The Best Paid AutoCAD AlternativesTop CAD Software & 3D Modelers like AutoCAD

The best paid alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD is DraftSight. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD and loads of them is paid so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting paid alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD are SketchUp, BricsCAD, CMS IntelliCAD and nanoCAD.

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Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives are mainly CAD Software, but if you're looking for 3D Modelers or Interior Design Apps you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Free, Open Source, Linux, Windows + Free, Android, Windows and Windows + Open Source. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD.
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Alternatives list

  1. DraftSight icon

    DraftSight

     86 likes

    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.*

    88 DraftSight alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    DraftSight screenshot 1
     
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    11
    Comments about DraftSight as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    10

    Because i'ts equal in 2D part. Very good, has free version, and multiplatform.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    2

    Good compatibility and excellent 2D drafting tools

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 11 comments
    DraftSight icon
    DraftSight icon
    • DraftSight is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  2. SketchUp icon

    SketchUp

     555 likes

    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.

    166 SketchUp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    Main UI
     
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    8
    Comments about SketchUp as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    11

    This is not as same as Autocad 2D

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 8 comments
    SketchUp icon
    SketchUp icon
    • SketchUp is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  4. BricsCAD icon

    BricsCAD

     49 likes

    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.

    80 BricsCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    BricsCAD Dark and light mode
     
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    4
    Comments about BricsCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Guest
    Positive
    6

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Paulo Coghi
    Positive
    -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.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 4 comments
    BricsCAD icon
    BricsCAD icon
    • BricsCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  5. Ad
  6. CMS IntelliCAD icon

    CMS IntelliCAD

     58 likes

    Feature-rich 2D and 3D CAD application supporting native DWG files, offering multiple-document interface, advanced drafting tools, full AutoLISP and ADS compatibility, IntelliCAD Explorer for managing layers and settings, seamless Windows integration, and support for legacy drawing formats.

    65 CMS IntelliCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    CMS IntelliCAD screenshot 1
     
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    5
    Comments about CMS IntelliCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Top Positive Comment
    Graham Gallagher
    13

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

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Freaking great for the tools included in this software

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Emmanuel Livinus
    Positive
    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.

    3 of 5 comments
    CMS IntelliCAD icon
    CMS IntelliCAD icon
    • CMS IntelliCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  7. nanoCAD icon

    nanoCAD

     44 likes

    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:

    90 nanoCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    nanoCAD 3 main window
     
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    5
    Comments about nanoCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Top Positive Comment
    João Paulo Oliveira
    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
    0

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

    Guest
    Positive
    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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 5 comments
    nanoCAD icon
    nanoCAD icon
    • nanoCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
    • nanoCAD is LightweightAutodesk AutoCAD is not according to our users
  8. SOLIDWORKS icon

    SOLIDWORKS

     88 likes

    Leading 3D CAD software for design, analysis, and product data management, developed by Dassault Systèmes. Enhances productivity, fosters collaboration, and accelerates time to market. Features include parametric modeling, photorealistic rendering, and strong PLM process support.

    102 SOLIDWORKS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    SOLIDWORKS screenshot 1
     
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    4
    Comments about SOLIDWORKS as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Guest
    Negative
    6

    SolidWorks aimed to design parts for the manufacturing and mostly used for mechanical engineering. AutoCAD is used for general things from mechanical to civil, has many different ways of use.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    3

    It's a solid 3d modelling software.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    Nothing to do with. SolidWorks is closer to Inventor, not to AutoCAD. You're probably getting payed to publish crap lies as this one.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 4 comments
    SOLIDWORKS icon
    SOLIDWORKS icon
    • SOLIDWORKS is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  10. ZWCAD icon

    ZWCAD

     13 likes

    Developed by ZWSOFT, which has helped 900,000 users from 90 countries create amazing things, ZWCAD is a powerful, reliable and DWG-compatible CAD solution for worldwide users. Available in 15 languages, it provides innovative, collaborative and customizable features to designers...

    58 ZWCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    ZWCAD screenshot 1
     
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    5
    Comments about ZWCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    3

    Cheaper than Autocad, and have the same options. I recomend it at 100%

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Great similarity with AutoCAD so almost no relearning required. Still a permanent licence so not am not getting hit with annual rental charges.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Parity or better functionality, full compatibility, affordable, much faster, broad apI.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 5 comments
    ZWCAD icon
    ZWCAD icon
    • ZWCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
    • ZWCAD is LightweightAutodesk AutoCAD is not according to our users
  11. GstarCAD icon

    GstarCAD

     13 likes

    GstarCAD is well-known alternative CAD software of high compatibility with ACAD. With 27 years of continuous improvement and innovation, today GstarCAD is far ahead in performance, stability and becomes leading CAD software in the world.

    84 GstarCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Mac
    Concise User Interface
     
    |
    5
    Comments about GstarCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    2

    in 2019 of GstarCAD is more compatible and faster than ever. i strongly recommend this program for everyone who architecture or engineer(civil,mechanical) compatible with 2018 .DWG and very cheaper than AutoCAD.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    RemovedUser
    Positive
    0

    Best combatibility and speed

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    I use GstarCAD for last few years since it is faster than Autocad especialy when using huge point cloud projects.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 5 comments
    GstarCAD icon
    GstarCAD icon
    • GstarCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  12. Autodesk Inventor icon

    Autodesk Inventor

     22 likes

    Software for 3D mechanical design, simulation, and visualization. Provides parametric, direct, and freeform design options, along with integrated simulation, CAM tools, and advanced rendering up to 16K resolution. Features include section views and customizable rendering environments.

    60 Autodesk Inventor alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Autodesk Inventor screenshot 1
     
  13. Siemens NX icon

    Siemens NX

     3 likes

    Siemens NX software is an integrated product design, engineering and manufacturing solution that helps you deliver better products faster and more efficiently.

    20 Siemens NX alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Siemens NX screenshot 1
     
  14. Solid Edge icon

    Solid Edge

     13 likes

    Solid Edge is an industry-leading mechanical design system with exceptional tools for creating and managing 3D digital prototypes. With superior core modeling and process workflows, a unique focus on the needs of specific industries, and fully integrated design management, Solid...

    43 Solid Edge alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • iPad
    Solid Edge with ST4 offers a working environment with ground plane reflections and shadows.
     
  15. Catia icon

    Catia

     10 likes

    CATIA (Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application) (in English usually pronounced /k?'ti?/) is a multi-platform CAD/CAM/CAE commercial software suite developed by the French company Dassault Systèmes.

    57 Catia alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Real Toyota f1 designing
     
12 of 86 Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives