List of the Top 25 Free CAD Software in 2025

CADhobby IntelliCAD is an accessible and robust CAD software solution that caters to both enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. With its extensive array of features, it allows users to engage in 2D and 3D modeling, as well as rendering and animation. Additionally, it is compatible with numerous file formats, such as DWG, DXF, DGN, and STL, making it highly versatile. CADhobby IntelliCAD stands out as a cost-effective option for those seeking to produce exceptional designs without overspending. Its user-friendly interface facilitates a smooth learning curve, and the vast community of users provides invaluable support and resources for newcomers and experienced users alike. As a result, it empowers individuals to enhance their creative projects effectively.

SkyCiv Structural 3D is a cloud-based program that facilitates the design, analysis, and modeling of intricate 3D structures without any installation requirements, as it operates entirely online. Renowned as one of the top online structural analysis tools, it boasts a variety of powerful analytical features, including Linear and P-Delta analysis for cables, buckling plate analysis, and frequency response analysis. Additionally, SkyCiv Structural 3D comes equipped with integrated design checks for various materials and standards, such as steel, wood connections, and foundations, while adhering to regulations from AISC, NSD, AISI, EN, AS, CSA, BS, and many others. The versatility and comprehensive nature of this software make it an excellent choice for engineers and designers looking to enhance their structural projects efficiently.

The integration of version control with user-friendly management tools removes the costly need for a separate Product Data Management (PDM) system, guaranteeing that both you and your team can consistently access the latest design information. Each modification made by users is carefully recorded, creating a change history that can be reverted at any time and providing boundless undo/redo capabilities along with a detailed audit trail. The ability to branch and merge supports the concurrent development of multiple product ideas. A notable feature of SolidFace is its parameterization ability, which is applied throughout every stage of the design process. This feature greatly enhances 3D motion simulation, as it updates in real-time with any adjustments. Moreover, the software is capable of simulating 2D mechanisms, enabling analysis in both a 2D drawing context and a 3D sketch environment. In addition, SolidFace offers direct access to a vast online library of parts, featuring over 100 million part numbers from leading manufacturers and distributors, along with thousands of established standards like ISO, ANSI, DIN, NF, GB, and ASME. This extensive resource not only streamlines the design process but also significantly boosts efficiency and effectiveness for all users. Consequently, SolidFace stands out as a powerful tool for innovative design and development.

NanoCAD serves as a robust computer-aided design tool, providing users with extensive features for both 3D modeling and 2D drafting. It functions effectively as a standalone DWG editor but can also be tailored with additional modules like Construction, Mechanica, and Topoplan to enhance its functionality. The platform supports the creation of 2D drawings and 3D solid models, incorporating both two-dimensional and three-dimensional parametric constraints for added precision. Additionally, it offers a Dynamic UCS feature that facilitates sketching directly on 3D surfaces, ensuring a seamless design experience. Documentation drawings are intricately linked to their respective 3D models, maintaining coherence throughout the design process, while also ensuring full compatibility with DWG files for easy integration within existing workflows. This makes NanoCAD an ideal choice for professionals seeking a flexible and comprehensive design solution.

Solid Edge comprises a suite of cost-effective software tools that are user-friendly and straightforward to manage. It enhances every facet of product development, encompassing mechanical and electrical design, simulation, manufacturing processes, technical documentation, data management, and collaboration through the cloud. Grounded in Siemens' cutting-edge technologies, Solid Edge provides an extensive and imaginative methodology for product development tailored to mainstream industries. This comprehensive toolkit is designed to streamline workflows and improve efficiency across various engineering disciplines.

