Computer-aided design (CAD) software allows professionals in the design, architecture, and engineering fields to generate high-quality, comprehensive drawings for a wide range of projects. Making editable 2D and 3D models is a breeze with this tool.
CAD software is known to be costly; some even have pricing plans reserved for large businesses, despite the fact that it offers numerous advantages and is an industry-standard software for designing.
So, if you’re just getting started in the design or architecture field, you might want to use free CAD software. These software options allow users to create detailed and intricate designs without requiring expensive licences or subscriptions. In 2024, some of the top free CAD drawing software options include FreeCAD, SketchUp Free, and others, which provide a variety of features to meet various design requirements.
So, continue reading to see our recommendations for free CAD software that will help you get started with CAD design.
There are many different types of CAD software available, but free options are not always plentiful. If budget is not an issue for you, we recommend that you check out our complete list of the best CAD software, so you can choose the best software that fits your needs.
However, if you are looking for CAD software that is free, two well-known options are FreeCAD and SketchUp Free. For the complete list, Here is our carefully curated list of the top free CAD drawing programmes that can assist you in learning about design, courtesy of all3dp.
1. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a powerful CAD programme that you can install on your computer and use for free forever. After all, it’s in the name. While it’s free, it has quite powerful features. The open-source parametric modelling feature works best in all main CAD tasks, like product design, mechanical engineering, and architecture.
FreeCAD doesn’t have as well-thought-out interfaces as some others, like Fusion 360, but the tools aren’t too hard to use.
You should be ready for a bit of a learning curve if you’re not already familiar with CAD workflows. You can watch some interface tutorials for beginners to learn about the most important features. If you already know a lot about CAD, you can change the user interface to suit your needs. This open-source software has a lot of advanced features that you might not expect.
FreeCAD is always free and open source, as the name suggests. After downloading the software, you can use it as much as you want right away. It will also keep up with your skills.
The software can be improved with community plugins, so as your CAD skills improve, you can check what’s available in the Addons manager. It’s likely that you’ll be able to customize your experience with the free community plugins to match the best paid products. If not, you can always change it yourself with Python programming.
2. SketchUp Free
We have to agree with SketchUp that its free version is the easiest free 3D modelling software on the web.
Architects, landscapers, and interior designers are the main people who use the paid version. We like it as 3D modelling software because it’s easy to use, fun, and reliable.
If you want to buy the full versions of the software, Trimble’s Pro and Studio are their main products. But the free version, SketchUp Free, is all you need to get started.
Of course, it has a lot fewer features than Fusion 360 for free users, but you can make models in your web browser, store them in the cloud for 10 GB, and use some of the 3D Warehouse’s ready-made models instead of starting from scratch.
Primary and secondary schools with a G-Suite for Education or Microsoft Education account can use the free version. Higher education and non-profits can get the version at a very low price.
Trimble’s terms of service, like many free software versions, state that the software may not be used commercially. So, if you’re not modelling for business, the free version of SketchUp will suffice. Furthermore, the software is browser-based, allowing you to showcase your design from anywhere.
3. Fusion360
Fusion 360 from Autodesk may be the best CAD software out there. Most design professionals use it, and it’s free for personal use.
Autodesk doesn’t give away the full version for free, but you can use the most important parts of the software for free. It lets you try on the fit for a long time to decide if you want to pay the still-affordable $70 a month for the full version.
Fusion360, despite being designed for professionals, can be relatively user-friendly. So, even if you’re new to the software, Fusion 360’s intuitive interface makes it simple to use.
You won’t have to deal with a bewildering array of useless tools when you switch between designing, rendering, animating, or any other task you might be doing in the software because its toolbars are contextual and adapt to the workflow you’ve chosen. Once you get a feel for the system, you can alter the menus to suit your tastes.
This user-friendly interface makes Fusion 360 ideal for beginners, but it doesn’t imply the software is completely devoid of learning curves. If you decide to use it, make sure you learn how to use the shortcut keys and the context menu.
Free CAD Drawing Software (Image by Archgyan)
4. LibreCAD
Free and open-source, LibreCAD is CAD software that doesn’t use a 3D interface or renders. It’s a simple, lightweight CAD software that has the fundamental tools for 2D modelling and design editing.
The program’s small footprint makes it exceptionally lightweight, occupying only 30 MB of space on your hard drive. You shouldn’t be too concerned about giving up full 3D because LibreCAD compensates with isometric views.
Another interesting aspect of LibreCAD is its multi-platform support for macOS, Windows, and Linux, as well as its availability in more than 30 languages.
LibreCAD has enough features to meet most people’s drawing needs, but it won’t be too complicated. This CAD software is great for newcomers because of its clean user interface.
This free CAD software also has a number of other attractive features that make it a good choice for more advanced users. Because it is open source, LibreCAD can be modified to meet your specific requirements for 3D modelling. In addition, there is a committed community that keeps up the great documentation, so users of all skill levels have everything they need.
5. Solid Edge
With its powerful suite of tools, Siemens Solid Edge has become the go-to CAD platform for professionals in the mechanical and electrical product development industries.
All those powerful features are yours for free, which is great news. Siemens offers a free Community Edition of Solid Edge that is feature-rich and resourceful, in addition to offering free full versions for educators and students.
Assembly design, analysis, and simulation tools, as well as drafting and documentation features and cloud collaboration capabilities, are all part of the software. Solid Edge also incorporates additive manufacturing capabilities, allowing users to optimize part designs for 3D printing.
Unfortunately, Solid Edge is only available for Windows, despite its extensive feature set.
This concludes our list of free CAD software. If you are looking for easy-to-access online CAD software, you can check out our other list: “5 Best Online CAD Software. A Detailed List for Design Enthusiast“.
Benefits of Free CAD Drawing Software
Free CAD drawing software has many benefits, one of which is that it’s free. This type of software is also good for students or people who are just starting to learn about CAD designs. Aside from that, here are all the advantages of free CAD drawing software.
- Cost-Effective: Free CAD drawing software eliminates the need for expensive licences, making it accessible to individuals and small businesses with limited budgets.
- Accessibility: Free CAD software allows users to access powerful design tools without financial barriers, empowering creativity and innovation across various industries.
- Community Support: Open-source CAD software often benefits from active community support, providing users with resources, tutorials, and plugins to enhance their experience.
- Learning Opportunities: Free CAD drawing software serves as a valuable learning tool for students, hobbyists, and professionals looking to expand their skills without financial commitments.
- Flexibility: With a range of free CAD software available, users can choose the tool that best suits their needs and workflow preferences, ensuring maximum productivity and efficiency.
Conclusion
Free CAD drawing software is an affordable option for individuals (or even businesses) looking for powerful design tools without the high cost. Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or professional designer, the best free CAD software options in 2024 offer essential features and functionality to help you bring your creative ideas to life.
