AutoCAD AlternativesOnly apps from the EU

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

filter to find the best alternatives

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, Android, Mac + Free and Windows + 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.
More about Autodesk AutoCAD
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. FreeCAD icon

    FreeCAD

     467 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    112 FreeCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
    FreeCAD screenshot 1
     
    |
    12
    220
    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
    10

    I use Freecad to design my 3D printing models.

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

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

    way takes really a lot of clicks

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Show more comments
    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

     170 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    108 LibreCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flathub
    On Mac
     
    |
    9
    105
    Comments about LibreCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Top Positive Comment
    U U
    8

    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
    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.

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

    No open AutoCAD files, say need permissions.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Show more comments
    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 Customizable and LightweightAutodesk AutoCAD is not according to our users
  4. DraftSight icon

    DraftSight

     86 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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

    • Subscription
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    DraftSight screenshot 1
     
    |
    11
    141
    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.
    Show more comments
    3 of 11 comments
    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    DraftSight icon

    • Most users think DraftSight is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.

    • DraftSight is the most popular commercial alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.

    • DraftSight is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Ashampoo 3D CAD Professional icon
    Ashampoo 3D CAD Professional

    Comprehensive CAD tool for home planning offering advanced features like wall editing, floor and building replication, precise numerical input tools, custom components, and a vast 3D object catalog, enabling efficient design and ...

    https://www.ashampoo.com
    Learn More
  6. BricsCAD icon

    BricsCAD

     49 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    BricsCAD Dark and light mode
     
    |
    4
    60
    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.
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    BricsCAD icon

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

    • BricsCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  7. OpenSCAD icon

    OpenSCAD

     83 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and MacOS.

    50 OpenSCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    • Snapcraft
    • BSD
    • Docker
    • Homebrew
    OpenSCAD screenshot 1
     
    |
    1
    25
    Comments about OpenSCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Guest
    Negative
    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    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
    • OpenSCAD is LightweightAutodesk AutoCAD is not according to our users
  8. SOLIDWORKS icon

    SOLIDWORKS

     88 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    SOLIDWORKS screenshot 1
     
    |
    4
    24
    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.
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    SOLIDWORKS icon

    • Some users think SOLIDWORKS is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative, some don't.

    • SOLIDWORKS is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  10. QCAD icon

    QCAD

     29 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    74 QCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    QCAD screenshot 1
     
    |
    4
    25
    Comments about QCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    fredofredo
    Negative
    2

    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.

    Frank McCourry
    Positive
    3

    Customizable, easy learning curve and much cheaper than AutoCad.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    I Like something different.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    QCAD icon

    • Most users think QCAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.

    • QCAD is Free Personal and Open SourceAutodesk AutoCAD is Paid and Proprietary
    • QCAD is LightweightAutodesk AutoCAD is not according to our users
  11. Siemens NX icon

    Siemens NX

     3 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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
     
  12. Solid Edge icon

    Solid Edge

     13 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.
     
  13. ArchiCAD icon

    ArchiCAD

     32 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    ArchiCAD offers computer aided solutions for handling all common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the whole design process of the built environment — buildings, interiors, urban areas, etc.

    81 ArchiCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    ArchiCAD screenshot 1
     
    |
    7
  14. Shapr3D icon

    Shapr3D

     30 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    From design to manufacturing. Teams collaborate with more impact. Instinctive design meets multidevice capability and full interoperability for the ultimate 3D design workflow.

    44 Shapr3D alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPad
    Sketch to model. Mastered in hours.
     
  15. CAD Sketcher icon

    CAD Sketcher

     8 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    54 CAD Sketcher alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Blender
    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    CAD Sketcher screenshot 1
     
12 of 34 Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives