QCad, AutoCAD alternative for Linux and Mac Published by As we know, AutoCAD can run on Linux under Wine or Citrix, but this time I’ll show you a tool that can be an inexpensive solution for Linux, Windows or Mac.
Here is ten useful free alternative 2D/3D CAD software for AutoCAD that help you in 3D CAD designing, drafting, modeling, architectural drawing, and engineering work.
Best Free AutoCAD Alternatives
1DoubleCAD XT – Free alternative to AutoCAD
DoubleCAD XT is a free 2D CAD drafting and drawing software with advanced features for creating excellent drafting and detailing. – DoubleCAD XT
2DraftSight – Autocad alternative
DraftSight is a free professional grade 2D CAD software that allows professional CAD users, students, and educators to create easily, edit, and view DWG and DXFbbbg files.
it’s a perfect free alternative software for Autodesk AutoCAD. – DraftSight
3BRL-CAD – Autocad alternative software
BRL-CAD is a free and Open source CAD software for modeling and manipulating 2D and 3D layouts.
Though BRL CAD uses for a wide range of engineering and graphics purposes, the package’s primary purpose continues to be the help of ballistic and electromagnetic analyses.
Free app to transfer music from ipod to mac. Features:-
- Free and Open Source
- Cross-Platform
- Multiple Module
- Achieve the preferred 3D layout with this comprehensive CAD utility
- Help users create, edit and manipulate 3D layouts
4FreeCAD – Alternative software for Autocad
FreeCAD is a common purpose parametric 3D modeler for CAD, MCAD, CAx, CAE, and PLM.
It mainly uses for mechanical engineering and product design but also fits a broader range of uses in engineering, similar to architecture or other engineering works.
It is 100% Open Source and intensely modular, giving a very advanced extension and customization.
FreeCAD relies on OpenCasCade, a robust geometry kernel that highlights an Open Inventor compliant 3D scene representation model proposed by the Coin 3D library and a broad Python API.
The interface develops with Qt Framework. FreeCAD runs the same method on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux platforms. – FreeCAD
5LibreCAD – Free Autocad alternative
LibreCAD is a 2D CAD software written in C++11 using the Qt framework. It might probably read DXF and DWG files and can write DXF, PDF, and SVG files.
The user interface is extremely customizable and has dozens of translations.
LibreCAD is a community version of QCAD that uses the cross platform framework Qt, which means it works with most operating systems. – LibreCAD
6Openscad – 3D alternative for AutoCAD
OpenSCAD is a free CAD software for creating solid 3D CAD models. Unlike most free software for creating 3D models, it doesn’t focus on the creative parts of 3D modeling but instead on the CAD aspects.
The software is not an interactive modeler. Instead, it is something like a 3D Compiler that uses a script file to build the object and renders the 3D model from that script file.
That gives you full control over the modeling process and lets you allow to change any step within the modeling process or make designs which might be defined by configurable parameters.
There are two different modeling methods offer by OpenSCAD. First, there may be constructive solid geometry, and second, there is an extrusion of 2D outlines.
You can use Autocad DXF files as a data exchange format for 2D Outlines. Along with 2D paths for extrusion, which have the potential to read design parameters from DXF files.
Apart from DXF files, OpenSCAD can also read and create 3D models within the STL and OFF file formats.
73DVIA Shape – 3D Alternative for AutoCAD
3DVIA Shape is a free online 3D modeling and publishing tool that allows anyone to share their ideas in 3D easily.
It helps you to create 3D models, add textures, after which you can publish them directly to our free online forums found at the 3DVIA Website.
A perfect 3D software program for the newbie but highly effective enough for the professional person. – 3DVIA Shape
8gCAD3D – Free AutoCAD Alternatives
gCAD3D is a 3D CAD/CAM software for Windows and Linux.
it’s a freeware GTK+ based 3D CAD-CAM software that added 3D OpenGL viewer and gives support for both importing and exporting Iges, DXF, and VRML files.
Features:-
- import and export programs such as Step, Iges, VRML, DXF, SVG, etc.
