Auto CAD is globally-known commercial software used for creating computer aided 2D and 3D designs and drafting. AutoCAD is used in different industries as well as different professionals like architects, engineers, project managers, graphic designers, etc.
Although AutoCAD offers optimum utility, it is costly in terms of price and subscription, which may not be affordable by all its probable users. Professionals want to use AutoCAD but cannot afford to purchase it, will enjoy better ease if free alternatives of AutoCAD are available for them.10 free alternatives of AutoCAD are suggested here, which can be an interesting info-resource for professionals looking for AutoCAD free substitutes.
Top 10 Free Alternatives to AutoCAD
1. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an entirely free CAD software initially was introduced for creating 3D models and was mainly planned for mechanical engineering niche but users had found it good enough in other engineering fields like architecture. The software uses the main format FCStd but it is able to export and import in other formats like STEP, SVG, DXF, DAE, STL, IGES, etc.
FreeCAD can be downloaded from here: http://freecadweb.org/index-it.html
2. BRL-CAD
BRL-CAD is special type free CAD software, was initially meant for designing solid models. The software includes a geometric editor, tools for managing signals and images, a set of libraries, analysis support ballistics, etc. BRL-CAD allows its users to import files in DXF and STL while there is provision for exporting files from EUCLID, IGES, X3D, TANKILL etc. The software is compatible for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux in English and partly in Spanish.
BRL-CAD can be downloaded from http://brlcad.org/
3. Archimedes
Archimedes is open source 2D CAD software developed by professional architects with the aim of creating better program than making it through AutoCAD and it is available free. Its features include basic drawing tools, export SVG, import in XML & Arc and a good localization in Italian, (English and Portuguese. The software is compatible for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Archimedes can be downloaded from: http://archimedescad.github.io/Archimedes/
4. QCAD
QCAD is CAD software and it allows its users to produce and print drawings in 2D. QCAD uses DXF file and the DWG format. This free CAD software runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux in multiple languages.
QCAD can be downloaded from http://www.qcad.org/en/
5. LibreCAD
LibreCAD is used for 2D drafting, licensed under GPL; it is based on the software libraries of QCAD. Most of the menu and control features of this software are similar to AutoCAD, which is one of the reasons behind its popularity. This free CAD software runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux and supports different languages.
LibreCAD can be downloaded from http://librecad.org/cms/home.html
6. NanoCAD
NanoCAD is free CAD software; it has a user interface similar to AutoCAD and allows users to create, read, and open files in DWG format. It is only available for Windows and supports only English and Russian language. Users can use this free software for private and commercial reasons.
NanoCAD can be downloaded from http://nanocad.com/
7. OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is free CAD program that allows its users for creating 3D solid models. This software runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux and supports English only.
OpenSCAD can be downloaded from http://www.openscad.org/
8. CADEMIA-Community
CADEMIA-Community is a free2D CAD software initially was planned for using in civil engineering and architecture niches. The software is available for running on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux and the free software supports both English and German languages.
CADEMIA-Community can be downloaded from http://www.cademia.de/frontend/index.php
9. DraftSight
DraftSight is free CAD software that facilitates its users for creating, editing, and viewing files in DWG and DXF formats. The software is compatible to run on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. The interface of this software is almost similar to AutoCAD and its trial version is available for 30 days.
DraftSight can be downloaded from http://www.3ds.com/products-services/catia/
10. DoubleCAD XT
DoubleCAD XT is one of the most popular alternativesof AutoCAD. The menu of this free software is quite extensive and incorporates lots of user friendly features that resemble AutoCAD to a larger extent. Compatible for Windows only, the program supports only English language; however, users can use this CAD software for both personal and commercial purposes.
DoubleCAD XT can be downloaded from http://www.doublecad.com/DoubleCAD/DoubleCAD-XT-v5
These are 10 best alternative software used popularly as an alternative to AutoCAD, which are available free of cost.
Author Bio:-
Sophia Harris is an education consultant by profession at sd-academy.com -An AutoCAD training provider. She loves to write about new insight, information about education, learning and management tips. She has written many articles on education trends.
