Free CAD software packages: 4 excellent options for makers and hobbyists to get started without spending a cent

[Redaktion]

It seems unfair that CAD packages are all prohibitively expensive. After all, how are you to know if it's worth spending money on learning the skill without knowing whether or not you're any good at it? Fortunately, there are are a few free CAD packages you can try your hand at before you spend.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Free-CAD-software-packages-4-excellent-options-for-makers-and-hobbyists-to-get-started-without-spending-a-cent.635369.0.html

[abc]

Yeah, I wasted my time learning Auto CAD, SOLIDWORKS

[XSevenX]

Thanks for the post x)
Why didn't you post about Fusion 360?
This software is like Solid Edge and is really good too ^_^

[Leandro]

The one making this article shows pictures on one order and text flowing another order. Kind of crazy trying to read an article like that.

[LL]

You forgot or don't known Design Spark Mechanical  based on Spaceclaim. There is need to be an account on, the free version is limited(must buy drawing module for technical drawing) but useful for 3D printing and even just taking screen picture you can have a sort of tech drawing.

[LL]

Here is an example of a simple project in Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCyu5jo6sEA

[LL]

Another more elaborate project www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdmmtE_86kI

[julian.vdm]

Thanks for the post x)
Why didn't you post about Fusion 360?
This software is like Solid Edge and is really good too ^_^

I used and loved Fusion 360 for a long time! I specifically avoided Fusion 360 for two reasons: firstly, if you Google search free CAD software, there's almost always a paid ad for it or a highly-ranked result. Secondly—and more importantly—in the last few years, Fusion360 has done a few rug-pulls when it comes to the free features and I don't feel comfortable recommending software from a company that does that.

[goney3]

Solvespace is also tiny and really good - updated in June this year! And if you're into making airplane looking things, OpenVSP is also FREE from NASA and fairly easy to use - with the added benefit of exporting the model into these CAD programs for further work/detail.

[avensis]

Hi, thanks for sharing, it's very interesting.

[AA]

Industrial designers need to be on the lookout for the Alias learning edition coming soon!

[XSevenX]

Thanks for the post x)
Why didn't you post about Fusion 360?
This software is like Solid Edge and is really good too ^_^

I used and loved Fusion 360 for a long time! I specifically avoided Fusion 360 for two reasons: firstly, if you Google search free CAD software, there's almost always a paid ad for it or a highly-ranked result. Secondly—and more importantly—in the last few years, Fusion360 has done a few rug-pulls when it comes to the free features and I don't feel comfortable recommending software from a company that does that.

Totally agree with you, in 2019-2020, for free I was able to use advanced assembly features without limit.
Today, as you have said, some of these features have to be paid..
But, even though it's not really honest, this software stay really good and so much more intuitive than solid edge for example (I work with ST10 every day).

Another idea about post, it could be awesome to find some open source, free or premium 3D CAD for Android or iOs =)
From few years, I see from your website the unbelievable improvement about tablet and smartphone CPU/GPU.
I don't understand why it's so difficult to get an app which is able to use this amount of power in our hands. Above all, with tablet which have big screen and pencil ^^

Thanks again for your work and for your time 😊

[Rasmus Sandberg]

I'm a small contractor and I use LibreCAD for floorplan design. I have learned AutoCAD many years ago and I switched to LibreCAD. I find LibreCAD good enough for my needs. I also use FreeCAD and SketchUP for 3D design.
more cad programs: www.xp-pen.com/forum-6119.html