- combined 3D OpenGL viewer
- program interpreter for geometry and NC commands in 3D
- combined NC processor
- Plugins for user programs
- Plugins for remote control
9Medusa4 – 2D/3D Alternative CAD software for AutoCAD
The free MEDUSA4 Personal CAD software is a part of the MEDUSA4 family of CAD solutions.
It’s well design performance, similar to the most excellent business package deal, add basic 3D, parametric, color image integration, and sheet metal design.
MEDUSA4 Personal has been used worldwide for many years to create 2D drawings for home projects quickly, and by hobbyists to provide 3D models prepared for 3D printing.
Because of its versatile CAD performance and its ability to edit DWG and DXF files, the software has additionally developed to installed in many small firms.
10pCon.planner
pCon.planner is a free 3D design software specially designed for the interior design industry.
It allows you to create detailed, 3D floor plans quickly. No matter whether you’re starting from scratch or using a current project, easily and instantly edit and share with others.
Add CAD models in several formats into your plans, or download suitable models from allied supplier catalogs.
You don’t have to be an expert to create impressive renderings with pCon.planner. Even novices can produce top-quality images immediately.
Give your clients a complete summary of your plan. From true-to-scale drawings to title blocks and logos, your clients get all the data they want, all in one layout.
Great designs need to analyze from each angle. So you can use your 3D models and 360° panoramas in your presentations, on websites, and your blogs.
Simply import plans from your architect in IFC format, and proceed to use the same building model all through your design. – pCon.planner
Features:-
- Free
- Powerful
- Open existing CAD models and get started today.
- Instantly create detailed, 3-dimensional floor plans.
- Add CAD models in different formats (DWG, SKP, 3DS, etc.) into your plans.
- Be Creative
- generate stunning images
- From true-to-scale drawings to title blocks and logos, your customers get all the information they need, all in one layout.
- Easy to share your ideas
- Building Information Modeling – Import plans from your architect in IFC format and continue using the same building model throughout your design.
If you couldn’t already tell, we’re pretty big fans of AutoCAD here at the Scan2CAD blog. As Autodesk’s flagship product, AutoCAD has a lot to offer the entire CAD industry. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that it’s the go-to product for students, hobbyists and professionals alike. Despite its many capabilities, however, it can be very costly to invest in AutoCAD. So, what else can you do? It’s simple: take a look at affordable AutoCAD alternatives.
In our guide, we’ve compiled 5 top affordable AutoCAD alternatives. We’ll cover prices, functionality comparisons and overall verdicts for each product.
As we’ve said, AutoCAD has a lot to offer users. It’s one of the most popular CAD products out there, with both 2D and 3D capabilities. If you’re looking to invest in it however, you’re looking at $185/month, $1,102.50/1 year or $3,307.50/3 years. If you’re a CAD professional, these prices will probably be more than worthwhile. For hobbyists or people working on a budget, however, it is pretty staggering.
Fortunately, there are other options. It is possible to get AutoCAD for free if you’re in education, alongside other Autodesk products, as we covered in our students’ guide to CAD. Alternatively, there are free CAD packages for all types of users. However, if you’re specifically looking for affordable software that matches up to the functionality of AutoCAD, then read on for our list below.
- Operating System: Windows, Mac, Fedora, Ubuntu
- Price: $99/year
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you will definitely be familiar with DraftSight, the freemium software from Dassault Systèmes. Here in particular, we’ll be focusing on the Professional version; the free version is limited and the Enterprise version is only worthwhile if you need a network licence. While it might not match its popularity, DraftSight is a definite contender to AutoCAD. It focuses entirely on 2D design and can be used to read and edit AutoCAD’s proprietary format, DWG.
Head-to-head comparison
Fortunately for AutoCAD users, DraftSight’s interface is remarkably similar—particularly if you’re an AutoCAD LT user. If you’ve not used AutoCAD before, you’ll still feel right at home with its accessible interface. As we’ve covered in the past, it’s easy enough to get to grips with the DraftSight basics in 1 hour.
