This is a list of free and open source 2D CAD (computer-aided design) software packages.
- FreeCAD - Draft workbench
Our N1 Free CAD Books RecommendationFree CATIA Books: Solidworks Books: Autocad Books: https://bit.ly/2. We will start with ours, because we consider it the best existing free AutoCAD alternative. SolidFace is a 2D / 3D parametric historical constructive CAD modeling software. It has the advantage that in addition to 3D modeling, it also allows you to completely create 2D projects, for example, mechanical parts, multiple engineering designs. NanoCAD is a free to use CAD software with both 2D and 3D design functionality. NanoCAD has an easy to use interface combined with complex options that allow power users to get the most of the software. Additionally, NanoCAD receives frequent updates and new features, keeping it competitive with other cutting edge CAD software. Due to the high demand of CAD, and the increased need for companies to invest in a CAD designer, computer aided drafting all together can cost an awful lot of money. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the best free and open source CAD software! Now, you can enjoy all the fun offered by a computer aided design without the heavy price tag. Draft it Version 4 is the best free CAD Software in the industry, it's faster and more powerful than previous versions whilst retaining its acclaimed ease of use. It is a 2D CAD software suitable for all users, in the office or at home. You can create, print and save your own drawings and designs.
- About FreeCAD
The Draft Workbench allows you to draw simple 2D objects, and offers several tools to modify them afterwards. It also provides tools to define a working plane, a grid, and a snapping system to precisely control the position of your geometry.
The created 2D objects can be used for general drafting in a way similar to Inkscape or Autocad. These 2D shapes can also be used as the base components of 3D objects created with other workbenches, for example, the Part and Arch Workbenches.
FreeCAD is primarily a 3D modelling application, and thus its 2D tools aren't as advanced as in other drawing programs.
- LibreCAD
LibreCAD is a free Open Source CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux. Support and documentation is free from our large, dedicated community of users, contributors and developers.
- Solid edge 2D drafting
With a familiar user interface, easy-to-use tools that comply with the most popular drafting standard capabilities to simplify your experience, Solid Edge 2D Drafting has everything you need to quickly and easily create 2D documentation. Solid Edge 2D Drafting offers simple drawing layout, diagramming, annotation, and dimensioning controls that automatically comply with drafting standards, including the International Standards Organization (ISO), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and British Standards Institution (BSI), among others.
Start your drawing from scratch, or easily import existing .DWG files. An optional step-by-step wizard allows you to preview the drawing, including each individual layer, and control background color, drawing size, line type, font, and more.
When you're finished, you can save your file as either a Solid Edge or .DWG format, allowing you the flexibility to collaborate with customers, peers, and partners, and to easily open your 2D CAD files in nearly any 3D CAD program.
- NanoCAD
NanoCAD is an easy-to-use 2D CAD application that delivers a great user experience by providing high performance, full capability, a classic interface and native .dwg format support. NanoCAD has been built to deliver design and project documentation for all industries. nanoCAD includes a full suite of basic and advanced tools, for creating industry-standard DWG-compatible CAD files. NanoCAD provides innovative, collaborative and customizable features to enhance your efficiency. nanoCAD includes several APIs, allowing anything from routine task automation to complex CAD application development. All for free.
- QCAD Community edition
QCAD is a free, open source application for computer aided drafting (CAD) in two dimensions (2D). With QCAD you can create technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts or schematics and diagrams. QCAD works on Windows, macOS and Linux. The source code of QCAD is released under the GPL version 3 (GPLv3), a popular Open Source license.
QCAD Application WindowQCAD was designed with modularity, extensibility and portability in mind. But what people notice most often about QCAD is its intuitive user interface. QCAD is an easy to use but powerful 2D CAD system for everyone. You don't need any CAD experience to get started with QCAD immediately.
10.06.2019 by Andreas VellingFree CAD software is what you're looking for? Not everyone has access to professional modelling tools. But napkin scribbles won't do it for manufacturing purposes. If you cannot find a way to make proper models or drawings, we are here to guide you towards some free CAD software.
Instead on listing every possible free program, we are going to pinpoint only the best ones, so you can benefit from the many advantages of CAD software.
Free 3D CAD Software
Our system is well prepared to read STP files for giving you laser cutting price instantly. This is a universal CAD model file. Pretty much any proper 3D modelling software lets you converts the models into STP files.
A list of programs for free 3D modelling:
Fusion 360
Powerful CAD modelling platform from Autodesk that has a free version for students and hobbyists (or companies with a revenue under $100,000). They have a great step-by-step intro to using the program. This will bring your 3D design skills up to the necessary standard. There is also a variety of tutorials available on YouTube. For example, this video shows the ease of making a 2D drawing from your model.
FreeCAD
An open-source 3D modelling software. Another good solution when 3D solids are needed. It also has a separate sheet metal environment, which is really handy for avoiding design mistakes.
