AutoCAD is one of the oldest, popular and reliable computer aided drawing software. This software has been available since 1982 and is often referred to as the leader in CAD. It is very prominent in the designing and engineering industry. AutoCAD has plethora of features that makes it a versatile tool for graphic designers, architects, engineers, and project managers. The main problem with using this software is the price. AutoCAD is very expensive and might be draw back for most users. Students, small companies, or professionals that are on a budget might find it difficult to subscribe to it. This post will mention 10 software that are just like AutoCAD.
AutoCAD is a powerful tool but every user needs a subscription based license to use it. This is quite discouraging and it has forced users to look for better alternatives to AutoCAD. When looking for software like AutoCAD, you need to be very careful. There are lots of software on the market that are not very great when compared to AutoCAD. Since you are looking for the best alternatives, this post will mention some of the best.
What is AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is a computer aided software that is very popular among engineers, architects, constructors, and designers. It is useful in the creation of accurate and precise 2D and 3D drawings. AutoCAD is useful in drafting, annotating, and designing 2D and 3D models with solids objects. This software comes with a customizable toolset and standardized features. All these and many more contributes to architectural, mechanical and electrical design.
When using AutoCAD, you can automate floor plans, sections, draw pipes, ducting, circuit and also generate layers, lists, schedules, and tables.
10 best software like AutoCAD
SketchUp
This software was called Google SketchUp formerly. It is a 3D software just like AutoCAD. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, it is a great choice for you. If you are just entering into the CAD world, then you might consider SketchUp. It is very easy to use and provides great services. You can download any model of your choice from its 3D warehouse repository. SketchUp has a free version that is accessible from the web and provides about 10 GB of cloud storage. The paid version is about $120 to $1200.
SolidFace
This is a free software like AutoCAD. It is a 2D and 3D constructive CAD modeling software. SolidFace provides a platform that allows users to create 2D projects of engineering designs, graphic design, and engineering designs. It has powerful capabilities in 3D detailing, visualization, and parameterization. It has almost the same similarities just like AutoCAD. This software is highly compatible with Linux, Windows, and Mac OS.
DraftSight
This is a software that was developed by Dassault Systemes and it is a great alternative to AutoCAD. It boasts of offering world-class services to its users. Whether you are a beginner to computer-aided design software or you are familiar with it, this software is recommended to you. It offers a familiar user interface just like AutoCAD. The drafting layer system of DraftSight is quite similar to it. The cheapest version costs about $100 yearly and it only works on 2D drawings.
NanoCAD
This is a full-scale CAD software like AutoCAD. The 2D drafting of NanoCAD is entirely for free with an annual subscription ranging from $180 to $300. The key feature of this platform is its excel style table editing tool. Furthermore, NanoCAD also has sets of APIs which it uses to build apps for task automation. The free and plus version is for 2D drafting while the 3D modeling is the Pro and mechanica versions.
BricsCAD
This software has great features for both 2D and 3D modeling like AutoCAD. BricsCAD has the same interface as the 2008 version of AutoCAD. The plug-ins of BricsCAD enhance its functionalities for users. It is highly compatible with AutoCAD blocks and templates and also supports LISP routines. The pro version of BricsCAD consists of the 3D modeling tools while the classic license has the 2D drafting tools.
LibreCAD
This is a high-quality modeling programming software like AutoCAD. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux OS but mainly common among Linux users. If you use Linux and need a free tool to read DWG files, then LibreCAD is a great choice for you. This software has almost the same interface as AutoCAD. It has a huge community of users because it supports more than 30 different languages.
CMS IntelliCAD
This platform supports 2D and 3D modeling techniques. It is compatible with LISP and provides support for BIM. IntelliCAD is a software that works with DWG files and just like AutoCAD, it allows digital signatures. In addition, it comes in different versions and offers a perpetual license which costs ranges from $180 to $200.
ProgeCAD
This is yet another software like AutoCAD. It has a simple to use interface which will be familiar to AutoCAD users. ProgeCAD offers 3D modeling to users and it also supports BIM objects completely. Its advanced feature includes a PDF to DWG converter and an excel style table editing. This software is most suitable for engineers and architects.
FreeCAD
This is another popular software like AutoCAD that is popular due to its parametric 3D modeling capabilities. Users can import and also export DWG files via the ODA converter plugin since it is not supported directly. FreeCAD offers BIM support directly. The 2D drafting environment leans towards the technical drawing of parts which makes it a mechanical engineering tool. Whenever a drawing is made on the 3D model, the parametric features will update automatically.
QCAD
This is an open-source application that is useful in modeling two-dimensional objects. It lets users create technical drawings like interior spaces, mechanical parts, building plans, and diagrams. QCAD is highly compatible with Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems.
Conclusion (software like AutoCAD)
In summary, there are lot of software like AutoCAD. You need to do use the trial version of any of this software if possible to know the one that will suit your needs. In addition, you have to consider your budget when choosing the right one for you.
