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.
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Versatile CAD software offering 2D and 3D modeling, visualization, and cloud access for architectural and engineering design professionals.

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Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives page was last updated Mar 21, 2025
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Alternatives
  1. FreeCAD icon
     441 likes
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    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.

    109 FreeCAD alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak

    Top FreeCAD Features

    1.  Parametric Modeling
    2.  Drawing 2D
    3.  Interior Design
    4.  FEM
    5.  Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
    6.  Parametric
    7.  3d Drawing
    8.  DWG support
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Procedural Modeling
    11.  No registration required
    12.  Dark Mode

    FreeCAD VS Autodesk AutoCAD

     
    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 Comment
    Guest
    Oct 24, 2015
    9

    I use Freecad to design my 3D printing models.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    Jan 18, 2017
    22

    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

    Most Recent Comment
    webb bes
    Positive Jan 24, 2023
    1

    way takes really a lot of clicks

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    3 of 12 comments
    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    FreeCAD icon
    • Most users think FreeCAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.

    • FreeCAD is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.

    • FreeCAD is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.

    • FreeCAD is Free and Open SourceAutodesk AutoCAD is Paid and Proprietary
  2. LibreCAD icon
     163 likes
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    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.

    109 LibreCAD alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • NL flagNetherlands
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Portable
    2.  Bim
    3.  Construction layers
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Parametric Modeling
    6.  Support for Layers
    7.  Isometric view
    8.  Export to SVG
    9.  QT Based
    10.  Export to PDF

    LibreCAD VS Autodesk AutoCAD

     
    Comments about LibreCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Top Positive Comment
    U U
    Jan 20, 2020
    7

    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.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    Jun 16, 2020
    6

    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.

    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Negative May 29, 2020
    -1

    No open AutoCAD files, say need permissions.

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    3 of 9 comments
    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    LibreCAD icon
    • Most users think LibreCAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.

    • LibreCAD is Free and Open SourceAutodesk AutoCAD is Paid and Proprietary
    • LibreCAD is LightweightAutodesk AutoCAD is not according to our users
  3. BricsCAD icon
     49 likes
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    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.

    90 BricsCAD alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • BE flagBelgium
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux

    BricsCAD Features

    1.  DWG support
    2.  Drawing 2D
    3.  Mechanical Simulation
    4.  Bim
    5.  Mechanical Design
    6.  BIM import
    7.  Rendering

    BricsCAD VS Autodesk AutoCAD

     
    Comments about BricsCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Positive Apr 7, 2018
    6

    BricaCAD runs most native AutoCAD programming interfaces, lisp, diesel, pgp, brx (modified arx).

    Guest
    Positive Aug 11, 2022
    1

    If you know how to draw in Autocad, you can also draw in Bicscad. It is identical.

    Paulo Coghi
    Positive Feb 6, 2020
    -1

    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.

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    3 of 4 comments
    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    BricsCAD icon
    • Almost everyone thinks BricsCAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.

    • BricsCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  4. SketchUp icon
     552 likes
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    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.

    165 SketchUp alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online

    SketchUp Features

    1.  3D Animation
    2.  3d sketching
    3.  Built-in 3D model viewer
    4.  Pencil
    5.  3d Drawing
    6.  Cabinet design
    7.  Image to 3D
    8.  Mechanical Design
    9.  Browser-based

    SketchUp VS Autodesk AutoCAD

     
    Comments about SketchUp as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    Aug 26, 2019
    4

    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 Negative Comment
    Guest
    Aug 2, 2019
    11

    This is not as same as Autocad 2D

    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Negative Nov 12, 2020
    1

    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

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    3 of 8 comments
    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    SketchUp icon
    • Some users think SketchUp is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative, some don't.

    • SketchUp is the most popular Web-based alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.

    • SketchUp is Freemium and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is Paid and Proprietary
  5. CMS IntelliCAD icon
     58 likes
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    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.

    64 CMS IntelliCAD alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows

    Top CMS IntelliCAD Features

    1.  Drawing 2D
    2.  DWG support
    3.  3D Renderer
    4.  BIM import
    5.  Construction layers
    6.  Import 3D models
    7.  Command line interface
    8.  Constructive geometry
    9.  Realistic rendering
    10.  Project overview
    11.  Data export/import
    12.  Native.dwg file support

    CMS IntelliCAD VS Autodesk AutoCAD

     
    Comments about CMS IntelliCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Top Positive Comment
    Graham Gallagher
    Dec 23, 2019
    13

    IntelliCAD is a good program to start and produce engineering drawings, modeling and designing mechanic or structural components.

    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Positive Jan 30, 2020
    0

    Freaking great for the tools included in this software

    Emmanuel Livinus
    Positive Jan 22, 2020
    0

    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.

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    3 of 5 comments
    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    CMS IntelliCAD icon
    • Almost everyone thinks CMS IntelliCAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.

    • CMS IntelliCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  6. nanoCAD icon
     44 likes
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    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:

    91 nanoCAD alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • RU flagRussia

    Platforms

    • Windows

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  DWG support
    2.  Convert DWG to PDF
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Convert PDF to DWG
    5.  Ad-free

    nanoCAD VS Autodesk AutoCAD

     
    Comments about nanoCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Top Positive Comment
    João Paulo Oliveira
    Jun 16, 2023
    1

    They 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 Comment
    Robert Cheetham
    Jan 31, 2022
    0

    Impossible to open as registration process is a real pain. I gave up.

    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Positive Aug 19, 2024
    0

    It opens and edits 2D DWG files with ease, interface very similar to Autocad; although it had troubles opening files in the range of +150mb

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    3 of 5 comments
    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    nanoCAD icon
    • Most users think nanoCAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.

    • nanoCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
    • nanoCAD is LightweightAutodesk AutoCAD is not according to our users
  7. OpenSCAD icon
     80 likes
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    OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and MacOS.

    46 OpenSCAD alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • AT flagAustria
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux

    OpenSCAD Features

    1.  Procedural Modeling
    2.  Parametric Modeling
    3.  Text Based Format

    OpenSCAD VS Autodesk AutoCAD

     
    Comments about OpenSCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Guest
    Negative Mar 29, 2023
    0

    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.

    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    OpenSCAD icon
    • Most users think OpenSCAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.

    • OpenSCAD is Free and Open SourceAutodesk AutoCAD is Paid and Proprietary
7 of 49 Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives