Alternatives to AutoCAD
Compare AutoCAD alternatives for your business or organization using the curated list below. SourceForge ranks the best alternatives to AutoCAD in 2026. Compare features, ratings, user reviews, pricing, and more from AutoCAD competitors and alternatives in order to make an informed decision for your business.
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1
Houzz Pro
Houzz
Houzz Pro is the #1 construction management solution for residential contractors and designers. Get an all-in-one solution that spans the full customer lifecycle, including marketing, CRM, estimates, takeoffs, 3D floor plans, project management, selections, online invoicing & payments, QuickBooks integration, and a client portal. Start a free trial today to see why thousands of Pros trust Houzz Pro to grow & manage their business. Plans are available for all business sizes starting at $149/month. -
2
MicroStation
Bentley Systems
MicroStation by Bentley Systems is the trusted computer-aided design (CAD) software built specifically for infrastructure design. It enables architects, engineers, and designers to create precise 2D and 3D drawings that bring complex projects to life—from bridges and highways to utilities and smart cities. With powerful tools for design, documentation, and visualization, MicroStation helps professionals deliver projects faster, more accurately, and with greater confidence. The software natively supports DGN, DWG, and point-cloud data, eliminating file conversion hassles and improving collaboration across teams. Its robust environment connects applications, data, and users to ensure seamless project delivery at any scale. MicroStation is the foundation of modern infrastructure design—reliable, interoperable, and built for professionals who build the world. -
3
ActCAD Software
Jytra Technology Solutions
ActCAD is a native dwg/dxf cad software suitable for professional 2D drafting and 3D modeling projects. ActCAD is trusted by over 30000 users in over 103 countries for more than 10 years. The interface, commands, icons, dialogs, shortcuts etc. are very much similar to other popular cad software tools available in market. Flexible license types available even for single license. There is no learning for existing cad users while saving 80% of the costs. ActCAD offers free email technical support without any limitations. ActCAD can be fully customized and programs can be developed using our free API toolkit. It supports popular programming languages like , lisp dcl, .net, C++ etc. Apart from all regular commands, ActCAD offers many productive tools like pdf to cad converter, Block libraries, Image to Cad converter, handling point sets between Cad and Excel and many more. ActCAD is suitable for any high end professional projects in the domains of Architecture, Civil, Mechanical,Automotive -
4
Coohom
Coohom
Coohom is a leading global cloud-based, 3D design platform that provides all-in-one software and services to empower designers and businesses to design a professional project in minutes, and get photo-realistic 3D visualizations in seconds. With a presence spanning the United States, China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, Coohom's innovative solutions have garnered the trust of over 10 million customers from 200 countries. With the aim of facilitating the digital transformation of customers in the interior design, furniture & home decor, and Kitchen & Bath industry, Coohom provides a comprehensive suit of software encompassing design, rendering, marketing, production, and construction, helping to streamline their workflows and achieve success.Starting Price: $0 per month -
5
ArcSite
ArcSite
It's so much more than an intuitive tool for precise and accurate drawings on the go, it's a new skillset to help you change the way you do business. Audits, inspections, and data capture simplified. ArcSite automatically tallies and records every product placed in your drawing including custom data points that fit your team's workflow. Turn your site drawing into a custom sales proposal in just a few taps. Proposals in ArcSite change the way you communicate your scope to customers, which leads to more closed deals and higher satisfaction. No more scribbling in the margins or using multiple sheets of paper, ArcSite's unlimited canvas lets you capture an entire job site without compromising. From a simple home floor plan to a 1,000-acre project area, your drawings are always accurate and on one document with ArcSite.Starting Price: $15 per user per month -
6
Space Designer 3D
Asynth
Space Designer 3D is an online space planning software that makes architectural design, visualization, and communication easier for everyone. With its wide range of features, Space Designer 3D is aimed to please both beginners and professionals in various fields such as construction, real estate, offices, laboratories, retail, and event design. In a few clicks, draw spaces with predefined walls, drag and drop objects into the plan and instantly visualize the result in 3D. Subscriptions provide access to more extended features, such as project export, online sharing, real-time inventory creation, bill of materials, photorealistic HD renderings, animated walkthroughs and more.Starting Price: $9.99 -
7
Enscape
Enscape
Enscape™ is a real-time rendering and virtual reality plugin for Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Archicad, and Vectorworks. It plugs directly into your modeling software, giving you an integrated visualization and design workflow. As an intuitive design tool, it requires no prior specialized knowledge to use. You can design, document, and visualize simultaneously from one model. It is the easiest and fastest way to turn your building models into immersive 3D experiences. Bring your designs to life and give your clients a design experience like never before. Used by 85 of the top 100 architecture firms worldwide, Enscape empowers your design workflow.Starting Price: $39.90 per month -
8
Cedreo
Cedreo
The only 3D home design software to create conceptual designs in just 2 hours. Cedreo is a 3D home design software for home builders, contractors, remodelers, real estate agents and interior designers. It allows you to create a complete conceptual design presentation in just 2 hours including 2D and 3D floor plans, site plans, electrical plans, and interior and exterior photorealistic 3D renderings. With Cedreo, you streamline your sales process, reduce the cost of the pre-sale phase and improve your client's buying experience. You can easily and quickly handle the design in-house to stay ahead of your competitors and save external design costs. You will create stunning photorealistic 3D renderings to help your clients envision the project before it is built, facilitate communication and sell faster.Starting Price: $130.9 -
9
SOLIDWORKS
Dassault Systèmes
SOLIDWORKS is the industry-standard 3D CAD and product development solution, trusted by millions of designers and engineers worldwide. For over 30 years, SOLIDWORKS has empowered innovators to transform ideas into real, manufacturable products through intuitive modeling, simulation, and collaboration tools. The 2026 release introduces groundbreaking capabilities including AI-powered drawing automation, fastener recognition, and the AURA AI virtual companion. Integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it enables seamless cloud collaboration and data-driven decision-making. From startups to global manufacturers, users rely on SOLIDWORKS to accelerate design cycles, improve accuracy, and reduce time to market. It’s the complete ecosystem for taking any product from concept to production. -
10
Autodesk Construction Cloud
Autodesk Construction Cloud
Autodesk Construction Cloud connects workflows, teams and data at every stage of construction to reduce risk, maximize efficiency, and increase profits. Keep projects on track by allowing teams to collaborate, connect and integrate with the most up-to-date schedule. Easily access short, on-demand courses from any device to help you use any Autodesk Construction Cloud product! Bring every project team together from design to turnover on a single construction software solution. Connect workflows and collaborate securely from a single source of truth. Seamlessly collaborate with powerful, simple software that connects critical workflows. Linked workflows move information between teams quickly, and critical context doesn’t get lost along the way. Plan, escalate and resolve work, all in one place. Powerful, purpose-built tools for all construction stakeholders. Model the right workflows for your projects and easily manage how information is shared with partners, securely.Starting Price: $25.30 per month -
11
Revizto
Revizto
Revizto unifies BIM intelligence and makes it immediately accessible and actionable for the entire project team. With Revizto’s advanced Issue Tracker predefined workflows project team members can identify and manage model-based issues in the 3D space and 2D sheets, including addressing clash groups. Revizto provides unified access to a project’s data both for 2D and 3D workflows, so anyone can use it depending on project requirements.Starting Price: $600.00/year/user -
12
SkyCiv Structural 3D
SkyCiv Engineering
SkyCiv Structural 3D is a cloud-based Structural Analysis software that allows users to model, analyze and design complex 3D structures. It is completely online; requiring no installation to use. SkyCiv Structural 3D offers the very best in online structural analysis. It includes the following: - Powerful Analysis: Linear, P-Delta, Cables, Buckling, Plates, Frequency, RS - Integrated Design checks for steel, wood, connections, foundations, wind (AISC, NSD, AISI, EN, AS, CSA, BS plus more...)Starting Price: $79/month/user -
13
GCADPlus
Design Cad
gCADPlus is easy to use landscape design software. It is free to try, uses familiar AutoCAD commands with a familiar interface. gCADPlus automates many tedious landscape tasks such as generating plant schedules and quantities. Switch from a design space to any size layout sheet and print PDF using PDF writers. Email designs to your clients and save on printing costs and help the environment. Comprehensive plant database files are included with gCADPlus. You have the ability to create your own. A full featured database application called SppDb is included with each copy of gCADPlus. Switch to it and search to find the species that meets you design criteria. -
14
GeoHECRAS
CivilGEO, Inc.
GeoHECRAS is a river modeling software used to compute water surface profiles for steady and unsteady flow models, bridge and culvert roadway crossings, FEMA floodplain encroachments, stream restorations, inline reservoir structures, off-channel storage areas, and much more. GeoHECRAS offers: • Quickly Build 1D & 2D HEC-RAS Models • Automatic Assignment of Land Cover as Manning’s Roughness • Digital Terrain Cross Section Cutting • Automated Bridge & Culvert Sizing and Designing • Automated FEMA Floodplain Encroachments • LiDAR Elevation Terrain Processing • Automated Model Calibration • AutoCAD, MicroStation & ESRI ArcGIS Compatible • 100% Compatible with US Army Corps of Engineers HEC-RAS GeoHECRAS provides an easy-to-use, single graphical platform to rapidly create stunning HEC-RAS models and 3D visualizations from a variety of different data sources like AutoCAD, MicroStation, ArcGIS, Google Maps, and more. -
15
JTS IntelliCAD
JYTRA TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED
JTS IntelliCAD 11.1 is an economical 2D Drafting and 3D Wireframe Modeling CAD software meant for Engineers, Architects, and other technical consultants. JTS IntelliCAD 11.1 works in native DWG & DXF CAD software to create and edit drawings.TrueCAD works in native DWG & DXF CAD software to create and edit drawings. JTS IntelliCAD 11.1 uses IntelliCAD 11.1 Engine. If you need only the 32bit version you need to choose TrueCAD 2021 Premium. JTS IntelliCAD 11.1 offers all CAD features needed for Professional designers with native DWG & DXF support. Directly edit existing drawings. Suitable to create Professional drawings easily just like other expensive CAD software available in the market. No learning is needed for existing CAD users. Interface, commands, icons, and shortcuts are similar to other CAD. Complete help and user guide available.Starting Price: $149 per license -
16
MagiCAD
MagiCAD
MagiCAD is the number one BIM solution for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) design used by thousands of companies in over 80 countries worldwide. MagiCAD makes the design of BIM models easier, faster and more accurate. Fully integrated within Autodesk’s Revit and AutoCAD platforms, MagiCAD offers a set of powerful modelling functions for each MEP discipline and enables integrated system calculations. With MagiCAD, you design with over 1,000,000 intelligent manufacturer-verified BIM objects from leading MEP manufacturers. Additionally, MagiCAD supports many local standards and symbols making it a unique and truly international solution. MagiCAD enables real-time and on-demand Clash Detection. Builderswork can be generated automatically based on space requirements around and between ducts, pipes, cable trays, fire dampers, etc., including insulation. -
17
LibreCAD
LibreCAD
LibreCAD is a free Open Source CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux. Support and documentation are free from our large, dedicated community of users, contributors and developers. LibreCAD started as a project to build CAM capabilities into the community version of QCad for use with a Mechmate CNC router. Since QCad CE was built around the outdated Qt3 library, it had to be ported to Qt4 before additional enhancements. This gave rise to CADuntu. The project was known as CADuntu only for a couple of months before the community decided that the name was inappropriate. After some discussion within the community and research on existing names, CADuntu was renamed to LibreCAD. Porting the rendering engine to Qt4 proved to be a large task, so LibreCAD initially still depended on the Qt3 support library. The Qt4 porting was completed eventually during the development of 2.0.0 series, thanks to our master developer Rallaz, and LibreCAD has become Qt3 free except in the 1.0.0 series.Starting Price: Free -
18
HiCAD
ISD Group
3D Design and Engineering Software HiCAD is the 2D/3D CAD Software for all-rounders and specialists in the field of engineering and development. The software is adaptable to the needs and size of a company. Small manufacturing companies, medium sized companies with their own product development or large international companies will find the right combination of all necessary functions in one system due to the modular structure of HiCAD. With HiCAD, in addition to industry-relevant functions, you can use both 2D and 3D in a single interface. The use of multiple CAD solutions is a thing of the past. With HiCAD, drawings can be transferred directly to the machine, production, or manufacturing.Starting Price: $4999 -
19
Higharc
Higharc
Say goodbye to disconnected teams and repetitive manual work. Supercharge how you design, sell, and build single-family homes and communities with the only connected platform for production homebuilders. Constant change throughout the homebuilding process leads to painful rework, bad buyer experiences, and unhappy employees. We equip teams with a groundbreaking platform so you can do more of what matters, building great homes. Design homes with real-time automation and manage files 100x faster than CAD. Save weeks with automatic takeoffs, no manual spreadsheets are required. Sell more homes with online 3D customization. Get personalized brochures with one click. Start faster with automated CDs that are permit-ready and lot-specific. Draft plans in a fraction of the time with a groundbreaking generative design platform actually made for homebuilders. Manage any number of options and variations in one intelligent model. -
20
GstarCAD
Gstarsoft Co., Ltd.
