AutoCAD is the most used computer program for people who need to create 2D and 3D drawings and diagrams, especially in industries such as architecture, interior design, and engineering. Since AutoCAD is the industry standard, it is also quite an expensive program to own. If you are looking to get into AutoCAD and this type of design work, but you are not yet certain if it is for you, there are some free AutoCAD alternatives that you can try.
Also, if you need some 2D and 3D design work done and don't have the money to spring for AutoCAD, here are some great, completely free AutoCAD alternatives to check out.
1. QCAD
Advanced SystemCare Free. IObit Uninstaller. IObit Malware Fighter. WinRAR (64-bit) Internet Download Manager. Android Apps for CAD Filter. AutoCAD - DWG Viewer & Editor. Autodesk® AutoCAD mobile — the official AutoCAD® mobile app. Take the power of AutoCAD wherever you go! AutoCAD mobile is a free DWG viewing application, with easy-to-use drawing and drafting tools that allow you to view and measure AutoCAD drawings across web and mobile devices.
This is an application that will allow you to draft two-dimension objects. It's a great tool for all types of technical drawings. It works on Windows, macOS, and many Linux and Unix Systems, and of course, it is completely free. QCad is very convenient for beginners due to its easy to use interface. It offers over 40 construction and 20 modification tools as well as entity selection tools and 35 CAD fonts.
2. Creo Elements/Direct
One of the more popular choices for 3D work. It allows shifting from 2D to 3D with ease. It is a very fast and flexible alternative to AutoCAD with many options included that AutoCAD is known for having. With Creo Elements you can create and edit your designs in real-time. It is a great product for the ones using the ‘direct modeling' approach to 3D CAD. The program is available in free and paid versions.
3. NanoCAD
NanoCAD is claimed to be a reliable free drafting software that supports AutoCAD 2013/14 DWG files and all AutoCAD versions starting from version 11. The program also has DirectX support and works great without any additional tweaking. Some of its features are enhanced 3D Orbit, auto-correct options, LineWeight settings dialog, and much more.
4. PadCAD
This is a free CAD mobile application that serves for small projects to medium size projects. It is convenient even for the ones with less experience. The only sidekick is the fact that you need to pay in order to save or export the file, but it is a one-time payment that doesn't expire. A similar mobile app that works as a CAD editor and viewer is CAD Pockets that also works on iOS and has both free and paid versions.
5. OpenSCAD
This is a free architecture software for making solid 3D CAD objects. It is more a 3D compiler than an interactive modeler. OpenSCAD gives its users two different modeling techniques: extrusion of 2D outlines and solid geometry.
6. BRL-CAD
A cross-platform and open source solid modeling system that has a bunch of different features to offer, including interactive geometry editing, image and signal-processing tools, and large libraries for making tons of different types of geometric representations. On top of that, it also has a system performance analysis benchmark suite.
7. gCAD3D
This free software offers many features, including an integrated 3D-OpenGL viewer, a program interpreter for geometry and NC commands in 3D, an integrated NC processor, and a programming interface for RemoteControl. gCAD3D is compatible with Windows (32-bit) and Linux (64 and 32-bit) devices. The website is a little sparse and confusing, but the freeware is not.
8. Archimedes
A 3D modeling application that allows you to create complex compound 3D shapes. It is touted for being one of the most functional free AutoCAD alternatives out there when it comes to 3D modeling. The main features are Boolean and MeshGroup. The Boolean feature serves for cutting and intersecting shapes, whereas MeshGroup is a module for grouping elements.
9. PythonCAD
This one is for the Linux users. PythonCAD is a CAD package that was written in the Python programming language, hence the name. One of the best open-source CAD packages for Linux which is also extremely easy to use if you have any kind of prior experience with two and three-dimensional modeling.
10. LibreCAD
It is a free open source CAD software that can be used on Linux, Windows, and macOS devices. It is available in more than 30 languages. LibreCAD has free support and everyone is welcome to contribute its advancement with their development skills. This tool is perfect for designing CAD drawings and it writes DXF files but other file types can be exported as well.
