Best 2d Cad Software For Mac

What is the best free floor planner software?
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Apr 05, 2020  QCAD is an open-source 2D drafting software built to run on Windows, Linux and more importantly the Mac operating system. This simplistic drafting software makes the list due to its extensive features and drawing tools which make learning its use quite easy for just about anyone.

The best free floor planner software is Floorplanner, an intuitive tool built for interior designers, property managers, and real estate agents. For something free, Floorplanner can do basic floor plan designing, offer an innovative cloud rendering capability, provide an auto-furnish feature, and import/export with ease.

When all you want is a general idea of how the floor will look like once the house is complete and furnished, an expensive 3D design software may be excessive for the task. So, it might be best to settle for a floor planner software instead. Unlike high-powered architecture software, this type of tool should help you visualize general spatial ideas, without including the elaborate designs, which usually require the help of a professional designer to decipher.

Luckily, there are lots of floor planning applications that you can use at no cost. To help you narrow down your options, we’ll be discussing the 10 best free floor planner software on the market. In particular, we’ve paid close attention to the real estate and architectural design functionality of these solutions. This way, once you read our analysis, you’ll have the insights to pick a software that can help you develop the best floor design.

What is the Best Free Floor Planner Software?

For

The real estate market has had several ups and downs in the past few years. What remains consistent is the competitive market made more difficult by the limited number of potential clients. However, the future of real estate seems bright. More than 45% of Millenials are expected to start buying their own properties with 2020 as the peak buying year for the generation.

A number of young adults are already considering investing their money on a real estate property. Currently, the majority of home buyers are Millenials making up about 37 percent of the entire potential buyers. The number is expected to rise rapidly within the next few years.

Because most buyers choose debt financing, they will be more selective before finalizing their decisions to maximize the value of their money. The combination of increasing property market prices and limited financing drives Millenial buyers to scrutinize most, if not all aspects, of a house. This includes the surrounding community, nearby schools, career opportunities in the area and more.

With new types of clients come new purchasing behaviors. Millennials prefer the web as their primary source of information. With most of them spending more than 3 hours a day on their smartphones and more than 30 minutes using a computer, having a strong online presence is essential.

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Information Sources Used by Home Buyers

Website

95%

Real estate agent

92%

Mobile device search

72%

Open house

50%

Yard sign

49%

Online videos

36%

Print ads (newspaper)

16%

Home builder

14%

Real estate books/magazines

12%

Billboard

4%

Television

3%

Relocation company

3%

Source: Nar Realtor

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Hence, you have to publish compelling content to entice picky clients. Aside from photos and other media, floor plans will not only grab the attention of your leads, but it will also provide them with valuable information that can potentially compel them to buy the properties in your listing.

However, creating floor plans are usually done by artists using the best graphic design software. Fortunately, there are free floor planner software that will perfectly suit your needs without the steep learning curve and the hefty price tag. In this article, we will take a closer look at the most popular floor planner platforms. We have also outlined their key features so you can see how each one can help you and your business.

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1. Floorplanner

Innovative floor planning application Floorplanner is designed primarily for real estate agents and interior designers. The solution helps users to create floor plans that give prospective homeowners how a remodeled room would look. Whether you want a quick or a detailed 2D/3D floor plan, Floorplanner has the tools to help you achieve your goal.

The application features a simple floor plan editor that works seamlessly on any web browser. This, coupled with the innovative cloud rendering capability, allows you to work on architectural visualization and deliver beautiful diagrams for building or marketing purposes. Additionally, the auto-furnish is the most salient Floorplanner’s feature. The tool enables you to quickly furnish your floor plan with just a few clicks.

FloorPlanner is available on three pricing plans, including Pay as you go, Pro plan, and Business plan. The Pay as you go pricing plan is a basic plan that allows users to create as many projects as they want and download 2D/3D floor plan designs in SD quality, for free. The level provides complete access to all Floorplanner’s features and design libraries. However, for better quality images and multiple floor plans, you have to subscribe to a paid plan.

Key Features of Floorplanner

  1. Floorplanner has an intuitive editor optimized for easy and fast floor plan creation.
  2. It comes with an Auto-furnish.
  3. Also, it makes it easy to import and export designs.
  4. Furthermore, it provides a space planner and an interactive viewer for easy publishing.

2. SmartDraw

All-in-one drawing tool SmartDraw can serve as a floor plan creator, org chart maker, and flowchart maker software for anyone who needs to create diagrams, from architects and engineers to real estate agents and project managers. It is a robust application that makes it easy to create intricate visuals from the web browser or any device, including Windows, Mac, or tablets. With over 4,500 diagram templates, file sharing, and collaboration features, SmartDraw is one of the most effective tools for creating floor plans.

SmartDraw provides a free and easy-to-use online editor. Also, with the quickstart templates and the intelligent, automatic formatting, it’s a breeze to create stunning layouts. Furthermore, SmartDraw’s floor creator boasts 34,000+ architectural design symbols and CAD-like drawing capabilities that help you create floor plans in minutes.

Key Features of SmartDraw

  1. SmartDraw provides 4,500+ templates and 34,000+ architectural symbols.
  2. It streamlines designing with its intelligent formatting.
  3. The platform has an easy-to-use online editor that is accessible anywhere, anytime.
  4. It’s easy to print diagrams to scale.
  5. Lastly, it integrates seamlessly with Box, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive.

3. RoomSketcher

Cloud-based software RoomSketcher (formerly known as Home Designer by RoomSketcher) is an easy-to-use-architectural design tool for architects, real estate agents, and interior designers. It is an innovative solution that enables users to create stunning floor plans, office projects, and real estate property designs and visualize them in panoramic, 3D views. One thing you will like about RoomSketcher is that all the floor plans designed on this platform are easy to edit. You just click-and-drag to resize, move, add items, and customize the home design with different colors and textures.

Another great thing is that RoomSketcher provides interactive 3D walkthroughs. Regardless of your skill level, the walkthroughs can be of great help, especially when you want to create detailed floor plans with intricate perspectives and depth. The most exciting part is that, if you don’t have time to create your floor plan, you can request the vendor to create one for you.

Key Features of RoomSketcher

  1. RoomSketcher makes it easy to create 2D, 3D, and even Live 3D floor plans.
  2. It provides tools to create stunning 3D photos.
  3. Moreover, it makes it easy to view your home designs and real estate projects in panoramic 360-degree views.

4. SketchUp

3D design software SketchUp is built by Trimble to streamline 3D designing on the web. The solution provides a comprehensive suite of robust drafting and modeling features. Meaning, it can be used for interior, architectural, landscape, film, and civil engineering designs. SketchUp is easy to use, and it can be utilized by builders, designers, architects, and engineers at any phase of the design process.

What makes SketchUp unique is its basic version, which, despite being available for free, offers all the essential tools you need to create 3D models quickly. Moreover, SketchUp Free is a web-based application that comes with a core 3D modeler that can be accessed anywhere, anytime. Even better, SketchUp Free allows you to visualize your ideas on paper, and turn them into real projects with unprecedented expediency.

The solution combines 10GB cloud storage, 3D models library, mobile viewing, and the powerful 3D modeler to facilitate floor plan creation. Factor its interoperability in, and you’ll have the peace of mind knowing you can collaborate, store, access, and illustrate 3D models anywhere, anytime.

Key Features of SketchUp Free

  1. SketchUp Free supports different import and export file formats.
  2. It has a robust 3D modeler.
  3. In addition, it offers a 10GB cloud storage space.
  4. It also provides numerous user-generated 3D models.
  5. Lastly, it supports 3D model viewing on mobile phones.

5. Civil 3D

Another product on our list is AutoDesk Civil 3D. This powerful, on-premise civil infrastructure design software is built for construction companies, architects, and civil engineers. The application is primarily designed to support Building Information Modelling (BIM). However, it comes with innovative features that enhance workflow efficiencies and collaboration, from infrastructure design to production phase. Besides, the solution provides a suite of integrated features that enable architects to improve construction and design documentation.

What you’ll notice from the first impression is that Civil 3D has a compelling suite of civil engineering tools, and its quite capable when used to support intricate civil infrastructure projects like roads, rails, lang development, and airport structures. However, upon in-depth scrutiny, you will realize that the solution offers some lightweight technical features to support the creation of floors and 3D house plans.

The only quibble is that as powerful as it is, Civil 3D is not capable of creating detailed floor plans, and it may not be the best solution for enterprise design companies. Additionally, Autodesk Civil 3D provides a 3year free version for students. If you are a professional architect or house designer, you have to subscribe to a paid plan to get access to advanced features.

Key Features of Civil 3D

  1. Civil 3D has a traverse editor
  2. It comes with a corridor overlap resolution tool.
  3. Furthermore, it supports plan sheet generation.
  4. It also features property labeling tools.
  5. It has dynamic offset profiles

6. Sweet Home 3D

Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design software built to help architects and interior designers create house plans and arrange furniture more effectively. With the solution, you can draw your plan and fiddle with aspects such as the size and thickness of the walls, the color & texture of the floor/ceiling, and even the location & orientation of the furniture. That’s not all. Sweet Home 3D allows you to easily annotate the plan, control the sunlight effect, and customize lights to create photorealistic images.

Unlike other programs on our list, Sweet Home 3D is open-source software. This means the vendor gives you access to the software’s source code, and you can modify it to suit the way you work. Moreover, you can extend Sweet Home 3D functionality using plugins. The best part is that the solution if free, whether you are using it for commercial or personal use. Lastly, it runs smoothly on Mac, Solaris, Windows, and Linux devices, and its online version works seamlessly on any browser.

Key Features of Sweet Home 3D

  1. Sweet Home 3D makes it easy to draw sloping, rounds, or straight walls.
  2. It allows you to insert windows and doors with ease.
  3. You can add and rearrange the furniture.
  4. Furthermore, it comes with a compass rose to aid plan annotation.
  5. It is accessible in 27 languages.

7. AutoCAD Architecture

AutoCAD Architecture is yet another software on our list that is designed by Autodesk. This is a unique version of AutoCAD software that is stripped-down to suit the way architects work. It is an industry-specific solution exclusively designed to streamline and accelerate architectural design and drafting.

With over 8,000 architecture, engineering, and construction objects, AutoCAD Architecture enables architects and designers to create stunning designs without a struggle. When used to design floor plans, AutoCAD Architecture delivers realistic, 3D floor plans. However, like other Autodesk products, this solution provides a student version that is free for 3 years.

Key Features of AutoCAD Architecture

  1. AutoCAD Architecture supports architectural renovation.
  2. This has a Roombook feature for useful room documentation.
  3. Moreover, it provides powerful keynoting and detail components.
  4. It also makes it easy to define walls, windows, and doors.

8. Roomle

Are you looking to create interactive floor designs, but don’t want to spend on the task? Here is the kicker, Roomle can help you achieve that and even enable you to share your designs with prospective clients.

Roomle is an innovative 3D configurator primarily designed to help furniture designers to create beautiful product displays. However, Roomle comes with a floor planner with excellent floor plan designing capability. You can also use the floor planner online or on your iOS devices to create stunning floor plans and share them with ease. The ability to share floor plans can be an indispensable feature to real estate agents and project managers.

One thing you’ll like is Roomle’s Virtual Reality (VR) Functionality. The VR feature utilizes innovative technology to deliver interactive, virtual walkthroughs. Moreover, the walkthroughs inspire creativity and simplify floor plan creation.

Key Features of Roomle

  1. Roomle has a VR functionality for virtual walkthroughs.
  2. This application lets you share designs with family, teams, and prospective clients.
  3. It easy to white-label your design before sharing them online.
  4. Lastly, it allows you to embed design into your website.

9. AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT is a reliable 2 dimension (2D) drawing and documentation CAD software built by Autodesk. Architects, designers, and engineers trust this platform for all sorts of projects. Looking at this solution from an expert perspective, you’ll notice that it is a stripped-down version of AutoCAD. That aspect aside, AutoCAD LT is still a capable solution so you can easily use it to create detailed floor plans and other technical diagrams

The application features a simple, intuitive interface, and a suite of advanced annotation, design, and editing tools. This makes it one of the best tools for creating detailed technical drawings and documentation. Besides, AutoCAD LT relies on the innovative TrustedDWG technology to facilitate the storage and sharing of drawings. The best part is that with AutoCAD LT, you can create, edit, and view drawings on any device -web, desktop, or mobile. However, like Civil 3D, AutoCAD LT is free for three years for students.