GstarCAD is alternative CAD software with high compatibility, stability, performance, and useful features to improve efficiency and facilitate the drawing process of designers, draftsmen and other CAD users.Starting Price: $399.00/one-time -
21
Autodesk Fusion 360
Autodesk
Fusion 360 unifies design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing into a single software platform. Get integrated CAD, CAM, CAE & PCB on a single development platform. Also includes EAGLE Premium, HSMWorks, Team Participant, and access to consumptive services, such as generative design, cloud simulation, and cloud rendering. Engineer products with a comprehensive set of modeling tools. Ensure form, fit, and function of your products with various analysis methods. Create and edit sketches with sketch constraints, dimensions, and a powerful suite of sketch tools. Edit or repair imported geometry from non-native file formats. Make design changes without worrying about time-based features. Create and edit complex parametric surfaces for repairing, patching or designing geometry. Create history-based features, including extrude, revolve, loft, sweep, etc., that update with design changes.Starting Price: $495 per year -
22
FreeCAD
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters. FreeCAD allows you to sketch geometry constrained 2D shapes and use them as a base to build other objects. It contains many components to adjust dimensions or extract design details from 3D models to create high quality production ready drawings. FreeCAD is a multiplatfom (Windows, Mac and Linux), highly customizable and extensible software. It reads and writes to many open file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and many others, making it possible to seamlessly integrate it into your workflow. FreeCAD is designed to fit a wide range of uses including product design, mechanical engineering and architecture. Whether you are a hobbyist, a programmer, an experienced CAD user, a student or a teacher, you will feel right at home with FreeCAD. -
23
Inventor
Autodesk
Professional-grade 3D CAD software for product design and engineering. Inventor® CAD software provides professional-grade 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation tools. Work efficiently with a powerful blend of parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based design capabilities. Work with anyone, anywhere no matter what CAD software they use. Use cloud-based design reviews to collect feedback from key stakeholders wherever they are. Follow the entire product development lifecycle with one data model. Design efficiently using specialized tools for sheet metal, frame design, and tube and pipe. Enable design, documentation, and process automation powered by iLogic. Access Inventor API to create your own add-ins. Go further by investigating Forge Design Automation API for running your job processes in the cloud.Starting Price: $2,190 per year -
24
Map3D
Map3D
Map3D is a fully self-contained 3D stress analysis tool, designed for fast, easy model building and visualization of 3D models. What sets Map3D apart from other analysis programs is its ability to accommodate a very wide range of problems in 3D. Large, complex, fully 3D problems can be built with ease using the built-in CAD functionality. Combined use of both FF and DD elements allows for simulations of 3D excavations with intersecting fractures or shear planes. The various versions of Map3D fully support plastic Fault-Slip and 3D rock-mass plasticity, featuring compatible input files for all versions thus providing a clear upgrade path as upgrades to advanced capabilities are required by the user. Extensive training program for both program functionality and detailed engineering results interpretation. Easy manipulation of results for the interpretation of rock mass failure, slip-on fault planes, results on oriented bore holes and ubiquitous slip-on bedding planes or joint sets. -
25
Onshape
Onshape
Onshape by PTC is the leading cloud-native CAD & PDM platform that runs on any device, anywhere-requiring zero IT. Onshape is for product design companies who are fed up with the errors, time waste, and hidden costs of outdated file-based CAD & PDM.Starting Price: $125.00/month/user -
26
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD
It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OS X. Unlike most free software for creating 3D models (such as Blender) it does not focus on the artistic aspects of 3D modelling but instead on the CAD aspects. Thus it might be the application you are looking for when you are planning to create 3D models of machine parts but pretty sure is not what you are looking for when you are more interested in creating computer-animated movies. OpenSCAD is not an interactive modeller. Instead it is something like a 3D-compiler that reads in a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model from this script file. This gives you (the designer) full control over the modelling process and enables you to easily change any step in the modelling process or make designs that are defined by configurable parameters. -
27