The latest innovation in home improvement tools is a mobile 3D scanning device designed for both DIY enthusiasts and home service experts. Utilizing the advanced Structure Sensor, recognized as the first-ever mobile depth scanner, Canvas simplifies the process of creating a 3D model of your environment. Just tap to scan and walk around the room, and you will instantly see a precise, scale-accurate model generated right on your iPad. Canvas efficiently captures thousands of measurements simultaneously, seamlessly transforming them into an engaging interactive 3D representation. You can conveniently save your 3D model on your iPad, allowing you to revisit any space whenever needed. With just a few taps, you can easily retrieve a forgotten measurement or recall a specific perspective. The professional-grade CAD output offered by our Scan to CAD service enables you to convert your scan into an editable, high-quality CAD file, ultimately saving you significant time and effort on your projects. This tool truly revolutionizes the way you approach home improvements and design planning.

The RFEM program for finite element analysis (FEA) facilitates rapid and straightforward modeling, along with structural and dynamic calculations, enabling the design and construction of various models featuring members, plates, walls, folded plates, shells, and additional solid elements. This modular software allows users to integrate the main RFEM program with relevant add-ons tailored to their specific needs. Designed as a comprehensive structural analysis tool, RFEM provides structural engineers with a 3D FEA solution that adheres to all contemporary civil engineering standards. Thanks to its efficient data input and user-friendly interface, users can easily model both simple and intricate structures. At the core of this modular software is the RFEM program, which serves as the foundation for generating structures, materials, loads, and plans for both spatial and planar structural systems that encompass plates, walls, shells, and members. Additionally, RFEM enables the creation of hybrid structures and allows for the modeling of contact elements, making it versatile for a wide range of applications in engineering design. This capability ensures that engineers can effectively simulate real-world conditions and interactions in their structural models.

Onshape is an innovative CAD and data management platform that features standard content libraries, advanced CAD capabilities, multi-part modeling, and in-context editing. It provides users with the convenience of accessing their work from any location at any time, eliminating the need for downloads or installations. Additionally, Onshape enables users to securely share and store their CAD data in a cloud workspace. Moreover, it allows for the management and monitoring of access rights to the stored CAD files, ensuring a higher level of security and collaboration. With Onshape, teams can work together more effectively, no matter where they are located.

HydroCAD Stormwater Modelling provides a user-friendly platform for conducting TR-20, TR55, SBUH, and Rational hydrology computations, in addition to calculations for time of concentration, storage solutions, outlet hydraulics, pump routing, and underground storage, as well as assessments of pollutant loads and various other factors. Users have the ability to import CAD files directly, utilize bypass routing, and work with siphons, skimmers, and tubes, along with the option to import localized rainfall data. Furthermore, the software includes a growing library of chambers to enhance design flexibility. The interactive graphical interface is designed to be both intuitive and efficient, ensuring consistently improved outcomes for users. As a result, HydroCAD empowers engineers and planners to make informed and effective decisions in their stormwater management projects.

OnScale emerges as a trailblazing platform in the realm of Cloud Engineering Simulation, combining sophisticated multiphysics solver technology with the limitless power of cloud supercomputers. This cutting-edge solution allows engineers to run numerous full 3D multiphysics simulations simultaneously, facilitating the development of genuine Digital Prototypes that accurately reflect the operational dynamics of complex high-tech devices. Aiming to provide an outstanding experience in Cloud Engineering Simulation, OnScale Solve is crafted to be intuitive, resilient, and efficient. It functions effortlessly on both public and private cloud infrastructures and includes a user-friendly web interface, an API for seamless integration into existing workflows, customizable scripting options for personalized engineering analyses, and plugins that enhance its modeling capabilities. Additionally, OnScale Solve empowers engineers to synthetically produce data essential for training sophisticated AI/ML algorithms, thus fostering technological innovation. This all-encompassing platform ensures engineers possess the necessary tools to redefine the limits of simulation and design, ultimately driving progress in engineering disciplines. By integrating these features, OnScale not only enhances the simulation process but also encourages a collaborative environment for engineers to explore new frontiers in technology.

