Open Source Autodesk AutoCAD Alternatives

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 ten of them is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD are LibreCAD, OpenSCAD, BRL-CAD and MakerSCAD.

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

205

Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software

Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
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AutoCAD is a leading CAD (computer-aided design) software used professionally throughout architectural, electrical,...

Learn more about Autodesk AutoCAD

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•
1

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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5 of 9 comments
OpenSCAD
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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
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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
MakerSCAD
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
3D Modeler
3D Printing Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Chrome OS
107 alternatives to MakerSCAD
MakerSCAD is a web-based parametric 3D design software with a block-based programming language to create objects for 3D printing, animations, games and websites.
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MakerSCAD Features
1. Parametric ModelingMakerSCAD can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
Web-Based
Visual Programming
Discontinued
Site certificate expired. Software itself hasn't been updated in a very long time, is incomplete, and doesn't function
Archimedes CAD
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Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
Mac
Windows
Linux
52 alternatives to Archimedes CAD
Archimedes is a free and open source CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. It is a robust system built over Eclipse’s Rich Client Java Platform fully based on plug ins. This means it is easily extensible but also has a pretty thin core that allows you to select the features you...
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Archimedes CAD Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsArchimedes CAD can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
Discontinued
The project seems no longer developed. Last version, 0.66, released in June 2012, can be still downloaded from SourceForge.
VARKON
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Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
Windows
Linux
35 alternatives to VARKON
Varkon is a very powerful parametric 2D/3D CAD, modeling and application development tool for engineering, design, architecture, etc. It does 2D drafting, 2D and 3D modeling, sculptured surface modeling, and even animations.
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VARKON Features
1. Parametric ModelingVARKON can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
Discontinued
The project seems no longer developed. Last version, 1.19E, released in November 2012, can be still downloaded from SourceForge.
gCAD3D
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Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
Windows
Linux
60 alternatives to gCAD3D
gCAD3D is a 3D CAD CAM application that features an integrated 3D OpenGL viewer, a program interpreter for geometry and NC-commands in 3D, an integrated NC-processor, and a programming interface for user programs.
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gCAD3D Features
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
ImplicitCAD
Do you think this is a good alternative?
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No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
3D Printing Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
30 alternatives to ImplicitCAD
ImplicitCAD is a programmatic CAD program, implemented in Haskell. Unlike traditional CAD programs, programmatic CAD programs use text descriptions of objects, as in programming. Concepts like variables, control structures and abstraction are used, just as in programming.

ImplicitCAD has no features, suggest some!
Plasticity
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No
Freemium • Open Source
CAD Software
Mac
Windows
Linux
17 alternatives to Plasticity
Plasticity is a 3d modelling software for concept artists. Modelling in Plasticity is quick and efficient due to the unique gizmos, shortcuts, and thoughtful workflow.
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Plasticity Features
1. PortablePlasticity can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
2. LightweightPlasticity consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. Parametric ModelingPlasticity can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.