AutoCAD AlternativesOnly apps categorised as 3D Modelers 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 3D Modeler 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 14 are 3D Modelers available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux 3D Modeler alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD are LibreCAD, BricsCAD, OpenSCAD and BRL-CAD.

filter to find the best alternatives

Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives are mainly 3D Modelers, but if you're looking for CAD Software or 3D Printing Tools you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Free, Open Source, Linux, Windows + Free, Windows, Windows + Open Source and Android. 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
     491 likes

    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.

    116 FreeCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
     
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    12
    FreeCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments
    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.
    3 of 12 comments
    • FreeCAD is Free and Open SourceAutodesk AutoCAD is Paid and Proprietary
  2. LibreCAD icon
     171 likes

    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.

    109 LibreCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flathub
     
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    9
    LibreCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments
    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
    7

    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
    -2

    No open AutoCAD files, say need permissions.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 9 comments
    • LibreCAD is Free and Open SourceAutodesk AutoCAD is Paid and Proprietary
    • LibreCAD is Customizable and LightweightAutodesk AutoCAD is not according to our users
  3. BricsCAD icon
     49 likes

    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.

    81 BricsCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
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    4
    BricsCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments
    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.
    3 of 4 comments
    • BricsCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
  4. OpenSCAD icon
     83 likes

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

    52 OpenSCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    • Snapcraft
    • BSD
    • Docker
    • Homebrew
     
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    1
    OpenSCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments
    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.
    • OpenSCAD is Free and Open SourceAutodesk AutoCAD is Paid and Proprietary
    • OpenSCAD is LightweightAutodesk AutoCAD is not according to our users
  5. BRL-CAD icon
     57 likes

    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...

    76 BRL-CAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
     
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    1
    BRL-CAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments
    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.
    • BRL-CAD is Free and Open SourceAutodesk AutoCAD is Paid and Proprietary
  6. Dune 3D icon
     16 likes

    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.

    60 Dune 3D alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
     
  7. Plasticity icon
     8 likes

    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.

    24 Plasticity alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  8. CAD Sketcher icon
     8 likes

    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.

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Blender
    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
     
  9. CAD Builder icon
     11 likes

    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.

    22 CAD Builder alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  10. SelfCAD  icon
     9 likes

    SelfCAD is a simple but powerful 3D modeling software being used by beginners, professionals as well as both small and large businesses to create their 3D designs. With the program, users can be able to model, sculpt, render, and even slice designs.

    59 SelfCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Chrome OS
     
  11. VariCAD icon
     5 likes

    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:

    28 VariCAD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  12. Assetforge icon
     7 likes

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

    127 Assetforge alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
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