11 Best AutoCAD Alternatives

AutoCAD is a flagship product from Autodesk, designed to help users design products or buildings, plan production, construction, as well as civil infrastructure.

This beautiful, three-dimensional design software is full-featured, but costs much more than other programs with similar features. Since 1982, when it was officially launched, AutoCAD's many features and especially its flexibility for use in a number of industries have made it a specialized product for professionals and students. students and design enthusiasts.

However, Autodesk no longer offers perpetual licenses for AutoCAD, switching to subscription-based licensing instead, which forces users to look for alternatives. In the long run, switching can be more expensive. But for CAD professionals with no budget constraints, paying over $1200 may seem worth it.

If you are just an ordinary student or a design enthusiast on a limited budget, AutoCAD is not the only choice. There are several worthy replacement candidates with similar support features.

The key point here is to decide which AutoCAD alternative to choose, as the market is flooded with countless different options. The 5 AutoCAD alternatives in today's article can read the same files as AutoCAD, easily integrate with AutoCAD, and are intuitive to learn.

1. FreeCAD

While LibreCAD works well with 2D models, FreeCAD is one of the best open source alternatives to AutoCAD for 3D modeling, although it also supports 2D. Plus, FreeCAD works on most major operating systems.

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Parametric modeling is a core feature, allowing you to roll back various changes to build on them. Dozens of file types are supported, including DWG. Grouped workbenches make it easy to find the tools you need for specific tasks, and more tools are being added regularly.

The variety of tools in this free architectural design software can easily compete with premium alternatives and AutoCAD itself. Plus, it's free.

2. SolidWorks

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For a long time, AutoCAD has had pretty good support for 3D modeling, but its biggest strength is still its 2D design and architectural drafting software.

Solidworks, as its name suggests, is a parametric solid modeling tool, focused mainly around 3D designs. That means you will need to have some knowledge of technical terms, rather than just geometric terms.

The latest version of SolidWorks has great features like the ability to make freehand sketches on the touch screen. Although primarily focused on 3D modeling, SolidWorks' 2D drafting tools are functional and much lighter than what you'll find in AutoCAD.

Advantage:

1. Excellent 3D modeling functionality
2. Champion in the field of engineering and automation
3. Compatible with DXF files
4. Assess weaknesses in design
5. Good 3D printing compatibility
6. Touch screen based sketching
7. Some command line functions

Defect:

1. Windows only
2. 2D sketching features are limited
3. Very expensive

3. BricsCAD

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This CAD platform is known for its accessibility features and has some familiar features including native .dwg applications.

If you are familiar with the 2008 version of AutoCAD, BricsCAD has a somewhat similar interface with rich features in 2D design and direct 3D modeling. You can use it with major operating systems like macOS, Windows, and Linux, along with hundreds of third-party applications around the world, based on .dwg.

Although it is a paid software, like AutoCAD, BricsCAD is more affordable, with 3 versions: Classic, Pro and Platinum. The Platinum version is feature-packed with tools you can't find in AutoCAD like Sheet metal, 3D Compare and BIM.

BricsCAD is also cloud-integrated, has a powerful rendering engine, XREFS recognition, and is customizable.

Advantage:

1. Easy to use if you are familiar with AutoCAD
2. Faster LISP execution
3. Perpetual licenses available
4. Extensive customization and development capabilities
5. Features integrated tools such as IFC import/export, direct architectural modeling with BIM database, and SketchUp SKP
6. Open complex drawings faster
7. You can read, edit, and save AutoCAD files to .dwg
8. Can use AutoCAD customization
9. The AI-enhanced QUAD cursor works faster on large drawings

Defect:

1. Has a difficult-to-use document management tool (V15 Pro version)
2. Limited range

4. DraftSight

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DraftSight is a professional-grade alternative to AutoCAD, designed for users looking for better ways to read, write, and share .dwg files.

Open 2D CAD software is easy to use and based on an advanced architecture, with all the tools you need to create 2D technical drawings. From professional CAD users to educators and students, DraftSight is available to download and activate for free in minutes. It also runs on multiple operating system platforms including Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.

Through a clear user interface that makes DraftSight easy to use and learn, you can edit precisely because design elements are stored in layers. You can also create G-Code directly in the program, save and open DXF or DWG files. DraftSight also has a huge design library so you can use existing designs, batch print, and access macro recording.

However, DraftSight only has a paid version, so if you have a limited budget, you can choose the cheapest option in its plans. This is great for students or people with design interests. For businesses, DraftSight offers three plans: Professional, Premium, and Enterprise, with pricing varying according to need.

Advantage:

1. Many features
2. Good for 2D modeling
3. Easy to run with storage space
4. Easy to learn and use
5. Perpetual licenses available
6. Save and open DWG files, as well as DXF
7. Compare designs, add symbols, or append PDF files to project files

Defect:

1. Do not run LISP routines
2. There is no Express Tool
3. Lacks 3D capabilities
4. Not useful if you want specialized solutions
5. The free version is only suitable for drawings and quick calculations

5. SketchUp (Free)

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Formerly Google SketchUp, this free tool is a great choice for CAD professionals.

