I Evaluated the 11 Finest Free CAD Software program for Engineers

Whether or not you’re a hobbyist sketching out concepts, a pupil studying design, or knowledgeable experimenting with new ideas, having the appropriate instruments could make all of the distinction. But, I do know that not each designer has the finances for costly software program.

Happily, I’ve found a number of free computer-aided design (CAD) software program that affords highly effective options, together with 2D drawing, 3D modeling, parametric design, meeting capabilities, and even open-source customization. These instruments allow you to discover your creativity, be taught new abilities, and iterate on designs effectively, all with out incurring any prices.

And CAD software program isn’t only for engineers or architects. I’ve seen college students use it for sophistication initiatives, makers convey prototypes to life, and creators experiment with product ideas, all thanks to those accessible options.

On this information, I’ll stroll you thru the very best free CAD software program, sharing hands-on experiences, function breakdowns, and clear execs and cons. My objective is to provide you the whole lot you might want to select the appropriate device and begin turning your concepts into actuality.

The worldwide demand for CAD software program retains rising as companies rely extra on computer-aided design to information choices. The marketplace for CAD software program is projected to succeed in ~$16.3 billion by 2030.

Whether or not it’s designing merchandise, validating concepts, or constructing 2D and 3D fashions, these instruments have turn into important for groups throughout industries.

And from what I’ve seen, “greatest” doesn’t all the time imply “paid.” Some free CAD platforms I’ve tried delivered spectacular performance — serving to me design sooner, visualize extra precisely, and iterate with out stretching my finances.

The product record beneath comprises actual person evaluations from the very best free CAD software program class web page. It’s vital to notice that within the context of this record, distributors providing a free trial are additionally thought of free. To be included on this class, an answer should:

• Have 2D technical drawing capabilities
• Have 3D modeling capabilities
• Be relevant throughout a number of industries

This knowledge was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some evaluations could have been edited for readability. 

Autodesk Fusion combines 3D modeling, sculpting, simulation, and even printed circuit board (PCB) design in a single cloud-based platform. Think about sketching an thought, sculpting it into an in depth mannequin, then testing its efficiency. Fusion has a strong assortment of collaboration instruments, permitting your design groups to work collectively seamlessly on initiatives instantaneously. In accordance with G2 knowledge, 69% of its customers are small companies, which demonstrates its accessibility, ease of use, and skill to empower smaller groups to execute complicated designs effectively with out heavy IT infrastructure.

Professionals and cons of Autodesk Fusion 360: My take

What G2 customers like about Autodesk Fusion 360:

“The perfect a part of Fusion is the measurement toggle. It permits me to realize exact lengths and shapes for my initiatives. I am additionally very impressed with the standard of DXF file imports throughout my workflow.”

– Autodesk Fusion Evaluate, Md T.

What G2 customers dislike about Autodesk Fusion 360:

“Fusion crashes throughout a modeling operation or whereas producing a drawing from the design. Moreover, deleting design knowledge/recordsdata can typically be troublesome as a result of they may be linked to a particular design model, making it tedious to trace down and delete. Sadly, Fusion 360 can not combine with Vault Professional. Because of this, I’ve to undertake a distinct PLM system.

Fusion is unsuitable for heavy mechanical designs or initiatives involving multi-body sheet metallic design.”

– Autodesk Fusion Evaluate, Ofonime W.

AutoCAD is not nearly drafting; it is a complete design atmosphere. It permits customization via customized menus, palettes, and automation, offering a user-friendly and environment friendly workflow. Collaboration is easy with cloud-based options, enabling seamless sharing and design iteration with colleagues. AutoCAD additionally comprises an in depth library of industry-specific instruments and options, catering to the precise wants of architects and mechanical engineering professionals.

Professionals and cons of AutoCAD: My take

What G2 customers like about AutoCAD:

“AutoCAD is tremendous productive for 2D drawings (drafting and annotation). It lets you create very massive and complicated technical drawings, together with constructing plans, blueprints, and a number of drawings, with lowered danger of errors resulting from damaged relationships, a typical difficulty with parametric design software program. AutoCAD’s distinctive talents, like utilizing layers, blocks, Xrefs, and Osnaps, considerably enhance your general drafting expertise.”

– AutoCAD Evaluate, Ofonime W.

What G2 customers dislike about AutoCAD:

“A number of the exporting and printing settings is usually a bit complicated, particularly when scaling fashions/plans to totally different paper sizes.”

– AutoCAD Evaluate, Darryl Rey C.

AutoCAD LT is the leaner sibling of AutoCAD, specializing in exact 2D drafting. It’s designed for architects, engineers, and designers who prioritize detailed technical drawings. Whereas missing 3D modeling capabilities, AutoCAD LT consists of strong 2D drafting instruments, annotation options, and compatibility with AutoCAD recordsdata. It affords a extra reasonably priced various to the total AutoCAD suite, making it a useful choice for these needing highly effective 2D drafting with out the total 3D function set.

Professionals and cons of AutoCAD LT: My trustworthy take

What G2 customers like about AutoCAD LT:

“AutoCAD LT has a really user-friendly interface. The general velocity of the product can be impressively clean and quick. Finally, this interprets to enhanced productiveness.”

– AutoCAD LT Evaluate, Nilesh C.

What G2 customers dislike about AutoCAD LT:

“Whereas AutoCAD LT affords a variety of 2D drafting and design instruments, its capabilities for 3D modeling are restricted. Bettering the platform’s 3D modeling capabilities may make it extra interesting to extra customers.”

– AutoCAD LT Evaluate, Jeremy N.

DraftSight is an economical various to skilled CAD software program, with spectacular 2D drafting and DWG enhancing capabilities. Its acquainted interface makes the transition seamless for customers already comfy with AutoCAD.

DraftSight lets you create, edit, and share 2D technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics with ease. It additionally affords primary 3D capabilities for including depth to your designs, making it a flexible device for varied drafting wants. In actual fact, in response to G2 Knowledge, 64% reviewers reward its skill so as to add notes and tags to their designs

Professionals and cons of DraftSight: My trustworthy take

What G2 customers like about DraftSight:

“DraftSight has all of the performance of very costly aggressive software program at a fraction of the price. I exploit it each at house and work. It accomplishes the whole lot I want with out the effort of the costlier variations. Because it makes use of the identical instructions and processes as AutoCAD, I did not need to be taught a brand new method of doing issues.”

– DraftSight Evaluate, Denny W.

What G2 customers dislike about DraftSight:

“Layer administration may use a redesign. It’s too cumbersome to maneuver, freeze, or delete layers at the moment.”

– DraftSight Evaluate, Joseph J.

Engineers can depend on Inventor for a whole 3D design expertise. This CAD software program permits the creation of detailed mechanical elements, assemblies, and simulations inside a single platform. Inventor options embrace worthwhile choices resembling parametric modeling for versatile design modifications, highly effective simulation instruments to check efficiency, and native DWG compatibility for seamless collaboration. It’s perfect for product design, machine constructing, and any venture requiring exact mechanical modeling.

Professionals and cons of Inventor: My perspective

What G2 customers like about Inventor:

“Inventor is my go-to device for machine design. It affords many options that streamline my workflow, together with design accelerators, body mills and evaluation, iLogic options, and design automation. Moreover, Inventor integrates completely with Vault for knowledge administration.”

– Inventor Evaluate, Ofonime W.

What G2 customers dislike about Inventor:

“ Inventor requires excessive system necessities for optimum efficiency. Moreover, it has restricted compatibility with non-Autodesk file codecs.”

– Inventor Evaluate, Pavan T.

MicroStation goes past simply 2D and 3D drafting. It is a complete CAD answer for infrastructure design and planning. You possibly can create exact geospatial-enabled drawings for roads, bridges, and different initiatives, in addition to collaborate seamlessly with venture groups utilizing a typical platform. MicroStation boasts superior options for analyzing designs, producing lifelike visualizations, and managing venture info.

Professionals and cons of MicroStation: My perspective

What G2 customers like about MicroStation:

“I like that MicroStation is straightforward to make use of; as a newbie and a frequent person, I discover it helpful and simple to implement. It’s suitable with most file codecs, which helps to combine with different design instruments. It’s a extremely productive device, so I consider it affords good worth for cash. It’s a dependable and versatile design software program that may deal with varied duties.”

– MicroStation Evaluate, Ankit Okay.

What G2 customers dislike about MicroStation:

“Customizing some instruments may be fairly difficult, and the instructions may be complicated or obscure. Moreover, I consider MicroStation may be costly for a person person.”

– MicroStation Evaluate (Translated), Alexis T. 

Onshape is a cloud-based platform that allows you to design something from wherever, accessible on any gadget. Collaborate in real-time along with your crew, eliminating model management complications. Onshape comprises options like real-time enhancing, built-in model management, and sturdy knowledge administration inside a safe cloud atmosphere. It’s perfect for design groups looking for a collaborative and accessible 3D modeling expertise.

Professionals and cons of Onshape: My view

What G2 customers like about Onshape:

“The intuitive performance is supported by a complete library of programs, permitting me to show myself CAD from scratch and design complicated prototype elements prepared for 3D printing and injection molding. Onshape is appropriate for consultants with out the obstacles for non-experts to develop their abilities and produce improbable outcomes.”

– Onshape Evaluate, Alan H.

What G2 customers dislike about Onshape:

“The primary draw back is Onshape’s velocity. Since it’s within the cloud, its efficiency will not be as snappy as that of a neighborhood CAD system, resembling SolidWorks. That is primarily seen in assemblies. The second draw back is a part of its function: paperwork. Paperwork can get slowed down rapidly with half studios, assemblies, and derived elements.”

– Onshape Evaluate, Sebastian S.

Shapr3D goes past its repute for cell 3D sketching. Its intuitive CAD instruments empower design and manufacturing groups to sort out complicated initiatives rapidly and effectively. Not like conventional CAD, Shapr3D boasts a non-hierarchical construction, making it straightforward for everybody to contribute, no matter expertise. Plus, its multi-device performance permits seamless collaboration and design iteration.

Professionals and cons of Shapr3D: My view

What G2 customers like about Shapr3D:

“I actually like this system’s reference to my iPad. I exploit Shapr3D day by day, and it’s totally straightforward to implement and combine it into my work course of. It’s extremely straightforward to create my concepts from easy sketches. Creating the designs with my hand and my Apple Pencil is straightforward. There isn’t any higher interplay than this with regards to capturing concepts. The shopper assist is superb. There’s a enormous group.”

– Shapr3D Evaluate, Juan Felipe C.

What G2 customers dislike about Shapr3D:

“I discover the structure options very spectacular however a bit inflexible. Extra freedom, particularly for view growth, could be useful. Drawing and hatching are primary functionalities that should not be lacking for architectural and inside design. Lastly, improved dealing with of bitmaps in visualization is essential. Even primary duties like texture rotation ought to be potential.”

– Shapr3D Evaluate, Juan Camilo G.

SketchUp is a user-friendly 3D modeling software program that empowers you to create something conceivable.

Not like some complicated 3D CAD applications, SketchUp employs a “push and pull” methodology, enabling direct alterations to orientations inside a stable mannequin, making it straightforward to create 3D shapes from scratch. In actual fact, in response to G2 Knowledge, 75% of its customers are small companies, highlighting its accessibility, approachable studying curve, and suitability for rising groups.

With its huge library of pre-made 3D fashions, you possibly can drag and drop furnishings, buildings, and extra into your designs. SketchUp is ideal for each newcomers and professionals, providing a steadiness of energy and ease of use.

Professionals and cons of SketchUp: My take

What G2 customers like about SketchUp:

“I had been utilizing CAD software program for a few years earlier than I attempted SketchUp. I’ve since fully stopped utilizing these different applications. SketchUp is the very best, most intuitive piece of software program I’ve ever used. SketchUp appears to have been constructed from the bottom up on a very new basis. At first use, I used to be a little bit confused, however 5 minutes later, I used to be amazed. Two weeks after I began utilizing SketchUp, I had accomplished a full home rendering and kitchen rework. I couldn’t suggest this product extra. It is thrilling to work with a bit of software program that has a lot to supply.”

– SketchUp Evaluate, Jonathan A.

What G2 customers dislike about SketchUp:

“SketchUp has efficiency points. Giant and complicated fashions may cause SketchUp to decelerate or crash, particularly on much less highly effective computer systems. Mastering superior extensions, instruments, and plugins can take time.”

– SketchUp Evaluate, Anshika S.

Stable Edge is a robust CAD platform that mixes the velocity and ease of direct modeling with the management and suppleness of parametric design. This synchronous know-how lets you modify your mannequin and see the updates ripple all through the design.

It includes options like simulation instruments, generative design, and reverse engineering, making it a flexible choice for product growth throughout varied industries. And the very best half? In accordance with G2 Knowledge, Stable Edge ranks because the second best to make use of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software program. 

Professionals and cons of Stable Edge: My take

What G2 customers like about Stable Edge:

“The perfect function of Stable Edge is the uniformity of the menu system and the best way that the instructions work with the choice of the graphic objects. This theme is carried all through the assorted modules of the product.”

– Stable Edge Evaluate, Kurt V.

What G2 customers dislike about Stable Edge:

“The sample command is barely complicated to make use of, and it’s important to see the tutorial for the curved sample earlier than you employ it. Moreover, sharing recordsdata with customers of earlier software program variations will not be potential. Moreover, workflows may be troublesome for brand new customers.”

– Stable Edge Evaluate, Ollie M.

ZWCAD is a flexible, agile, and highly effective 2D CAD answer for architects, engineers, and designers within the AEC and manufacturing industries. Its lightning-fast efficiency, progressive capabilities, and complete assortment of instruments assist practitioners effortlessly convey their artistic visions to life.

Professionals and cons of ZWCAD: My trustworthy take

What G2 customers like about ZWCAD:

“This software program is extremely user-friendly. I can full my initiatives sooner than with CAD software program, resembling AutoCAD. The device is extremely environment friendly, and I can work with it with out experiencing any loading points. Even when opening massive recordsdata, it operates easily. The structure tab performs flawlessly, even on low-configuration computer systems. Integration with different instruments is seamless. I’ve efficiently carried out this software program in my structural drafting work and use it for each venture. Moreover, I’ve acquired wonderful buyer assist each time wanted .”

– ZWCAD Evaluate, Shakil A.

What G2 customers dislike about ZWCAD:

“Though it’s sooner, ZWCAD usually crashes in some surprising conditions. Although ZWCAD has a backup operate within the earlier session, a clearer route and information ought to be given to retrieve the backup file.”

– ZWCAD Evaluate, Lee Z.

Discover the appropriate constructing design and constructing info modeling (BIM) software program to help along with your CAD software program.

Edited by Monishka Agrawal