Autodesk AutoCAD Alternatives for Mac

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 engineering specialties. FreeCAD features tools similar to Catia, SolidWorks or Solid Edge, and therefore also falls into the category of MCAD, PLM, CAx and CAE.

• Because is an user friendly software and is free to use.Autodesk Autocad is very expensive eduardoortiz1 • Mar 2018 • 1 agrees and 2 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• AutoCAD is a 2D drawing program, mostly used for architecture and structures. FreeCAD is 3D and aimed at mechanical engineers. They do different things. Guest • Feb 2018 • 4 agrees and 8 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• Not bad for a free Software, but Workflow seems very antiquated and unneccessarily complicated. It lacks logic on available tools in different workbenches. There are much ways to get to your goal but every way takes really a lot of clicks and more of trial and error. Guest • Aug 2017 • 4 agrees and 3 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• 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 Guest • Jan 2017 • 20 agrees and 7 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• Not directly supporting DWG: needs a commercial/trial license of a file converter Guest • Apr 2017 • 2 agrees and 4 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• Very good app, has many workbenches for different branches of engineering. It has a very helpful community forum. I really recommend trying it before looking for any other alternative. Guest • Jun 2017 • 1 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• FreeCAD is not a bad program, but it seems to lack functionality that AutoCAD provides. Currently FreeCAD seems to be in an early stage of development, and should probably not be considered for use in a professional production context, as a replacement for AutoCAD. Guest • Mar 2017 • 1 agrees and 3 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• I use Freecad to design my 3D printing models. Guest • Oct 2015 • 8 agrees and 4 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• FreeCAD is a software for 3d parametric model, AutoCAD is not that. Guest • Sep 2015 • 0 agrees and 7 disagrees Disagree   Agree

Free Open Source Mac Windows Linux

230 Like

DraftSight

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.* Based on advanced architecture, DraftSight has a small footprint, should take less than a few minutes to download, and runs on multiple operating systems, including Windows XP®, Windows Vista® and Windows® 7.

• Good compatibility and excellent 2D drafting tools Guest • Nov 2018 Disagree   Agree
• Despite my continuous research, I have never found anything else closer and compatible to autocad. I say this with a critical spirit, because compatibility is good, not perfect ...Unfortunately. Guest • Jun 2018 • 5 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• 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. Guest • Jun 2018 • 1 agrees and 0 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• Because i'ts equal in 2D part. Very good, has free version, and multiplatform. Guest • Feb 2017 • 12 agrees and 2 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• the free version really read/write autocad files. rbadillarx • Mar 2017 • 5 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• This is the closest program in functionality to Autocad, It could use some stability improvements. Guest • May 2017 Disagree   Agree
• The interface is very similar and it was able to open existing autocadd drawings. this allowed a seamless transition. Guest • Jan 2017 • 1 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• One of the better, if not the best CAD for Linux. Works on Fedora, would recommend this program. Guest • Mar 2017 • 2 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• Fully compatible with, industry standard, AutoCAD DWG files. Uses a command line based interface that works in the same way as AutoCAD. Guest • Dec 2016 • 1 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• DraftSight is developed as a competitor to AutoCAD 2D. Distributed as a free (well also has a paid version) software to compete with 2D AutoCAD. Guest • Jul 2016 • 2 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree

Commercial $ $ $ Mac Windows Linux

81 Like

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. LibreCAD can read DWG files (and others) as of the latest Nightly build. It writes DXF files, but can also export SVG, JPG, PNG, PDF and other files.