PloComp
Isoplotec Corporation
PloComp displays HPGL/Vector/Image. It can display maximum of 20 file in piles or in arranges. Display mode is overwrite, merge, undisplay, mirror at a file. This is useful for checking the product drawings by overlapping multiple drawings, such as printed wiring boards, or for comparing old and new drawings by recognizing changed areas using different colors or cloud marks. Supports many file formats: Input: HP-GL, HP-GL/2, HP RTL, PDF, DXF, DWG, GERBER, NC-Drill, IGES, SXF, EMF, TIFF, JPEG, Bitmap, PCX, FPX, GIF, PNG Output: HP-GL, HP-GL/2, HP RTL, PDF, DXF, DWG, IGES, SXF, EMF, TIFF, JPEG, Bitmap, PCX, FPX, GIF, PNG, Printer, Plotter, WMF, PS, EPS, SVG, XPS, PCL, Copy to Clipboard (black and white, color) It has same powerful input and edit function as 2D-CAD, it can read view file and edit. All the function usage can be carried out free for 30 days from installation for trial.Starting Price: $90/license -
28
PloCompAuto
Isoplotec Corporation
PloCompAuto is a program that automatically converts files in the following formats at high speed. It is very efficient when you have a large number of drawing files and want to overlay multiple drawings onto one sheet, color-code the differences between two drawings, or find the changed areas. Input: HP-GL, HP-GL/2, HP RTL, PDF, DXF, DWG, GERBER, NC-drill, IGES, SXF, TIFF, JPEG, Bitmap, PCX, FPX, GIF, PNG, EMF Output: PDF, TIFF, DXF, DWG, JPEG, Bitmap, IGES, SXF, EMF, XPS, PCL, WMF, PS, EPS, SVG, GIF, PNG, PCX, FPX, CMT, HP-GL/printer The following output modes are available, and it also supports drawing comparison between folders. (1) Folder monitoring output mode Monitors a specified folder, and if there is no input file, waits until the file arrives, and when the input file arrives, it outputs it. After output, the input file is automatically deleted. (2) Batch file output mode All the function usage can be carried out free for 30 days from installation for trial.Starting Price: $950/license -
29
PloCon
Isoplotec Corporation
PloCon is a program that continuously prints the drawing of HPGL / vector / image file to Windows printer. It does not display. (1) Paper and output scale - Specify paper and automatically scaled to fit paper size - Specify paper and output on designated scale - Automatic paper selection with specified scale Automatic selection of the optimum paper and orientation of the printer that matches the drawing size scaled in the drawing area (2)"Interactive print" / "Print from other applications" (3) Line color, width change, whole drawing black and white / color switching, pen ON / OFF (4) Vector font of character font / True type font switching (5) Multi-page support (6) Reading of many file formats as shown below. HP-GL, HP-GL/2, HP RTL, EMF, PDF, DXF, DWG, GERBER, NC-drill, IGES, SXF,EMF, TIFF, JPEG, Bitmap, PCX, FPX, GIF, PNG (7) Output mode Folder monitoring output Batch file outputStarting Price: $70/license -
30
PloView
Isoplotec Corporation
PloView is a viewer for viewing HPGL, vector and image files. (1) Files: Input: HP-GL, HP-GL/2, HP RTL, PDF, DXF, DWG, GERBER, NC-Drill, IGES, SXF, EMF, TIFF, JPEG, Bitmap, PCX, FPX, GIF, PNG Output: HP-GL, HP-GL/2, HP RTL, PDF, DXF, DWG, IGES, SXF, EMF, TIFF, JPEG, Bitmap, PCX, FPX, GIF, PNG, WMF, PS, EPS, SVG, XPS, PCL, Clipboard, Printer, Plotter (2) Multi-page file - Open multiple files, display pages, combine into multi-page file - Split multi-page file into separate files for each page (3) Display - Fast display - Line color, width change, black and white/color switching, background color switching, pen ON/OFF - Overwrite/mixed color switching - Rotation, mirror, grid display - Vector font/TrueType font (4) Request - Coordinate, length, area, line width, angle measurement - Character search - Connected line search, total line length measurement (5) Drawing editing Powerful input and editing functions comparable to 2D CAD.Starting Price: $70/license -
31
PloViewAuto
Isoplotec Corporation
PloViewAuto is a program that automatically converts large amounts of files in the following formats at high speed. Input: HP-GL, HP-GL/2, HP RTL, PDF, DXF, DWG, GERBER, NC-drill, IGES, SXF, TIFF, JPEG, Bitmap, PCX, FPX, GIF, PNG, EMF Output: PDF, TIFF, DXF, DWG, JPEG, Bitmap, IGES, SXF, EMF, XPS, PCL, WMF, PS, EPS, SVG, GIF, PNG, PCX, FPX, CMT, HP-GL/printer PloViewAuto has two output modes: (1) Folder monitoring output mode Searches for an input file with the specified wildcard input file name, outputs if found, and automatically deletes the input file after output. If there is no input file, waits until the file arrives. (2) Batch file output mode Continuously outputs multiple input files listed in the specified output list file. All the function usage can be carried out free for 30 days from installation for trial.Starting Price: $950/license -
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PloViewMini
Isoplotec Corporation
PloViewMini is a freeware (license fee free) viewer for viewing HP-GL file drawings, and has the following features: (1) High-speed display of vector drawings and many display-related commands (2) Line color, width change, black and white/color switching of the entire drawing, background color switching, pen ON/OFF (3) Rotation, mirror, grid display (4) Character font (TrueType) font switching, character size change (5) Coordinate display (6) Multi-page support (7) Input file format is HP-GL (not compatible with HP-GL/2 or HP RTL) PloViewMini is a limited-function version of the paid version of PloView.Starting Price: $0.00 US/license -
33
Revit
Autodesk
Multidisciplinary BIM software for higher-quality, coordinated designs. Use Revit® BIM (Building Information Modeling) software to drive efficiency and accuracy across the project lifecycle, from conceptual design, visualization, and analysis to fabrication and construction. Begin modeling in 3D with accuracy and precision. Automatically update floor plans, elevations, and sections as your model develops. Let Revit handle routine and repetitive tasks with automation so you can focus on higher-value work. Revit is BIM software that brings all architecture, engineering, and construction disciplines into a unified modeling environment, driving more efficient and cost-effective projects. Project teams can work together anytime, anywhere using Revit with BIM Collaborate Pro, a powerful and secure cloud-based collaboration and data management solutionStarting Price: $2,545 per year -
34
SOFiCAD
SOFiSTiK
Creation of formwork-, position- and shop drawings. Contains all functionalities and elements required for structural design drawings such as associative dimensioning, level marks, hatching, symbols, etc. Steel bar and mesh layout for any reinforcing situation. Smooth integration in AutoCAD, flexible settings for office standards using styles, direct generation of the schedule, user-defined shapes, export of existing reinforcement for calculation according theory 2nd order, polygonal mesh layout, macros to create parametric members (For Macros Module Detailing is required). Check, Production and layout plans for BAMTEC tailored reinforcement carpets. Fully automatic creation of carpets including all required drawings within one file, subsequent arrangement of areas, extensive editing functions, additional areas with different options. (As-value or diameter/number of bars)Starting Price: $90 per user per month -
35
QCAD
Ribbonsoft
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 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. Construction and modification of points, lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, splines, polylines, texts, dimensions, hatches, fills, and raster images. Very complete and extremely powerful ECMAScript (JavaScript) scripting interface. Various powerful entity selection tools.Starting Price: $39.92 one-time payment -
36
RatedPower
Enverus
RatedPower, part of Enverus, is an all-in-one software for designing utility-scale solar, BESS, and hybrid systems. It supports the full development cycle—from site selection to detailed engineering—enabling project developers, engineers, and analysts to work faster and more accurately. Users can assess land, locate optimal interconnection points, and design layouts using topographic and geospatial data. RatedPower also provides energy yield estimates, SLDs, and Gen-Tie reports that align with global standards. For BESS, it allows standalone or hybrid integration and helps evaluate feasibility through capacity optimization. Collaboration is easy thanks to exportable reports and layouts compatible with industry tools like PVsyst. With RatedPower, teams streamline project development while boosting accuracy and collaboration. -
37
Solid Edge
Siemens
Solid Edge is a portfolio of affordable, easy to deploy, maintain, and use software tools that advance all aspects of the product development process – mechanical and electrical design, simulation, manufacturing, technical documentation, data management, and cloud-based collaboration. Developed on Siemens industry leading technologies, Solid Edge provides the most innovative and comprehensive approach to product development for the mainstream market.Starting Price: $75/month/user -
38
Stabicad
Trimble MEP
Create 3D MEP models in Revit that are truly constructible. From concept to installation, Stabicad supports your design workflows with time-saving productivity tools, comprehensive UK compliant integrated calculations and always up-to-date manufacturer content. With Stabicad go beyond default Revit functionality and dramatically increase your design efficiency while creating usable mechanical and electrical outputs. Easily design pipe systems, configure switch ranges and place manufacturer-specific Revit families within a single BIM model. With the digital evolution of seamless end-to-end building design and construction workflows, the need for precision is now greater than ever. Which is why Trimble MEP has chosen to engage with CIBSE’s pioneering Software Verification Assessment program to verify the accuracy and efficacy of Stabicad’s powerful calculation engines. -
39
Shapr3D
Shapr3D