Key Features of AutoCAD LT

  1. AutoCAD LT provides powerful 2D, annotation, and documentation tools.
  2. The platform works seamlessly with the AutoCAD suite of solutions.
  3. Moreover, it supports web and mobile use.
  4. It offers advanced features such as enhanced DWG compare, purge redesign, and block palette.

10. PlanningWiz Floor Planner

PlanningWhiz Floor Planner is a 2D/3D floor planning software for interior designers, real estate agents, property developers, and furniture retailers. It is an easy-to-use floor planning tool that enables users to convey floor plan concepts to customers. The solution is available on both free and paid versions. Its limited free plan allows you to create five 2D/3D projects and, depending on the type of project; you may not print or even export the plans.

Even though the tool boasts a set of lightweight design tools, it still creates high-quality floor plans and is the best for planning outdoor spaces. One highlight is that PlanningWhiz Floor Planner allows you to embed your logo into finished projects. Moreover, adding your identity to finished plans can influence brand credibility and boost property marketing strategies.

Additionally, property developers can use the tools to create presentations that give property buyers an accurate and realistic view of the proposed property. Furthermore, the tool provides an edition tailored to help fitness trainers show potential buyers how to arrange gym equipment. Lastly, PlanningWhiz Floor Planner enables landscape designers to create the perfect layouts for parks, recreational facilities, and playgrounds.

Key Features of PlanningWhiz Floor Planner

  1. It provides industry-specific drafting and designing tools.
  2. The platform supports outdoor and indoor space planning
  3. It can produce both 2D and 3D designs.
  4. It features a WYSIWYG editor.

Which is the Best Free Floor Planner Software for You?

There is no clear-cut answer to this. After all, each company has a different set of needs. Hopefully, with our analysis of the 10 best free floor planner software, you were able to get the data you need to make an informed decision. We’ve even gone a step further by listing the key features of these solutions.

If you are still undecided about which free floor planning tool to pick, we recommend trying out Floorplanner. This platform is easy to use and has a free version that gives you access to all its floor planning features. Plus, it comes with advanced features like the auto-furnish tool and the cloud rendering capability that lets you create stunning, photorealistic images and share them online with ease.

In case you feel that this still isn’t the right fit for you, perhaps you might be interested in checking out architecture software instead. To help you get started, feel free to check out our list of top architecture solutions for beginners.

What is the top free CAD software?
The top free CAD software is DraftSight. The free CAD solution allows you to effortlessly transition from 2D drafting to 3D modeling. A powerful 2DEXPERIENCE module lets you finish models quickly and efficiently.

A reliable CAD is crucial if you want to speed up the time to introduce a product right out of your design and modeling department. For one, it makes life easier for your project managers and marketing teams. If your product development team is out of ideas, having quick access to CAD libraries should help. You may have budget concerns, leaving you no choice but to consider free CAD software in the market. They may not have the awesome factor that the premium ones offer, but they’re the ones to help you get there too.

In this article, we present 10 of the best free CAD software for you to choose from. This should shorten the time you need to get your business running. That and without expending more time and effort than necessary. Determine which one looks right for your needs now and consider any upgrade path that you might need later on. At the very least, they should allow you to work and save in a variety of formats to make them usable to other teams.

What are the 10 Best Free CAD Software Solutions?

If you’re operating a small firm, working with a limited budget presents its own unique challenges. However, it should not stop you from falling behind the technology curve.

Two developments, for example, should play nicely in your hands: mobile CAD and the continued rise of vendors offering SaaS subscription-based CAD.

Mobile CAD

Mobile devices will not likely replace desktop systems in creating complex CADs soon. However, they are a great boon for on-site activities where teams could easily view, annotate and update ongoing projects.

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Through a vast improvement in their workflow, mobile CAD can now share knowledge and shorten production cycles unlike before.

This new ability to synchronize devices and users in real time is a fundamental leap from previous work conditions, increasing productivity and efficiency everywhere.

SaaS CAD

The massive logistics challenges in migrating CAD to the cloud meant that CAD would be among the last to follow the SaaS business model. It is happening now, however, and this could only be great news for small firms that could not afford the steep licensing terms required.

Business Advantage reports, for example, that around 19% of CAD users will be using cloud-based CAD, with a predicted increase of 29% in the next 3 to 5 years.

While vendors work out how to ideally implement cloud CAD, what’s clear is that in the next five to ten years, engineers will be migrating the majority of their work online. This will bring with it powerful data management solutions, intense security.

One area of CAD that should see an immediate effect is parametric modeling. Engineers will fondly remember how in-context design, standard content, configurations and multi-part modeling used to be unreliable and ugly previously. In the era of cloud CAD, these tools will become more robust, helping users finish designs faster.

10 Best Free CAD Software Solutions

1. DraftSight

For up to December 31, 2019, feature-rich CAD solution DraftSight will let you design in 2D or 3D using the 2018 free version and the ones that came earlier. Beyond that, the vendor will only allow a thirty-day free trial version for the latest 2019 edition.

Draftsight allows for compatibility with any 2D or 3D DWG file. The user interface is easy to learn, helping you transition if you are using another CAD solution before.

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In addition to already powerful features, DraftSight introduced new 3D capabilities in its latest update. This provides more choices and flexibility for users to design projects. DraftSight is also exploring the possibility of adding a cloud-based version of the software with additional features in the works.

Getting DraftSight makes sense, especially if you use other Dassault Systemes and SOLIDWORKS solutions.

Price Range: Standard Versions up to 2018 are free, but will cease running after December 31, 2019. Starting in 2019, DraftSight pricing for Standard, Professional, and Premium editions are $99, $199, and $499, respectively. There is an Enterprise edition but you need to request a quote for it.

Key Features of DraftSight

  1. A feature-rich 2D/3D CAD platform for whatever purpose, whether you’re an engineer or a hobbyist.
  2. Lets you create, edit, view, and review any DWG files without sacrificing speed, efficiency, and ease in adjustment.
  3. Greater freedom to go from drafting 2D to 3D designs, as well as to seamlessly transition between Dassault’s design platforms.

2. Onshape

Fully free for students and non-professional or non-commercial users, CAD software Onshape helps you design all aspects of design activity through real-time observation. The platform helps you improve product design process through robust CAD assembly and configurations. It lets you complete your work quickly and effectively without being overwhelmed by an unfamiliar GUI.

Clear design elements prevent you from losing track of activities. For example, simply monitor your work by scrolling through an activity feed. You have full access to raw analytics for further study. If you have different types of users, you simply need to configure your users easily as full, light, or guest accounts. It lets you monitor your team easily through audit logs, so you know who did what and where they accomplished it.

They say modern problems require modern solutions, and Onshape is as modern as you can get with CAD.

Price Range: Free for students, non-professional and non-commercial users. The professional version costs $2,100 per year, while the Enterprise and Standard versions are priced $1,500 and $20,000, respectively. A free trial is available.

Key Features of Onshape

  1. Visibility enables you to monitor tasks in real-time, a first in the industry.
  2. Enables universal access for every stakeholder.
  3. Customized roles and permission schemes let you quickly assign and reassign tasks.
  4. Enterprise edition with a single log-in process.
  5. Modern CAD and data management eliminate crashes and IT intervention.

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3. Fusion 360

Free for startups with less than US 100k per year in total revenue and non-commercial hobbyists, Autodesk’s Fusion 360 is designed to help you design your products and bring them to market faster than you’ve ever imagined. Design, conceptualize and test your products using only a single platform from start to finish. Among other Fusion 360 benefits is the test tool, which ensures your designs are complete and will work.

Cloud storage helps you get the best of team collaboration. Earn more control of your data through managed user permissions and make sure only your team knows what’s happening to the design, and not everyone else. Create and test prototypes through the program, and explore possible outcomes about the product even before it hits the assembly line. Make sure that weight, performance, and part issues are resolved before a physical copy of the product is made.

If you’re interested to know more about the product development process of Fusion 360, sign up here for a free copy of their software.

Price Range: Aside from the free use for startups, hobbyists and non-commercial users, there are three different terms of subscription. A monthly plan costs $60, an annual plan costs $495, and a three-year plan costs $1,335. There are free 1-year and 3-year subscriptions for non-commercial and educational use.

