BRL CAD – AutoCAD Alternative
BRL CAD is a free and Open source CAD software.
This solid modeling system includes features like:
- A system performance analysis benchmark suite
- High-performance ray-tracing for rendering interactive geometry editing
- A libraries for robust geometric representation
- High performance for geometric analysis
- Image and signal-processing tools
The community formed around this free CAD software are permanently working on improving its capabilities.
This piece of software is used for industrial applications including the design and analysis of cars, the design of mechanical parts, and is even used in architecture.
In my opinion, this is a relatively not a good option for absolute beginners but offers some features rarely offered by free software.
You can learn more about the software on brlcad.org where a free downloadable version is awaiting you.
Our List of AutoCAD Alternatives below.
| Software Name | Platform | 2D | 3D | Free of charge? | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LibreCAD – AutoCAD alternative | Windows Mac Linux | Yes | No | Yes | Open source software. |
| FreeCAD – AutoCAD alternative | Windows Mac Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | Parametric 3D modeling software. Open source. Nice option for beginners |
| NanoCAD – AutoCAD Alternative | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Support dwg files. Online support available for users |
| BRL CAD – AutoCAD Alternative | Windows Mac Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | Free and open source advance modeling software |
| Draftsight - AutoCAD Alternative | Windows Mac Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | Nice option for CAD beginners. AutoCAD free look alike CAD software. limited 3D capability |
| DoubleCAD XT – AutoCAD Alternative | Windows | Yes | No | Yes | AutoCAD LT Free alternative. Support only 2D. Advanced version supporting 3D for sale |
| BricsCAD – AutoCAD alternative | Windows Linux | Yes | Yes | No | Advance CAD software. Cheap alternative to AutoCAD for small businesses |
| OpenSCAD – AutoCAD Alternative | Windows Mac Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | Good free AutoCAD alternative for machine part design. |
| IronCAD – AutoCAD Alternative | Windows | Yes | Yes | No | Advanced 3D modeling CAD software. |
| ArchiCAD – AutoCAD Alternative | Windows Mac | Yes | Yes | No | CAD software for Architect. Free academic version available |