As with AutoCAD—and other popular CAD software—DraftSight makes use of keyboard shortcuts and a command line to speed up the design process. You’ll also be able to take advantage of a wide toolset and the ever-useful layer management. Think DraftSight only offers basic capabilities? That’s certainly not the case. The product also runs applications through LISP, C++ and VBA codes. If you use the Professional version—as we advise—you can take advantage of more programming options, additional drawing tools and shortcuts.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows with DraftSight. The software comes with limited spline editing features and no support for dynamic blocks. You’ll also find that some programming languages and productivity features are only on offer if you buy packs and plugins.
Verdict
The learning curve for DraftSight is far easier than AutoCAD’s. It comes at a good price with low system requirements that doesn’t sacrifice much functionality. Speed can be a slight issue—particularly for large file sizes. Essentially, it’s a lightweight alternative to AutoCAD, which is preferable if you often find yourself not making use of all of AutoCAD’s capabilities anyway.
- Operating System: Windows, Mac
- Price: $499.99/year or $1,499.99/unlimited license
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
A 2D and 3D design and drafting software, TurboCAD is a pretty viable alternative to AutoCAD. In fact, when it comes to 3D modeling and renderings, TurboCAD tends to surpass AutoCAD’s capabilities. There are three versions available: deluxe, expert and professional. Here, we’re looking specifically at the professional version.
Head-to-head comparison
TurboCAD has gone for a relatively simplistic approach to their user interface, which AutoCAD users will either love or hate. It can be difficult to navigate the menus at first, especially if you’re a frequent user of other CAD software.
Like AutoCAD, TurboCAD offers customizable tool palettes, a command line—with familiar command names—and macro features. For architectural users, TurboCAD offers tools like the wall tool and a house wizard. TurboCAD does go above and beyond AutoCAD’s capabilities in a few instances. Specifically, it offers more advanced surfacing features such as mid surfaces, organic shapes and minimum radius analysis. You can also take advantage of sheet metal design features like placement sketches, bend allowance and forming tools. In some cases, TurboCAD requires less interaction than AutoCAD with menus and commands, e.g., drawing multiple lines is as simple as clicking the mouse.
Many users, however, have noted that while TurboCAD exceeds AutoCAD in some areas of functionality, it falls behind in stability. The product specifically struggles with large file sizes, crashing in some circumstances.
Verdict
Though TurboCAD isn’t as widely-used in the CAD industry as AutoCAD, it still has much to offer. You can get a lot of the same capabilities as AutoCAD with minimal costs. If you’re looking to show off your designs and models, TurboCAD is by far the more viable option—offering photo-realistic renderings beyond AutoCAD’s capabilities.
Image source: ProgeCAD
- Operating System: Windows
- Price: $499/year (30 days free help desk support)
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
ProgeCAD—originally called IntelliCAD—is a 2D/3D CAD software developed by ProgeSOFT. You might not be familiar with this particular product, but that wouldn’t be too surprising considering there’s so much competition between CAD products. Labeling itself as “a cost-effective AutoCAD replacement”, we couldn’t not include it on our list.
Head-to-head comparison
Unfortunately, compared to the above products, ProgeCAD’s interface is a little bit more difficult for new users. In fact, it has a steeper learning curve than most. There is, however, a PDF user guide—though at 700 pages, it might be a bit cumbersome for some users.
You’ll find that the interface does have faint echoes of AutoCAD—from floating toolbars to a command line supporting AutoLISP and VBA scripting. As a product directly comparing itself to AutoCAD, it’s not then surprising to find that it uses DWG as its native file format; no conversion is therefore needed for AutoCAD files. ProgeCAD goes beyond AutoCAD with its exclusive tools and functions ranging from block library management to publishing 3D models directly into Google Earth. Free plugins are also available—like ProgeSOFT for Traceparts—and third-party applications like ProgeEARTH and ProgeCAM CNC.
ProgeCAD’s 3D functionality is slightly lacking, but this isn’t entirely problematic. Support for the product is near enough absent. If you want extensive support, you’ll have to pay more. Some users have also noted that large file sizes tend to slow down your entire system.
Verdict
With the learning curve being so steep, it can be all too easy to disregard ProgeCAD entirely. However, while the product is lacking in some capabilities—like photo-realistic rendering and large file sizes—if you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative to AutoCAD, you really couldn’t go wrong with trying out ProgeCAD.
- Operating System: Windows
- Price: $799/standard or $999/professional
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
Likely unheard of by most CAD users, ZWCAD is a diamond in the rough that will certainly surprise some of our readers. A 2D/3D CAD product, ZWCAD claims it’s the closest user experience to the ever-popular AutoCAD. There are two versions available for ZWCAD—standard or professional—both have their advantages. Alternatively, industry-specific products like ZWCAD Architecture and ZWCAD Mechanical are available.
Head-to-head comparison
Autocad Alternative Software For Mac Free
ZWCAD is relatively easy to use and navigate. However, it’s not the most intuitive of CAD software—although, with practice, you should be able to get the hang of it. As you’d imagine from a product comparing itself to AutoCAD, ZWCAD is able to read and edit DWG files.
Fortunately for users who are fond of commands and aliases, ZWCAD matches AutoCAD in command bar functions. Most of its commands in fact bear the same names as AutoCAD’s. Meanwhile, ZWCAD surpasses AutoCAD with its SmartMouse capabilities. By simply holding down the right mouse button and dragging the cursor in the shape of a letter, a command can be activated, e.g., drawing the letter E starts the Erase command. It’s also possible to read AutoCAD customization files, e.g., MNU and MNS, linetype, hatch pattern, font SHP and TTF.
If you’re looking to produce photo-realistic renderings, you’ll have to look at software like TurboCAD instead. Additionally, you might run into difficulties when importing AutoCAD drawings that contain entities not supported by ZWCAD, e.g., constraints or point clouds.
Autocad For Mac Free
Verdict
While it might not be as popular as AutoCAD, ZWCAD has a lot to offer for people who are looking for affordable AutoCAD alternatives. Indeed, if you find that you don’t make use of all of AutoCAD’s features, you probably won’t be as aware of some of ZWCAD’s limitations.
Image source: gfxspeak
- Operating System: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Price: $750/classic or $880/pro
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
Though BricsCAD doesn’t have as long a history as AutoCAD, it has made giant leaps in recent years. A 2D/3D modeler, BricsCAD comes in three editions: classic, professional and platinum. For all intents and purposes here, you won’t need to purchase the intermediate platinum version. Additionally, developer Bricsys has built three add-on modules for BricsCAD including BIM, Sheet Metal and Communicator, opening up a realm of capabilities for all types of users.
Head-to-head comparison
Fortunately for those familiar with AutoCAD, the learning curve for BricsCAD isn’t too steep. In fact, you’re looking at a relatively similar interface to AutoCAD. It can be overwhelming to navigate through the assortment of tools and features available at first. As with most CAD software, however, it just requires practice.
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Customization and productivity-enhancing features are important things to look out for in CAD software. They can take you from a complete amateur to a CAD expert, as we’ve covered in articles like tips and tricks for AutoCAD newbies. BricsCAD addresses this by offering customizable toolbars, a macro recorder and a command line. If you work in the AEC sector, you’ll be pleased to hear that BricsCAD has a built-in architectural direct modeler with SketchUp SKP import, IFC import and export, and a built-in BIM database. Additionally, advanced mechanical design features like 3D constraints and assembly modeling are also available for use.
In what appears to be a trend in some of our listed alternatives, BricsCAD users have warned that the product does at times suffer from bugs in the more advanced features. Additionally, some architectural tools like a house wizard and wall tool are absent.
Verdict
As one of our affordable AutoCAD alternatives, BricsCAD has a lot to offer new users. With a relatively fast performance, native LISP support and 2D/3D capabilities, it’s hard to argue against. If you’re looking for software with all of AutoCAD’s intricate capabilities, you will be disappointed. However, if you approach it with a relatively open mind, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Want to know more about CAD software? Head on over to our CAD section for tips, advice and information.