Sketchup Free is one of the easiest free CAD software options for creating designs. Users without much experience will be able to work with Sketchup Free without training, and can easily export and share their creations. SketchUp was originally developed by Google and was one of the greatest free CAD packages ever put on the market. In 2012, Google sold the product to Trimble. Trimble has enhanced it and developed it further and now offers a slew of related products. AutoDesk AutoCAD For Students (The King of CAD) WEBSITE The most popular 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software and services you can find today are all made by Autodesk. Autodesk's most prolific CAD software is AutoCAD, arguably the most powerful 3D CAD tool on the market. Best 3D CAD software. CAD software is commonly used by engineers and designers to design 2D and 3D physical component models. The user interface, toolbars, and a large library of 3D models are all quite simple to use in these applications. Here is our handpicked list of the best free 3D CAD software, with a brief description of each.
MINOS is a free CAD (computer aided design) software. It is a 3D modeling application. It lets you produce creative and complex designs for different fields such as making of promotional marketing displays and three dimensional designs of buildings. It will easily design assemblies and 3D parts.
A reliable CAD is crucial if you want to speed up the time to introduce a product right out of your design and modeling department. For one, it makes life easier for your project managers and marketing teams. If your product development team is out of ideas, having quick access to CAD libraries should help. You may have budget concerns, leaving you no choice but to consider free CAD software in the market. They may not have the awesome factor that the premium ones offer, but they're the ones to help you get there too.
In this article, we present 10 of the best free CAD software for you to choose from. This should shorten the time you need to get your business running. That and without expending more time and effort than necessary. Determine which one looks right for your needs now and consider any upgrade path that you might need later on. At the very least, they should allow you to work and save in a variety of formats to make them usable to other teams.
What are the 10 Best Free CAD Software Solutions?
If you're operating a small firm, working with a limited budget presents its own unique challenges. However, it should not stop you from falling behind the technology curve.
Two developments, for example, should play nicely in your hands: mobile CAD and the continued rise of vendors offering SaaS subscription-based CAD.
Mobile CAD
Mobile devices will not likely replace desktop systems in creating complex CADs soon. However, they are a great boon for on-site activities where teams could easily view, annotate and update ongoing projects.
Through a vast improvement in their workflow, mobile CAD can now share knowledge and shorten production cycles unlike before.
This new ability to synchronize devices and users in real time is a fundamental leap from previous work conditions, increasing productivity and efficiency everywhere.
SaaS CAD
The massive logistics challenges in migrating CAD to the cloud meant that CAD would be among the last to follow the SaaS business model. It is happening now, however, and this could only be great news for small firms that could not afford the steep licensing terms required.
Business Advantage reports, for example, that around 19% of CAD users will be using cloud-based CAD, with a predicted increase of 29% in the next 3 to 5 years.
While vendors work out how to ideally implement cloud CAD, what's clear is that in the next five to ten years, engineers will be migrating the majority of their work online. This will bring with it powerful data management solutions, intense security.
One area of CAD that should see an immediate effect is parametric modeling. Engineers will fondly remember how in-context design, standard content, configurations and multi-part modeling used to be unreliable and ugly previously. In the era of cloud CAD, these tools will become more robust, helping users finish designs faster.
10 Best Free CAD Software Solutions
1. DraftSight
For up to December 31, 2019, feature-rich CAD solution DraftSight will let you design in 2D or 3D using the 2018 free version and the ones that came earlier. Beyond that, the vendor will only allow a thirty-day free trial version for the latest 2019 edition.
Draftsight allows for compatibility with any 2D or 3D DWG file. The user interface is easy to learn, helping you transition if you are using another CAD solution before.
In addition to already powerful features, DraftSight introduced new 3D capabilities in its latest update. This provides more choices and flexibility for users to design projects. DraftSight is also exploring the possibility of adding a cloud-based version of the software with additional features in the works.
Getting DraftSight makes sense, especially if you use other Dassault Systemes and SOLIDWORKS solutions.
Price Range: Standard Versions up to 2018 are free, but will cease running after December 31, 2019. Starting in 2019, DraftSight pricing for Standard, Professional, and Premium editions are $99, $199, and $499, respectively. There is an Enterprise edition but you need to request a quote for it.
Key Features of DraftSight
- A feature-rich 2D/3D CAD platform for whatever purpose, whether you're an engineer or a hobbyist.
- Lets you create, edit, view, and review any DWG files without sacrificing speed, efficiency, and ease in adjustment.
- Greater freedom to go from drafting 2D to 3D designs, as well as to seamlessly transition between Dassault's design platforms.
2. Onshape
Fully free for students and non-professional or non-commercial users, CAD software Onshape helps you design all aspects of design activity through real-time observation. The platform helps you improve product design process through robust CAD assembly and configurations. It lets you complete your work quickly and effectively without being overwhelmed by an unfamiliar GUI.
Clear design elements prevent you from losing track of activities. For example, simply monitor your work by scrolling through an activity feed. You have full access to raw analytics for further study. If you have different types of users, you simply need to configure your users easily as full, light, or guest accounts. It lets you monitor your team easily through audit logs, so you know who did what and where they accomplished it.
They say modern problems require modern solutions, and Onshape is as modern as you can get with CAD.
Price Range: Free for students, non-professional and non-commercial users. The professional version costs $2,100 per year, while the Enterprise and Standard versions are priced $1,500 and $20,000, respectively. A free trial is available.
Key Features of Onshape
- Visibility enables you to monitor tasks in real-time, a first in the industry.
- Enables universal access for every stakeholder.
- Customized roles and permission schemes let you quickly assign and reassign tasks.
- Enterprise edition with a single log-in process.
- Modern CAD and data management eliminate crashes and IT intervention.
3. Fusion 360
Free for startups with less than US 100k per year in total revenue and non-commercial hobbyists, Autodesk's Fusion 360 is designed to help you design your products and bring them to market faster than you've ever imagined. Design, conceptualize and test your products using only a single platform from start to finish. Among other Fusion 360 benefits is the test tool, which ensures your designs are complete and will work.
Cloud storage helps you get the best of team collaboration. Earn more control of your data through managed user permissions and make sure only your team knows what's happening to the design, and not everyone else. Create and test prototypes through the program, and explore possible outcomes about the product even before it hits the assembly line. Make sure that weight, performance, and part issues are resolved before a physical copy of the product is made.
If you're interested to know more about the product development process of Fusion 360, sign up here for a free copy of their software.
Price Range: Aside from the free use for startups, hobbyists and non-commercial users, there are three different terms of subscription. A monthly plan costs $60, an annual plan costs $495, and a three-year plan costs $1,335. There are free 1-year and 3-year subscriptions for non-commercial and educational use.
Key Features of Fusion 360
- Simplify workflow with all the tools you need available in one place.
- Quick generation helps you find the flaws and errors in your design.
- Lets you create 2D drawings directly from your 3D creations through accurate documentation.
- Collaborate easily with all members of the team through a single, shared project dashboard.
- True CAD + CAM integration lets you avoid rework, defects, and missed deadlines.
4. Tinkercad
As one of the best free CAD software around, Tinkercad is also perfect for beginners. There are Tinkercad features for any level of designer. New designers, for example, can start by creating bricks similar to Lego. Minecraft gamers, on the other hand, can test their creativity through a Minecraft-like modeler. More serious designers can create more sophisticated designs without stifling their creativity.
You may design circuits and 3D designs with ease. If you're into codes, you may design objects using codes you know by heart. Once you're done, you may proceed to print in 3D using Tinkercad's partner services. Once done, they will ship your creations to your doorstep, laser-cut and ready to be presented.
Price Range: Free
Key Features of Tinkercad
- Create, design, and make anything you think of.
- Come up with your simulation, then assemble it to see what it looks like in the final render.
- Design an object using code.
5. FreeCAD
As its name suggests, FreeCAD is free to download. Not only that: it also gives you absolute freedom to design and create. The open-source 3D modeler lets you design real-life objects of any size. You may sketch in 2D then transform that into 3D images. With it, you can see how dimensions affect the design. Use any number of components to complete your design and simulate how parts move and come together as in real life.
Other FreeCAD details show a fully multi-platform software that supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It is highly customizable owing to its open source nature. For file support, it reads and writes many open file formats so you can share works across your team. FreeCAD simply works, whether you're a mechanical engineer or just a hobbyist creator.
Despite its free nature, it comes ready with a wide selection of tools that helps you create and test just about anything. A robot simulation module and a Path workbench are available with the free trial.
Price Range: Free to download; always actively updated.
Key Features of FreeCAD
- With its open CASCADE Technology-based geometry kernel, allows for complex 3D shapes and operations.
- Sharpes can be based on different properties or even depend on other objects.
- Modular architecture allows for plugin extensions that add functions to the core program.
- Standard formats such as STEP, OBJ, DXF, SVG, or OFF and the like are supported, in addition to the native FCStd file format of FreeCAD.
- Different programmable modules that allow for a greater degree of studying functions and uses within the graphical environment.
- Integrated spreadsheet and expression parser uses drive formula base to help organize model data into a single, central location.
6. LibreCAD
LibreCAD provides CAM capabilities into the community version of QCAD. It is an improved QCAD version with Qt4 enhancements, allowing for better rendering and modernized support. Aside from being completely free, it comes with a dedicated development team and an actively helpful community. There's a partnership with BRL-CAD and JetBrains, which has lent their CLion licenses.
The latest version of its engine has the LcPainter layout. This improves its existing OpenGLpainter, which can render draw() codes. It is also armed with the current transition matrix—CTM. A fast caching mechanism helps you save data. There's gradient rendering to create a linear gradient and calculate the color (R, G, B, A) for each vertex using vector mathematics.
As its name says, LibreCAD is completely free and easy to download.
Price Range: Free, open-source
Key Features of LibreCAD
- Completely free to download; no trials and subscriptions to worry about.
- Developed by a dedicated team with support from a vibrant community, ensuring the source copy gets improved with each addition.
- Available with over 30 languages and with cross-platform support for three major OSes—macOS, Windows, Linux.
7. OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is another excellent choice for free software. Perfect for highly technical users, it's remarkable for creating 3D representations of machine parts. As a 3D-compiler, it reads a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model from it. It gives the designer full control over all aspects of the modeling process. Configurable parameters make it easy to change designs.
Two modeling techniques are available to creators: the constructive solid geometry and the extrusion of 2D outlines. DXF files, readable by Autocad, is the data format used for 2D files. The platform can also read from DXF files and create 3D models that can be saved in STL and OFF file formats.
OpneSCAD is downloadable in a variety of different OS.
Price Range: Free; accepts donations through Paypal.
Key Features of OpenSCAD
- Can create constructive solid geometry (CSG) and 2D outlines.
- Lets you read design parameters from DXF files aside from 2D paths.
- Import/export 3D models from STL and OFF file formats.
8. QCAD
Another open source application, QCAD lets you create technical drawings, building plans and mechanical parts in 2D. Different schematics and diagrams are available, and the source code is also available under the GPL v3. Google sketchup 3d software, free download. You can add to it as it suits you, or remove any features you feel you don't need. Its true beauty, however, is in the design.
The application offers a portable solution with an intuitive interface. These features come into play once you realize how powerful this CAD software is. QCAD is one of those platforms which you can use as soon as you pick it up. The software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
Price Range: Free to download.
Key Features of QCAD
- Layering, as well as blocks that can be grouped.
