5 best AutoCAD alternatives

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

This beautiful, three-dimensional design software is fully featured, but costs much more than other programs with similar features. Since 1982, when AutoCAD was officially launched, the ownership of many features and especially the flexibility to use in a number of industries has made it a specialized product for professionals. tablets and design hobbyists.

However, Autodesk no longer offers a perpetual license for AutoCAD, but instead switches to licensing based on an alternative subscription, forcing users to search for alternatives. In the long run, the conversion may be more expensive. But for CAD professionals with no budget constraints, paying more than $ 1200 seems worthwhile.

If you are just a normal student or someone who loves designing with a limited budget, AutoCAD is not the only option. There are a number of replacement candidates that are worthy of similar support features.

The bottom line here is deciding which AutoCAD alternative to choose, as the market is flooded with a multitude of different options. The 5 AutoCAD alternatives in today's article can read files similar to AutoCAD, are easy to integrate with AutoCAD, and intuitive to learn.

1. SolidWorks

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For a long time, AutoCAD has supported 3D modeling very well, but its greatest strength is its architectural design and 2D design software.

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

The latest version of SolidWorks has great features like the ability to make free sketches on the touch screen. Although primarily focused on creating 3D models, SolidWorks 2D drafting tools still work normally and are much lighter than what you find in AutoCAD.

Advantages:

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

Defect:

1. Only for Windows
2. 2D sketching is limited
3. Very expensive

2. BricsCAD

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This CAD platform is known for 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 to the 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.

Despite being a paid software, like AutoCAD, BricsCAD is more affordable, with 3 versions: Classic, Pro and Platinum . The Platinum version is packed with features that you won't find in AutoCAD like Sheet metal, 3D Compare and BIM.

BricsCAD also integrates with the cloud, has a powerful rendering engine, XREFS recognition capabilities, and can be customized.

Advantages:

1. Easy to use if you are familiar with AutoCAD
2. Implement LISP faster
3. Perpetual license available
4. Ability to customize and develop broad
5. There are built-in tools such as IFC import / export, direct architectural modeling with BIM and SketchUp SKP databases
6. Opening complex drawings faster
7. You can read, edit, save AutoCAD files to .dwg
8. Can use custom AutoCAD
9. The AI-enhanced QUAD cursor works faster on large drawings

Defect:

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

3. DraftSight

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

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

Through the clear user interface, making DraftSight easy to use and learn, you can edit precisely because the 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 is only available for a paid version, so if you have a limited budget, you can choose the cheapest option in its packages. This is very suitable for students or design hobbyists. For businesses, DraftSight offers three packages: Professional, Premium and Enterprise , with prices varying according to demand.

Advantages:

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

Defect:

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

4. SketchUp (Free)

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

SketchUp is a 3D modeling program used in a variety of applications, from interior design; architecture, civil and mechanical engineering; video games and movie design.

Available as a free software version, the tool works with a number of file types including DWG, DXF, OBJ, XSI, etc., plus the ability to export HD and PDF animations.

Advantages:

1. Easy to learn and use
2. Easily import different types of files
3. Large library to upload or download drawings
4. Good for creating 3D models
5. Integrate with third party plugins

Defect:

1. Less detailed design due to poorer rendering capacity
2. Creating NURBS is not allowed

5. LibreCAD (Free)

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This is another free replacement program that 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 terms of concepts 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.

Advantages:

1. Free
2. Easy to learn and use
3. Ability to read DWG files and other types of files
4. Record DXF file
5. Source code is available on GitHub
6. Convert seamlessly from AutoCAD
7. The interface is not cluttered
8. Does not cost a lot of resources
9. Multilingual (more than 30 languages)
10. Multi-platform support for Mac, Windows and Linux OS
11. Can export to JPG, SVG, PDF, PNG and other file types

Defect:

1. Only 2D
2. Only shows the 2D view
3. Cannot work on models and renderings of 3D graphics

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

Wish you choose a suitable choice!