cloud for intensive tasks such as rendering and FEA which allows you to use Fusion 360 on lower-spec devices with relative ease.

Cloud support is also great for excellent collaboration and communication between teams working on the same project. Multiple users can edit the project in real time. When done, the program saves the work on the Autodesk cloud. You can also export a copy to your local machine.

An advantage that Fusion 360 has over Onshape is that, with the local copy, you can continue to work offline. The only drawback is that you cannot translate files into Fusion 360 without an internet connection.

Fusion 360 has free-form and solid 3D modelling tools integrated seamlessly. It can carry out 3D modelling, animation and rendering flawlessly. Getting the parts ready for CNC manufacturing methods like laser cutting is also easy.

Supported file formats

Fusion 360 currently supports 3D file formats such as .3dm, .asm, .brd, .cam360, .CATPart, .CATProduct, .f3d, .fbx, .g, .iam, .ige, .iges, .igs, .ipt, .neu, .obj, .prt, .sab, .sat, .sch, .skp, .sldasm, .sldprt, .smb, .smt, .ste, .step, .stl, .stp, .wire, .x_b, .x_t, .123dx.

For 2D drawings, it supports .svg, .dxf, and .dwg files.

Operating system

One can use Fusion 360 as a native application on Windows and Mac or as a web app.  The license is connected to one’s Autodesk login and not to a particular device. F360 apps are available for Android and iOS platforms too.

Pricing

Fusion 360 has a free trial period of 30 days after which an interested user may subscribe to a monthly, yearly, or 3-year subscription. As an added bonus you’ll also have the ability to trial Fusion 360 extensions while still on the trial period.

Fusion 360 is free for educational use. The 1-year free license is equally available for a student and an educator. As long as you remain eligible, it is possible to renew the educational subscription every year.

Autodesk also offers a limited free version for personal use provided the use is for non-commercial purposes.  This version includes basic functionality for home-based users.

Pais subscription with the complete functionality of Fusion 360 is available at the following prices:

Monthly: 85 USD

Annually: 680 USD

3-yearly: 2040 USD (If you wish to lock in your price for a longer period)

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open-source 3D modelling software that has gained traction in the last few years. It is a completely free software alternative to expensive CAD programs.

With the number of features it offers, it can easily be compared to expensive industry giants such as SolidWorks. The two of them have similar constraints and tools. And even relations such as tangent, symmetric, and horizontal remain the same. Features such as extrude, revolve, and loft match with professional-grade programs. Surfacing with this free CAD software is especially good thanks to some added features.

For the user interface, FreeCAD has implemented a full GUI mode as well as a command-line interface capability. After a few hours of practice, you will be able to navigate all the buttons easily. Just like SolidWorks, FreeCAD can define hotkeys for quick use during design. This way, users can reach for the hotkeys with one hand and use the mouse with the other, significantly speeding up the design process in FreeCAD compared to some of its paid and other free alternatives.

As one of the most interesting features, it can also perform CFD analysis. Features such as making assemblies, exploded views, and tracking degrees of freedom across the entire range of assembly components are a definite advantage.

The software is capable of updating the BOM as well as creating drawings of the assemblies. It has a vast range of symbols needed to create technical documentation. Presently, FreeCAD has no support for geometric dimensioning and tolerancing but users have developed some workbenches that add GD&T features to FreeCAD.

All the above benefits make it a complete 3D CAD/CAE solution. An added advantage is that since many features match with professional-grade software, transitioning from FreeCAD to other industrial CAD is pretty smooth.

Users looking to make themselves more marketable in the CAD space can use FreeCAD as a stepping stone before moving onto the expensive industry-preferred 3D modelling software. The availability of copious tutorials and communities on almost every social media is a plus point.

It is the perfect CAD software for someone looking for great functionality while not willing to pay for using a CAD program.

Supported file formats

Imports as well as exports in SVG, DXF, STEP, STL, IFC, SCAD, OBJ, IV(Inventor), OFF, NASTRAN, VRML, SCAD (OpenSCAD), DAE (Collada), and IGES.

FreeCAD’s native format is .FCStd.

Operating system

Like LibreCAD, FreeCAD is based on the Qt library making it work flawlessly on multiple operating systems. It works on Mac OS, Linux, Unix, and Windows. At the time of writing this article, FreeCAD doesn’t offer a web app or mobile support.

Pricing

Free

SketchUp

Sketchup is a 3D crafter developed by Trimble for industries such as engineering, architecture, interior design, and video game development. SketchUp has two web-only versions (SketchUp Free and SketchUp Go) and two hybrid desktop/web versions (SketchUp Pro and SketchUp Studio). The web-only versions are used as web apps through browsers.

The SketchUp UI is simple yet intuitive. There is some difference between the UI for the free version and the paid versions. For SketchUp Free, the different CAD tools and features are rolled up into toolbars on the edges of the modelling window, making it appear cleaner. In the left-hand side toolbar are the different sketching tools, and clicking them opens up more options. For instance, clicking on the Line tool gives the option to either draw a line with two points or freehand.

On the right-hand side toolbar are important features such as outliner, 3D warehouse and tags. The 3D warehouse, a unique feature of SketchUp, stores millions of ready-to-go 3D models sorted by categories. Anyone can add to it or use the 3D models from this warehouse for their designs. Free users get 100 downloads a day or 1000 downloads a month, which frankly, is a lot, and users rarely approach this limit. This saves the designer plenty of time in 3D modelling a variety of different parts. The UI also allows for keyboard shortcuts (R for rectangle, C for circle, etc.)

The free version offers a limited 10 GB cloud storage compared to the unlimited storage in GO, Pro and Studio versions. The Free and Go versions do not work offline. The Free version’s license only allows non-commercial use. A limitation of the free option is the inability to use extensions due to it being a web-based program.

Pro and Studio versions offer the ability to create construction drawings and 2D representations directly from  3D models. The main difference between the two is that the Studio version offers photorealistic renders and real-time visualisations. Also, Studio users can efficiently convert Revit models into SketchUp geometry.

It is important to note here that SketchUp does not process nor export STP files and separate converters should be used for that, so the free CAD software is not best suited for mechanical engineers.

Supported file formats

SketchUp Free

Imports SKP, PNG and JPG

Exports SKP, STL and PNG

SketchUp Go

Imports SKP, PNG, JPG, DWG, DXF, DAE, KMZ, 3DS, and DEM

Exports SKP, STL, PNG, DWG, DXF, DAE, KMZ, 3DS, FBX, XSI, OBJ, and VRML

SketchUp Pro

Imports DDF, IFC, IFCZIP, BMP, PSD, TIF, TGA, and PDF (Mac Only) besides everything in SketchUp Go

Exports IFC, WRL, TIF, EPS, and PDF (Mac Only) besides everything in SketchUp Go

SketchUp Studio

Imports RVT, RWP, LAS/LAZ, TFZ, PLY, E57 besides everything in SketchUp Pro

Exports all the same formats as SketchUp Studio

Operating system

Since Sketchup Free and Shop are web-based apps, they can be used on all operating systems. Sketchup Pro and Studio support Mac OS and Windows platforms.

All three support model viewers for iOS and Android devices.

Pricing

Sketchup Free is free to use and paid versions have a 30-day free trial.

Sketchup Go – USD 119/ year

Sketchup Pro – USD 349/ year

Sketchup Studio – USD 749/ year

On request, Sketchup also provides a full refund within 14 days of purchase.

Autodesk Inventor

Developed by Autodesk, Inventor is the go-to product design software for mechanical design. It provides a world-class 3D modelling, documentation, and product simulation solution to manufacturers. The design can be a blend of different methods such as direct, free-form, parametric or rules-based.

Up until 2022, Inventor was available in two versions: Inventor and Inventor Professional. The standard software had all the CAD features necessary for a good mechanical design. Its professional counterpart added advanced tools such as dynamic simulation, cable & harness,  tube & pipe environments, stress analysis and frame generator which is very handy for large-scale factory design, for example.

Since then, Inventor has switched things up a bit and now there’s only one version of Inventor available which includes all the advanced bells and whistles. Users that preferred the standard version with fewer features are now guided towards Fusion 360.

Autodesk Inventor has a pretty standard interface found in many other Windows-based applications. The main window consists of the ribbon, the graphics window, the application frame and the browser. Even for a beginner, it is easy to learn Inventor due to the abundance of study material and video tutorials available online.

Although the software comes with a hefty price tag, we included it in the free CAD article based on the trial versions. The reason is that Inventor is a very powerful professional software that is widely used in the industry.

Supported file formats

Imports STL, DXF, OBJ, DWF Markup, and IDF, STEP, Solid Edge, Solid Works, SAT, Rhino, ProE, NX, JT, IGES, Creo Parametric, CATIA V4 and v5, and Alias.

Exports in most of these formats as well.

Inventor itself uses .ipt for part files, .iam for assembly files, .ipn for presentation files, and .idw/.dwg for drawing files.

Operating system

Autodesk Inventor is available only on Microsoft Windows as a native application. Windows 11 or 10 is needed for Inventor 2023 and 2024. The last release to support Windows 7 was Inventor 2020.

There is no native application for Mac as well as Linux-based computers for this CAD software. However, it is possible to use Windows-based Inventor on these machines through either a Bootcamp, a Virtual Machine, or remote access of a Windows-based computer.

Inventor does not have versions for mobile phones but it allows sharing views of drawings/models through a link. The 2D drawing/3D model can be accessed via a browser on any device for viewing purposes.

Pricing

A user with a regular 30-day free trial needs to subscribe to Inventor after the 30-day trial period expires. Inventor 2024 is available at the following pricing options.

For a teacher or a student, Inventor provides a 1-year educational license for free which is renewable as long as one is eligible.

Monthly: 315 USD

Annually: 2500 USD

3-yearly: 7500 USD (If you wish to lock in your price for a longer period)

SolidWorks

Dassault Systèmes is the creator of SolidWorks. It is one of the most popular 3D CAD software tools in the market offering a complete 3D solution to draft, model, simulate, print, analyse and manage 3D designs.

For 3D modelling/prototyping, SolidWorks has many features that just make it so much easier than alternative CAD applications. The wide product tree helps with technical drawing preparation. Complex assemblies are easy to make, the rendering is realistic, and the simulation reports are decent.

The one thing that almost every user appreciates about SolidWorks is the easy-to-use interface. Its GUI beats Abacus, CATIA, and Ansys. The menus are easy to navigate. Hovering over tools shows what they can do which is especially helpful for beginners. SolidWorks places the commands as close as possible to the cursor to retain the user’s attention on the modelling screen and away from the command menus. Just a right click on the mouse or keyboard shortcuts is sufficient to access the majority of the available commands.

The UI also integrates the different aspects of the process such as manufacturing, costing, assembly and also integrates FEA into the software in an intuitive and streamlined manner. The simulations and animations are easy to use and the toolbox has many worldwide acceptable standards. It is great for CFD analysis and FEA.

SolidWorks has a heavy influence on the mechanical design industry. This has led to a very active community for help with any tasks or issues. There are plenty of video tutorials and helpful documentation online for beginners as well as advanced users. In addition to all the above resources, the development team extends prompt and effective customer support when needed.

Similarly to Inventor, SolidWorks is premium software that does not really belong to the free CAD software category. But as it has a very large dedicated community among the mechanical engineering crowd, we shall bring out some options to get your hands on a free version.

Supported file formats

SolidWorks supports a wide array of file formats such as .dxf, .dwg .psd, .ai, .x_t, .stp, .sat, .igs, .iges, .vda, .wrl, .stl, .cgr, .prt, .asm, IFC, .ipt, .iam, .psm, .asm, .ckd, .dll, .emn, .brd, .bdf, .ibd, and .3dm. Knowing which format to use can be a bit tricky as this list includes all file types such as 2D path, 3D mesh, and 3D solids.

From personal experience, the accuracy with which SolidWorks imports each format varies. For example, with some, you may be able to import the history which could not be the case with others.

Operating system

SolidWorks is available on Microsoft Windows as a native application. There is no native alternative for Mac OS and Linux but it can be used there through a bootcamp or through a VM.

There is no mobile alternative for SolidWorks either. However, there is a lighter version of SolidWorks known as eDrawings. With the added capability of AR/VR, users can review and collaborate on SolidWorks’ 3D models on iOS, Android, and Mac besides native Windows.

Pricing

SolidWorks isn’t big on trials. If you are not a student, SolidWorks offers a two-hour online trial over a period of two days. When this trial expires, it can be extended for another two hours. If you need more time with the trial version, a 7-day unrestricted online or up to a 30-day desktop trial period can be arranged through a reseller.

For students, SolidWorks offers highly discounted packages: 60 USD for the online version which can be accessed anywhere through the web (also on tablets and phones) and 99 USD for the complete desktop version. The educational license is obtainable through the official website.

They’ve also got programs for startup incubators and VC’s to make their products available through them to early-stage startups.

SolidWorks comes in many different packages depending on what services are needed and who is going to be using them. The paid plans are named Standard, Professional, and Premium.

The standard model costs USD 3995 with an annual maintenance fee of USD 1295. The professional model costs USD 5495 with an annual maintenance fee of USD 1495.  For the premium model, the cost is USD 7995 with an annual fee of USD 1995. For each of these models, term licenses for 3 months or a year are also available as needed.

SolidWorks isn’t displaying any price information on its homepage. You’ll have to buy the software through a reseller, so the prices may actually vary depending on the country you’re residing in.

Solid Edge

Siemens Digital Industries Software is the developer behind Solid Edge, a robust and versatile 3D CAD modeling and design system that offers advanced mechanical design, simulation, manufacturing, and design management capabilities. Solid Edge is widely recognized for its broad range of applications, serving industries ranging from automotive to consumer products, machinery, and more.

For 3D design and modeling, Solid Edge provides a unique hybrid 2D/3D design system that enables a seamless transition from 2D drafting to 3D modeling. This flexibility allows designers to work in a manner that best fits their needs. Its synchronous technology brings ease to design modifications, allowing for faster revisions and more accurate models.

Solid Edge’s user interface is intuitive and customizable, in comparison to some of the other 3D modelling programs, it really does come down to personal preference in the end. Similar to other leading CAD systems, it provides hover-over tool tips and context-sensitive menus that guide users efficiently. Its ribbon interface layout is straightforward, and designers can easily access most commands through right-click context menus or keyboard shortcuts.

Integration is another area where Solid Edge excels, providing seamless connectivity between design, simulation, manufacturing, and data management. This integration ensures that all aspects of a product’s life cycle are interconnected, enhancing collaboration and efficiency. Its built-in simulation tools allow for stress, vibration, and thermal analysis, and its manufacturing tools support both traditional and additive manufacturing methods.

The community around Solid Edge is vibrant and active, with various online forums, video tutorials, and educational resources for both new and seasoned users. Siemens also offers access to the official Solid Edge online community, how-to videos, and strong customer support making it a favorite among engineers and designers alike.

Like SolidWorks and Inventor, Solid Edge is not classified as free CAD software. However, its widespread use across various engineering disciplines ensures that various options, such as trial versions or educational licenses, are available for those looking to experience the software.

Supported file formats

Solid Edge itself uses .par for part files, .psm for sheet metal part files, .asm for assembly files and .dft for drawing files.

Imports .dgn, .dxf, .dwg, .stp, .step, .igs, .iges, .x_b, .x_t, .prt, .sat, .plmpxk, .plmxml, .model, .catpart, .catproduct, .sldprt, .sldasm, .jt, .stl, .ipt and .iam.

Exports .bkm, .igs, .iges, .sat, .stp, .step, .stl, .x_b, .x_t, .plmxml, .model, .jt, .xgl, .catpart, .pdf, .u3d, .dgn, .dwg, .dxf, .par, .psm, .bmp, .jpg, .tif and .avi.

Operating system

SolidWorks is native to Microsoft Windows. Beware though, Windows Home Edition is not supported, your computer needs to be running on Windows 10/11 Enterprise or Professional Edition. There is no native alternative for Mac OS and Linux but it can be used there through Bootcamp or through a Virtual Manager.

Solid Edge also has a CAD Viewer for mobile devices.

Pricing

Solid Edge offers a 30-day trial to its full version. Free access for a limited period to Solid Edge Electrical Design and Solid Edge Modular Plant Design is also possible but you’ll have to contact them via their website.

For Hobbyists and Students, Solid Edge is offering the Community Edition and Student Edition respectively. Solid Edge Community Edition has a license that never expires and is available to makers and hobbyists practicing their craft for personal satisfaction, not monetary gain. Solid Edge Student Edition is available to any active student and is intended for academic coursework. Be aware that files created in these editions cannot be opened in commercial versions of Solid Edge and 2D drawings are watermarked.

Early-stage startups in business for less than three years can apply to get Solid Edge for free. There are certain limits regarding the amount of funding and annual revenue though.

Similarly to SolidWorks, Solid Edge has quite a few different software packages to choose from. The price for the most basic version, Solid Edge Design & Drafting, is 1032 USD per year. Solid Edge Foundation, which adds sheet metal, frame generation, weldments and surface modeling, has a yearly cost of 2520 USD. The most popular Solid Edge version by far is Solid Edge Classic. It costs 3156 USD per year and has added features such as a standard parts library, generative design, and photo-realistic rendering to name a few. Solid Edge Premium adds advanced motion & stress simulation and electrical routing to the list and costs 4536 USD per year.