The uMake application for iPhone and iPad allows users to effortlessly craft breathtaking designs, photographs, presentations, or detailed 3D models with its extensive library of resources and intuitive tools. The world of three-dimensional design is now more approachable than ever. You can easily drag and drop elements from the vast content library or utilize the precision tool for detailed artwork. Everything you need is readily accessible right at your fingertips. Within moments, you can create 3D text or seamlessly add shapes and objects from a diverse collection. If you have existing designs, importing files in formats like SketchUp or OBJ is a breeze. Alternatively, if you prefer to start from scratch, the freestyle tool enables quick sketching and doodling in a 3D space, allowing your imagination to soar. For those times when precision matters, uMake empowers you to draw perfect lines, curves, and angles, as well as define exact dimensions. You can easily adjust extrusions or cutouts, soften corners with chamfers and fillets, and craft elaborate 3D surfaces by lofting or revolving curves. With its combination of user-friendly features and powerful functionality, bringing your creative visions to life is both simple and enjoyable. Explore the limitless opportunities that the uMake app provides for all your design aspirations and watch your ideas take shape in exciting new ways!

PVSketch is an intuitive web-based application designed to streamline the development of solar energy projects. Its user-friendly interface allows sales representatives to access a detailed layout tool without requiring extensive prior knowledge. This cutting-edge tool significantly improves the visualization of solar solutions while delivering trustworthy energy modeling features. As part of the broader PVComplete ecosystem, PVSketch fosters effective collaboration among solar developers, installers, and engineers, enhancing both workflow efficiency and accuracy. Sales representatives can quickly kickstart projects online using PVSketch, which can then be seamlessly transitioned to PVCAD, an AutoCAD plugin, for comprehensive engineering design. By simplifying solar design, PVSketch empowers users to assemble complete solar projects in just five clicks. The platform's easy-to-use drawing tools ensure that anyone can achieve precise solar designs effortlessly. With a single click, users can generate a full layout, while those looking to enhance their projects further can refine their designs into more intricate configurations, raising the overall quality. Ultimately, PVSketch not only accelerates the early stages of solar project creation but also equips users with the tools to develop sophisticated and customized energy solutions. This capacity to adapt and modify designs makes PVSketch an invaluable resource for anyone involved in solar energy development.

Facilitate the sharing of your design information and promote open evaluation, discussion, feedback, and collaboration among all stakeholders involved. Organize all conversations pertinent to each design in a single, chronologically ordered location for easy reference. Focus on security while maintaining full transparency and accountability regarding all evaluations and discussions related to your design. Securely assess, discuss, and provide feedback on design data effectively and efficiently. Your team, partners, and customers can contribute detailed insights on product designs at any time and from anywhere. This platform serves as an optimal solution for quickly, securely, and efficiently sharing your designs with relevant parties. Ensure complete oversight and accountability for all interactions and discussions surrounding the designs. Collaborators, including team members, partners, suppliers, and customers, can easily view, evaluate, engage, and work together on both 2D and 3D designs you present. A range of productivity tools is available to streamline the process of handling design data, empowering discussion participants to share their thoughts conveniently through simple notes that connect to specific design elements, thereby nurturing a more collaborative atmosphere. By centralizing communication and feedback, you can significantly improve your design process, ensuring that every perspective is valued and taken into account. This collaborative approach ultimately leads to stronger design outcomes and greater innovation.

JSCAD is a flexible open-source suite of modular tools that can be utilized in both web browsers and command-line environments, allowing users to generate parametric 2D and 3D designs through JavaScript programming. This platform provides a quick, precise, and consistent method for producing 3D models, which is especially beneficial for 3D printing purposes. Users can select from different 'flavors' of JSCAD that cater to their individual needs. As a solid modeling system, JSCAD operates primarily without defined units; however, it is important to note that when models are exported, a measurement of 1 unit within JSCAD typically corresponds to 1 millimeter in the final output. The modeling process in JSCAD generally involves shaping the desired object with basic geometric forms, yet there are numerous techniques that can achieve the same end result. To understand the various capabilities of JSCAD, users are encouraged to check the examples provided in the application's information menu. Among the essential tools in solid modeling are Boolean operations, which enable users to create a wide variety of necessary shapes by either combining, subtracting, or intersecting simple forms. This adaptability in design makes JSCAD a robust option for both novice and experienced designers, offering a rich landscape for creative exploration. Overall, JSCAD's combination of versatility and power places it as a noteworthy choice for anyone looking to delve into the world of 3D modeling.

Choose your desired project template, upload your CAD file, and easily create 3D visualizations directly from your web browser. No previous experience in 3D design is necessary to get started with this intuitive platform. There’s no requirement to download software; everything is conveniently accessible online. You can quickly initiate the process by uploading either a CAD file or a 3D model, while also taking advantage of pre-made templates to streamline the visualization experience. Why not start with our 3D Configurator template today, and stay tuned for more exciting features that will be introduced soon? Dive into a rich library of over a thousand premium PBR materials that can be edited in real time, allowing you to bring your model to life with vivid detail. Toggle3D is your go-to design studio for all things 3D, perfect for anyone looking to design and texture 3D models, create product configurators for eCommerce, or prototype groundbreaking designs. This platform is designed to be user-friendly, enabling individuals to transform flat 2D concepts into dynamic 3D representations without needing an extensive background in 3D design. To kick off your creative adventure, simply sign up for one of our available plans, whether free or pro, and jump right into the platform. Make sure to have a CAD file or 3D model ready, as this will set you on the path to creating impressive visualizations. As you explore the platform, you’ll discover how simple and enjoyable 3D design can truly be.

Easily modify multiple AutoCAD drawings in three clicks or fewer by applying basic, complex, or dynamic changes to each document. Efficiently organize your projects by managing files, creating lists, and designating specific project directories for straightforward access. Additionally, you can share these lists and custom scripts with others, promoting collaboration and enhancing efficiency. By integrating these scripts, you can handle more intricate editing tasks smoothly, with the added benefit of storing project-specific scripts for quick access. Furthermore, with AutoCAD Electrical's compatibility with ".WDP" project files, you can effortlessly load a complete project into the FileQueue by double-clicking the file in the Hurricanes file selector. This functionality facilitates batch plotting, purging, binding, and scripting of your files, greatly enhancing your computer's capability to execute repetitive tasks swiftly. Improve the time-saving potential of batch scripting across AutoCAD Electrical, Mechanical, and Architectural disciplines, allowing you to manage all drawings in a single AutoCAD session without the need to open and close files repeatedly. This efficient method not only conserves time but also significantly boosts overall productivity. Ultimately, this streamlined workflow transforms the way you interact with AutoCAD, leading to a more effective project management experience.

Electra®, Cloud offers numerous advantages, significantly reducing time spent on monotonous tasks. This allows engineers to concentrate on vital aspects of design, such as control systems, operational efficiency, and overall machine safety. Efficiency in generating and managing technical drawings is paramount for many companies striving to maintain a competitive edge, which directly impacts their financial performance. Surprisingly, a considerable number of businesses continue to rely on outdated and costly methods, leading to diminished productivity, increased expenses, and limited access to technical drawings for only a select few within the organization. By cutting down the hours electrical engineers devote to creating designs, they can allocate more time to client interactions. Consequently, technical drawings should be regarded as a crucial asset that ought to be accessible to every member of an organization, fostering collaboration and enhancing overall productivity. This approach not only streamlines workflows but also ensures that all employees can contribute more effectively to the company's goals.

The goal remains consistent: to extract valuable insights from images and point cloud data sources such as LiDAR and Digital Surface Models (DSM), converting them into vectors and attributes usable in various industries. VrThree (VrLiDAR) enables photogrammetry firms to maximize the potential of their existing teams and software while also providing cutting-edge and effective solutions for diverse mapping disciplines, including architecture, engineering, and surveying. This software effortlessly integrates point cloud information into the established Vr Mapping Software suites, VrOne® and VrTwo, making it easier to visualize and edit LiDAR point data in both 2D and realistic three-dimensional stereo formats. The four configurations available in VrThree support the collection and modification of vector, symbol, and text entities using the extensive tools offered by VrOne® and VrTwo. In today's landscape, mapping professionals are tasked with acquiring three-dimensional vector data not only through traditional photogrammetric techniques but also through sophisticated technologies like LiDAR, thereby broadening their skill set. As mapping technology progresses, it continuously prompts experts to adapt and refine their abilities to fulfill the evolving requirements of contemporary projects, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

AxisVM is a key player in the design industry, focusing on structures such as buildings, industrial facilities, and geotechnical projects. Its powerful finite element solver, paired with user-friendly modeling tools, makes it suitable for bridge design and the development of composite structures, machinery, and vehicles. In addition to standard features, users can opt for specialized design modules that cater to reinforced concrete, steel, timber, and masonry components and connections. The software also offers unique elements and analytical capabilities that support the creation of bespoke and innovative structures. Users can create comprehensive reports that include tables, drawings, and thorough design calculations, all of which can be personalized with specific headings and text. Moreover, these reports are updated automatically to align with the most recent model data and outcomes, which significantly improves accuracy and efficiency. This ensures that all project documentation stays fully aligned with the current progress, allowing for seamless updates and adjustments as needed. Such capabilities empower users to maintain a high level of professionalism and organization throughout their design processes.

LibreCAD is a free and open-source CAD application that operates on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. The software boasts a robust support system and comprehensive documentation, thanks to a vibrant community of users, contributors, and developers. The project originated from an attempt to incorporate CAM functionalities into the community edition of QCad for the Mechmate CNC router. Since QCad CE was built on the outdated Qt3 library, a transition to Qt4 was essential for further enhancements, which led to the temporary establishment of CADuntu. However, after a short duration, the community decided that the name was unsuitable and began discussions to select a more appropriate title, ultimately leading to the adoption of LibreCAD. The shift of the rendering engine to Qt4 required substantial effort, and initially, LibreCAD depended on the Qt3 support library. This transition was successfully finalized during the development of the 2.0.0 series, with significant contributions from the chief developer, Rallaz, marking LibreCAD's journey towards complete independence from Qt3, aside from the 1.0.0 series. This evolution not only improved the functionality of the software but also reinforced its reputation and standing within the CAD community, paving the way for future innovations and enhancements.

ODOP: Spring surpasses conventional spring calculators by providing an advanced design application within the Open Design Optimization Platform that isn't limited to specific issues. This software effectively tackles intricate demands found in mechanical engineering and machine design by removing the laborious task of manually inputting parameters such as wire diameter, coil diameter, free length, and coil count, which often require several iterations to achieve an acceptable result. With its groundbreaking method, ODOP reverses standard formula relationships to reduce uncertainty in the design process. By backsolving spring design equations, it skillfully conforms to the constraints set for various problem variables. Whether aiming to identify the lightest material for superior performance or to guarantee durability with minimal risk of failure, our helical coil spring design software proficiently pinpoints the constrained limits of any variable. Consequently, it not only streamlines the design process but also enables engineers to attain precise results while conserving essential time and resources. This innovative approach ultimately enhances productivity and fosters more effective engineering practices.

This software is open-source and works seamlessly across Linux/UNIX, Windows, and Mac OS X platforms. In contrast to numerous free 3D modeling applications like Blender that prioritize artistic expression, this software is geared towards computer-aided design (CAD) capabilities. As a result, it is particularly suitable for individuals looking to create 3D models of mechanical parts, though it may not meet the needs of those interested in developing animated movies. OpenSCAD distinguishes itself from conventional interactive modeling tools by operating more like a 3D compiler that processes a script file describing the object to generate the 3D model. This methodology provides designers with comprehensive control over their modeling process, facilitating easy adjustments at any phase and supporting designs defined by variable parameters, thus making it an invaluable resource for precision engineering tasks. Additionally, the scripting capability allows for streamlined productivity and consistency in design efforts, ultimately benefiting users who prioritize efficiency and accuracy in their projects. Such features underscore its value as a specialized tool for engineers and designers alike.

SOLVESPACE is a parametric 3D CAD software that is open-source and distributed under the GPLv3 license, enabling users to create 3D components and drawings through a variety of functions, including extrusions, revolutions, and Boolean operations such as union, difference, and intersection. Additionally, it facilitates 2D part modeling by allowing users to sketch a section and export it in formats like DXF, PDF, and SVG, while its 3D assembly function is helpful for assessing how components fit together. For enthusiasts of 3D printing, it provides the ability to export parts in STL and other mesh formats, ensuring compatibility with most 3D printers. Furthermore, SOLVESPACE supports the generation of CAM data, allowing users to export 2D vector art suitable for use with waterjet machines or laser cutters, as well as creating STEP and STL files for seamless integration with third-party CAM software for machining tasks. The software is especially advantageous for mechanism design, leveraging a constraint solver to simulate both planar and spatial linkages, accommodating a range of joint types such as pin, ball, and slide joints. Instead of depending on conventional trigonometry and spreadsheets, users can engage with live-dimensioned drawings that simplify the handling of plane and solid geometry, and they can sketch sections using various shapes like lines, rectangles, datum lines, points, circles, arcs, cubic Bezier segments, and more advanced C2 interpolating splines. This all-encompassing approach not only fosters creativity and productivity in the design workflow but also positions SOLVESPACE as an indispensable tool for both engineers and designers, enhancing their ability to innovate and realize complex projects effectively. Ultimately, its versatility and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice for a wide range of design applications.

VariCAD stands out as a versatile CAD software designed for both 3D and 2D applications, catering specifically to the needs of mechanical engineering professionals. This robust tool enables designers to swiftly create, assess, and refine their models, all bundled in a comprehensive package that includes every necessary feature. With its exceptional balance of performance and affordability, VariCAD is considered one of the top choices available today. The software is not only compact and user-friendly, but it also encompasses all essential tools required for mechanical design. Key components of VariCAD feature: - 3D modeling capabilities - 2D drawing and editing functions - Optional parameter support - Optional geometrical constraint support - Modeling for shells, pipelines, and wires - Interference detection for crash analysis - 3D assemblies and grouping functionalities - Surface development tools for sheet metal unbending - Extensive symbol libraries and mechanical part catalogs - Calculative tools for 3D objects and 2D sections - Bill of Materials (BOM) generation and title block creation This makes VariCAD not only a practical choice but also a comprehensive solution for engineers looking to enhance their design processes.

ARES Touch is a comprehensive CAD solution crafted for iOS and Android mobile devices, enabling users to effortlessly create and modify DWG files on their smartphones and tablets with a wide array of 2D drafting and annotation features. Designed specifically for touch interfaces, this application allows field workers to access, annotate, and sync drawings in real time, ensuring they have the latest information at their fingertips. The ability to view, edit, and annotate DWG files while on the go is especially beneficial for various tasks, including technical surveys, on-site assessments, maintenance activities, project management, client meetings, and facility management. Moreover, it integrates smoothly with prominent cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Box, iCloud, Google Drive, and OneDrive, granting users the convenience of offline access when needed. ARES Touch also offers a complete suite of 2D drafting tools, including precise drawing aids like the loupe, entity snap, tracking, and coordinate input, which significantly enhance the accuracy of the work. Users can further enhance their drawings by inserting images taken with their device's camera and adding textual notes, which provides a more thorough documentation of their projects. This multifunctional application is a vital asset for professionals seeking to maintain productivity and connectivity while operating in the field, making it an indispensable tool for anyone involved in design and construction-related tasks. In a fast-paced work environment, ARES Touch helps streamline workflows and improve communication among team members, ultimately leading to better project outcomes.