Free Autodesk AutoCAD Alternatives

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 BRL-CAD.

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

206

Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software

Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad

AutoCAD is a leading CAD (computer-aided design) software used professionally throughout architectural, electrical,...

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FreeCAD
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Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Interior Design App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
BSD
PortableApps.com
103 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
DWG support
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
3d Drawing
Windows XP Compatibility
Parametric
Bim
Portable Linux
FreeCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD opinions
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•
8

webbe
way takes really a lot of clicks
Top positive comment•
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•
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•
-1

Guest
Autocad is a 2d cad mostly. Freecad is a parametric design software. Different purposes different design paradigm.
Negative comment•
1

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5 of 12 comments
LibreCAD
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Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Interior Design App
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
110 alternatives to LibreCAD
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.
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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 opinions
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•
3

Guest
No blockeditor or creating dynamic blocks.
Top positive comment•
-1

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

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•
3

Guest
No open AutoCAD files, say need permissions.
Negative comment•
-2

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SketchUp
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No
Freemium • Proprietary
3D Modeler
Interior Design App
Mac
Windows
Online
167 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 opinions
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•
4

Guest
Sketchup doesn't seem to be able to open .dwg files
Top negative comment•
-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•
1

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

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OpenSCAD
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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 opinions
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•
0
BRL-CAD
Do you think this is 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 opinions
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•
0
QCAD
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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 opinions
Most users think QCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
Guest
I Like something different.
Positive comment•
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•
0

Guest
Easy to learn and quite similar to AutoCAD (same paradigm)
Positive comment•
1

frankmcc
Customizable, easy learning curve and much cheaper than AutoCad.
Positive comment•
3
Onshape
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
CAD Software
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
33 alternatives to Onshape
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.
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Onshape Features
1. Parametric ModelingOnshape can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
2. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Onshape simultaneously.
3. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
Web-Based
Parametric
Drawing Board
Cloud based
3D Renderer
Rendering
Mechanical Simulation
Customizable
Onshape vs Autodesk AutoCAD opinions
Almost everyone thinks Onshape is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
JohnSevier
Cloud-based, faster and more modern.
Positive comment•
2
Shapr3D
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
3D Modeler
CAD Software
3D Printing Tool
iPad
Windows
Mac
46 alternatives to Shapr3D
Shapr3D is a revolutionary 3D modeling software created exclusively for your iPad Pro and your Apple Pencil.
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Shapr3D Features
1. Augmented RealityShapr3D makes use of augmented reality to interact with one or more of its services.
2. LightweightShapr3D consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Mechanical Design
Apple Pencil support
Android Sync
Sketching
CAD Builder
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Windows
Linux
21 alternatives to CAD Builder
For more than 20 years being always at the forefront of 3D, Open Cascade has gained considerable expertise in geometric modeling. In order to demonstrate software developing capabilities the company decided to come up with a sample of parametric CAD modeler — CAD Builder.

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CAD Builder vs Autodesk AutoCAD opinions
pCon.planner
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Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Interior Design App
CAD Software
Windows
83 alternatives to pCon.planner
The professional furnishing 2D-/3D-tool for everybody: The pCon.planner is a cost-free application allowing you to comfortably and professionally create complex furnishing concepts and to visualize them in a photo-realistic quality. File Formats: dwg, dxf, 3ds, skp, ... Language.
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pCon.planner Features
1. WYSIWYG SupportpCon.planner integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
2. Support for LayerspCon.planner supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
pCon.planner vs Autodesk AutoCAD opinions
Most users think pCon.planner is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.