- Prints to scale and on multiple pages as well.
- A multitude of tools for construction and modification.
- Over 4,800 CAD parts available in its parts library.
- Operates using the ECMAScript (JavaScript) interface.
9. 3D Slash
With its similarity to the block-building game Minecraft, 3D Slash directly appeals to gamers. It is also free and is browser-based. The light, fun interface makes it is easy for beginners to learn 3D modeling. Intermediate workers, on the other hand, just need to start creating. The platform is optimized for use on any media, whether on mobile or desktop. A notable 3D Slash benefit is letting creators display their designs on social media. If that is not an option, they may instead opt to go for 3D printer.
You may slice or slash a cube as easy as if playing a game. A new feature lets you engrave pictures or text on a model. There's a wide color palette so you can color your cube in any dye of your choice. You get two version options: for use in classrooms or in the workplace. All formats are synchronized for support.
With it's easy to pick up nature, beginners or returning designers won't have any problem designing in the platform.
The free app gives users online storage for the web version. You can only work with 8 colors, though, limiting what you can do. The premium is only 2 dollars, so that leaves you with a good subscription option.
Price Range: low-cost plans, from Free to Premium ($2 per month), School ($8 per month), and Professional ($20 per month) versions.
Key Features of 3D Slash
- Unique interface makes creating models lightweight.
- Easy to start, easy to create through fast technology.
- Features are designed for both basic work and for professionals.
- Online and offline working platforms synchronized.
- Advanced features work precisely with the platform.
10. nanoCAD
With a free version and other professional versions, nanoCAD caters to industry standards. A wide variety of APIs is backed by a powerful table editor. It is well-supported by a dedicated community of people who are directly connected to the CAD software industry with years of expertise. nanoCAD features an interface that's easy to master because of its familiarity. Better still, its drafting and design tools are also easy to use.
It has various productivity features and is always updated through updates and prioritized online support. nanoCAD brings most of what makes CAD software a must-have; the capability to edit, validate, share, and manage CAD models, but mostly none of what makes CAD software hard to master from the start.
Price Range: Free version; all other professional versions come with a free trial. The other six versions include the Plus version at $180, the Pro version at $290, the Construction at $260, the Construction Site edition at $260, the Mechanica version at $300, the Construction Site edition at $600 and the 3DScan that is only quote-based.
Key Features of nanoCAD
- Easy-to-use platform with a great user experience, powered by high performance.
- Excel-style table editor with a set of different capabilities.
- ActiveX automation and support for LISP available.
- C++/C# APIs supported on top of its core functions.
- Plot settings allow multiple plot area setups and multi-page plotting.
Consider Other Tools that Go Right with CAD Apps
That's it, our top ten best free CAD software. One of these platforms should be the software just right for your needs. It could be in terms of fast workflows, more advanced modeling and the like.
CAD applications are just one of a number of applications that design professionals have at their disposal. For those in the construction industry, they may consider construction management software to give them a good handle of every aspect of their projects, from design, estimates, workflows to reporting and analysis among many others.
BIM software is another class of applications closely related to CAD. If you're in the building industry, you might really need this one more than a CAD platform.
If you're an architectural firm, these top architecture software solutions may be a better fit. They have elements of CAD, BIM and project management tools designed for structural outlining and visual presentation.
Collaboration tools, on the other hand, are also great partners to your CAD app of choice. It should help you handle even remote team members while ensuring that apps and files required for the projects are always on hand.
When it comes to Free 3D CAD software, you probably know how essential these tools are across a wide range of industries. The usage of computer-aided design and drafting software extends beyond architecture and engineering. It is also used in the creation of video games and the classroom.
Because of the incredible demand for CAD, and the companies' increased need to invest in a CAD designer, it's all too common for computer-aided drafting to cost a significant amount of money. Fortunately, we have assembled a list of the most efficient and cost-effective open-source CAD software.
A less expensive computer-aided design allows you to have the best of both worlds, namely the great convenience of using a computer-aided design while enjoying lower costs.
Best 3D CAD software
CAD software is commonly used by engineers and designers to design 2D and 3D physical component models. The user interface, toolbars, and a large library of 3D models are all quite simple to use in these applications.
Here is our handpicked list of the best free 3D CAD software, with a brief description of each. Let's have a close look at them one by one.
Onshape
Onshape is one of the free 3D modeling software open for all students and non-professional and non-commercial users. It allows them to work on projects in the design field without restrictions.
This CAD assembly and configurations tool support product design process improvements. It allows much more comprehensive CAD assembly and configurations.
This utility allows you to work quickly and effectively, while also reducing the chance of being overwhelmed by an unfamiliar GUI. Leveraging effective design elements helps to ensure you don't lose focus on what you're doing.
This is an example of simply monitoring your work by scrolling through an activity feed. If you have further questions, you can use the raw analytics without restrictions. All you need to do is make different types of users easy to configure, which means you can configure full, light, and guest users all from the same interface.
It helps you keep tabs on your team with audit logs, which gives you the ability to know who has done what and where they have achieved success.
3D Builder
This free 3D CAD software application enables users to design 3D models for printing and manufacturing on desktop computers. It is also available for other Microsoft platforms, such as the Xbox One, Hololens, and mobile devices.
It allows you to download models created by others, you can also modify those models and even 3D print them. The touchscreen interface is used to manipulate and edit 3D files using gestures.
It is a great way to immerse yourself in the virtual world. Integration into the Windows phone offers a benefit over other Windows devices as well. Its mobile application allows to scan physical objects and turn them into 3D files using the device's camera.
To properly create a 3D model of an object, simply take a series of photos of the object from multiple angles. It also merges images and generates a 3D representation of the object.
Not only is this interactive 3D modeling software free tool allows to the creation of models, but also an amazing asset when it comes to designing product prototypes and more.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is great for people who are just getting started with CAD, as it's one of the best free 3D CAD software out there. There are features available in Tinkercad for every level of designer.
Brick-like new designers, such as those creating Lego-like bricks, should start from the ground up. Minecraft gamers, on the other hand, can test their creativity using a modeler similar to Minecraft. Creative designers are free to be creative, as long as they are careful not to limit their imagination.
With relative ease, you can create circuits and 3D designs. You're also allowed to design objects using codes you know by heart, such as sequences, ciphers, and polytonic substitution ciphers.
Once you're finished, you may proceed to print in 3D using the Tinkercad software's partner services. When your order has been completed, your products will be prepared for shipment. They will be prepared to be delivered via laser cutting to your front door.
Tinkercad is more than a free 3D modeling software. Not only does it offer 3D modeling, but it also includes a wide range of other features that connect electronics and coding. Other common user interfaces that we often see people using include Codeblocks. It allows users to build 3D models based on a set of instructions you define.
Students who are working at the novice-level, who want to learn computational thinking and automation. Get this combo of code and design, which makes it possible for them to do so. Additionally, Tinkercad includes a circuit editor that makes it easier for users to better understand electronic circuitry.
BlocksCAD
BlocksCAD is one of the best 3D modeling software developed to make it easier for kids to get started with 3D modeling using BlocksCAD. The purpose of this program is to make it easy for anyone to work with OpenSCAD.
Each command that signifies objects, transformations and more are represented with colorful blocks. These are one on top of the other like LEGO bricks. Once you have completed your work, you convert your 3D model into an image to see how it looks. You may save the design in an OpenSCAD or STL format when it is finished.
At no point are you ever lost while learning OpenSCAD? At any point, you can read the raw source code, understand how your changes impact the 3D model, and comprehend how that changes the code.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source free 3D CAD software with the primary focus on the design of physical objects of any size. With parametric modeling, you can easily modify your design by returning to your model history and changing parameters.
