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AutoCAD alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave AutoCAD: subscription only, and costly for occasional use, and 3D modeling is basic compared with dedicated tools. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces AutoCAD, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. FreeCAD currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1FreeCAD logoFreeCADOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux3 of 372.2
2BricsCAD logoBricsCADPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux3 of 366.5
3LibreCAD logoLibreCADOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux4 of 462.6
4SoSolid EdgeFree plan + paidNoWindows4 of 455.3
5AuAutodesk RevitPaidNoWindows0 of 049.1
  1. FreeCAD logo

    1. FreeCADTop pick

    Best for: Engineers and makers who want free, offline parametric CAD they fully control

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    72.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from AutoCAD

    Free parametric 3D CAD with a drafting workbench for drawings.

    Pros

    • Free and open source for any use
    • Workbenches for parts, assemblies, drawings, FEM, CAM and BIM
    • Fully scriptable with Python

    Cons

    • Interface less polished than commercial CAD
    • Steeper learning curve for complex models
    • Fewer supplier models and integrations
    Visit FreeCAD Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.15100
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is FreeCAD a good AutoCAD alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    License
    LGPL-2.1
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Mac, Linux
    Checked Oct 25, 2026freecad.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Modeling approach
    Parametric
    Checked Oct 25, 2026freecad.org(opens source in a new tab)
  2. BricsCAD logo

    2. BricsCAD

    Best for: AutoCAD users who want a DWG-compatible alternative with perpetual licensing

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from AutoCAD

    DWG-native and familiar to AutoCAD users, with perpetual licences available.

    Pros

    • Native DWG with familiar AutoCAD-style commands
    • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Perpetual licences available

    Cons

    • Some AutoCAD add-ons and vertical tools aren't available
    • Smaller training and support community
    • BIM and mechanical toolsets less mature than Revit or SolidWorks
    Visit BricsCAD Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is BricsCAD a good AutoCAD alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    File format
    DWG-based
    Checked Oct 25, 2026bricsys.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    30 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026bricsys.com(opens source in a new tab)
    BIM file support
    IFC, Revit, Rhino and more
    Checked Oct 25, 2026bricsys.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. LibreCAD logo

    3. LibreCAD

    Best for: Anyone who needs free 2D drafting for plans, outlines and schematics

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from AutoCAD

    Free, open-source 2D CAD for simpler drafting with DXF files.

    Pros

    • Completely free and open source
    • Reads DXF and DWG, exports PDF and SVG
    • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux

    Cons

    • 2D only
    • Complex DWG files may not import cleanly
    • macOS builds rely on volunteer help
    Visit LibreCAD Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is LibreCAD a good AutoCAD alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Licence
    GPL, no fees
    Checked Oct 25, 2026librecad.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Apple, Linux
    Checked Oct 25, 2026librecad.org(opens source in a new tab)
    File formats
    Reads DXF/DWG; writes DXF/DWG/PDF/SVG
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Languages
    30+
    Checked Oct 25, 2026librecad.org(opens source in a new tab)
  4. So

    4. Solid Edge

    Best for: Engineers and makers who want professional CAD with generous free editions

    Free plan + paidWindows

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from AutoCAD

    Free 2D drafting from Siemens, plus full 3D CAD on paid tiers.

    Pros

    • Synchronous technology for fast direct edits
    • Free Community, Student and startup editions
    • Free 2D drafting tool

    Cons

    • Windows only
    • Smaller user community than SolidWorks
    • Commercial pricing usually requires talking to a reseller
    Visit Solid Edge Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Solid Edge a good AutoCAD alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Community Edition
    Free for non-commercial makers
    Checked Oct 25, 2026solidedge.siemens.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Community licence term
    Never expires
    Checked Oct 25, 2026solidedge.siemens.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Startup programme
    Free for startups under 3 years old
    Checked Oct 25, 2026solidedge.siemens.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Student Edition
    Free
    Checked Oct 25, 2026solidedge.siemens.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Au

    5. Autodesk Revit

    Best for: Architecture and engineering firms producing coordinated BIM models and drawings

    PaidWindows

    49.1

    score / 100

    Why switch from AutoCAD

    Autodesk's BIM tool for buildings, where the model generates the drawings.

    Pros

    • Drawings and schedules update from one building model
    • Covers architecture, structure and MEP
    • Worksharing for multi-person projects

    Cons

    • Windows only
    • Long learning curve and setup effort
    • Expensive subscription
    Visit Autodesk Revit Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1515
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Autodesk Revit a good AutoCAD alternative?

    Verified facts

    0 of 0 verified

    No sourced facts yet.

The best AutoCAD alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

FreeCAD logo

Best AutoCAD alternative for most people

FreeCAD

Free parametric 3D CAD with a drafting workbench for drawings.

LibreCAD logo

Best AutoCAD alternative for a free option

LibreCAD

Free, open-source 2D CAD for simpler drafting with DXF files.

So

Best AutoCAD alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Solid Edge

Free 2D drafting from Siemens, plus full 3D CAD on paid tiers.

FreeCAD logo

Best AutoCAD alternative for open source

FreeCAD

Free parametric 3D CAD with a drafting workbench for drawings.

BricsCAD logo

Best AutoCAD alternative for Mac

BricsCAD

DWG-native and familiar to AutoCAD users, with perpetual licences available.

Au

Best AutoCAD alternative for Windows

Autodesk Revit

Autodesk's BIM tool for buildings, where the model generates the drawings.

FreeCAD logo

Best AutoCAD alternative for Linux

FreeCAD

Free parametric 3D CAD with a drafting workbench for drawings.

AutoCAD alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to AutoCAD?

FreeCAD ranks first right now. Free parametric 3D CAD with a drafting workbench for drawings. BricsCAD and LibreCAD follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to AutoCAD?

Yes. FreeCAD (open source), LibreCAD (open source) and Solid Edge (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to AutoCAD?

Yes: FreeCAD and LibreCAD.

Which AutoCAD alternatives work on Linux?

FreeCAD, BricsCAD and LibreCAD run on Linux.

Why do people switch from AutoCAD?

The complaints we hear most: subscription only, and costly for occasional use; 3D modeling is basic compared with dedicated tools; mac version lacks some Windows features.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces AutoCAD, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.