Top 10 Free CAD Software You Should Use

By Soumendu Nandi 13 Min Read
CAD Software

CAD is nothing but Computer-Aided Design software that is used in many organizations to minimize flaws associated with designing. If you are in designing industry for quite some time, then you might know how imperative this software is for your company. However, to reduce your cost to some extent, we have listed some of the free CAD software you should use for designing purposes.

Whether you are a professional architect, engineer, or graphic designer, CAD software can reduce the amount of complexity associated with design. Here, you will get to know about the 10 free CAD software that you can utilize to the fullest to perform your day-to-day job and reduce the flaws in production.

Best Free CAD Software You Should Use

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software plays a crucial role in various industries, including engineering, architecture, product design, and manufacturing. Here, we have compiled a list of the top 10 free CAD software you can use. The list includes two kinds of software – the free ones and the Student’s edition of premium software. So here’s the list goes:

1. SketchUp

If you are looking for popular 3D modeling software, then SketchUp can meet your needs most elegantly. The software has got a lot of appreciation from industries such as architecture, engineering, interior design, video game development, etc., and is also widely used software. If you know about SketchUp, you might know that the software has paid offerings.

However, you will be amazed to know that SketchUp also has free versions that you can try out. Even though you will not enjoy the features that you have experienced in the paid version of SketchUp, if it is for your personal and educational life then this is the best software you can expect for 3D modeling. The open-source library of model assemblies, as well as the 3D warehouse, are the two things to be highlighted in the free version of the software.

Download SketchUp

2. Onshape

Onshape is not old designing software, and it’s recent in the market, but the amount of attention it has got overwhelming. The decent design repositories and assemblies have made Onshape be of the top 10 free CAD software. This is cloud-based design software with more security, and you can access it from anywhere if you remember your credentials. So this is the advantage of Onshape over standalone applications.

The recent addition of three primary tools, namely parts, assemblies, and drawings, has helped Onshape to throw good competition to its counterparts. The unique database of the architectural design of the software will allow you to deal with highly structured assemblies.

So what do you expect from the software? The cloud-based software comes packed with all the modern tools that you can expect from the software of this generation. So try it out and save your complexity in design.

Download Onshape

3. nanoCAD

Even though nanoCAD is not free software, the reason why it is mentioned in the list of top 10 free CAD software is because of its lower price as compared to its counterparts. The only reason why the nanoCAD is on the list is because of its advanced tools that assist in drawing 3D and 2D designs. Whether you are in the mechanical engineering profession or manufacturing profession nanoCAD, has plenty of drafting and drawing extensions to offer you so that your job can be easy.

Moreover, the software does not create any issues with the dwg file format. In other words, if you have plans to move your project to any other system, then you can do it without any second thought.

Moreover, for automating sophisticated design, the application comes with many end-user APIs. You will be highly impressed with its classic toolbar design. If you are willing to pay 180 dollars for the software, then nanoCAD can be a good option for you.

Download nanoCAD

4. Sculptris

Software that got close attention from designers for its 3D sculpting and modeling purpose is Sculptris. Sporting a professional user interface that is very easy to grasp even if you are a beginner, Sculptris can be the best option if you have some knowledge of creative design. Some of the cool features such as z-brush navigation and standard-level shipping can come into play at the time of production.

Moreover, you can use the various plugins offered by the software to enhance the features and productivity. Apart from this, Sculptris will also fascinate you with its sculpting and design-related features.

The software is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Another notable feature of this Application is the Goz button, with the help of which you can quickly transfer your mesh to an immersive interface and many more.

Download Sculptris

5. FreeCAD

FreeCAD application is completely open-source software and is mainly targeted toward mechanical engineers. However, it is not that any other user cannot make use of the software. Different architecture and other engineering industries have a lot of faith in FreeCAD software, primarily in the parametric 3D model of this Application.

The fact that it is open-source software doesn’t mean that it is not on par with other popular software. The inherent capability of the software to create 3D solids and aids for meshes, as well as 2D drafting has made it come up in the list. Even using this open-source software, you can opt for extension and customization to enhance its features of it. The Application is compatible with Windows, Mac, Ubuntu as well as a fedora.

Download FreeCAD

6. OpenSCAD

If you have only work to do with specifics, then no application can be better than OpenSCAD. This is regarded to be the ideal 3D modeling software and has often been appreciated for its user interface. A person with minimal knowledge can learn OpenSCAD in a quick period. Even though it will not offer you interactive modeling, if you have defined your parameter with the help of script files, you will not have any complaints using this software.

If you have your next work to build machine parts rather than working on the next game character, then OpenSCAD is the only solution. The Application supports Linux, Mac OS, and Windows operating systems.

Download OpenSCAD

7. KiCAD

If you are looking for the best PCB design tool, then your search seems to end here. KiCAD is known to be the best Printed Circuit Board designing tool that you can use for your project. The free, open-source software comes with the project manager, and there is four leading software associated with it.

Some of the additional software tools are a 3D viewer and two library component editors. With the help of the two library component editors, you can create a schematic as well as footprints components quickly. The KiCAD design software is compatible with Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, and Mac operating system.

Download KiCAD

8. TinkerCAD

If you are looking for online solutions for 3D digital designs, then TinkerCAD can cater to your needs. Whether you are outside of your home or inside, TinkerCAD can be easily opened if you have a robust internet connection on your system.

You will be surprised to know that the Application does not require any previous design experience as it has a mind-blowing user interface. Even though it lacks some professional tools, the application is enough for people who want to explore their design skills.

The main thing about this application is that it inspires the youth in taking up CAD as their profession. With the help of the software, we can quickly learn code blocks, electronic design, and many more. You can even browse the various tutorials available on this application and start creating mini-craft models. The gallery of this Application lets you notice the deeds of the other users and what they are designing and sharing.

Download TinkerCAD

9. AutoCAD

One of the most widely appreciated CAD software that has been ruling the industry for quite a long time is AutoCAD. If you are a student, then you can enjoy the three-year free license of this Application and start designing your project.

If you have some knowledge about AutoCAD, then you should know that this is a product from Autodesk and is very costlier as compared to its counterparts. The reason why the companies have offered three-year free licenses is that they know that students will not learn any things if they cannot afford the software.

The student version of this AutoCAD software comes with plenty of features that are enough to start with your design skills. Moreover, when it is compared to the premium version of this application you will only notice a few differences in the software. The Application is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Download AutoCAD

10. QCAD

Are you looking for the best product that can assist you with technical drawing? Do you don’t have enough money to afford a premium version of the software? Well, QCAD can be the solution to all your problems. Whether you have drawings for buildings or any mechanical part, this software is best for technical drawings. Moreover, as it is an open-source platform, it prioritizes modularity and extensibility.

It is also portable software and is very easy to use, which can be easily understood by a beginner. If you have little CAD experience, you can use this software to perform your technical drawings. The application supports Mac, Linux, and Windows operating systems. So download the software and start practicing to enhance your skills with technical drawings.

Download QCAD

Conclusion

That’s it. These are the free CAD software that you can use. If we have missed any good software related to the topic, please let us know in the comment section, and we will add that to the guide.

We hope this article was helpful to you. If you liked the article, share it with your friends. You can also check the list of 10 powerful websites that can replace your PC software.

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An electrical engineer by background and loves to surround himself with blogs, articles on technology niches covering programming language, smartphone blogs, Blockchain, etc.
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