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Autodesk 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.

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

Learn more about Autodesk AutoCAD
  1. FreeCAD icon

    FreeCAD

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    • PortableApps.com
    101 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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    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.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    FreeCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD opinions
    Most users think FreeCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
     all • positive • negative      relevance • date
    webbe

    way takes really a lot of clicks

    Top positive comment• ago
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    Guest

    I use Freecad to design my 3D printing models.

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    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• ago
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    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• ago
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    Guest

    Autocad is a 2d cad mostly. Freecad is a parametric design software. Different purposes different design paradigm.

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    eduardoortiz1

    Because is an user friendly software and is free to use.Autodesk Autocad is very expensive

    Positive comment• ago
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    Guest

    AutoCAD is a 2D drawing program, mostly used for architecture and structures. FreeCAD is 3D and aimed at mechanical engineers. They do different things.

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  2. LibreCAD icon

    LibreCAD

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    111 alternatives to LibreCAD 

    LibreCAD (originally QCad then CADuntu) 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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    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.
    On Mac
    Screenshot
    On windows 7
    LibreCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD opinions
    Most users think LibreCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
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    Guest

    If you know Autocad, you will learn librecad lightning fast.

    Top positive comment• ago
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    Guest

    No blockeditor or creating dynamic blocks.

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    Guest

    LibreCAD is only a 2d Drafting software while AutoCAD also has 3d modelling capabilities

    Top negative comment• ago
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    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• ago
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    Guest

    No open AutoCAD files, say need permissions.

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    umix

    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.

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    Guest

    Autocad is based on text command usage. But librecad totally lacks it. And in addition, Librecad cannot open dlg files, only native cad files.

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  4. BricsCAD icon

    BricsCAD

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    86 alternatives to BricsCAD 

    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.

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    Features
    BricsCAD Dark and light mode
    BricsCAD 2D drafting
    BricsCAD BIM
    BricsCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD opinions
    Almost everyone thinks BricsCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
    donaldbroussard

    BricsCAD is nearly identical, including nearly 100% of the functionality of AutoCAD. It also includes tons of functionality not found in AutoCAD. For Civil Engineers (where I work most often), TINs, simple alignments, profiles, grading, survey points, and more are now part of BricsCAD.

    Top positive comment• ago
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    1
    Guest

    If you know how to draw in Autocad, you can also draw in Bicscad. It is identical.

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    paulocoghi

    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.

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    svaa1982

    Comes with Linux support.

    Positive comment• ago
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    Guest

    BricaCAD runs most native AutoCAD programming interfaces, lisp, diesel, pgp, brx (modified arx).

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  5. OpenSCAD icon

    OpenSCAD

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    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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    Features
    Rendering a model
    OpenSCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD opinions
    Most users think OpenSCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
  6. BRL-CAD icon

    BRL-CAD

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    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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    Features
    PA-63 Extractor
    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.

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  8. QCAD icon

    QCAD

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    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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    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.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    QCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD opinions
    Most users think QCAD is a great alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
    Guest

    I Like something different.

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    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• ago
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    Guest

    Easy to learn and quite similar to AutoCAD (same paradigm)

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    frankmcc

    Customizable, easy learning curve and much cheaper than AutoCad.

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    3
  9. CAD Builder icon

    CAD Builder

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    • 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.

     CAD Builder has no features, suggest some!
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  10. Assetforge icon

    Assetforge

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    126 alternatives to Assetforge 

    Asset Forge allows anyone to create 3D models and 2D sprites using building blocks. Finished assets are compatible with most available game engines.

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    Features
    Screenshot
  11. VariCAD icon

    VariCAD

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    28 alternatives to VariCAD 

    VariCAD is compact, fast, easy to use, and provides everything necessary for mechanical design. VariCAD is sold "fully loaded", including all features and functions, for one affordable price. The system contains:

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    Features
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  12. MakerSCAD icon

    MakerSCAD

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    • 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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    Features
    1.  Parametric ModelingMakerSCAD can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
    Discontinued

    Site certificate expired. Software itself hasn't been updated in a very long time, is incomplete, and doesn't function

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Showing 10 of 21 alternatives
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