AutoCAD AlternativesOnly apps categorised as 3D Modelers
The best 3D Modeler alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD is FreeCAD, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD and many of them are 3D Modelers so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting 3D Modeler alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD are LibreCAD, BricsCAD, SketchUp and CMS IntelliCAD.
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Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives are mainly 3D Modelers but may also be CAD Software or Interior Design Apps. Other popular filters include Mac + Free. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Autodesk AutoCAD.- CAD Software
- Paid • Proprietary
- 109 FreeCAD alternatives
A powerful open-source parametric 3D modeler ideal for mechanical engineering, supporting Python scripting, running on Windows, Linux, and Mac, with modular architecture allowing extensive adaptability and use with scientific computing libraries.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- Snapcraft
- Flathub
- PortableApps.com
- Flatpak
Top FreeCAD Features
Comments about FreeCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Comment summary: Users highlight that FreeCAD and AutoCAD serve different purposes; FreeCAD is a 3D parametric design software with various workbenches, suitable for 3D printing and engineering but lacks drafting features that AutoCAD offers. FreeCAD is praised for being free and user-friendly but criticized for bugs and complex workflows, making it less professional compared to AutoCAD—a primarily 2D drawing tool used in architecture and structures.Top Positive CommentTop Negative CommentFreecad 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
Most Recent Commentwebb besway takes really a lot of clicks
- 109 LibreCAD alternatives
LibreCAD 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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Netherlands
EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- PortableApps.com
Comments about LibreCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Top Positive CommentU UA 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.
Top Negative CommentLibreCAD 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.
Most Recent CommentNo open AutoCAD files, say need permissions.
- 90 BricsCAD alternatives
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.
License model
- Paid • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
Belgium
EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
BricsCAD Features
Comments about BricsCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Most Recent CommentBricaCAD runs most native AutoCAD programming interfaces, lisp, diesel, pgp, brx (modified arx).
If you know how to draw in Autocad, you can also draw in Bicscad. It is identical.
Paulo CoghiFully 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.
- 165 SketchUp alternatives
Comprehensive 3D modeling software ideal for architecture, engineering, film, and gaming. It includes features like easy-to-use interface, sun and shadow analysis, color experimenting, and mock-up creation. Available in freeware and professional versions for diverse needs.
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Online
SketchUp Features
Comments about SketchUp as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Top Positive CommentDespite 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 Negative CommentThis is not as same as Autocad 2D
Most Recent CommentSketchup 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
- 64 CMS IntelliCAD alternatives
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.
License model
- Paid • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Windows
Top CMS IntelliCAD Features
Comments about CMS IntelliCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Top Positive CommentGraham GallagherIntelliCAD is a good program to start and produce engineering drawings, modeling and designing mechanic or structural components.
Most Recent CommentFreaking great for the tools included in this software
Emmanuel LivinusCMS 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.
- 91 nanoCAD alternatives
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:
License model
- Paid • Proprietary
Application types
Country of Origin
Russia
Platforms
- Windows
Comments about nanoCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Top Positive CommentJoão Paulo OliveiraThey has a Free Version for 2D models called nanoCAD Free, is as a good alternative to AutoCAD. Command line, tools and options are very similar, can open/save .dwg files from AutoCAD 14 LT or older versions, and very lightweight for modern computers.
Top Negative CommentRobert CheethamImpossible to open as registration process is a real pain. I gave up.
Most Recent CommentIt opens and edits 2D DWG files with ease, interface very similar to Autocad; although it had troubles opening files in the range of +150mb
- 46 OpenSCAD alternatives
OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and MacOS.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Austria
EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
OpenSCAD Features
Comments about OpenSCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
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.
I use Freecad to design my 3D printing models.