Monthly subscriptions are also available but then the prices will be around 20% higher, so getting a yearly subscription definitely has better value for money.

They actually offer free 2D CAD software on their website but since Solid Edge’s name is mostly associated with 3D CAD design, we’ve listed it under the 3D CAD software list in our article.

Free 2D CAD software

Although mechanical engineers work mostly with 3D software, 2D programs still have a place in the industry. These programs are especially suitable when making flat parts as this means that having 3D models doesn’t really have much of an edge anyway.

We have compiled a list of the best free CAD software for 2D drafting. It includes the following software.

QCAD

QCAD is probably the best among free CAD programs for 2D drawings. It is a complete 2D CAD solution with a short learning curve and many advanced tools. The user interface is intuitive and quick to grasp. It can be learned without any prior CAD experience making it an ideal CAD software for beginners. It has support for both imperial as well as metric units. Some people prefer QCAD for graphic design as well.

The design intended to make QCAD a highly modular, extensible, and portable design software. The software is capable of creating detailed technical 2D drawings of building plans, interiors, mechanical parts, and schematics. It has a vast library with over 4800 CAD parts for construction and modification. To help navigate through these resources, QCAD has an active user community and tutorial videos on the internet.

Designers, analysts, engineers, and developers that use QCAD on different levels within manufacturing and construction are impressed with its benefit and value in their work. It is capable of creating complex 2D designs while needing a low amount of resources and having few requirements.

In addition to creating, the software can easily import and modify existing CAD files. Features such as print and layout are especially easy to use with QCAD. Another pro of using it is that it has excellent customer support. It is one of the best free CAD software to begin with if someone is seeking a professional edge over competitors in a short amount of time.

Supported file formats

Imports DXF, DWG, SVG, CXF, JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFF, XBM, XPM, and ICO.

Exports DXF, DWG, BMP, CXF, PDF, and SVG files.

Operating system

QCAD works flawlessly on Windows, MAC OS X, and Linux. Presently, it is not available as a web app or on any of the mobile platforms.

Pricing

QCAD provides free CAD software as well as a free trial of the paid edition. The free version is a community edition that lacks some features compared to the paid alternative.

Its paid version is known as QCAD Professional. The difference between the free and the paid option can be seen here. The features marked in blue italic are available in the paid software only.

The paid software (QCAD Professional) costs USD 44.00 and can be purchased directly from the official website as well. It is a one-time licensee fee per user. No monthly or yearly fees. It is buy once, use forever. The updates are, however, limited to one-year post-purchase. After that, access to updates can be extended at a 30% discount. The Professional edition allows installation on multiple computers for a single user.

QCAD also offers a CAD/CAM application at a flat one-time payment of USD 118.00. It has all QCAD Professional features and CAM features such as G-code export and nesting module.

There are other packages available designed for educational institutions and organizations. All packages are available on the official QCAD website.

LibreCAD

LibreCAD is an open-source 2D free CAD software. It started as a project with the intention to add CAM capabilities to the community edition of QCAD. Over time, more features were added that have now made it an appealing CAD software for beginners as well as advanced users. Today, LibreCAD is one of the best free 2D CAD software.

The LibreCAD UI is uncluttered and it is easy to locate features especially if you know your way around AutoCAD. It is simple yet intuitive. The interface is based on Qt5 for the LibreCAD 2.2.0 (Qt4 for LibreCAD 2.0.0) series which makes it a truly cross-platform application. It also makes LibreCAD’s appearance a highly customizable one while working the same way on different platforms.

The software can draw, dimension, add text, consult, modify, search, measure, and print 2D drawings. Each of these features can be considered in detail. In the program, the interface consists of the menu on the left, the drawing area in the centre, and the layers on the right which keep appearing as you create and order them. This is extremely useful as there is no need for commands or to search multiple menus when seeking the different drawing tools.

LibreCAD is completely free which can lead to the idea that it would be mediocre. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Some great features of this software are as follows:

• Drawings support multiple layers
• Variety of drawing and altering CAD tools that enable the digitisation of topographic outlines rapidly
• Currently supports over 30 languages
• Flexible internal plugin system to activate/deactivate features
• Small size (27 Mb)
• Auto-save feature
• A large community of active users aids in finding tutorials and helps quickly

This design software offers features that are specific to paid CAD software at the unmatched price of free. It works great for 2D designs but can also create 3D footprint designs for your 3D modelling project.

