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AU
AutoCAD$2,095/yr / $260/mo

AutoCAD is Autodesk's computer-aided design software for precise 2D drafting and 3D modeling, used for architectural, engineering and construction drawings. Its native DWG format is the standard for exchanging drawings. It is sold only by subscription.

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5 AutoCAD Alternatives in 2026

Considerations for AutoCAD

  • Costs $2,095 a year or $260 a month per user
  • Autodesk no longer sells perpetual licences
  • Many users only need 2D drafting, which cheaper DWG-compatible tools also cover
5 alternatives comparedConfirm current terms with providers
LI
LibreCAD
Best for: Free 2D drafting with DXF files
FreeOpen Source
LibreCAD is a free, open-source 2D CAD application for Windows, macOS and Linux, released under the GPLv2. It began as a fork of QCad and covers technical drawings with layers, blocks and dimensions, using DXF as its native file format.
  • 2D drafting with layers, blocks and dimensions
  • Native DXF files, with import of DWG drawings
  • Free for any use on Windows, macOS and Linux
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (open source)
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FR
FreeCAD
Best for: Open-source parametric 3D CAD for engineering
FreeOpen Source
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler for designing real-life objects of any size, from mechanical parts to buildings. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with workbenches for part design, sketching, assemblies, 2D drawings, FEM analysis and CAM.
  • History-based parametric modeling with a constraint sketcher
  • Assembly, TechDraw drawing, FEM and CAM workbenches built in
  • Free for any use, including commercial, on Windows, macOS and Linux
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (open source)
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AU
Autodesk Fusion
Best for: Cloud-connected CAD, CAM and PCB design
Free
Autodesk Fusion combines parametric CAD, CAM toolpaths for CNC machining, simulation and PCB design in one cloud-connected app for Windows and macOS. A limited free personal-use licence covers non-commercial projects by individuals earning under $1,000 a year from them.
  • Parametric modeling, CAM and simulation in one application
  • Runs on Windows and macOS with cloud storage and version history
  • Integrated electronics (PCB) design workspace
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (personal, non-commercial) / $680/yr
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SO
SOLIDWORKS
Best for: Parametric mechanical part and assembly design
SOLIDWORKS from Dassault Systèmes is Windows desktop parametric CAD for mechanical parts, assemblies and 2D manufacturing drawings, widely used in product design and machinery. It is sold through resellers as an annual subscription or as a perpetual licence with yearly maintenance.
  • Feature-based parametric modeling for parts, assemblies and sheet metal
  • 2D manufacturing drawings generated from the 3D model
  • Simulation and data-management add-ons in the higher editions
Free tier: Check providerPricing: $2,820/yr Standard / $3,456/yr Professional / $4,716/yr Premium (US list) / $48/yr Makers (non-commercial)
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BR
BricsCAD
Best for: DWG-compatible CAD with perpetual licences
BricsCAD is DWG-based CAD software for 2D drafting and 3D modeling, with commands and a workflow familiar to AutoCAD users. Unlike AutoCAD it can be bought as a perpetual licence as well as a subscription, in Lite (2D), Pro (3D) and Mechanical editions.
  • Native DWG files and AutoCAD-style commands
  • Lite (2D), Pro (3D) and Mechanical editions
  • Perpetual and subscription licensing
Free tier: Check providerPricing: Subscription or perpetual — Lite, Pro and Mechanical editions
Visit BricsCAD →View 4 Alternatives