• Ideal for preparing 2D drawings. Better than AutoCAD LT in some ways but can be a bit flaky. Guest • Apr 2019 Disagree   Agree
• No blockeditor or creating dynamic blocks. Guest • Feb 2018 • 1 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• If you know Autocad, you will learn librecad lightning fast. Guest • Jan 2018 • 2 agrees and 2 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• Similar GUI like AutoCAD, and for 2D drawing, it is a perfect solution Guest • Jul 2017 • 1 agrees and 2 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• LibreCAD is only a 2d Drafting software while AutoCAD also has 3d modelling capabilities Guest • May 2016 • 8 agrees and 8 disagrees Disagree   Agree

Free Open Source Mac Windows Linux PortableApps.com

114 Like

SketchUp

SketchUp (formerly Google Sketchup) is a 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering, film, and video game design—and available in a freeware version, SketchUp Make, and a paid version with additional functionality, SketchUp Pro. SketchUp comes with a 3D Gallery that lets you search for models and share yours.

• 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. Guest • Aug 2019 • 3 agrees and 0 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• This is not as same as Autocad 2D Guest • Aug 2019 • 4 agrees and 2 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• you need to be really numb out of your mind to think SketchUp is an alternative, lets start with the fact that SketchUp cant even recognize any kind of vectors Guest • Apr 2019 • 2 agrees and 2 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• Sketchup is a 3D modelling package, not a CAD package. Guest • Mar 2019 • 4 agrees and 2 disagrees Disagree   Agree
• Sketchup doesn't seem to be able to open .dwg files Guest • Jan 2017 • 9 agrees and 11 disagrees Disagree   Agree

Freemium $ $ $ Mac Windows Web

492 Like

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. The BricsCAD® family of products brings a cost-effective, multi-platform CAD solution to Windows, macOS, and Linux. BricsCAD is available as a permanent/perpetual license & subscription license, for networked or stand-alone computers. You can also add All-In Maintenance for ease of keeping up-to-date.

• BricaCAD runs most native AutoCAD programming interfaces, lisp, diesel, pgp, brx (modified arx). Guest • Apr 2018 • 3 agrees and 1 disagrees Disagree   Agree

Commercial Mac Windows Linux

38 Like

OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and MacOS. Unlike most free software for creating 3D models (such as the famous application Blender) it does not focus on the artistic aspects of 3D modelling but instead on the CAD aspects.

Free Open Source Mac Windows Linux

52 Like

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 robust geometric representation, with more than 20 years of active development.

Free Open Source Mac Windows Linux

45 Like

SolveSpace

SolveSpace is an Open Source 2D and 3D CAD (computer-aided design) program. It is a constraint-based parametric modeler with simple mechanical simulation capabilities. It is developed by Jonathan Westhues.

• SolveSpace does not support dwg files. Guest • May 2019 Disagree   Agree

Free Open Source Mac Windows Linux

24 Like

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. QCad uses the AutoCAD DXF file format internally and to save and import files. AutoCAD DWG support is available as a commercial plugin. QCAD is available in two versions: Community edition and Professional edition. QCAD Community Edition is free and open source.

Free Personal Mac Windows Linux

19 Like

Onshape

Onshape is a professional CAD system – Parts, Assemblies, Drawings – with version control and collaboration built in. Each Onshape plan (Free for STUDENTS, Professional & Enterprise) gives you all of the CAD and data management functionality with no time limit. - Onshape is the first full-cloud 3D CAD system. It runs in a web browser and on any mobile device. - Onshape uses cloud-native Documents, not files.

• Cloud-based, faster and more modern. JohnSevier • Nov 2018 • 1 agrees and 0 disagrees Disagree   Agree

Commercial $ $ $ Mac Windows Linux Web Android ... iPhone Android Tablet iPad

15 Like

CorelCAD

Enhance your visual communication expertise with the precision of superior 2D drafting and 3D design tools available in CorelCAD™ 2019. It’s the smart, affordable solution for drawing detailed elements in technical design. With native .DWG file support, and optimization for Windows and macOS, this computer aided design software can increase productivity and performance.

Commercial $ $ $ Mac Windows

7 Like

ArchiCAD

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.

Commercial Mac Windows

26 Like

Assetforge

Asset Forge allows anyone to create 3D models and 2D sprites using building blocks. Finished assets are compatible with most available game engines. You'll have access to a large library of pre-made blocks, they're each grouped in different categories. You can place an unlimited number of blocks in your creation after which it's possible to export and use in the game engine for your choice.