Supported file formats

Imports DXF and DWG.

Exports DXF, DWG, SVG, LFF, CXF, PDF, JPEG, and PNG.

Operating system

LibreCAD works on Windows, MAC OS, and Linux without any issues.

Pricing

Free

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is by far the most widely known of all CAD programs. Due to its many useful features and downloadable toolsets, it finds usage in architecture, engineering, construction, and design to create accurate 2D and 3D models.

A toolset contains features specific to an industry with object libraries that significantly expedite common design tasks. For instance, an architectural toolset may contain features such as auto-generation of a bill of materials and objects such as doors and windows. Some specialised toolsets that may be added to AutoCAD are as follows.

• Architecture toolset
• Electrical toolset
• Map 3D toolset
• Mechanical toolset
• MEP toolset
• Plant 3D toolset
• Raster toolset

It also has an easy learning curve. Yes, there are many things to learn but it’s not difficult. For this reason, many engineering institutions adopt it into their curriculum. More often than not, AutoCAD is the first-ever CAD software that students start their CAD journey with.

AutoCAD is quite famous for its 2D drafting capabilities but it can also carry out 3D parametric modelling. However, the 3D modelling in it requires the use of 3D commands. These commands are lengthy and challenging for beginners and can be a source of confusion. For this reason, AutoCAD is not the preferred choice for 3D modelling in the industry. Hence, AutoCAD is included in the 2D CAD software in our list.

AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT, on the other hand, is limited to 2D drafting and detailing. It does not support 3D modeling. This isn’t a limitation for a wide range of users though, as they are doing their 3D modelling elsewhere anyways. AutoCAD LT is considerably less expensive than the full version of AutoCAD. This price difference makes AutoCAD LT a more attractive option for individuals or small businesses that primarily deal with 2D drafting and do not require the advanced features of AutoCAD. This version is also less resource-intensive, meaning that it can run more efficiently on computers with lower specifications.

Several advanced features are unavailable in AutoCAD LT, such as the ability to attach and import data from PDF files, use point cloud data, and access advanced CAD tools for architects, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering. AutoCAD LT also has limited customisation capabilities, primarily because it does not support various programming interfaces, such as LISP, VBA, .NET, and ObjectARX. For larger organisations, the complete version often provides more flexible networking and licensing options compared to AutoCAD LT.

If 3D design, advanced customization, and complex modeling are essential, AutoCAD is the more suitable option. However, for users focused on 2D drafting without needing the advanced features of AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT offers a more cost-effective solution.

Supported file formats

With AutoCAD, it is easy to import files from many other CAD programs such as CATIA, Rhino, SolidWorks, and IGES. Similarly, AutoCAD files can be exported to these programs just as easily. AutoCAD permits the import of many different file formats such as DXF, OBJ, STL, Revit, DWF Markup, and IDF.

Operating system

AutoCAD 2023 and 2024 work with Windows (Windows 11 or Windows 10 version 1809) as well as Mac OS. Besides, users can now access AutoCAD as a web app as well as a mobile app. The AutoCAD mobile app works on Android and also on iOS.

Pricing

AutoCAD provides a free trial of 30 days. This trial includes complete software features with all the abovementioned toolsets as well as web and mobile app support. Each trial must, however, be downloaded separately.

Students and teachers can get up to one year of full educational access to AutoCAD which can be renewed as long as one is eligible. The projects created through this educational version cannot be used for commercial purposes though.

After the 30-day trial period ends, AutoCAD is available at the following subscription rates:

Monthly: 255 USD

Annually: 2030 USD

3-yearly: 6090 USD (If you wish to lock in your price for a longer period)

AutoCAD LT is available at the following subscription rates (the trial period is 30 days as with the full version):

Monthly: 65 USD

Annually: 505 USD

3-yearly: 1515 USD

Conclusion

The many advantages of CAD software make it a must-have for everyone working on engineering projects. The best CAD software offers advanced features, a slick user interface, possibilities to easily modify any features, etc. But even experienced users probably make use of only about 10% of all the highly specific features built into the software.

So even though the listed best free CAD software options may seem inferior at first glance, they are still powerful and also provide many of the advanced tools of their high-priced counterparts.