AutoCAD Alternatives for Windows

There are many alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD for Windows if you are looking for a replacement. The best Windows 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 loads of them are available for Windows so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Windows alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD are LibreCAD, SketchUp, DraftSight and CMS IntelliCAD.

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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Autodesk AutoCAD

221

Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software

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

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FreeCAD
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
104 FreeCAD alternatives
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...
- - FreeCAD is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
- - FreeCAD is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
Suggest and vote on features
FreeCAD 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. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in FreeCAD without registration.
4. Ad-freeFreeCAD doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
5. Works OfflineFreeCAD can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
6. Support for LayersFreeCAD supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
7. PortableFreeCAD can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
8. No TrackingFreeCAD will not track you or use your personal data.
Drawing 2D
FEM
3d Drawing
DWG support
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
Parametric
Windows XP Compatibility
Bim
Portable Linux
Comments about FreeCAD as a Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Most users think FreeCAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
I use Freecad to design my 3D printing models.
Top positive comment •
8

webb bes
way takes really a lot of clicks
Top positive comment •
1

Guest
Autocad is a 2d cad mostly. Freecad is a parametric design software. Different purposes different design paradigm.
Top negative comment •
2

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)
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1

Eduardo Ortiz
Because is an user friendly software and is free to use.Autodesk Autocad is very expensive
Positive comment •
7

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5 of 12 comments
LibreCAD
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Digital Painting Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
109 LibreCAD alternatives
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.
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LibreCAD Features
1. PortableLibreCAD can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
2. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in LibreCAD without registration.
3. Parametric ModelingLibreCAD can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
4. LightweightLibreCAD consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
5. Support for LayersLibreCAD supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
Bim
Construction layers
Customizable
Isometric view
Export to SVG
QT Based
Export to PDF
Comments about LibreCAD as a Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Most users think LibreCAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
U U
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 positive comment •
6

Guest
Ideal for preparing 2D drawings. Better than AutoCAD LT in some ways but can be a bit flaky.
Top positive comment •
7

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.
Top negative comment •
3

Guest
No open AutoCAD files, say need permissions.
Negative comment •
-2

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.
Negative comment •
-3

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5 of 9 comments
SketchUp
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
3D Modeler
Interior Design App
Mac
Windows
Online
169 SketchUp alternatives
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...
- - SketchUp is the most popular Web-based alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
Suggest and vote on features
SketchUp Features
3d sketching
Built-in 3D model viewer
Pencil
3d Drawing
Cabinet design
Image to 3D
Mechanical Design
Browser-based
Comments about SketchUp as a Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Some users think SketchUp is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative, some don't.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
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.
Top positive comment •
4

Guest
This is not as same as Autocad 2D
Top negative comment •
11

Guest
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
Negative comment •
1

Guest
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
Negative comment •
2

Guest
Sketchup doesn't write DWG
Negative comment •
1

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5 of 8 comments
DraftSight
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software
Mac
Windows
88 DraftSight alternatives
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.*
- - DraftSight is the most popular commercial alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD.
Suggest and vote on features
DraftSight Features
Drawing 2D
3d sketching
Comments about DraftSight as a Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Most users think DraftSight is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Because i'ts equal in 2D part. Very good, has free version, and multiplatform.
Top positive comment •
10

Guest
Good compatibility and excellent 2D drafting tools
Top positive comment •
2

Guest
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.
Positive comment •
1

Guest
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.
Positive comment •
7

Guest
This is the closest program in functionality to Autocad, It could use some stability improvements.
Positive comment •
0

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5 of 11 comments
CMS IntelliCAD
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Windows
64 CMS IntelliCAD alternatives
CMS IntelliCAD® is a full-featured Compatible CAD Software. CMS IntelliCAD also offers a full suite of 2D and 3D AutoCAD® software compatible drawing tools! It is the smartest choice for anyone who creates or communicates using CAD drawings.
Suggest and vote on features
CMS IntelliCAD Features
1. Command line interfaceCMS IntelliCAD either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
Drawing 2D
DWG support
3D Renderer
BIM import
Construction layers
Import 3D models
Constructive geometry
Realistic rendering
Project overview
Data export/import
Comments about CMS IntelliCAD as a Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Almost everyone thinks CMS IntelliCAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.
Graham Gallagher
IntelliCAD is a good program to start and produce engineering drawings, modeling and designing mechanic or structural components.
Top positive comment •
13

hottoiserica895
Intellicad meets my different needs. It comes with every possible feature I need(Curves, Rendering, commands). It is an extremely impressive software.
Top positive comment •
12

Guest
Freaking great for the tools included in this software
Positive comment •
0

Emmanuel Livinus
CMS IntelliCAD is a solid solution to completely replace AutoCAD. It has multitude of tools to work with. The user experience is also very sharp and support DWG from other software.
Positive comment •
0

David Jeffs
The intuitive nature of the functions and practical overview of the software is unique. It is price worthy and simply superb.
Positive comment •
10
BricsCAD
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Mac
Windows
Linux
86 BricsCAD alternatives
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.
Suggest and vote on features
BricsCAD Features
DWG support
Drawing 2D
Mechanical Simulation
Bim
Mechanical Design
BIM import
Rendering
Comments about BricsCAD as a Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Almost everyone thinks BricsCAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.
Paulo Coghi
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.
Top positive comment •
-1

Peter
Comes with Linux support.
Top positive comment •
0

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.
Positive comment •
1

Guest
If you know how to draw in Autocad, you can also draw in Bicscad. It is identical.
Positive comment •
0

Guest
BricaCAD runs most native AutoCAD programming interfaces, lisp, diesel, pgp, brx (modified arx).
Positive comment •
5
OpenSCAD
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Mac
Windows
Linux
41 OpenSCAD alternatives
OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and MacOS.
Suggest and vote on features
OpenSCAD Features
1. Procedural ModelingOpenSCAD can create or modify 3D models and textures based on a sequence of rules.
2. Parametric ModelingOpenSCAD can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
Text Based Format
Comments about OpenSCAD as a Alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Most users think OpenSCAD is a great Autodesk AutoCAD alternative.
Guest
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.
Negative comment •
0