Commercial Mac Windows Linux

3 Like

TurboCAD

TurboCAD is a CAD software suite, with several different feature levels. It is a competitor to the likes of Autodesk's AutoCAD program, and is used by engineers, architects and hobbyists.

Commercial Mac Windows

9 Like

Autodesk 123D Design

123D Design is a free, powerful, yet simple 3D creation and editing tool which supports many new 3D printers.

• Discontinued Autodesk has discontinued their line of 123D apps and has consolidated features and workflow into Tinkercad, Fusion 360, and ReMake. Blog post: http://blog.123dapp.com/2016/12/important-news-about-the-next-chapter

Free Personal Mac Windows iPad

4 Like

form•Z

form•Z pro includes all of the features found in form•Z Jr plus many advanced modeling tools, STEP and IGES translators, animation, layout, network rendering and interface customization. Available for OS X 10.7+ and Windows 7/8/10. Solid and Surface Modeling tools including Booleans, NURBS and Subdivision Surfaces. Native support for 64 architecture on OS X allows for more content craetion. Imports SKP, KMZ, DWG, DXF, DAE, OBJ, SAT, STEP and STL files.

Freemium Mac Windows

3 Like

DesignFreeQ

Simply Smart CAD. DesignFreeQ is an easy to use CAD modeller.

Commercial Mac Windows

3 Like

Cobalt

Cobalt is a parametric 3D modeling software for product design and development that's easy to use. It offers wireframe, solid and surface modeling with precision drawings, renderings and animation. Cobalt’s flexible 3D modeling matches professional power with speed and ease of use in our unique Organic Workflow design process. Available for both Macintosh and Windows, Cobalt lets creative people work without worrying about their software.

Commercial Mac Windows

5 Like

Cademia

CADEMIA is a modern CAD system with a full functionality to create dimensional accurate technical drawings and documents. Existing software tools for the planning process have severe limitations: They are restricted in openness, they are dependent on the platform, they are complex to use and to program and the users have a limited exertion of influence on the further development.

Freemium Mac Windows Linux

4 Like

Vectorworks

Vectorworks is a computer-aided design (CAD) software program developed by Nemetschek North America that is used for drafting, technical drawing and 3D modeling. Vectorworks offers 2D, 3D, production management, and presentation capabilities for all phases of the design process.

Commercial Mac Windows

7 Like

ImplicitCAD

ImplicitCAD is a programmatic CAD program, implemented in Haskell. Unlike traditional CAD programs, programmatic CAD programs use text descriptions of objects, as in programming. Concepts like variables, control structures and abstraction are used, just as in programming.

Free Open Source Mac Windows Linux

BricsCAD Shape

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.

• Work very well, cross platform, closer to AutoCAD than sketchup. munteanueveronyka • Oct 2018 Disagree   Agree

Commercial $ $ $ Mac Windows Linux

4 Like

Graphite

Graphite is an easy to use precision 2D/3D CAD software for product design and development. Formerly known as Vellum, Graphite offers extremely powerful, precision wire-frame drafting with the elegant ease-of-use that makes it productive even when only used occasionally. Graphite provides an interface that lets creative people get the job done without worrying about how to run their software.

Commercial Mac Windows

3 Like

TouchCAD

TouchCAD is a combined 3D modeling and unfolding program focusing on the ability to generate complex 3D shapes, and converting them into models possible to build physically. TouchCAD can be used for a wide range of tasks such as marine design, production of soft material based objects such as tents, blimps, awnings, inflatable objects, reversed engineering where copies of existing objects are being recreated, sheet metal objects, industrial and architectural design, sculptures, etc.

Commercial Mac Windows

2 Like

MakerSCAD

Powerfull 3D design tool for 3D printing, virtual reality and game engine. Exports to STL, OBJ, and HTML5 3D websites.

Freemium $ $ $ Open Source Mac Windows Linux Web Chrome OS

3 Like