AutoCAD is an industry leader in 2D and 3D CAD software and in design, drafting, modelling, architectural drawing and engineering software. Also, it is the most widely used computer program in the education field. If you are looking to get AutoCAD and this type of design and work, then it is quite expensive for you to buy this program. If you want a cost-effective solution, consider free AutoCAD alternatives.
If you are looking to do this type of design and architecture work, there are some free Open Source alternatives that can also handle all kinds of tasks smoothly and effectively. Also, if you need some 2D and 3D design work done and don’t have the money to spring for AutoCAD, here are some great, completely free alternatives to for you kindly check out.
1. DoubleCAD XT:
DoubleCAD™ XT is an AutoCAD LT® work-alike. But free.It’s also 5-Star Rated from the editors at CNET… and the #1 most downloaded free CAD at Download.com.Powerful 2D CAD capabilities and great .DWG and .SKP compatibility — make DoubleCAD XT an invaluable free companion for AutoCAD® and SketchUp™ users alike and the best alternative to AutoCAD LT on the market.
2. DraftSight:
DraftSight is a proprietary freemium 2D computer-aided design (CAD) software application developed by Dassault Systèmes. It lets users create, edit and view .dwg and AutoCAD DXF files. The user interface is quite similar to AutoCAD.The standalone, single-user version of DraftSight is free until a user saves or prints a document for the first time.
3. BRL-CAD:
BRL-CAD is a constructive solid geometry (CSG) solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) system. It includes an interactive geometry editor, ray-tracing support for graphics rendering and geometric analysis, distributed framebuffer support over computer networks, scripting, and image- and signal-processing tools. The entire package is distributed in source code and binary form.
4. FreeCAD:
FreeCAD is a free and open-source (under the GPL & LGPL licenses) general purpose parametric 3D CAD modeler. FreeCAD features tools similar to those in CATIA, Creo, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or Solid Edge, and therefore also falls into the categories of Mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD), PLM, CAx, and CAE.FreeCAD is aimed directly at mechanical engineering and product design, but also fits a wider range of engineering uses, such as architecture or other engineering specialties. FreeCAD is currently in a beta stage of development.
5. LibreCAD:
LibreCAD is a free Computer Aided Design (CAD) application for 2D design. It works on Linux, Mac OS X, Unix, and Microsoft Windows.LibreCAD was developed as a fork of QCad Community Edition. The GUI of LibreCAD is based on Qt4 libraries, so it runs on several platforms in the same way.LibreCAD uses the AutoCAD DXF file format internally for importing and saving files, and allows export to many other file formats.
6. Openscad:
OpenSCAD is a free software application for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is not an interactive modeler but rather a 3D compiler. An OpenSCAD program specifies geometric primitives and defines how they are modified and manipulated to render a 3D model. OpenSCAD is available for Windows, Linux and OS X. It does constructive solid geometry (CSG).As of 2015, it uses the Computational Geometry Algorithms Library (CGAL) as the primary Computational Solid Geometry engine.
7. 3DVIA Shape:
3DVIA Shape[5] is a free, online 3D modeling application that lets users create 3D models and share them in the 3DVIA Community. The application targets novice 3D modelers who want to design for recreational purposes, as well as experienced 3D modelers who need to create draft model prototypes.One of the best features bundled in this program lets you automatically measure the selected distance whenever you add a new geometric component.
8. gCAD3D:
gCAD3D is a 3D CAD CAM application that features an integrated 3D OpenGL viewer, a program interpreter for geometry and NC-commands in 3D, an integrated NC-processor, and a programming interface for user programs. It supports both importing and exporting STEP, IGES, DXF, and VRML files.This application requires GTK+ version 3.0.x. or 2.0.x. Other dependencies include: glibc 2.3.3, GTK+ 2, and OpenGL (Mesa).
9. Medusa4:
MEDUSA4 is available on all major platforms, including Windows, Sun SPARC Solaris, and Linux, and is highly customizable to meet specific industry requirements. The software is modular, allowing you to choose the add-ons you require.MEDUSA4 includes add-ons for advanced parametrics, 3D assemblies, incorporation of legacy data and color images via raster technology, standard CAD parts, sheet metal design, and P&IDs.
10. pCon.planner:
pCon.planner is a space planning, graphical product configuration, quotation creation and communication solution. The application is developed by EasternGraphics GmbH in Ilmenau (Thuringia/Germany). There is a free of charge version, without configuration capabilities as well as cost based versions (ME and PRO).pCon.planner is a free 3D design software specially design for interior design industry. With pCon.planner user can plan and visualize their space and interior for Rooms, Also user can use thousands of 3D models in DWG format from other software.