Autodesk AutoCAD Alternatives

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.

Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives are mainly CAD Software but may also be 3D Modelers or Interior Design Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Autodesk AutoCAD.

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Autodesk AutoCAD

205

Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software

Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
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AutoCAD is a leading CAD (computer-aided design) software used professionally throughout architectural, electrical,...

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FreeCAD
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Interior Design App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
BSD
PortableApps.com
102 alternatives to FreeCAD
FreeCAD 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...
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FreeCAD Features
1. Parametric ModelingFreeCAD can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
2. Procedural ModelingFreeCAD can create or modify 3D models and textures based on a sequence of rules.
3. PortableFreeCAD can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Drawing 2D
FEM
Windows XP Compatibility
DWG support
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
3d Drawing
Parametric
Bim
Portable Linux
FreeCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD
Most users think FreeCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
I use Freecad to design my 3D printing models.
Top positive comment• ago

8

webbe
way takes really a lot of clicks
Top positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Freecad is (as mentioned in the description) for 3D parametric CAD, and has no drafting functionality worth speaking of. Not a bad program, but certainly not an AutoCAD replacement. It has much more similarity to SolidWorks than AutoCAD
Top negative comment• ago

17

Guest
FreeCAD is a 3D parametric CAD whereas AutoCAD is more oriented for 2D drawings. On the other hand, FreeCAD is still buggy and lacks of important workbenches (whereas others like a robot simulator are available even if they are not suitable for a professional use)
Negative comment• ago

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Guest
Autocad is a 2d cad mostly. Freecad is a parametric design software. Different purposes different design paradigm.
Negative comment• ago

1

eduardoortiz1
Because is an user friendly software and is free to use.Autodesk Autocad is very expensive
Positive comment• ago

7

Guest
AutoCAD is a 2D drawing program, mostly used for architecture and structures. FreeCAD is 3D and aimed at mechanical engineers. They do different things.
Negative comment• ago

-6

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DraftSight
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software
Mac
Windows
88 alternatives to DraftSight
DraftSight is a professional-grade, open 2D CAD product for users who want a better way to read, write and share DWG files. DraftSight is easy to use and is available for professional CAD users, students and educators to download and activate for free.*
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DraftSight Features
Drawing 2D
3d sketching
DraftSight vs Autodesk AutoCAD
Almost everyone thinks DraftSight is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Because i'ts equal in 2D part. Very good, has free version, and multiplatform.
Top positive comment• ago

10

Guest
Despite my continuous research, I have never found anything else closer and compatible to autocad. I say this with a critical spirit, because compatibility is good, not perfect ...Unfortunately.
Top positive comment• ago

7

Guest
Good compatibility and excellent 2D drafting tools
Positive comment• ago

2

Guest
It is almost the same as Autocad for 2D drawings. It is very good for small size drawings but no so good graphical performace for more complex drawings.
Positive comment• ago

1

Guest
This is the closest program in functionality to Autocad, It could use some stability improvements.
Positive comment• ago

0

rbadillarx
the free version really read/write autocad files.
Positive comment• ago

3

Guest
One of the better, if not the best CAD for Linux. Works on Fedora, would recommend this program.
Positive comment• ago

1

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7 of 11 comments
LibreCAD
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Interior Design App
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
111 alternatives to LibreCAD
LibreCAD (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.
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LibreCAD Features
1. PortableLibreCAD can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
2. LightweightLibreCAD consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. Support for LayersLibreCAD supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
Bim
Construction layers
Customizable
Isometric view
Export to SVG
Export to PDF
QT Based
LibreCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD
Most users think LibreCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
If you know Autocad, you will learn librecad lightning fast.
Top positive comment• ago

3

Guest
No blockeditor or creating dynamic blocks.
Top positive comment• ago

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Guest
LibreCAD is only a 2d Drafting software while AutoCAD also has 3d modelling capabilities
Top negative comment• ago

1

Guest
LibreCAD can't reliably open .dwg files, which are an industry standard in construction. This means it is not a viable alternative for many people.

LibreCAD does not support XRefs, although fewer people use that functionality.
Negative comment• ago

3

Guest
No open AutoCAD files, say need permissions.
Negative comment• ago

-2

umix
A lightweight, AutoCAD-like 2D CAD program. Feature set is smaller than AutoCAD, but is sufficient to work with 2D drawings. A command line is available, as well as a built-in scripting language. If you have experience in AutoCAD, then there will be no problems with working in LibreCAD. There is a support forum and wiki.
Positive comment• ago

6

Guest
Autocad is based on text command usage. But librecad totally lacks it. And in addition, Librecad cannot open dlg files, only native cad files.
Negative comment• ago

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7 of 9 comments
SketchUp
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
3D Modeler
Interior Design App
Mac
Windows
Online
166 alternatives to SketchUp
SketchUp (formerly Google Sketchup) is a 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering, film, and video game design—and available in a freeware version, SketchUp Make, and a paid...
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SketchUp Features
3d sketching
Built-in 3D model viewer
Pencil
3d Drawing
Cabinet design
Image to 3D
Mechanical Design
Browser-based
SketchUp vs Autodesk AutoCAD
Some users think SketchUp is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD, some don't.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Despite Sketchup not being a "True CAD" tool, it's a viable alternative for a similar real life goals, at least for planning hobbyist home renovations.
Top positive comment• ago

4

Guest
Sketchup doesn't seem to be able to open .dwg files
Top negative comment• ago

-1

Guest
Sketchup is considered as a 3d model programme but not a CAD programme, had downloaded the software before when first came across it being label as a CAD. Upon after setup it proven that it only serve the purpose of 3D sketching, modeling and other 3d functions. Had to uninstall it and had to find another programme which does CAD
Negative comment• ago

1

Guest
This is not as same as Autocad 2D
Negative comment• ago

11

Guest
you need to be really numb out of your mind to think SketchUp is an alternative, lets start with the fact that SketchUp cant even recognize any kind of vectors
Negative comment• ago

2

Guest
Sketchup doesn't write DWG
Negative comment• ago

1

Guest
Sketchup is a 3D modelling package, not a CAD package.
Negative comment• ago

4

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7 of 8 comments
CMS IntelliCAD
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Windows
65 alternatives to CMS IntelliCAD
CMS IntelliCAD® is a full-featured Compatible CAD Software. CMS IntelliCAD also offers a full suite of 2D and 3D AutoCAD® software compatible drawing tools! It is the smartest choice for anyone who creates or communicates using CAD drawings.
Suggest and vote on features
CMS IntelliCAD Features
1. Command line interfaceCMS IntelliCAD either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
Drawing 2D
DWG support
3D Renderer
BIM import
Construction layers
Import 3D models
Constructive geometry
Realistic rendering
Project overview
Data export/import
CMS IntelliCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD
Almost everyone thinks CMS IntelliCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
Guest
Freaking great for the tools included in this software
Top positive comment• ago

0

davidjeffsryn
The intuitive nature of the functions and practical overview of the software is unique. It is price worthy and simply superb.
Top positive comment• ago

10

livinus_e
CMS IntelliCAD is a solid solution to completely replace AutoCAD. It has multitude of tools to work with. The user experience is also very sharp and support DWG from other software.
Positive comment• ago

0

grahamg
IntelliCAD is a good program to start and produce engineering drawings, modeling and designing mechanic or structural components.
Positive comment• ago

13

hottoiserica895
Intellicad meets my different needs. It comes with every possible feature I need(Curves, Rendering, commands). It is an extremely impressive software.
Positive comment• ago

12
BricsCAD
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Mac
Windows
Linux
86 alternatives to BricsCAD
BricsCAD the first all-in-one CAD design solution in .dwg that answers all your needs; 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and BIM. BricsCAD is a cost-effective, innovative, and familiar CAD solution.
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BricsCAD Features
DWG support
Drawing 2D
Mechanical Simulation
Bim
Mechanical Design
BIM import
Rendering
BricsCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD
Almost everyone thinks BricsCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
donaldbroussard
BricsCAD is nearly identical, including nearly 100% of the functionality of AutoCAD. It also includes tons of functionality not found in AutoCAD. For Civil Engineers (where I work most often), TINs, simple alignments, profiles, grading, survey points, and more are now part of BricsCAD.
Top positive comment• ago

1

Guest
If you know how to draw in Autocad, you can also draw in Bicscad. It is identical.
Top positive comment• ago

0

paulocoghi
Fully compatible with AutoCAD and .dwg, provide a free version, multi-platform including Linux, Mac and Windows, 2D design, 3D modeling, mechanical design and BIM. It's for sure not only the best alternative, but for me, it's the new standard.
Positive comment• ago

-1

svaa1982
Comes with Linux support.
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
BricaCAD runs most native AutoCAD programming interfaces, lisp, diesel, pgp, brx (modified arx).
Positive comment• ago

5
nanoCAD
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Windows
91 alternatives to nanoCAD
nanoCAD is a pro-grade 2D CAD system with native DWG support and full customizability. It is totally free, for business, professional, or personal purposes. It is fast, lightweight, capable, and , unlike most free CAD programs, completely uncrippled. nanoCAD includes:
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nanoCAD Features
1. Dark ModenanoCAD supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
DWG support
Convert DWG to PDF
Convert PDF to DWG
nanoCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD
Most users think nanoCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
robertcheetham
Impossible to open as registration process is a real pain. I gave up.
Negative comment• ago

0

Guest
A lot of similar command line options
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Our autocad needs are simple and NanoCad seems to have everything we need.
Positive comment• ago

-2
OpenSCAD
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Mac
Windows
Linux
41 alternatives to OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and MacOS.
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OpenSCAD Features
1. Procedural ModelingOpenSCAD can create or modify 3D models and textures based on a sequence of rules.
2. Parametric ModelingOpenSCAD can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
Text Based Format
OpenSCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD
Most users think OpenSCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
Guest
AutoCAD is after sketcher, drawer and modeller the tool to produce drawing part of documentation. OpenSCAD has different abilities, approach and philosophy to produce other results which does not includes technical drawings. My appologize for my poor English.
Negative comment• ago

0
BRL-CAD
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
71 alternatives to BRL-CAD
BRL-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...
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BRL-CAD Features
Image Processing
Benchmark analytics
Ray Tracing
BRL-CAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD
Most users think BRL-CAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
Guest
BRLCAD doesn't even have mouse support... and CSG through commandline is awful, can't even fillet an edge.
Negative comment• ago

0
QCAD
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
CAD Software
Mac
Windows
Linux
72 alternatives to QCAD
QCAD 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.
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QCAD Features
1. Support for scriptingQCAD supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
2. Parametric ModelingQCAD can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
Drawing 2D
QCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD
Most users think QCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
Guest
I Like something different.
Positive comment• ago

0

fredofredo
Good for very basic drawing, but not really AutoCAD compatible and no XRef functionality. Very cheap.

It messed up some features in an AutoCAD drawing I worked on (leaders & text) so I wouldn't consider it a suitable alternative to AutoCAD unless you're only using very basic functionality and don't need compatibility.
Negative comment• ago

0

Guest
Easy to learn and quite similar to AutoCAD (same paradigm)
Positive comment• ago

1

frankmcc
Customizable, easy learning curve and much cheaper than AutoCad.
Positive comment• ago

3