Hobbyists, professionals, and enthusiasts looking to get into design have a wide range of software options available—from tools focused on 2D drafting to more advanced programs built for powerful 3D application. However, a larger factor to consider for several of these software’s is the price to entry. With commonly used ones in the industry requiring yearly subscriptions or large upfront costs, it remains as a harsh barrier for the individual.
There are free to use, or vastly cheaper alternatives that are, thankfully, great options of entry for individuals. These options provide design power for not just freelancers, but also for professionals who want to spread their skills into other resources that offer unique tools. If this sounds like you, then you need to try one or more of the following options.
This is a continuation from a previous post. If you want to see more options available form that post, then you can find them here.
DoubleCAD XT
DoubleCAD XT is a free 2D drafting software that closely resembles AutoCAD. It offers a strong alternative with professional-grade drafting capabilities. One of its key advantages is its intuitive handle-based editing, which makes rotating, scaling, and stretching objects easier while reducing reliance on repetitive keyboard commands.
Additionally, the Smart Dimension tool simplifies drafting annotations by recognizing entity types such as arcs, lines, and circles. It automatically applies the appropriate dimension format, minimizing the need for manual style management. “Smart Cursor,” further enhances this, which displays a small information window when hovering over an entity. This provides quick feedback without the need for extra commands. This is a great 2D drafting software for designers who want a more streamlined drafting experience, with every command and interaction focused on improving efficiency.
DoubleCAD XT supports regularly used file formats, such as .dwg, .dfx, .3ds and .obj. It offers strong workability with professional grade softwares that generate those file types, especially for Solidworks users. However, one possible drawback is lack of cloud-based functionality, and can only be used as a locally installed application. It is also specifically designed for windows and doesn’t work on other operating systems.
The starting version of DoubleCAD XT is free, but a paid version is available for users wanting more. The free version allows basic 3D viewing, but it does not support creating or editing 3D models. The Pro version, DoubleCAD Pro, includes more advanced 3D modeling tools and can even automatically generate standard 2D views from 3D models.
In addition, the Pro version offers enhanced 2D drafting tools and improved file compatibility, supporting formats such as .skp, .sat, .iges, and .step. It is available as a one-time purchase for $695. Upgrading gives you access to expanded drafting capabilities and more advanced 3D modeling options.
Qcad
QCAD is a free, open-source drafting program, and its base version is called QCAD Community. It focuses on 2D drafting and does not include 3D capabilities, but that shouldn’t discourage you from using this dependable platform. It’s simple UI has been called ‘very intuitive’ by regular users. It differs from AutoCAD, but that is considered a strength, as this make it easy for anyone to quickly learn.
UI features that make it stand out include a coordinate designation displayed along the edges of the workspace. You can hover over any drafting tool in the clickable toolbox to reveal its keyboard shortcut. Constant visual reminders of these keyboard shortcuts promote to it’s swift learning curve.
Another free software that it gets compared with regularly is LibreCAD, which makes sense since it forked from Qcad. both are capable for 2D drafting, but Qcad has been said by some users that it is generally more refined, has more advanced tools, and maintains better performance. For a fair comparison, between the two, you can find more information on LibreCAD and other free drafting options here.
Qcad can also create professional-grade 2D drawings such as building plans, interior layouts, and mechanical parts, among others. Using it comes easy, but it’s resource of information is also extensive, providing explanations to help solve any drafting problem. Output formats include technical drawings, high-quality vector graphics, PDFs, QCAD/CAM G-code, and raster images, boasting support for .dxf and .dwg file formats.
For users who want more, there is a paid pro version that unlocks more features. The full version offers full dwg support, advanced tools and better pdf/svg exporting options. A one time purchase of $40-$50 makes it a steal for committed buyers.
OnShape
For hobbyists, makers, and students, OnShape provides access to professional CAD tools. It’s capable and robust for working on individual parts. Projects created under the free plan are publicly accessible, must be non-commercial (strictly for personal use), and cannot be kept private. Overall, it offers an approachable and easy entry point for anyone interested in trying 3D modeling.
It primarily creates 3D parametric models and feels closer to working in modelling software like Fusion than in basic AutoCAD. Some users find it easier to learn compared to Fusion. It can generate 2D drawings through a “Drawings” tab, though it lacks the advanced editing tools found in dedicated 2D drafting software. You can export these drawings in DWG, DXF, and PDF formats. A variety of other formats are also supported, though limited. These include Parasolid, STEP, IGES, JT, NX, CATIA, Rhino, STL, OBJ, 3MF, DXF, DWG, and PDF.
Users who prefer working on a cloud native platform will enjoy OnShape, as it is entirely web based and requires no installation to use. It hosts real time collaboration and also excels in product Data Management with a seamless built in tool. However, it does not have an offline mode and requires a constant connection to the internet. This also leaves OnShape with a tendency to degrade on large complex projects.
A solution to the degradation of performance comes to users as a paid subscription. The paid version grants access to commercial work, allows for saving files onto a local drive, and easy offline use. A steep subscription base plan of about $1500 a year for a standard plan and $2500 a year for a professional plan may work for companies but may leave hobbyists settling for the free version.
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD stands as a unique contender to the others on this list, as it is classified as 3D programming drafting software. It functions far differently from typical drafting and modelling softwares that designers are used to using. Instead of a typical an interactive modeler it works as a 3D compiler that reads script files to render models using constructive solid geometry. The text editor window on the side exclusively manages all shape generation and modification. It is more accurate to say it is full on programming/coding rather than modifying your file through a user interface.
Someone comfortable with coding will find OpenSpace much easier to use, while non-coders may face a steep learning curve. Even so, this approach to 3D modelling offers clear advantages. Parametric modelling lets users define variables, constraints, dimensions, and parameters for all geometry through code. It also enables quick modifications, since users can change any aspect of the model directly in the code without navigating a complex modelling timeline. It enables highly precise, easily reproducible modelling. Because everything runs on code, users can store their work as simple text files and reuse it later in compatible software. This also improves collaboration, since scripts can be easily shared through platforms like Git or GitHub.
OpenSCAD primarily uses .scad files for script-based 3D modelling. It also lets users import 2D formats such as DXF and SVG, as well as 3D formats including STL, OFF, AMF, and 3MF for further manipulation. For output, it supports exporting models to STL, OFF, AMF, 3MF, DXF, SVG, CSG, and PNG formats.
This software remains as a fully free to use software available for Linux/UNIX, Windows, and macOS. For anyone wanting to push their skillsets while maintaining full control over their 3D models should give OpenSCAD a try.
Solvespace
SolveSpace is a free, open-source parametric CAD application for 2D and 3D design. It uses a constraint-based modeling system to create and modify geometry. It also supports basic constructive solid geometry (CSG) workflows, and includes lightweight mechanical simulation and kinematic analysis features. Users often praise SolveSpace for its simplicity, speed, and low system requirements. This makes it especially well suited for older or low-powered computers. Users commonly use it for 2D drafting, mechanism design, laser-cutting layouts, and creating basic 3D mechanical parts.
Many users report that SolveSpace excels at creating clean, fully constrained sketches and organizing geometry during the early stages of a project. While it provides sufficient functionality for producing simple 3D shapes and parametric models, it can be more limited when working with advanced solid-modeling operations such as fillets, bevels, and complex assemblies. These strengths and limitations lead many users to compare SolveSpace with FreeCAD, a broader open-source CAD platform with a larger engineering feature set.
The two applications complement each other well in practical workflows. A common approach is to begin a design in SolveSpace to quickly build and constrain the core geometry, then export the model as a STEP file and import it into FreeCAD for additional refinement, detailing, assemblies, or manufacturing preparation.
SolveSpace primarily uses its native .slvs format for parametric models and sketches, while also supporting export to industry-standard formats including STEP and IGES for surfaces, STL and OBJ for meshes, and DXF, SVG, PDF, and HPGL for 2D drawings and vector graphics. It can also generate G-code for CNC machining. Completely free to use, SolveSpace has earned a reputation as a lightweight yet capable CAD tool focused on fast parametric modeling and mechanical design.
SolveSpace boasts it’s usability in a Free opensource package available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