Also suitable when you want to make proper drawings of the models. Create your 3D parts first and then make easy drawings automatically.
Onshape
Onshape has a free version for hobbyists and makers. Very professional-looking software suitable for anyone interested in learning CAD. A big perk is that all the files are stored on a cloud, making it the ideal program for group work.
Best Free 2d Cad Tool
3D Modelling Program Trial Versions
Most of the professional solid modelling programs cost a lot. They also have more possibilities, like embedded Finite Element Analysis software. But you can first try educational or trial versions.
While trials last for maybe a month, student versions are often free for a year and can be further extended. The advantage for trial versions is full functionality. Student versions tend to restrict the capabilities and leave watermarks to drawings as they are meant for learning purposes, not actual engineering.
Here's a list of the best CAD programs around:
Solidworks
Probably the most popular CAD software out there. Solidworks has a lot of how-to videos on YouTube and you can find answers to any questions. The interface is pretty intuitive. Thus, it is often used by universities as the CAD program for students. The trial versions last for 14 to 30 days.
Solid Edge
Another very widely used 3D modelling program. Similarly to Solidworks, Solid Edge is easy to use and has a wide support network. The trial versions gives you a 45-day access to full functionality.
Inventor
Autodesk Inventor's user interface is a little different from the previous two, but the functions stay pretty much the same. The gap isn't big, though. If you know the functions, you'll find them in any program. Trial version lasts for 30 days.
CATIA
Like SolidWorks, it is developed by Dassault Systems. The reason for having different programs is that they're aimed at separate segments of the industry. Although CATIA has a steeper learning curve, the functionality is especially important for sectors like car manufacturing. It provides more possibilities with surface modelling and creating complex assemblies. There doesn't seem to be a proper trial version but there's a free student version with a 1 year license.
Best Free 2d Cad Software Download
Creo
Another CAD program aimed at more proficient users. Like CATIA, it is friendly towards larger and more complex assemblies. The downside is needing proper CAD engineering fundamentals. Creo has a 30-day free trial.
Solidworks and SolidEdge are very forgiving towards simple mistakes. They are perfect for 3D modelling but tend to slow down with bigger assemblies. Inventor lets you go on despite mistakes but will, at some point, mess up the whole assembly, if not constrained and modelled properly. Creo and CATIA are better suited for more proficient users. Thus, your choice should depend on the CAD applications you're after. Records 1 5 6 – innovative personal database builder.
Free 2D Drafting Programs
There are also good CAD tools available for making 2D DXF drawings. Don't be deterred by the amount of commands available to you. The designing of simple sheets with cutouts only needs proficiency in a fraction of those options. Just be sure you are not using inches instead of millimetres, or vice versa. Also, if you happen to have DWGs instead of DXF files, you can convert them using this.
QCAD
An open source CAD system for everyone. Supports DXFs and DWGs. As Draftsight will soon lose its free status, this is our first recommendation for 2D drawing software. Larger array of functions is available at an affordable price.
LibreCAD
A 2D CAD free and open source software. Recommended by many who don't use CAD enough to warrant a need for buying one. The learning curve is a bit steeper, as the user interface differs more from the CADs we are all used to. For a first-timer, it doesn't make much of a difference though.
Sketchup
This is an intuitive software that has many different pricing packages according to the necessary functions. The simple sketching version is free to use and good for making DXF drawings ready for production.
Adobe Illustrator
Not free but very popular among artists and graphic designers. Illustrator uses vectors for making the art. Thus, there is no need for getting any extra software. You can save your drawings as DXFs that are ready for laser cutting.
DXF Files Have Vectors
Digital images come in 2 forms: raster and vector. Raster graphics contain many small dots or pixels. Image files are usually built using pixels. The problem is that when enlarged, they get inaccurate and aren't really connected to each other. It's more like a cluster of dots.
Apple mac catalina. The solution is using vectors in DXF file format. Vector graphics use points, lines and curves to convey your image. You can zoom in indefinitely, while the quality of a curve remains smooth. Laser cutting needs this quality to get the desired result.
Converting to Vector Files
There are some feeless services online to convert your PDFs to DXFs. It is useful when your drawings are simple. But you should still review it for glitches and scale ratio.
Best Free 2d Cad Drawing Software
Check the scale by measuring the drawing. Make sure the measurements correspond to reality. If not, simple math can get you a ratio of the drawing's measurement to the one needed. Use this to set the value for scale.
- Zamzar. The results satisfied us after some testing. The scale got messed up during the conversion but a little tweaking was all it took. You can receive the download link in less than a minute.
- Cometdocs. Not much of a difference between Cometdocs and Zamzar. Provided quick results but the scale was off again. Still good enough to get the job done if the quantities are small and some manual labor doesn't put you off.
Hopefully you found a suitable free CAD software for your needs. If you have already produced your CAD files, submit them for instant quoting on our sheet metal fabrication platform!
