AutoCAD Alternatives for Mac

There are many alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac if you are looking for a replacement. The best Mac 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 Mac so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Mac alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD are LibreCAD, DraftSight, BricsCAD and SketchUp.

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, Windows + Free, Android and Computer-Aided Design. 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

Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives page was last updated Mar 21, 2025

FreeCAD
498 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.
119 FreeCAD alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (LGPL-2.1)
Application types
CAD
3D Modeler
Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Snapcraft
Flathub
PortableApps.com
Flatpak
+5
Is FreeCAD a good alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD?

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12comments
FreeCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments

Top Positive Comment
Guest
Oct 24, 2015
10
I use Freecad to design my 3D printing models.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Top Negative Comment
Guest
Jan 18, 2017
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 commentJan 24, 2023
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
FreeCAD is Privacy focusedAutodesk AutoCAD is not according to our users
LibreCAD
173 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.
110 LibreCAD alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
CAD
3D Modeler
Origin
Netherlands
EU
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
Flathub
+1
Is LibreCAD a good alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD?

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9comments
LibreCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments

Top Positive Comment
U U
Jan 20, 2020
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
Jun 16, 2020
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 commentMay 29, 2020
-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
DraftSight
86 likes
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
Paid
Proprietary
Application type
CAD
Origin
France
EU
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Is DraftSight a good alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD?

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11comments
DraftSight vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments

Top Positive Comment
Guest
Feb 11, 2017
10
Because i'ts equal in 2D part. Very good, has free version, and multiplatform.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Guest
Positive commentNov 20, 2018
2
Good compatibility and excellent 2D drafting tools
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Guest
Positive commentJun 26, 2018
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.
3 of 11 comments
DraftSight is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
BricsCAD
48 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.
80 BricsCAD alternatives
Cost / License
Paid
Proprietary
Application types
CAD
3D Modeler
Origin
Belgium
EU
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
+3
Is BricsCAD a good alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD?

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4comments
BricsCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments

Guest
Positive commentApr 7, 2018
6
BricaCAD runs most native AutoCAD programming interfaces, lisp, diesel, pgp, brx (modified arx).
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Paulo Coghi
Positive commentFeb 6, 2020
-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 commentAug 11, 2022
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
SketchUp
555 likes
Comprehensive 3D modeling software ideal for architecture, engineering, film, and gaming. It includes features like easy-to-use interface, sun and shadow analysis, color experimenting, and mock-up creation. Available in freeware and professional versions for diverse needs.
169 SketchUp alternatives
Cost / License
Paid
Proprietary
Application types
3D Modeler
CAD
Origin
United States
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Online
Is SketchUp a good alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD?

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8comments
SketchUp vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments

Top Positive Comment
Guest
Aug 26, 2019
4
Despite Sketchup not being a "True CAD" tool, it's a viable alternative for a similar real life goals, at least for planning hobbyist home renovations.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Top Negative Comment
Guest
Aug 2, 2019
12
This is not as same as Autocad 2D
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Guest
Negative commentNov 12, 2020
1
Sketchup is considered as a 3d model programme but not a CAD programme, had downloaded the software before when first came across it being label as a CAD. Upon after setup it proven that it only serve the purpose of 3D sketching, modeling and other 3d functions. Had to uninstall it and had to find another programme which does CAD
Review by a new / low-activity user.
3 of 8 comments
SketchUp is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
OpenSCAD
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.
51 OpenSCAD alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
CAD
3D Modeler
Origin
Austria
EU
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Flathub
Flatpak
Snapcraft
BSD
Docker
Homebrew
+3
Is OpenSCAD a good alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD?

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1comment
OpenSCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments

Guest
Negative commentMar 29, 2023
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
BRL-CAD
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...
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
CAD
3D Modeler
Origin
United States
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Is BRL-CAD a good alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD?

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1comment
BRL-CAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments

Guest
Negative commentNov 3, 2021
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
Dune 3D
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
Free
Open Source (GPL-3.0)
Application types
CAD
3D Modeler
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Flathub
Is Dune 3D a good alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD?
GstarCAD
13 likes
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.
85 GstarCAD alternatives
Cost / License
Paid
Proprietary
Application type
CAD
Origin
China
Platforms
Windows
Linux
Mac
+9
Is GstarCAD a good alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD?

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5comments
GstarCAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments

Top Positive Comment
Guest
Nov 19, 2018
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 commentApr 23, 2022
0
Best combatibility and speed
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Guest
Positive commentDec 4, 2020
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.
3 of 5 comments
GstarCAD is Paid and ProprietaryAutodesk AutoCAD is also Paid and Proprietary
Shapr3D
32 likes
From design to manufacturing. Teams collaborate with more impact. Instinctive design meets multidevice capability and full interoperability for the ultimate 3D design workflow.
46 Shapr3D alternatives
Cost / License
Freemium
Proprietary
Application types
3D Modeler
CAD
Origin
Hungary
EU
Platforms
Mac
Windows
iPad
+3
Is Shapr3D a good alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD?
Siemens NX
3 likes
Siemens NX software is an integrated product design, engineering and manufacturing solution that helps you deliver better products faster and more efficiently.
22 Siemens NX alternatives
Cost / License
Paid
Proprietary
Application type
CAD
Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
Mac
Windows
+7
Is Siemens NX a good alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD?
ArchiCAD
32 likes
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.
82 ArchiCAD alternatives
Cost / License
Paid
Proprietary
Application types
3D Modeler
CAD
Origin
Hungary
EU
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Is ArchiCAD a good alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD?

12 of 42 Autodesk AutoCAD alternatives

AutoCAD Alternatives for Mac

Alternatives list

FreeCAD

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LibreCAD

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DraftSight

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BricsCAD

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SketchUp

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OpenSCAD

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BRL-CAD

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BRL-CAD vs Autodesk AutoCAD Comments

Dune 3D

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GstarCAD

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Shapr3D

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Siemens NX

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ArchiCAD

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