Shapr3D is an intuitive, cross-platform 3D modeling app for iPadOS and macOS that is compatible with all major desktop CAD software. You can import projects and export work directly to your rendering, manufacturing, drafting, or splicing tools. Shapr3D’s tech stack and software combine the industrial power of desktop CAD tools and intuitive user experience. Shapr3D users get battle-tested Siemens™ geometric Parasolid™ modeling kernel and D-Cubed™ sketch engine. CAD-compatibility with hi-res X_T, STEP, STL, OBJ, 2D DXF, 2D DWG, USDZ export support. SLDPRT, SLDASM, STL, STEP, IGES, X_T, 2D DWG, 2D DXF, JPG, PNG import support. Offline functionality and local storage with all officially supported Macs running on Big Sur (11.0) or later. A modeling experience designed for fluid mouse and keyboard input. Get tangible results with 2D Drawings: prepare your models’ technical drawings, and start prototyping right away.Starting Price: $25/month/user -
40
Sweet Home 3D
eTeks
Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design application that helps you draw the plan of your house, arrange furniture on it and visit the results in 3D. Insert doors and windows in walls by dragging them in the plan, and let Sweet Home 3D compute their holes in walls. Add furniture to the plan from a searchable and extensible catalog organized by categories such as kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom. Change color, texture, size, thickness, location and orientation of furniture, walls, floors and ceilings. While designing the home in 2D, simultaneously view it in 3D from an aerial point of view, or navigate into it from a virtual visitor point of view. Create photorealistic images and videos with the ability to customize lights and control sunlight effect according to the time of day and geographic location. Extend the features of Sweet Home 3D with plug-ins programmed in Java, or by developing a derived version based on its Model View Controller architecture.Starting Price: Free -
41
Siemens NX
Siemens
Siemens NX software is a flexible and powerful integrated solution that helps you deliver better products faster and more efficiently. NX delivers the next generation of design, simulation, and manufacturing solutions that enable companies to realize the value of the digital twin. Supporting every aspect of product development, from concept design through engineering and manufacturing, NX gives you an integrated toolset that coordinates disciplines, preserves data integrity and design intent, and streamlines the entire process. A generative design process is one that engineers can adopt to quickly develop new products based upon meeting design constraints. It is an iterative process that produces fast results the engineer can refine via constraint variation to narrow in on the best design to meet the requirements.Starting Price: $287 per month -
42
SharkCAD
Punch CAD
Made for professional users, SharkCAD® has superior mesh-based and solid modeling tools that will make your architectural, mechanical, prototyping, and design projects a breeze. This is the perfect CAD software for those who have advanced past the basic 3D modeling CAD tools and are ready to swim with the big fish. Don’t get caught by underperforming software, get SharkCAD. Whether you run a solo engineering or design firm, or employ a big crew, SharkCAD will give you the power you need at a price you can afford. It includes 2D drafting and 3D modeling toolsets, with easy switching 2D/3D views. SharkCAD can help you accomplish 3D prototyping, photorealistic rendering, and designs for product manufacturing or packaging, architectural drawings, home remodeling plans, interior design, inventions, and more. Don’t waste another minute on entry-level software you’ve outgrown. SharkCAD can give you professional quality CAD design tools that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.Starting Price: $999.99 -
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SmartSketch
Hexagon PPM
SmartSketch® is an innovative tool for the technical office, combining world-class business diagramming with award-winning drawing technology. It is a versatile, cost-effective precision engineering and drafting product that gives EPCs and owner operators a competitive edge throughout the plant lifecycle by speeding productivity, cutting costs and offering a sophisticated degree of automation for detail work. SmartSketch® is a versatile and cost-effective precision engineering and drafting product. It gives EPCs and O/Os a competitive edge throughout the plant lifecycle by speeding productivity, cutting costs, and offering a sophisticated degree of automation for detail work. As an interlocking piece of Hexagon PPM’s best-in-class lifecycle solution, SmartSketch is a premium tool for the drawing generation tasks inherent in your work process. You can also support Intergraph Smart® 3D drawing production and editing. -
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Navisworks
Autodesk
3D model review software for architecture, engineering, and construction. Use Navisworks® project review software to improve BIM (Building Information Modeling) coordination. Combine design and construction data into a single model. Identify and resolve clash and interference problems before construction. Aggregate data from multiple trades to better control outcomes. Navisworks® Simulate and Manage tools enable greater coordination, construction simulation, and whole-project analysis for integrated project review. Navisworks Manage includes advanced clash detection and interference management tools. Quickly identify and resolve costly constructability issues. Use the same open source code from Revit to handle IFC files, with added hierarchy, Pset, and data enhancements. View clashes in context to help find and resolve conflicts. Only available in Navisworks Manage. Open and work with a variety of CAD file formats in one comprehensive application.Starting Price: $72.77 per month -
45
SilicaCAD
FSC
SilicaCAD Professional is a 2D/3D DWG-native CAD for general-purpose drafting. The program is original and based on 22 years’ of CAD experience (since 1999), SilicaCAD offers very high compatibility with AutoCAD® offers more advanced features and exclusive tools essential. The best solution for AEC, and MCAD in all sectors of CAD use. SilicaCAD is the best economic solution, it is a perpetual licensing with more Extra CAD functions at a fraction of the cost of other CADs software. DWG is the same AutoCAD’s file format, so when you open an existing DWG file with SilicaCAD, there’s no file conversion and no data loss. We provide industry-standard compatibility with AutoCAD®, which means you can get to work immediately using DWG files, commands, fonts, blocks, hatches, and Linetypes. You can finally buy a DWG-compatible ACAD at an extremely affordable price.Starting Price: $350 per user -
46
SketchUp
Trimble
Design delightfully, collaborate clearly, and build better buildings. The joy of drawing by hand. The ease of super-smart 3D modeling software. Make sustainable buildings. Change the world, hundreds of professionally-developed extensions at your fingertips. Design in 3D. Document in 2D. Make work easier, bring efficiency to your team and the 3D community. A great idea can be its best with the right technology. Draw in 3D, analyze and improve your building’s performance, and creatively document and share your ideas with your class. Integrated with Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. Works on Chromebooks or any Internet-connected computer. Students have access to free and intuitive 3D modeling tools. Positioning-centric information is changing the way people, businesses and governments work throughout the world. By applying Trimble's advanced positioning solutions, productivity increases and safety improvements are being realized.Starting Price: $119 per year -
47
Tinkercad
Autodesk
Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. It's used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything! Tinkercad lesson plans are ready for use online or in the classroom. Discover curriculum developed in partnership with teachers to align with standards including ISTE, Common Core, and NGSS. Tinkercad is free, nothing to download, and so easy to start it's ridiculous. -
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nanoCAD
Nanosoft
nanoCAD is a modern computer-aided design (CAD) platform that provides designers with powerful capabilities in 2D drafting and 3D modeling. nanoCAD can be used on its own as a cost-effective DWG-editor, or customized with essential modules: Construction, Mechanica, Raster, Topoplan and 3D Solid Modeling. 2D drawings and 3D solid models with 2D and 3D parametric constraints, and dynamic UCS for effortless sketching on 3D faces. Documentation drawings link to 3D models. Fully DWG compatible.Starting Price: $180.00/year/user -
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4MCAD
4M
4MCAD is a 2D drafting and 3D modelling CAD software. It is a reliable and low-cost AutoCAD like software platform. More specifically, it is powered by IntelliCAD and ODA, providing 2D/3D CAD Complete Design, Raster Image support, Rendering, BIM/IFC import, AEC objects modelling, VBA support, PDF 2 DWG conversion, rich block libraries and a lot of other advanced key features.Starting Price: $60 per user -
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ALPHACAM
Hexagon
Ease-of-use is just one of the reasons that ALPHACAM is the industry standard and system of choice for programming CNC routers. Tooling and machining techniques unique to this industry are accommodated by ALPHACAM’s dedicated Router modules. Horizontal aggregates for machining parts such as hinge reliefs and lock mortices, are easy to control using ALPHACAM. Standard fixtures can be created and saved within the system and inserted on to work planes when required, providing significant time savings. ALPHACAM is leading CAM software for milling from 2-Axis through to 5-Axis programming. The emphasis behind the development of ALPHACAM is to provide our customers with productivity, reliability and flexibility. ALPHACAM is one of the leading and most established suppliers of CAD CAM software for the stone industry. ALPHACAM Stone has been specifically developed to address the unique challenges encountered when machining marble and stone.
