AutoCAD Alternatives for Linux

Autodesk AutoCAD is not available for Linux but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. The best Linux alternative 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 available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD are LibreCAD, BricsCAD, OpenSCAD and BRL-CAD.

filter to find the best alternatives

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 Free, Open Source, Linux, Windows, Android, Mac 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.
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Alternatives list

  1. FreeCAD icon

    FreeCAD

     469 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.

    112 FreeCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

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

     170 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.

    108 LibreCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flathub
    On Mac
     
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    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.
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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 Customizable and LightweightAutodesk AutoCAD is not according to our users
  4. BricsCAD icon

    BricsCAD

     49 likes
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    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
     
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    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.
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    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
  5. OpenSCAD icon

    OpenSCAD

     83 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.

    50 OpenSCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    • Snapcraft
    • BSD
    • Docker
    • Homebrew
    OpenSCAD screenshot 1
     
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    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
  6. BRL-CAD icon

    BRL-CAD

     57 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...

    74 BRL-CAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    PA-63 Extractor
     
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    1
    22
    Comments about BRL-CAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Guest
    Negative
    2

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    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. QCAD icon

    QCAD

     29 likes
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    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
     
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    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.
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    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
  9. 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.

    58 Dune 3D alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    Dune 3D screenshot 1
     
  10. GstarCAD icon

    GstarCAD

     13 likes
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    GstarCAD is well-known alternative CAD software of high compatibility with ACAD. With 27 years of continuous improvement and innovation, today GstarCAD is far ahead in performance, stability and becomes leading CAD software in the world.

    Cost / License

    • Pay once or Subscription
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Mac
    Concise User Interface
     
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    5
    10
    Comments about GstarCAD as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    2

    in 2019 of GstarCAD is more compatible and faster than ever. i strongly recommend this program for everyone who architecture or engineer(civil,mechanical) compatible with 2018 .DWG and very cheaper than AutoCAD.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    RemovedUser
    Positive
    0

    Best combatibility and speed

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    I use GstarCAD for last few years since it is faster than Autocad especialy when using huge point cloud projects.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 5 comments
    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    GstarCAD icon

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

    • GstarCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  11. Plasticity icon

    Plasticity

     7 likes
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    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.

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Plasticity screenshot 1
     
  13. BricsCAD Shape icon

    BricsCAD Shape

     5 likes
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    BricsCAD Shape lets you create without limits. Sculpt your ideas in solids from the start. It’s the power of free-form modeling with full CAD accuracy.

    137 BricsCAD Shape alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once or Subscription
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    BricsCAD Shape screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about BricsCAD Shape as an Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
    Veronyka Munteanu
    Positive
    0

    Work very well, cross platform, closer to AutoCAD than sketchup.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Autodesk AutoCAD Icon
    BricsCAD Shape icon
    • BricsCAD Shape is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  14. ARES Commander icon

    ARES Commander

     2 likes
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    All the productive tools and smart features for 2D drafting and design that you expect at a reasonable price. With DWG 2010 as its primary drawing file format and DXF support.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
12 of 23 Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives