Top AutoCAD clone software you can use right now

What is AutoCAD and Why Is It So Famous?

AutoCAD is a software developed from AutoDesk in 1982 as a solution for computer aided drawings (CAD).

AutoCAD solved one of the biggest challenges of getting a standard drawing, either in 2-dimensional (2D) or 3-dimensional (3D), into an environment that could be referred to within the computer environment for personal computers and workstations.

To say the least, AutoCAD solved many issues in the Architecture, Engineering, Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical industry, such as redo jobs and eliminating the need of having massive expensive mainframe systems.

AutoCAD Clones that can open and edit CAD Drawings

AutoCAD Clones were designed to offer the same solutions that the users were used to and handle the same industry standard file formats.

Industry standard file formats like DWG and DXF can be opened making using AutoCAD or any AutoCAD clone seamless with your drafting and design work.

Some of the global AutoCAD Clones include but not limited to BricsCAD, ZWCAD, LibreCAD, FreeCAD, GStarCAD, etc. and their main comparison in terms of DWG/ DXF file support, key features and what they are best for are captured in the following table:

In the above comparison, I don’t consider software used only to view or only annotation, but software that can handle a whole project with full editing, productivity, and collaboration features.

Some AutoCAD clone software that are good for viewing CAD files include but not limited to CADReader, DWGSee, ABViewer, Autodesk Viewer, etc.

There are AutoCAD clone solutions that provide some limited features in a web-based setting allowing instant access to CAD files without having the need of installing the entire standalone software making it quite useful for drawing reviews on the go and sharing with clients.

It cannot be left without stressing the importance of software compatibility when collaborating within projects as this ensures the drawings can be shared seamlessly between team members with minimal errors at a lower software cost without compromise on the quality and general work output.

How to Choose the Right AutoCAD Clone for Your Needs

Now that you know the various kind of AutoCAD Clones, the biggest question is how do you know which one will work for you?

You first need to understand what is the goal of using the software, is it for civil, mechanical, electrical, machining, etc., work.

By determining the purpose of the AutoCAD Clone software, you will can now narrow down into other distinguishing features because not all civil, mechanical, architectural, electrical, machining, etc., designs are the same; some need to be designed in the 3D workspace, while some 2D will do the job.

So, make sure the AutoCAD Clone software you use allows for compatibility with existing files and system workflows to avoid re-jobs and corruption of the project files or lack of backward compatibility.

Understanding the level of detail (LOD) and the number of extra features required, will guide you further on the software selection, for example, FreeCAD is a known software that not only designs components, but it is great when it comes to machining and 3D printing, while ZWCAD is a software that stands out when it comes to the design of structural, civil and survey works.

Also check on the pricing to ensure it is within your budget, from the table below, you can see the different pricing options available for some of the AutoCAD Clones:

The costing in the table above is subject to region, time, offers, or any other factor that can make them fluctuate.

A Pro-tip would be before fully deciding on a single AutoCAD Clone software, first look at the available online support and community forums.

This will help in getting answers from frequently asked questions and also get to learn on tip and tricks to increase efficiency of your work flows.

The bigger the support and Community forum = The more stable and upgrades you can enjoy.

But, if still in doubt consider installing and using only free or software that have the free trial options before committing your investment in some new software hoping that it will meet all your needs.

Why Look for AutoCAD Alternatives?

Even though AutoCAD is a global leader when it comes to computer-aided drawings (CAD), of later, newly emerging software companies have been challenging its dominance while still providing more or less the same software capabilities and features.

Accessing AutoCAD is relatively more expensive for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), freelancers, hobbyists, etc.; therefore, this made a niche for other companies to push for other solutions that were relatively more affordable.

Furthermore, due to the complexity of the AutoCAD software engine, its base hardware requirements require the user have a suitable high to medium-spec working machine that are also expensive to acquire.

Thus leaving the rest of the users with low spec computers out of the AutoCAD usage ecosystem, that is where other solutions that can still run using low spec computers take the lead.

Plus, with the evolving specialization in industries and niche focused designs like 3D printing, CNC, Simulation, FEM, BIM, etc, other AutoCAD Clone software caters to the needs of the users better.

Additionally, some beginners find the user interface of AutoCAD more intimidating to start with, leading them to prefer simpler AutoCAD clone software that has friendlier interfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are some learning resources for AutoCAD and its alternatives?

YouTube is a great starting point for learning resources and then you can upgrade to SourceCAD for more in-depth and structured courses.

You can also check the official learning resources of the CAD software website for videos and text-based lessons.

Is it worth switching from AutoCAD?

The final question you might have might be is it truly worth it switching from AutoCAD to an AutoCAD clone?

Well, the answer cannot be a direct yes or no, it depends with the factors that we have discussed in this article, compatibility, industry needs, support, etc., all that AutoCAD already provides out of the box, but the price might be a bit daunting to some users, and that is why AutoCAD clones will make more financial and practical sense.

But, in this growing technological era, the AutoCAD clones are growing in features and reliability, making the switch or the decision less complicated compared to the earlier years.

What are some of the features that make AutoCAD popular?

AutoCAD is known for so many uses including its multi discipline capabilities and user friendly interphase.

Due to this, it quickly became popular and was adopted as a construction standard tool of trade, especially in the realm of 2D and 3D model designs.

Moreover, with the evolution of technology and advanced computer systems, AutoCAD managed to keep up and subsequently manual drafting and design jobs faded off as build designs became more complex and documentation became sterner.

AutoCAD’s ability to open a number of file extensions from well known formats like images, pdfs, DWG, DXF, etc. made it a go to-tool for many professionals in different industries.

AutoCAD secured its position in the design world for its precision when it came to drafting and designing, it produced the results just as feed, making it reliable and trustable.

Conclusion

In this era, there are some AutoCAD Clones that can get the job down at half the price and half the features.

All being said, you should feel encouraged to test and find out the AutoCAD Clone that will work out for you, personally I have interacted with FreeCAD, GStarCAD, BricsCAD and, ZWCAD; and I can confidently tell you they got my projects done like a breeze.

Let me know of your experience, are AutoCAD clone worth the hype, or we better stick to just AutoCAD?