13 AutoCAD alternatives to rival the CAD king
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Looking for an alternative to AutoCAD?
Whether for economic, practical or functional reasons, many professionals are tempted to look elsewhere for computer-aided design solutions.
While the king of CAD isn't about to be dethroned any time soon 👑 there are nonetheless many interesting contenders for the title, depending on the needs of professionals... but also their wallets!
So, how do you replace AutoCAD ? Start by discovering the 13 nuggets in store for you in this comparison 😉.
What is AutoCAD and why look for an alternative?
First, a quick reminder: what is AutoCAD?
Well-known to architects, engineers and other building experts, AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) program. Over the years, it has become an industry standard, providing professionals with a wide range of tools dedicated to the creation of 2D and 3D drawings, with a view to optimizing productivity.
However, although powerful, AutoCAD is complex and, above all, expensive (€1,858/year or €288/month), especially for small companies or freelancers.
At the same time, larger organizations can afford to turn to other solutions, to experiment with other tools, especially if they're looking for specific functionality.
Indeed, there are software packages that are more advanced than AutoCAD in terms of parametric modeling, generative design and BIM compatibility. What's more, some collaborative projects require support for formats such as STEP or IGES, which are better handled by other CAD/CAE platforms.
What are the selection criteria for alternatives to AutoCAD?
As we've just seen, the reasons why professionals turn to alternatives to AutoCAD are varied. So is our software selection 😉.
Nevertheless, two prerequisites appear to us to be indispensable for inclusion in this comparison:
- import and export of DXF or DWG files, to facilitate integration with other tools ;
- basic 2D drawing functions (3D modeling is a plus!).
Other criteria were also taken into account, to ensure that there was something for everyone:
- value for money. In fact, some programs offer more affordable or even free options;
- the learning curve and intuitive interface;
- regular updates, ensuring that the platform is always up to date with the latest technologies.
That said, check out our selection of the 13 best alternatives to AutoCAD right now 🤩.
Summary table of the best alternatives to AutoCAD
ZWCAD
Comprehensive and powerful, ZWCAD CAD software perfectly addresses all the needs of technical drawing and modeling professionals. It boasts native DWG compatibility and an integrated viewer, facilitating collaborative work with all users and data exchange between different design tools.
Suitable for complex projects, ZWCAD boasts extensive 2D and 3D functional coverage. It also supports LISP applications (script automation, custom commands, etc.). ZWCAD is therefore the solution of choice for those seeking an efficient alternative to AutoCAD.
Efficient... and economical! And yes, the tool is accessible without subscription, via the purchase of a perpetual license available at an attractive price.
🛠️ Key ZWCAD features
- Native DWG support: import and export your projects in DWG format without any loss of information, for total compatibility with AutoCAD.
- Advanced design tools: benefit from comprehensive editing and structuring functions, including hatching to highlight specific areas.
- Point clouds: manage 3D datasets to work directly with information from surveying tools such as Trimble surveyors or DJI MAVIC drones.
- Dynamic block library: access a comprehensive collection of reusable blocks and save time on recurring designs.
- Advanced layer management : organize your projects efficiently with dedicated tools for sorting, locking and displaying layers.
👱 Who is the software for?
ZWCAD is aimed at engineers, architects, topographers, surveyors, construction professionals, carpenters, plumbers and electricians looking for a powerful, cost-effective CAD solution.
💵 Pricing
The price of a ZWCAD perpetual license starts at €699 for the Standard version.
Archicad
Developed by Graphisoft, Archicad is a benchmark in the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Designed to meet the needs of architects and construction professionals, it centralizes all project-related data and facilitates coordination between all parties involved.
Thanks to its algorithmic design tools and extensive model support, Archicad lets you create highly detailed 3D objects. Add to this its advanced visualization functions, and it's easy to see why professionals turn to Archicad to build large, complex structures.
Finally, this solution stands out for its commitment to sustainable architecture and its broad compatibility with other design software.
🛠️ Key Archicad features
- Automated document management: generate plans, sections and details that are always synchronized with your model.
- BIMcloud: access your projects online and collaborate in real time without compromising data security.
- GDL script editor: customize your objects and libraries using a dedicated programming language.
- Dynamic links with Grasshopper and Rhino: connect Archicad with the leading algorithmic design tools on the market and create innovative designs that really make a difference.
- Enriched BIM element library: use ready-to-use components to enrich your projects quickly and efficiently.
👱 Who is the software aimed at?
Archicad is aimed at architects, urban planners and professionals with high modeling requirements.
💵 Pricing
The BIMcloud version is available from €41.67/month.
BricsCAD
Designed by Bricsys, the BricsCAD advanced CAD solution is particularly suited to professionals in architecture, manufacturing, civil engineering and surveying. It covers a wide range of needs, from 2D design and 3D modeling to BIM management.
In addition to ensuring full compatibility with the DWG format, BricsCAD stands out for its integration of artificial intelligence technologies. Their objective? To speed up the execution of repetitive tasks, in favor of team productivity.
What's more, the platform's modular approach supports projects of all sizes, from technical sketches to larger-scale designs. This makes it a particularly flexible alternative to AutoCAD.
In short, with BricsCAD, you benefit from a high-performance working environment constantly enhanced by technological innovations.
🛠️ Key BricsCAD features
- DWG compatibility: work seamlessly and without conversion, thanks to native DWG format support.
- AI-driven automation: save time in your day-to-day operations by using intelligent tools capable of automatically detecting and optimizing model elements.
- Parametric 3D modeling: design complex geometries while maintaining precise control over dimensions and relationships.
- Integrated BIM workflow: create information-rich models for complete, collaborative monitoring of the building lifecycle.
- Mechanical design: scaffold complex mechanical assemblies via specialized tools for fabrication.
👱 Who is the software for?
BricsCAD is aimed at architects, engineers, mechanical designers and surveyors looking for a solution that's both versatile and robust.
💵 Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at €566, with the BricsCAD Lite offer. Subscription licenses are also available.
Creo
Creo is a complete 3D CAD solution that supports engineers throughout the product design process, from initial idea to final validation. This powerful software integrates cutting-edge technologies such as generative design, real-time simulation and additive and composite manufacturing. As a result, it guarantees more efficient, higher-quality production.
Using Creo also means savings (in materials, resources, etc.) and shorter time-to-market for your new offering.
Last but not least, Creo offers a SaaS version, Creo+, providing cloud-based collaborative tools. This simplifies license management and platform accessibility!
🛠️ Key Creo features
- Generative design: generate optimized designs that are ready for manufacturing, but also take into account your own constraints.
- Real-time simulation: instantly evaluate the performance of your future products under a variety of conditions, so you can quickly adjust them as needed.
- Additive manufacturing: integrate 3D design and printing directly into your workflow.
- Augmented reality: share and visualize your creations in a real-life context. This improves collaboration and understanding of the final product.
- Technical data management: ensure optimum accessibility and reliability of product information throughout the lifecycle.
👱 Who is the software for?
Creo is aimed at innovation-oriented engineers and designers in various sectors (aerospace, automotive, electronics, etc.).
💵 Pricing
Creo prices vary according to the packages and extensions you choose. We advise you to contact their teams for a quote.
DraftSight
Developed by Dassault Systèmes, DraftSight computer-aided design software is designed to meet the needs of design, architecture and engineering professionals.
Thanks to its advanced technology, DraftSight excels at creating, editing and managing technical drawings. What's more, you can easily work with DWG and DXF files, and thus integrate other solutions into your processes, including AutoCAD.
Comprehensive, DraftSight centralizes features for different levels of expertise, from 2D creation to photorealistic 3D modeling. It also includes analysis and customization options to further optimize your projects. Ultimately, the robustness of this software and the expertise of the editor make it ideally suited to demanding, large-scale projects.
🛠️ DraftSight key features
- Advanced 2D design tools: create precise, visual technical drawings, 100% compliant with industry standards.
- Layer management: organize your projects as you see fit with a sophisticated, customizable layer system.
- Annotation and documentation: add dimensions, text or hatching to enrich your drawings and better communicate your ideas.
- Support for CATIA drawings : facilitate collaboration with your supply chain thanks to the integration of CATIA drawings in version 2024.
- Optimized user interface: navigate easily through standard and isometric views using an ergonomic browser.
👱 Who is the software for?
DraftSight is aimed at architects, engineers and industrial designers looking for a comprehensive, robust solution.
💵 Pricing
DraftSight is available from $299/year in its Professional version.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler, developed for the design of real objects of all sizes. Due to its parametric nature, shapes are based on properties (numerical values, text, etc.). Modifications are recalculated on demand and saved in an undo/redo stack, to maintain an accurate modeling history.
In addition, FreeCAD provides users with a flexible interface, compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. It also supports numerous open file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC and DAE, making it easy to integrate operations into a variety of workflows.
The solution's main strength? As a free, open-source project, FreeCAD benefits from the contributions of an active community, who are constantly improving the project.
🛠️ FreeCAD's key features
- Parametric modeling: easily modify your designs by adjusting properties in the model history.
- Advanced geometric engine, based on Open CASCADE technology: benefit from a wide range of tools for creating and modifying objects (complex Boolean operations, filleting, shape cleaning, etc.).
- Extension library: enrich your projects with additional modules such as animation or electrical engineering tools.
- Integrated Python scripts: automate repetitive tasks or develop custom functions using an accessible language.
- Integrated rendering engine: visualize your models in high quality thanks to advanced rendering options.
👱 Who is the software for?
FreeCAD is aimed at hobbyists, programmers, students, teachers and professionals in mechanical engineering, product design and architecture.
💵 Pricing
FreeCAD is free software, available for download from its official website.
LibreCAD
If you're looking for a free AutoCAD alternative, we recommend LibreCAD, an open source tool dedicated to 2D technical drawing. Easily accessible, it's designed for professionals working on small projects and hobbyists alike, whether you're running on Windows, MacOS or Linux.
DXF-based file creation and editing ensures compatibility with other CAD tools on the market. What's more, it benefits from an active community, ready to provide regular updates and online documentation.
In conclusion, one could say that LibreCAD is best suited to small technical projects, machine schematics or basic architectural drawings.
🛠️ Key features of LibreCAD
- Create precise 2D technical drawings: design detailed plans for architecture, mechanics or other disciplines requiring two-dimensional representation.
- Advanced layer management: organize your drawings into layers for greater control over the creation of your visuals.
- Precise dimensioning tools: insert dimensions and annotations to document your technical projects in detail.
- Extensibility via plugins: enhance the software's capabilities with a host of community-developed extensions.
- Multilingual availability: use LibreCAD in over 30 languages!
👱 Who is the software for?
LibreCAD is aimed at designers, professionals, students and hobbyists looking for accessible software for technical 2D drawings.
💵 Pricing
LibreCAD is completely free, with no subscriptions or hidden costs. You can download it directly from the official website.
MicroStation
MicroStation, developed by Bentley Systems, is computer-aided design software for all disciplines, although engineers and architects will find it particularly useful. It helps these professionals to work on complex projects thanks to its 2D and 3D modeling capabilities and advanced visualization features.
MicroStation is compatible with numerous formats and models, making it easy to integrate projects into any type of work environment. It also provides tools for managing building information and data (BIM).
Bentley also offers training courses and webinars to help you develop your skills in the use of its software.
🛠️ Key features of MicroStation
- Advanced 3D modeling: create detailed 3D models to simulate and analyze complex structures, and integrate different contextual information (reality meshes, images, point clouds, etc.).
- Multi-user collaboration: work simultaneously and seamlessly with other team members on real-time projects.
- High-quality visualization: generate the most realistic images possible thanks to MicroStation's advanced rendering and visualization tools.
- Interoperability with numerous formats: circulate files with third-party software using DWG, DGN or IFC formats.
- Data and information management: centralize project-related information and coordinate resources in a BIM environment.
👱 Who is the software for?
MicroStation is aimed at engineers, architects, construction and infrastructure professionals, and any other designer of complex systems.
💵 Pricing
MicroStation prices vary according to options and licenses. We recommend that you contact Bentley Systems for a personalized quote.
QCAD
If you want to focus on two-dimensional aided design, you can turn to the open source QCAD application. With it, you can produce a wide range of technical drawings, such as architectural plans, mechanical parts and electrical diagrams.
Compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux, QCAD is appreciated by users for its intuitive interface and fast learning curve, even if you have no previous CAD experience.
The software supports DXF and DWG formats, ensuring compatibility with other design tools. What's more, its open source nature enhances its modularity and accessibility. This makes it particularly well-suited to a wide range of 2D drafting needs, and suitable for all budgets!
🛠️ QCAD's key features
- Layers: simply organize your drawings with an intuitive layer system.
- Blocks (grouping): create and insert groups of reusable entities to optimize your workflow.
- Parts library: access over 4,800 CAD components and enrich your designs.
- Measurement tools: make precise measurements directly within your drawings.
- Object snaps: align and position your elements with precision thanks to object snaps.
👱 Who is the software for?
QCAD is aimed at architects, engineers, designers and hobbyists looking for an efficient, accessible 2D CAD solution.
💵 Pricing
QCAD is available free of charge as open-source software. A professional version with additional features is available for purchase on the official website.
Revit
Developed by Autodesk, which counts AutoCAD among its babies, Revit is specially designed for Building Information Modeling. It enables architects, engineers and contractors to collaboratively design, plan and manage construction projects.
By combining 3D modeling tools with BIM-specific functionalities, Revit facilitates data management throughout the building lifecycle. Thanks to its integrated tools, it ensures consistency between architectural design, MEP systems (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) and building structures.
The icing on the cake: via the Insight option, Revit provides tools for sustainability and supports you in the deployment of low-carbon projects.
🛠️ Key Revit features
- 3D BIM modeling: create parametric 3D models and manage all building information centrally.
- Real-time collaboration: work simultaneously on the same project with different stakeholders and gain fluidity in your processes.
- Performance analysis: accurately assess energy performance, lighting and many other aspects of your future building.
- Automatic documentation: automatically generate plans, sections, elevations and other technical documents from the 3D model.
- Discipline coordination: coordinate information flows relating to different disciplines (architecture, structure, MEP) to avoid conflicts in the model.
👱 Who is the software for?
Revit is primarily aimed at architects, engineers, designers and construction professionals working on complex, collaborative projects in BIM mode.
💵 Pricing
Revit is available on a subscription basis with an annual fee of €3,330 or via a monthly subscription at €420. Specific formulas are available for students and educational establishments.
Rhino 7
Rhino 7, developed by Robert McNeel & Associates, is a complete 3D modeling solution. It is particularly appreciated for its expertise in designing complex surfaces and working with organic shapes.
Users also appreciate Rhino's compatibility with a wide range of formats (DWG, OBJ, STL, IGES and many others), ensuring interoperability with CAD/CAM, CAM and BIM tools.
In addition, version 7 introduces a number of powerful enhancements. These include SubD, for modeling high-precision malleable shapes, and RemaillageQuad, for quickly creating a quadrilateral mesh.
Finally, take advantage of advanced presentation tools, enabling all stakeholders to project themselves more easily into your creations.
🛠️ Key Archicad features
- SubD: create highly detailed organic surfaces while retaining precise control over geometry.
- RemaillageQuad: generate meshes from existing surfaces, solids, meshes or SubDs. Ideal for manufacturing, simulation or rendering!
- Integrated Grasshopper: create complex geometries and parametric designs without having to write a single line of code.
- High-quality display: take advantage of Rhino 7's improved display channel, particularly in terms of speed.
- Advanced rendering: exploit integrated tools to generate high-quality visualizations directly from the interface (physical materials, denoisers, light attenuation, etc.).
👱 Who is the software for?
Rhino 7 is aimed at designers, architects, engineers, jewelers and industrial manufacturers looking for high-performance modeling tools.
💵 Pricing
Rhino prices vary according to your status, the number of users and the options you choose. Visit the official Rhino website to find out more.
SketchUp
Well-known to professionals and students alike, SketchUp is a 3D modeling solution widely adopted in the fields of architecture, construction and design. Thanks to its flexible approach and user-friendliness, it enables experienced users and beginners alike to express their creativity to the full .
With SketchUp, you can build complex projects by exploring every detail, from simple shapes to the most advanced structures. With over 4 million predefined three-dimensional models, the process is fast and easy. What's more, SketchUp is compatible with other design tools and integrates seamlessly into your workflows.
Last but not least, the platform is distinguished by its active community (you'll find plenty of resources to help you improve your use of the software!) and its numerous extensions.
🛠️ Key SketchUp features
- 3D design: bring your ideas to life, in great detail, with powerful drawing and modeling tools.
- Trimble Connect: access your files in the cloud and share them easily with your team and other stakeholders.
- Customizable extensions: enhance your functionality with a library of extensions available from Extension Warehouse.
- Styles and visualization: wow your customers and/or collaborators with the extended reality viewer (on Meta Quest devices) and the augmented reality viewer (for mobile on Android and iOS devices).
- Advanced export: export your projects in DWG, STL or PDF format, suitable for printing or collaboration.
👱 Who is the software for?
SketchUp is primarily aimed at architects, designers, landscape architects, craftsmen and scenographers. The publisher also offers packages for students and teachers.
💵 Pricing
The basic SketchUp pro package is available from €115/year.
Vectorworks
Vectorworks Architect is a powerful software package dedicated to architectural design and BIM. Designed for professionals with specialized needs, it combines 2D drafting, 3D modeling and building information management tools, all in a unified environment.
This comprehensive solution addresses all your needs for every phase of your project, from pre-design to schematic design, development and construction documentation.
At the same time, Vectorworks integrates energy analysis functions, essential for meeting today's environmental standards. The editor is also committed to staying at the cutting edge of technology, as demonstrated by the presence of augmented and virtual reality, point cloud and photogrammetry.
🛠️ Key Vectorworks features
- Hybrid BIM modeling: combine 3D modeling and BIM data to efficiently manage all phases of your projects.
- Integrated resource library: access thousands of predefined textures, objects and styles in just a few clicks. Enrich your designs!
- Advanced rendering tools: produce photorealistic visualizations directly within the software, without the need for third-party extensions.
- Energy analysis: calculate the energy performance of buildings to ensure their sustainability and reduce their environmental impact.
- Enhanced collaboration: easily exchange files and data thanks to numerous supported formats, such as DWG and IFC.
👱 Who is the software for?
Vectorworks Architect is aimed at architects, designers, landscape architects and professionals who tend to work on large projects.
💵 Pricing
Subscriptions start at €125/month for the Standard package.
What can we learn from the alternatives to AutoCAD?
Ultimately, there are many alternatives to AutoCAD, each with its own specific features and advantages.
When faced with such a choice, we recommend that you precisely define the criteria that will help you make your choice. In particular, you should consider :
- the functional coverage you really need ;
- the price of the software (watch out for hidden costs!) ;
- ease of use;
- the quality of the software publisher's support (availability and responsiveness of support, training courses to help you make the most of the platform, etc.);
- the tool's ability to evolve in line with your growth, but also with technological innovations in the sector (hello artificial intelligence 👋).
Last but not least, don't hesitate to test the different software products that interest you, exploring all the possibilities available to you, until you find the solution to fully express your creativity ✨.
Article translated from French