If you need to work or learn how to use a CAD program, without spending too much money on a professional program like Autocad or others, you can use one of these free programs that provide all the functions of a CAD program.
- What are the Top Drawing Software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator Draw, Adobe Lightroom, CorelDRAW, Photoshop Sketch, Adobe Illustrator, Astropad Studio, Affinity Designer are some of the Top Drawing Software. What are Free Drawing Software? Drawing tools refer to applications with built-in tools that allow users to create artwork from scratch.
- The best CAD software can help you create virtual worlds with the power of your computer. From professional building designs to 3D printable models, this has a huge range of uses. However, CAD software is expensive, so picking the right one for your needs is important.
Here is a list of the top 10 free programs to download for Windows PC, Mac and Linux for technical drawing in both 2D and 3D projects.
List of Free CAD Programs for technical drawing
FreeCAD
Autodesk Sketchbook is a widely popular program for digital drawing and it's recommended as the best Procreate alternative for Windows 10. The best part is that this powerful program is now available for free to everyone, unlike Procreate which costs $9.99.
Free CAD 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 architectural projects or other engineering sectors based on 3D modeling.
Although free, FreeCAD is considered as an alternate of other popular CAD programs thanks to its ability to create real 3D solids, support for networks, 2D drawing and many other professional features. The program is modular therefore expandable with many extensions.
NanoCAD
NanoCAD is one of the best free and unlimited solutions for creating 3D CAD drawings.
Its most important feature is the native support to the DWG format which is then that of Autocad.
This means that a DWG file created with nanoCAD can be sent to other people who can then open it with Autocad without having need to convert.
Sculptris
The Best Drawing Software For Windows 10
Sculptris is a free 3D graphic design program for Windows and Mac.
Easy to use, it's not really a technical drawing program, but a software to draw 3D models like sculptures or figures.
As the name of this small software recalls, it serves to create virtual sculptures. In practical terms, it means that with Sculptris you can draw three-dimensional figures but not animations as you can do with the more complicated Blender.
SketchUp
SketchUp is one of the most popular 3D modeling programs used primarily for architectural works and other niches in the 3D project industry.
The program for Windows and Mac is complete and professional with all the tools included for free. You can also see the galleries of works done to understand that there are no limits of using this program.
LibreCAD
LibreCAD is a free, open source CAD drawing program for Windows, Mac and Linux.
A complete tool that is proposed as an alternative to Autocad. LibreCAD can be used for all 2D architectural engineering drawings, to design mechanical parts, for construction, simulation, interior design, creative design and diagramming.
DraftSight
DraftSight is another free 2D CAD editor for professional CAD users, students and teachers, to work on DWG files. Macbook android phone.
The program is perfect for those who prefer minimal and simple CAD software. DraftSight can be downloaded for Windows, Mac and Linux.
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is a 3D modeling platform ideal for engineers, to design parts of machines using script programming. So there is no button interface and it is only for programmers.
Kicad
KiCAD is a free design tool for drawing printed circuit boards (PCBs), for Windows, Mac and Linux.
QCAD
QCAD is available for all computers to create technical drawings of buildings, mechanical parts or even diagrams.
Since it is open source, QCAD is modular and extensible. Its 2D CAD platform is powerful yet easy to use even for a beginner who has little or no experience.
3DCrafter
3DCrafter is a simple 3D modeling program that works simply through drag and drop. It is used to create animated models by drawing scenes in real time.
Cloud Citrix VDI
Get an easy and handy access your CAD software anytime on any device by loading it onto high performance Cloud Citrix VDI powered by Apps4Rent with excellent support.
Other guides on CAD:
Conclusions
For an engineer or architect AutoCAD is essential, since it is the main work tool. But if you are still at university or have multiple computers to work on, you 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 much on the various AutoCAD licenses.
Today, the market is stocked with a wide range of products in a never before seen scale. One of the reasons behind this is the evolution of modeling or technical drawing software. Using such software we can create 3D models which will aid in the tooling, prototyping, and the manufacturing of the above-mentioned products.
However, this is easier said than done and product engineers should have the right combination of the perfect skill and software. Hence in this article, we will be looking at the best free technical drawing software currently available in the market.
Contents
- 1 Best Technical Drawing Software
Best Technical Drawing Software
1. Solidworks
| Official URL: | https://www.solidworks.com/ |
Solidworks is probably one of the more well-known members of this list. This software is available in three versions to cater to users needs. Solidworks basically converts your sketch geometry into 3D geometry. you have a wide variety of features like Extrudes, Revolves, Fillets, Chamfers etc.
Solidworks Standard: This is the basic version and can produce the 3d design for machine parts, assemblies, and two-dimensional drawings.
Solidworks Premium: This has got advanced features like reverse engineering and pipe routing functionality.
Solidworks Professional: It comes with features like automated design and drawing checking, file management tools, advanced photorealistic rendering, and automated cost estimation.
2. Tinkercad
| Official URL: | https://www.tinkercad.com/ |
Tinkercad is a 3D modeling tool which has something in it for everyone. This is completely free software. This is very useful for creating home designs. If you are a beginner who has just started beginning the fundamentals of CAD, then Tinkercad should be your go-to software.
If you are into circuit design then Tinkercad has the facility to allow simulations in the circuits to obtain the results. Moreover, you can also 3D print the designs you have created. The only flaw with this software is that you might not be able to get very creative in terms of the geometric shapes you can create.
3. QCAD
| Official URL: | https://www.qcad.org |
It is an open source free technical drawing software for especially construction of 2D designs. Starting form plans, schematic diagrams to buildings, interior etc. can be easily built by QCAD. If you are about to 2D CAD system, QCAD can't be the optional choice.
The amazing part about this software is you don't need experience before working with QCAD. It includes 35 CAD fonts, 40 construction tools, 20 modification tools along with 4800 CAD parts library using which you can construct powerful 2d CAD designs. Give a try to this simple 2d drawing software.
4. Freecad
| Official URL: | https://www.freecadweb.org/ |
Freecad is an open source software which has its main uses in the fields of mechanical engineering and product design. Despite being a freeware, Freecad has some great features makes it a great alternative to other popular drawing software.
Freecad is handy for architectural projects and other areas which makes use of 3d modeling. Freecad can create networks, 2d drawings, and other complex 3d solids. Despite being an impressive software with a wide array of features, Freecad is not easy to use and may slightly trouble beginners.
5. SketchUp
| Official URL: | https://store.sketchup.com/ |
Sketchup allows users to create standout 3D models of almost everything ranging from interiors to landscapes. however, what really makes sketchup a cut above the rest is the fact that despite boasting of powerful professional quality features, using the software is a breeze.
Some of these features include high-quality lighting effects, textures, a layer manager, and animations. While it does not have a wide range of built-in models, it provides access to Trimble's 3d Warehouse which has the all the 3d models and symbols a designer could possibly want in a free techinal drawing software.
6. NanoCAD
| Official URL: | https://nanocad.com/ |
If you are looking for a software to create top quality 2D designs at a fairly good pace then NanoCAD will act as butter on your bread. The best quality of free technical drawing software is the ease of use. One of the main features is the support of the DWG format which is also used by Autocad.
Hence migrating from nanocad to AutoCAD is a very easy process. All you need to do is to send the created DWG to people with Autocad and they can open the file without the need for conversion. The interface is quite simple and easy to work with.
7. TurboCAD
| Official URL: | https://www.turbocad.com/ |
Turbocad is a powerful 3D/2D free technical drawing software with features for drawing, modifying, dimensioning, and annotating.
Best Free Drawing Programs For Windows 10
This product is quite popular among software Engineers due to its lighting effects and photorealistic rendering. You can also share your work with Autocad or Sketchup. The designs you created can also be brought into reality by 3d printing.
8. Catia
| Official URL: | https://www.3ds.com/ |
Catia is a software used by many leading companies around the world for 3D designing. Using catia, you can design, simulate, analyze, and manufacture products for industries like Aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery.
Catia is very powerful and has no limits in terms of the functionalities it offers. It is not free and you can get it for around 100 dollars.
9. IronCad
1. Solidworks
| Official URL: | https://www.solidworks.com/ |
Solidworks is probably one of the more well-known members of this list. This software is available in three versions to cater to users needs. Solidworks basically converts your sketch geometry into 3D geometry. you have a wide variety of features like Extrudes, Revolves, Fillets, Chamfers etc.
Solidworks Standard: This is the basic version and can produce the 3d design for machine parts, assemblies, and two-dimensional drawings.
Solidworks Premium: This has got advanced features like reverse engineering and pipe routing functionality.
Solidworks Professional: It comes with features like automated design and drawing checking, file management tools, advanced photorealistic rendering, and automated cost estimation.
2. Tinkercad
| Official URL: | https://www.tinkercad.com/ |
Tinkercad is a 3D modeling tool which has something in it for everyone. This is completely free software. This is very useful for creating home designs. If you are a beginner who has just started beginning the fundamentals of CAD, then Tinkercad should be your go-to software.
If you are into circuit design then Tinkercad has the facility to allow simulations in the circuits to obtain the results. Moreover, you can also 3D print the designs you have created. The only flaw with this software is that you might not be able to get very creative in terms of the geometric shapes you can create.
3. QCAD
| Official URL: | https://www.qcad.org |
It is an open source free technical drawing software for especially construction of 2D designs. Starting form plans, schematic diagrams to buildings, interior etc. can be easily built by QCAD. If you are about to 2D CAD system, QCAD can't be the optional choice.
The amazing part about this software is you don't need experience before working with QCAD. It includes 35 CAD fonts, 40 construction tools, 20 modification tools along with 4800 CAD parts library using which you can construct powerful 2d CAD designs. Give a try to this simple 2d drawing software.
4. Freecad
| Official URL: | https://www.freecadweb.org/ |
Freecad is an open source software which has its main uses in the fields of mechanical engineering and product design. Despite being a freeware, Freecad has some great features makes it a great alternative to other popular drawing software.
Freecad is handy for architectural projects and other areas which makes use of 3d modeling. Freecad can create networks, 2d drawings, and other complex 3d solids. Despite being an impressive software with a wide array of features, Freecad is not easy to use and may slightly trouble beginners.
5. SketchUp
| Official URL: | https://store.sketchup.com/ |
Sketchup allows users to create standout 3D models of almost everything ranging from interiors to landscapes. however, what really makes sketchup a cut above the rest is the fact that despite boasting of powerful professional quality features, using the software is a breeze.
Some of these features include high-quality lighting effects, textures, a layer manager, and animations. While it does not have a wide range of built-in models, it provides access to Trimble's 3d Warehouse which has the all the 3d models and symbols a designer could possibly want in a free techinal drawing software.
6. NanoCAD
| Official URL: | https://nanocad.com/ |
If you are looking for a software to create top quality 2D designs at a fairly good pace then NanoCAD will act as butter on your bread. The best quality of free technical drawing software is the ease of use. One of the main features is the support of the DWG format which is also used by Autocad.
Hence migrating from nanocad to AutoCAD is a very easy process. All you need to do is to send the created DWG to people with Autocad and they can open the file without the need for conversion. The interface is quite simple and easy to work with.
7. TurboCAD
| Official URL: | https://www.turbocad.com/ |
Turbocad is a powerful 3D/2D free technical drawing software with features for drawing, modifying, dimensioning, and annotating.
Best Free Drawing Programs For Windows 10
This product is quite popular among software Engineers due to its lighting effects and photorealistic rendering. You can also share your work with Autocad or Sketchup. The designs you created can also be brought into reality by 3d printing.
8. Catia
| Official URL: | https://www.3ds.com/ |
Catia is a software used by many leading companies around the world for 3D designing. Using catia, you can design, simulate, analyze, and manufacture products for industries like Aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery.
Catia is very powerful and has no limits in terms of the functionalities it offers. It is not free and you can get it for around 100 dollars.
9. IronCad
| Official URL: | https://www.ironcad.com/ |
This is a software which is known for its simplicity. Ironcad helps you to create designs more quickly and easily. Regardless of how complex the 3D models are they only require one file.
Another key aspect is that you only need to use one tool to bring the design from conceptualization to reality. The interface is intuitive and the triball visualization feature is great as well.
10. LibreCAD
| Official URL: | https://librecad.org |
LibreCAD is a free technical drawing software available for Windows, Mac and, Linux. It has a vast community to help you with any of the issues. Availability in 30 different languages covers a wide user base. With continuous updates, new features and bugs are being solved.
Construction, simulation, innovative designs can be developed perfectly with the help of LiberCAD. Any of the questions can be solved upon asking in the community.
11. BricsCAD
| Official URL: | https://www.bricsys.com |
This is a software with a good combination of 2D drawing and 3D modeling. BricsCAD can save you a lot of time for creating designs owing to its unique features.
The familiar interface style is another plus point. However, to use this software you need to pay. The amount varies depending on the version but the minimum cost comes at around 600 dollars.
12. Autocad
| Official URL: | https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/autocad |
AutoCAD by Autodesk is one of the most powerful 3D CAD tools available in the market. You can create almost any 3D design with 3D modeling and visualization tools. Some of the key features available in AutoCad are Ribbon interface which presents commands in an organized manner.
Viewcube is another cool feature which allows you to see a 3D model from any orientation. AutoCAD is the standard for every other CAD software. Unfortunately, this is not a freeware and requires a subscription fee of 185 dollars per month. You may be able to get a cracked version.
Conclusion:
In this article, we have provided you with the list of best free technical drawing software according to us. You won't go wrong with any of them but if money is not the problem of yours, then opting for one among Solidworks, AutoCad, and Catia would be a good idea.
