Top 15 best Autocad Alternatives

AutoCAD is fundamental and the widely used architectural software in the present scenario. It is one of the best 2D and 3D CAD designing tools but basically used for 2D designing. From the first version in 2007, it has been consistently improving in 3D modeling, most importantly improving the work with solids and rendering. But as of today, there are several best AutoCAD alternatives available in the market. Let us concentrate on this:

Previously SketchUp was known as Google SketchUp, is one of the easiest CAD tools. As it is “the easiest way to draw in 3D”, SketchUp is popular among CAD users from a range of different professions.
There are also several versions available on the basis of usage means for what you want to use it for. SketchUp Make is considerately free and perfect for personal as well as professional projects. SketchUp Pro version requires a subscription and is more suitable for people who make use of 3D modeling professionally. It’s credibly best to play around with the free version first to determine if it’s good for you.

ProgeCAD is best alternative AutoCAD software if you want to invest in some CAD software, but don’t want to pay the price for AutoCAD. With over 10,000 symbols and an easy to use interface, ProgeCAD is a good programme for an intermediary to pro users.

TurboCAD Pro Platinum is not meant for beginners. It’s a real villain of a programme, with in-depth features, textures, and detailed options.
If you need to create complex, highly complicated detailed images, and you are already an experienced user of CAD, then probably this is the better option for you.

DesignCAD 3D is from the same base which is behind TurboCAD. However, it is far more basic. It’s still flexible enough to meet most users’ requirements and is a great option if you want to learn basic 2D and 3D modelling without breaking the bank.

DraftSight is simple, functional, and a great preface to CAD and 2D and 3DModelling. Better yet, it’s free! There are two paid options that go a little more in-depth that are good value for businesses, but if you’re an architecture or design student, the free version works as a better option as starting point for your ventures in CAD.

3dsMax is one among the most popular 3D modeling and animation software’s. With this you can create complex 3D models from 2D plans. It is better idea to use 3dsMax in union with AutoCAD.

Vectorworks is extremely popular and is probably AutoCAD’s largest contender. It’s well-known and famous among Mac users and is absolutely the complete package. Getting your hands on a copy is reasonably expensive.

NanoCAD is a free version and easy to use professional grade CAD tool. It’s best for creating, editing and sharing CAD creations and even though it’s free, it meets up in many ways to paid software. A better alternative to AutoCAD for beginners and intermediates on a low budget.

ZWCAD+ is smooth and complex drafting software for professionals. It also has the plus points of displaying seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices. A great program for drafting professionals who are often outside the office.

BricsCAD is easy to use and has many in-depth features common to CAD programmes. If usability is your number one preference, then BricsCAD could be high on your list of CAD programmes to check out.

FreeCAD is exactly what it is named at: completely free, open source CAD software to build your own 3D drawings. It uses parametric modeling, allow you to easily alter your designs as you go. It’s not in-depth and feature-packed as some other CAD software on the list, but it’s still strong enough to create some great 3D models.

CAD software packages are mostly very expensive and cannot be returned once opened and installed on the computer. Therefore, it is important to ensure the right software package is bought to match the organization or firm’s requirements. Above mentioned software’s are the best AutoCAD alternatives available in market at low cost. Better to use them and enjoy designing.