It has several different components that allow it to expand to various dimensions. For extracting design details from 3D models for making high-quality, ready-to-use production drawings. The focus of FreeCAD is on parametric modeling, and it is meant to serve as a high-quality free software tool for the 3D design of real-life objects of any size.
The parametric modeling feature of its modeling system allows you to easily modify your 3D designs. You can go back into your model history and making changes to the dimensions.
LibreCAD
LibreCAD is also an open-source 3D modeling software free to use. It is loaded with basic modeling and modification tools that you will need for your design work.
Though this free CAD program satisfies common drawing needs, you will not be overwhelmed. The software's functionality is user-friendly, unlike other free CAD software. As far as its design is concerned, LibreCAD's interface is rather straightforward, and this free CAD software is suitable for beginners.
This CAD software is fully open source, which means you can change, adapt, and customize it to fit your 3D modeling needs. Not only it has a large and dedicated community, but also there are extensive documentation and support. It offers to all community members, including those with beginner and advanced levels of experience.
SketchUp Free
SketchUp is said to be one of the easiest and flexible CAD software, though some say that it's too difficult to learn. Although the free version is browser-based, it is an excellent choice to start with.
Thanks to its simple learning curve, clear and straightforward tools, and user-friendly interface. If you are searching for reliable free 3D CAD software, then it is a suitable option to go after.
You should not confuse SketchUp Free with the Pro or Shop versions. SketchUp Free is a powerful design tool even if it doesn't have all of the features available in the other versions.
Although you won't have access to all the amazing 3D modeling features you had in the past, you will still have access to a fantastic core 3D modeler. So that you can design enormous and complex objects without restriction.
SketchUp was developed for architects, designers, and filmmakers, but it's a very versatile program for both novices and experts.
Vectary
Vectary is one of the best 3D modeling software developed by two different 3D designers. It is an online platform that has both a free and paid version. The paid options are better equipped with several additional features.
You can simply access the model by going directly to the browser, where you can model as many 3D projects as you'd like (up to three 3D projects, for example, with various 3D solids).
After that, you can export your model to a file in the STL format, where you can print your model. The library also includes numerous tutorials that are meant to help you grow your modeling skill and a catalog of models
Meshmixer
Meshmixer is one of the best free 3D CAD software often used by many designers. It does not allow for the construction of your final products from scratch.
Instead, this software will assist you with animation, modeling, zippering, hole filling, hollowing, 3D surface stamping, and self-repair of pre-existing models. You can modify the models in a way that makes your own.
Its biggest advantage is that you can modify the 3D model without having to be concerned about how the model's 3D topology will affect it.
Which Is The Best Free Autocad Software
Since the mesh-mix functionality is quite powerful, you can simply attach one model to another. The software takes care of all the nuances of mesh modification.
LeoCAD
Suitable for anyone interested in designing their models. LeoCAD was created to benefit users who want to produce great models quickly without dedicating a significant amount of time to learning 3D modeling.
Even though this free 3D modeling software is well suited for more experienced users who want to create advanced models. It also caters to new users, those who are just getting started, and even those who are not interested in complex features.
Best Free Autocad Software For Architects
Another benefit of LeoCAD is that it is open-source and available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is one of the best free 3d cad software for mac. You can begin from scratch and build models. It also provides access to thousands of components in the LDraw parts library to assist you.
Best Free Autocad Software Download For Windows 10
Conclusion
Best Free Autocad Software Downloads
So, we have identified some of the free 3D CAD software you can try to create a new 2D drawing or 3D modeling project. Having access to the best CAD software is important for most companies to find possible fatal flaws in the design before the final output.
Autocad Software For Free
You might already know that getting good CAD (computer-aided design) software can be expensive if you are working in a field that heavily uses CAD tools. And if you are a student just getting started in the world of 3D modeling, you should go after the free 3D modeling software as alternative options.