Key Features of Fusion 360

  1. Simplify workflow with all the tools you need available in one place.
  2. Quick generation helps you find the flaws and errors in your design.
  3. Lets you create 2D drawings directly from your 3D creations through accurate documentation.
  4. Collaborate easily with all members of the team through a single, shared project dashboard.
  5. True CAD + CAM integration lets you avoid rework, defects, and missed deadlines.

4. Tinkercad

As one of the best free CAD software around, Tinkercad is also perfect for beginners. There are Tinkercad features for any level of designer. New designers, for example, can start by creating bricks similar to Lego. Minecraft gamers, on the other hand, can test their creativity through a Minecraft-like modeler. More serious designers can create more sophisticated designs without stifling their creativity.

You may design circuits and 3D designs with ease. If you’re into codes, you may design objects using codes you know by heart. Once you’re done, you may proceed to print in 3D using Tinkercad’s partner services. Once done, they will ship your creations to your doorstep, laser-cut and ready to be presented.

Price Range: Free

Key Features of Tinkercad

  1. Create, design, and make anything you think of.
  2. Come up with your simulation, then assemble it to see what it looks like in the final render.
  3. Design an object using code.

5. FreeCAD

As its name suggests, FreeCAD is free to download. Not only that: it also gives you absolute freedom to design and create. The open-source 3D modeler lets you design real-life objects of any size. You may sketch in 2D then transform that into 3D images. With it, you can see how dimensions affect the design. Use any number of components to complete your design and simulate how parts move and come together as in real life.

Other FreeCAD details show a fully multi-platform software that supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It is highly customizable owing to its open source nature. For file support, it reads and writes many open file formats so you can share works across your team. FreeCAD simply works, whether you’re a mechanical engineer or just a hobbyist creator.

Despite its free nature, it comes ready with a wide selection of tools that helps you create and test just about anything. A robot simulation module and a Path workbench are available with the free trial.

Price Range: Free to download; always actively updated.

Key Features of FreeCAD

  1. With its open CASCADE Technology-based geometry kernel, allows for complex 3D shapes and operations.
  2. Sharpes can be based on different properties or even depend on other objects.
  3. Modular architecture allows for plugin extensions that add functions to the core program.
  4. Standard formats such as STEP, OBJ, DXF, SVG, or OFF and the like are supported, in addition to the native FCStd file format of FreeCAD.
  5. Different programmable modules that allow for a greater degree of studying functions and uses within the graphical environment.
  6. Integrated spreadsheet and expression parser uses drive formula base to help organize model data into a single, central location.

6. LibreCAD

LibreCAD provides CAM capabilities into the community version of QCAD. It is an improved QCAD version with Qt4 enhancements, allowing for better rendering and modernized support. Aside from being completely free, it comes with a dedicated development team and an actively helpful community. There’s a partnership with BRL-CAD and JetBrains, which has lent their CLion licenses.

The latest version of its engine has the LcPainter layout. This improves its existing OpenGLpainter, which can render draw() codes. It is also armed with the current transition matrix—CTM. A fast caching mechanism helps you save data. There’s gradient rendering to create a linear gradient and calculate the color (R, G, B, A) for each vertex using vector mathematics.

As its name says, LibreCAD is completely free and easy to download.

Price Range: Free, open-source

Key Features of LibreCAD

  1. Completely free to download; no trials and subscriptions to worry about.
  2. Developed by a dedicated team with support from a vibrant community, ensuring the source copy gets improved with each addition.
  3. Available with over 30 languages and with cross-platform support for three major OSes—macOS, Windows, Linux.

7. OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is another excellent choice for free software. Perfect for highly technical users, it’s remarkable for creating 3D representations of machine parts. As a 3D-compiler, it reads a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model from it. It gives the designer full control over all aspects of the modeling process. Configurable parameters make it easy to change designs.

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Two modeling techniques are available to creators: the constructive solid geometry and the extrusion of 2D outlines. DXF files, readable by Autocad, is the data format used for 2D files. The platform can also read from DXF files and create 3D models that can be saved in STL and OFF file formats.

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OpneSCAD is downloadable in a variety of different OS.

Price Range: Free; accepts donations through Paypal.

Key Features of OpenSCAD

  1. Can create constructive solid geometry (CSG) and 2D outlines.
  2. Lets you read design parameters from DXF files aside from 2D paths.
  3. Import/export 3D models from STL and OFF file formats.

