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

The best free alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD is FreeCAD, which is also Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD and many of them is free so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD are LibreCAD, SketchUp, OpenSCAD and Dune 3D.

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Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives are mainly CAD Software but may also be 3D Modelers or 3D Printing Tools.  Other popular filters includes 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.
Autodesk AutoCAD iconAutodesk 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

    FreeCAD

     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

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
    FreeCAD screenshot 1

    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

    LibreCAD

     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

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • NL flagNetherlands
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

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

    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
  4. SketchUp icon

    SketchUp

     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

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    Main UI

    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. OpenSCAD icon

    OpenSCAD

     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

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • AT flagAustria
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    OpenSCAD screenshot 1

    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
  6. Dune 3D icon

    Dune 3D

     16 likes
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    Dune 3D operates as a parametric 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. It provides users with the capability to sketch and constrain both in 2D and 3D dimensions. Furthermore, it allows for the addition of chamfers and fillets to designs.

    54 Dune 3D alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    Dune 3D screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  No registration required
    3.  Portable
    4.  Parametric Modeling
    5.  Parametric

    Dune 3D VS Autodesk AutoCAD

     
  7. Onshape icon

    Onshape

     26 likes
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    Onshape is a professional CAD system – Parts, Assemblies, Drawings – with version control and collaboration built in. Each Onshape plan (Free, Education, Professional, and Enterprise) gives you all of the CAD and data management functionality with no time limit.

    38 Onshape alternatives

    License model

    • Free Personal • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Onshape screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Web-Based
    2.  Parametric Modeling
    3.  Real time collaboration
    4.  Cloud based
    5.  Cloud Sync
    6.  Parametric
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Drawing Board
    9.  Mechanical Simulation
    10.  3D Renderer
    11.  Rendering

    Onshape VS Autodesk AutoCAD

     
    Comments about Onshape as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Joris
    Positive •Sep 1, 2024
    0

    its free for personal use. Its far more modern and you can import custom features. Only issue for me is that its cloud based and you cannot run it locally. Otherwise its the best option

    John Sevier
    Positive •Nov 12, 2018
    2

    Cloud-based, faster and more modern.

    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    Onshape icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Onshape is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.

    • Onshape is the most popular Android, iPhone, iPad & Android Tablet alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.

    • Onshape is Free Personal and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is Paid and Proprietary
  9. BRL-CAD icon

    BRL-CAD

     56 likes
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    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...

    73 BRL-CAD alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    PA-63 Extractor

    BRL-CAD Features

    1.  Image Processing
    2.  Benchmark analytics
    3.  Ray Tracing

    BRL-CAD VS Autodesk AutoCAD

     
    Comments about BRL-CAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Guest
    Negative •Nov 3, 2021
    2

    BRLCAD doesn't even have mouse support... and CSG through commandline is awful, can't even fillet an edge.

    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    BRL-CAD icon

    • Most users think BRL-CAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.

    • BRL-CAD is Free and Open SourceAutodesk AutoCAD is Paid and Proprietary
7 of 41 Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives