CAD software are design and technical drawing tools that are mainly used in architecture and engineering studies. Those who need to learn or work independently on a CAD program, can avoid spending a lot of money on professional software such as AutoCAD (among the most expensive ever) and use one of the valid free alternatives available below, so as to get all the CAD functions and start designing, creating and studying right away, without taking on a big expense. In this article we will then show you the best 10 free programs to download for Windows, Mac and Linux PCs with which you can create assisted technical drawing (CAD translation: Computer-Aided Drafting), so that you can create both 2D and 3D projects .
READ ALSO: Free Autocad alternatives to create CAD and DWG drawings
The best free CAD programs
To start working with CAD, we recommend using one of the programs below, so you can start designing immediately without having to spend a euro. Once you get carried away or after starting to work in a professional context, it is always advisable to have the AutoCAD subscription on your work PC, leaving the free program used during the learning phase on your home or occasional PC.SketchUp
SketchUp is one of the most popular 3D modeling software, used mainly for architectural works and other niches in the 3D design industry.
We can install this program on Windows and Mac, obtaining complete and professional software with numerous work and design tools included free of charge, as visible in the gallery of works done and shared by other users (from which we can also find valid ideas for our work).
NanoCAD (Windows)
NanoCAD is a program downloadable only on Windows that presents itself as a true alternative to AutoCAD.
The program in question supports DWG files (the projects already made on AutoCAD) and is complete with the most advanced drawing tools to be able to create 2D and 3D projects. In addition to creating a new project from scratch, NanoCAD allows you to edit and expand projects started with AutoCAD, while maintaining compatibility. These qualities make it one of the best programs to use even in the office or at work when AutoCAD is not working or is not available.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open source program for Windows, Mac and Linux that directly addresses the engineering and design of products for mechanical use.
It can also be used for architecture projects or other engineering sectors based on 3D modeling. Although free, FreeCAD is considered an equivalent of other popular CAD programs due to its ability to create real 3D solids, support for networks, 2D drawing and many other professional features. The program is modular and therefore expandable with many extensions.
LibreCAD
LibreCAD is a free and open source 2D CAD drawing program that we can download on Windows, Mac and Linux.
This really very complete exhibition program for the realization of 2D projects, integrating complete tools for the realization of any work. One of the best alternatives to AutoCAD for this type of project.
Sculptris
Sculptris is a free 3D graphic design program for Windows and Mac.
It is not really a technical drawing program, but it is without a doubt one of the best software for drawing 3D models of faces, sculptures, animals and objects, with lots of coloring and photo-realistic light effects. If you want to draw in 3D with an advanced tool, this is the right program to try on our PCs and Macs.
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is a 3D modeling platform available for Windows, Mac and Linux.
This program is ideal for engineers, since we can design machine parts using script programming as if we were programming, so as to speed up the realization of the project very much. With OpenSCAD we will therefore be able to create very complex projects using only our scripting skills.
BricsCAD
Another very valid program for 2D technical drawing and 3D modeling is BricsCAD.
Thanks to its Office-style interface, we will be able to create any graphic project, having a large number of tools (comparable to AutoCAD). In addition to creating new projects from scratch, the program allows you to read, edit and save DWG files, so you can work on projects already made on AutoCAD without necessarily having to install the professional program on each of our computers.
Kicad
Kicad is a design toolfree to draw electrical circuits on Windows, Mac and Linux.
This program is designed for all electrical engineers and for computer science and computer engineering specializations, so as to have a valid support in the creation of new electrical circuits and printed circuits.
QCAD
QCAD is an open source software available for Windows, Mac and Linux useful for creating technical drawings of buildings, mechanical parts or even diagrams and diagrams.
QCAD is modular and extensible and its 2D CAD platform has many different tools for the realization of projects, while remaining easy to use even for a beginner who has little or no experience.
3DCrafter (Windows)
3DCrafter is a simple 3D modeling program available exclusively for Windows.
3DCrafter is used to create animated models by drawing scenes in real time and using Drag and Drop to be able to add parts to our model. Definitely one of the most interesting projects to be able to create 3D models, albeit in an extremely simpler way than programs closer to AutoCAD.
Rilarc
Rilarc is a completely free CAD software that allows you to create floor plans for buildings and 3D models, suitable for architects and developed by the University of Pescara.Conclusions
For an engineer or architect AutoCAD is essential, since it is the main work tool. But if we are still at university or have more computers to work on, we can very well install one of the programs recommended in this guide, so that we can still work on 2D technical drawings and 3D projects without spending a fortune on the various AutoCAD licenses.Alternatively we can create and modify CAD projects also online, without using any program, using the Web App websites for 3D drawing and CAD projects (via browser and online) .