SketchUp is a 3D modeling program used in a wide range of applications, from interior design; architecture, civil, mechanical; video game and film design.

Available as a freeware version, this tool works with a number of file types including DWG, DXF, OBJ, XSI, etc., plus can export HD animations and PDF.

Advantage:

1. Easy to learn and use
2. Easily import different file types
3. Extensive library to upload or download drawings
4. Good for 3D modeling
5. Integrate with third-party plugins

Defect:

1. The design is less detailed due to poorer rendering
2. NURBS generation is not allowed

6. LibreCAD (Free)

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This is another free alternative program you can use, with many features and commands, suitable for a large number of customers, as well as designers.

LibreCAD is a high-quality, open source 2D modeling software, born from QCAD (later called CADuntu), similar to AutoCAD in concept and features.

If you are familiar with AutoCAD, it will be easier to use LibreCAD, especially for Linux users and those who want a free CAD tool that can read DWG files. LibreCAD can also be used with Windows or Apple platforms, based on Qt, a leading cross-platform application and user interface development framework.

Advantage:

1. Free of charge
2. Easy to learn and use
3. Able to read DWG files and other file types
4. Burn DXF files
5. Source code is available on GitHub
6. Seamless conversion from AutoCAD
7. Uncluttered interface
8. Doesn't take a lot of resources
9. Multilingual (more than 30 languages)
10. Cross-platform support for Mac, Windows and Linux OS
11. Can export to JPG, SVG, PDF, PNG and other file types

Defect:

1. 2D only
2. Shows only 2D view
3. Cannot work on 3D models and renderings

7. QCAD

If you prefer the more advanced version of LibreCAD, check out QCAD. This is one of the best AutoCAD alternatives for 2D models and is updated regularly.

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It's open source and cross-platform. If you're new to CAD tools, this is a good choice for beginners but has many features for more experienced users. The free version offers 40+ building tools and 20+ modding tools.

Although the basic version is free, the Professional version is available with a lot of additional features, such as support for more file formats. However, it's pretty cheap, especially compared to the other premium services on this list.

8. OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is one of the more unique free AutoCAD alternatives, focusing on 3D modeling for machines and parts. It is designed for desktop use and does not have a Web version.

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OpenSCAD works a little differently than most of the alternatives to AutoCAD on this list. It is not an interactive 3D modeling tool. Instead, it works more like a compiler. You will use the code editor to adjust color, size, shape, and position. Instead of drawing everything yourself, you import (free) libraries to build your creations.

Of course, you can also import DXF, STL and OFF files from AutoCAD and other alternatives on this list. If you're trying to create detailed 3D models for printing, this is a surprisingly advanced tool once you get used to it. There are plenty of tutorials on the site to help you get started.

9. JTS IntelliCAD

When you need professional features at a fraction of the cost of AutoCAD, look no further than JTS IntelliCAD. Formerly known as TrueCAD, this premium tool supports all DWG and DXF versions from R2.2 and above.

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Most file formats you want are supported, such as JPG, STL, BMP, TIFF, etc. Easily import and export PDF. There are plenty of 2D design tools, along with 3D modeling features. You can even use LISP programs in IntelliCAD or create your own.

Although the software is not free, it is surprisingly affordable for a one-time fee. Upgrade to newer versions later for just $80. The good news is that there's a free trial to find out how everything works.

10. CMS IntelliCAD

CMS IntelliCAD is powered by IntelliCAD, just like JTS IntelliCAD. It is often considered one of the best alternatives to AutoCAD thanks to its features and file support.

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The CMS features DWG and DGN support, PDF import/export, and 2D and 3D modeling. Control your design with the command line, toolbar, and even the ribbon user interface. Enhanced visual styles and document libraries make it easier for you to get started on projects. There's even full LISP compatibility and BIM support.

Although it may seem overwhelming to beginners, this is a tool that experienced AutoCAD users can enjoy. Free trial available.

11. Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a free educational tool from Autodesk. Although it doesn't have as many features as AutoCAD, it is an ideal alternative for beginners, hobbyists, and personal projects. Although it was created for students and educators, you can create a free personal account to start tinkering with new designs.

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For anyone just starting out, this is easily one of the best alternatives to AutoCAD. What sets it apart is the training and guidance available. You don't have to be a design and modeling expert to use it. As the name suggests, just start tinkering and see what happens.

The platform has 3D models, circuit diagrams, and 3D models created from code blocks. If you're new to coding, try these coding games. You should take the free lessons, play around a bit, and start exploring the challenges to really get the hang of things.

Are there any other great AutoCAD alternatives you're using? Let everyone know why you like them in the comments below!

Hope you choose the right choice for yourself!

Isabella Humphrey

Update 11 January 2024