Is There an AutoCAD Alternative?

[mathwurkz]

Title says it all. I am wondering if there is any kind of freeware/shareware software that does the same thing AutoCAD does? I am taking an class and it is a level one course. The scope of the course only focuses on two dimensional drawings so the alternative doesn't have to be all that sophisticated in functionality.

[Dr Transport]

There are really cheap CAD packages at your local Office Depot, Office Max, computer type stores. I can't believe that there isn't a student version in the university/college book store for next to nothing.

[lyeinyoureye]

Qcad seems to fit the bill.

[heytram]

I am an experienced Cad user and I love Progecad 2008 (http://www.progesoft.com/compra/index.asp?left=prodotti/eng_progecad2008smart&abspage=1&lang=eng)(smart). I worked with Autocad , UG Nx, Solid works, an inventor. All those programms are 5 to 20 times more expensive when you buy them for professional use.This program is a very priceworthy alternative to autocad 2008. And the best part: it's free for private use! No limitations. The program runs under windows vista as well. Progecad 2008 has all the features of autocad 2008... and more. Almost the same procedures and commands makes it very easy to get used to the program if you have used autocad before.

The only thing I don't really like is the autosnap function.

[TVP45]

If you're taking a class, look at the student version of AutoCAD. It really depends on what you're looking for. Do you just want to produce 2D drawings or do you want a specific skill?

[cad_haochen]

I would suggest GStarICAD 2008,it has powerful functions similar to AutoCAD. And it is also a low cost to afford.
www.staricad.com is the website for your download

[Artus]

I've heard abotu VariCAD but never tried it.

http://varicad.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VariCAD

[razorblade420]

http://www.wareprise.com/2009/04/18/list-of-cheaper-alternatives-to-autocad-and-solidworks/

[mgb_phys]

Most of the autocad alternatives are based on a dwg library called intelicad.
They give you the autocad command line and pretty much all the features of about autocad 2000.
There is generally one that is free for personal use, or some free limited demo.
Just look for the intellicad logo.

There used to be a free clone of Pro-eng called Pro-desktop, but it was bought out by Pro-eng a few years ago. There might be some copies on the net somewhere.

[icymetal]

You should try ARC+ EXEcutive 2010. The PRO edition is for 2D while the SOLID edition is the PRO + Solids, programming, etc. It has a very friendly user interface and you can type commands the way you do with AutoCAD.

The difference between ARC+ EXEcutive 2010 and the other AutoCAD clones is that it is based on ODA (Open Design Alliance) which is a robust DWG consortium.

The ARC+ EXEcutive application is provided by ARC Technology, the developer of ARC+ (a robust architecture CAD).

You can check ARC+ EXEcutive at CADexecutive.com (http://www.cadexecutive.com). You can download the software and use it (without printing or savings) or activate for 30-day no obligation trial.

[k5.user]

define "does the same thing as" .. There's always Google's Sketch-up, surprised that hasn't been mentioned.. http://sketchup.google.com/ and writeup http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SketchUp

[awhatmough]

If you are looking to lean CAD. I would suggest SolidWorks. It is by far the industry standard now.

Also, if you are a student or teacher you will get a free copy of SolidWorks when you buy SolidWorks video training from www.inspirtech.com

[longuyen]

Give GstarCAD a try. Same interface, same automation routines. The US dealer is http://www.gs-cad.com
They have a trial version too.

[longuyen]

I would suggest GStarICAD 2008,it has powerful functions similar to AutoCAD. And it is also a low cost to afford.
www.staricad.com is the website for your download

Yeah, I think the new version is Gstar Cad.
I've linked to the US dealer below
http://www.gs-cad.com

[Wolfey]

It depends on what you want to do with AutoCAD. If the primary reason for using AutoCAD is to make engineering drawings, DraftSight is a new free program that creates and edits AutoCAD DWG files. DraftSight works a lot like AutoCAD, so if you know AutoCAD, you will pick up DraftSight quickly. DraftSight can be downloaded at

http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/

If you are using AutoCAD to make 3D models, I suggest looking for a 3D solid modeling program such as SolidWorks, Alibre, or Solid Edge. As about educational pricing if you are an academic.

[longuyen]

Title says it all. I am wondering if there is any kind of freeware/shareware software that does the same thing AutoCAD does? I am taking an class and it is a level one course. The scope of the course only focuses on two dimensional drawings so the alternative doesn't have to be all that sophisticated in functionality.

Try GstarCAD: The Website is at http://gstarcadsoft.com or http://facebook.com/gstarsoft

[erikz]

You might try looking at ZWCAD/ ZWmech bundle as a great AutoCAD Alternative (http://www.simplecad.com/zwcad-for-free-with-engineering-software.htm)

They have a Engineering Software package that is bundles with IntelliCAD's ZWCAD that is hard to beat...

[daceymathers]

progeCAD 2009 is another good free alternative to AutoCAD LT. progeCAD 2009 is freeware version of progeCAD. This version is completely free for private home use. It can easily read and write .DWG files. If you have used AutoCAD LT, you will find it very intuitive to use progeCAD 2009. It comes with some advanced features like smart snap option, block-in-place editing, AutoCAD style plot interface, entity dependent content menu