8. QCAD

Another open source application, QCAD lets you create technical drawings, building plans and mechanical parts in 2D. Different schematics and diagrams are available, and the source code is also available under the GPL v3. You can add to it as it suits you, or remove any features you feel you don’t need. Its true beauty, however, is in the design.

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The application offers a portable solution with an intuitive interface. These features come into play once you realize how powerful this CAD software is. QCAD is one of those platforms which you can use as soon as you pick it up. The software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

Price Range: Free to download.

Key Features of QCAD

  1. Layering, as well as blocks that can be grouped.
  2. Prints to scale and on multiple pages as well.
  3. A multitude of tools for construction and modification.
  4. Over 4,800 CAD parts available in its parts library.
  5. Operates using the ECMAScript (JavaScript) interface.

9. 3D Slash

With its similarity to the block-building game Minecraft, 3D Slash directly appeals to gamers. It is also free and is browser-based. The light, fun interface makes it is easy for beginners to learn 3D modeling. Intermediate workers, on the other hand, just need to start creating. The platform is optimized for use on any media, whether on mobile or desktop. A notable 3D Slash benefit is letting creators display their designs on social media. If that is not an option, they may instead opt to go for 3D printer.

You may slice or slash a cube as easy as if playing a game. A new feature lets you engrave pictures or text on a model. There’s a wide color palette so you can color your cube in any dye of your choice. You get two version options: for use in classrooms or in the workplace. All formats are synchronized for support.

With it’s easy to pick up nature, beginners or returning designers won’t have any problem designing in the platform.

The free app gives users online storage for the web version. You can only work with 8 colors, though, limiting what you can do. The premium is only 2 dollars, so that leaves you with a good subscription option.

Price Range: low-cost plans, from Free to Premium ($2 per month), School ($8 per month), and Professional ($20 per month) versions.

Key Features of 3D Slash

  1. Unique interface makes creating models lightweight.
  2. Easy to start, easy to create through fast technology.
  3. Features are designed for both basic work and for professionals.
  4. Online and offline working platforms synchronized.
  5. Advanced features work precisely with the platform.

10. nanoCAD

With a free version and other professional versions, nanoCAD caters to industry standards. A wide variety of APIs is backed by a powerful table editor. It is well-supported by a dedicated community of people who are directly connected to the CAD software industry with years of expertise. nanoCAD features an interface that’s easy to master because of its familiarity. Better still, its drafting and design tools are also easy to use.

It has various productivity features and is always updated through updates and prioritized online support. nanoCAD brings most of what makes CAD software a must-have; the capability to edit, validate, share, and manage CAD models, but mostly none of what makes CAD software hard to master from the start.

Price Range: Free version; all other professional versions come with a free trial. The other six versions include the Plus version at $180, the Pro version at $290, the Construction at $260, the Construction Site edition at $260, the Mechanica version at $300, the Construction Site edition at $600 and the 3DScan that is only quote-based.

Key Features of nanoCAD

  1. Easy-to-use platform with a great user experience, powered by high performance.
  2. Excel-style table editor with a set of different capabilities.
  3. ActiveX automation and support for LISP available.
  4. C++/C# APIs supported on top of its core functions.
  5. Plot settings allow multiple plot area setups and multi-page plotting.

Consider Other Tools that Go Right with CAD Apps

That’s it, our top ten best free CAD software. One of these platforms should be the software just right for your needs. It could be in terms of fast workflows, more advanced modeling and the like.

CAD applications are just one of a number of applications that design professionals have at their disposal. For those in the construction industry, they may consider construction management software to give them a good handle of every aspect of their projects, from design, estimates, workflows to reporting and analysis among many others.

BIM software is another class of applications closely related to CAD. If you’re in the building industry, you might really need this one more than a CAD platform.

If you’re an architectural firm, these top architecture software solutions may be a better fit. They have elements of CAD, BIM and project management tools designed for structural outlining and visual presentation.

Best 2d Cad Software For Mac 2017

Collaboration tools, on the other hand, are also great partners to your CAD app of choice. It should help you handle even remote team members while ensuring that apps and files required for the projects are always on hand.