Now that you know the best free alternatives to AutoCAD comes the hardest part– making the right decision. And believe us, it's not an easy one. Factors such as the learning curve of each program, the compatibility with your operating system, or the particular needs that you have come into play. Make sure you know and study all these factors well for each case and choose wisely.
We hope you have found this post useful. If you know of any other AutoCAD alternative that we have not included in this article, you can leave us a comment below. Thanks for reading and check out our blog if you want to learn more about AutoCAD.
Let's be honest, to find an application that will at least open DWG files is already good news. We even not say that they open them correctly and without incredible artifacts and deformation. Therefore, below we will tell about those applications that showed a more or less acceptable result and which you can try yourself.
AutoCAD
This application is officially released for Android devices. Its charm lies in the fact that you can create three-dimensional models. The program will be necessary for those people who are engaged in an engineering business, or for those who create models for toys.
Note that developers have managed to create a quality application with simple and convenient functionality. Users can easily not only view DWG and DWF files but also edit them. There are more than enough available tools to make edits. If necessary, the ready file can be sent immediately to colleagues or the customer via e-mail.
To start working with AutoCAD, you need to create an account. This is a required rule for the user to have access to the 'cloud' in which your downloaded files will store. We emphasize that the program works in an offline mode. Therefore, you can edit files not only on the server but also locally, if you can not connect to the Internet for some reason.
In general, the product works just fine. It is easy to learn, constantly updated and offers advanced features completely free. Android version of the program does not differ from its computer predecessor so that even the interface here is almost not changed.
Downloads: 10 000 000 +
Customers rating: (4.2 / 5)
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DWG FastView-CAD Viewer & Editor
This is another application for working with DWG files. It also works well. In terms of quality, it surpasses many competitors and is comparable with the above-described application. It has its own cloud and other useful features. DWG FastView supports working with 2D / 3D drawings in DWG format and allows you to open projects created in GstarCAD, AutoCAD, ProgeCAD, BricsCAD, ZWCAD, and also view drawings in other formats.
There are free and paid versions of DWG FastView-CAD Plan Viewer. The paid version is purchased only one-time (no subscriptions and others payments). And the Pro version is not just disabling advertising, it removes the limit on the size of the file. The application will learn how to open large files, but it will take more time and power of the gadget on which you are working.
Downloads: 5 000 000 +
Customers rating: (4.3 / 5)
GnaCAD
GnaCAD is another convenient tool for opening and editing DWG files. It opens the files most correctly. A simple and convenient interface with the rudiments of material design also pleases. The program has no limits to the sizes of the opened files and supports even very large drawings. It can open files from the memory card of your phone.
To start working with drawings you are not required to register. Also, an Internet connection is not needed. If you save the drawing in Google Drive it will be possible to add comments and replies to colleagues replicas. The app shows ads. Advertising can be disabled, but for a fee.
Downloads: 500 000 +
Customers rating: (4.5 / 5)
AutoQ3D CAD
AutoQ3D CAD is an excellent full-fledged program that allows you to create 2D & 3D technical drawings and sketches of designs on your android. Messenger laptop app. To work with the application is a real pleasure. For work, of course, it is better to use a tablet computer with a large screen.
Very few features are available in the free version. If you are a professional in your business so do not regret and get the full version. AutoQ3D CAD has support for just a huge number of different formats. The application has a simple and well-optimized interface, many useful settings and great tools.
AutoQ3D CAD is a full-featured editor for Android with the widest possibilities. Wherever you go on a business trip or university, this software will not be superfluous on your mobile device.
Downloads: 50 000 +
Customers rating: (4 / 5)
eDrawings
If you are engaged in drawings and design development, then the utility eDrawings will undoubtedly be useful to you. With it, you can bring your unique product designs to an innovative level of diverse cooperation. And this is thanks to the ability to receive and send drawings by e-mail to all participants of the design project.
The application is easy to install. It sensitively reacts to both file opening and touch control, supports SolidWorks files and DXF, DWG formats. In addition, the program supports drawing sheets and files from SolidWorks®. Plus, you can connect the animation to 3D standard views for a better understanding of the appearance of the subject.
Free Cad Apps For Android
Main features:
– opening and viewing drawings and files in 2D and 3D;
– import and export from any source: e-mail, cloud services, network folders;
– panorama, scale, rotation;
– animation of three-dimensional views;
– viewing files in full-screen mode;
– simple user interface.
Downloads: 50 000 +
Customers rating: (3.3 / 5)
FUSION 360
Fusion 360 is a complex cloud CAD drawing tool for industrial and engineering design. It combines the best that you could take from Inventor, Alias, Simulation and other Autodesk software products to create a unique environment that you can easily adapt to yourself and that will allow you to virtually design everything you can imagine. Fusion 360 is an excellent solution for start-ups, innovators, small businesses, and inventors. It is also a very important tool that students and their teachers should master. After all, it will work in the near future, so that it remains relevant in the labor market.
The application is designed to work in pair with Autodesk Fusion 360 for PC. You can install it on your tablet for free, but in order to work with it, you will need to have a Fusion 360 account. Let remind you that you can use Fusion 360 for free for a 30-day trial period only, and for students and teachers, there is a program in which this category of users can get a free license from Autodesk for 1-3 years.
Downloads: 500 000 +
If you are engaged in drawings and design development, then the utility eDrawings will undoubtedly be useful to you. With it, you can bring your unique product designs to an innovative level of diverse cooperation. And this is thanks to the ability to receive and send drawings by e-mail to all participants of the design project.
The application is easy to install. It sensitively reacts to both file opening and touch control, supports SolidWorks files and DXF, DWG formats. In addition, the program supports drawing sheets and files from SolidWorks®. Plus, you can connect the animation to 3D standard views for a better understanding of the appearance of the subject.
Free Cad Apps For Android
Main features:
– opening and viewing drawings and files in 2D and 3D;
– import and export from any source: e-mail, cloud services, network folders;
– panorama, scale, rotation;
– animation of three-dimensional views;
– viewing files in full-screen mode;
– simple user interface.
Downloads: 50 000 +
Customers rating: (3.3 / 5)
FUSION 360
Fusion 360 is a complex cloud CAD drawing tool for industrial and engineering design. It combines the best that you could take from Inventor, Alias, Simulation and other Autodesk software products to create a unique environment that you can easily adapt to yourself and that will allow you to virtually design everything you can imagine. Fusion 360 is an excellent solution for start-ups, innovators, small businesses, and inventors. It is also a very important tool that students and their teachers should master. After all, it will work in the near future, so that it remains relevant in the labor market.
The application is designed to work in pair with Autodesk Fusion 360 for PC. You can install it on your tablet for free, but in order to work with it, you will need to have a Fusion 360 account. Let remind you that you can use Fusion 360 for free for a 30-day trial period only, and for students and teachers, there is a program in which this category of users can get a free license from Autodesk for 1-3 years.
Downloads: 500 000 +
Customers rating: (4.3 / 5)
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Best Free Cad App For Android
SketchUp Viewer
In this version, new tools and some new features have been added. For example, viewing sizes, animation function is available now. The program allows you to study, and also to exchange models. Models are downloaded directly from email or the cloud. The program interface supports various gestures, with which you can scale, view the model from all sides, etc. In the camera menu, you can change the focus, and adjust the field of view. There are also standard cameras, with views from the top, from the side, or from the bottom.
The settings panel allows you to switch between styles, activate or deactivate the X-Ray mode. A convenient roulette tool is able to quickly and accurately measure the size of objects with a jeweler's precision, and this function is really very convenient, without exaggeration. SketchUp Viewer cannot be called an easy program, and for its correct operation, it is desirable to have a minimum of 1 GB of RAM. Also for downloading models, Google ID is needed.
Free Autocad Apps
Downloads: 1 000 000 +
Drafting Apps For Windows
Customers rating: (3.6 / 5)
You can try all the applications described above for free. Then you should decide if you would pay to get additional functions or it would be enough to have free options.
