The Best Open Source AutoCAD AlternativesTop CAD Software & 3D Modelers like AutoCAD
The best open source alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD is FreeCAD. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD and 12 is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD are LibreCAD, OpenSCAD, Dune 3D and BRL-CAD.
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Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives are mainly CAD Software, but if you're looking for 3D Modelers or 3D Printing Tools you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Mac + Free. 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.- CAD Software
- Paid • Proprietary
- 110 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
- 108 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.
- 47 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.
- 55 Dune 3D alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Flathub
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...
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
BRL-CAD Features
Comments about BRL-CAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
BRLCAD doesn't even have mouse support... and CSG through commandline is awful, can't even fillet an edge.
- 74 QCAD alternatives
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.
License model
- Free Personal • Open Source
Application type
Country of Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
Comments about QCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Most Recent CommentfredofredoGood 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.
frankmccCustomizable, easy learning curve and much cheaper than AutoCad.
I Like something different.
- 52 CAD Sketcher alternatives
CAD Sketcher is a free and open-source project looking to enhance precision workflows in Blender by bringing CAD like tools, features and usability to Blender.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
- Blender
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
I use Freecad to design my 3D printing models.