Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. It's used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything! Tinkercad lesson plans are ready for use online or in the classroom.
Today, the market is stocked with a wide range of products in a never before seen scale. One of the reasons behind this is the evolution of modeling or technical drawing software. Using such software we can create 3D models which will aid in the tooling, prototyping, and the manufacturing of the above-mentioned products.
However, this is easier said than done and product engineers should have the right combination of the perfect skill and software. Hence in this article, we will be looking at the best free technical drawing software currently available in the market.
Contents
- 1 Best Technical Drawing Software
Best Technical Drawing Software
- Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. It's used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything! Tinkercad lesson plans are ready for use online or in the classroom.
- Find and compare top Architectural CAD (computer-aided design) software on Capterra, with our free and interactive tool. Quickly browse through hundreds of Architectural CAD (computer-aided design) tools and systems and narrow down your top choices. Filter by popular features, pricing options, number of users, and read reviews from real users and find a tool that fits your needs.
1. Solidworks
Official URL: | https://www.solidworks.com/ |
Solidworks is probably one of the more well-known members of this list. This software is available in three versions to cater to users needs. Solidworks basically converts your sketch geometry into 3D geometry. you have a wide variety of features like Extrudes, Revolves, Fillets, Chamfers etc.
Solidworks Standard: This is the basic version and can produce the 3d design for machine parts, assemblies, and two-dimensional drawings.
Solidworks Premium: This has got advanced features like reverse engineering and pipe routing functionality.
Solidworks Professional: It comes with features like automated design and drawing checking, file management tools, advanced photorealistic rendering, and automated cost estimation.
2. Tinkercad
Official URL: | https://www.tinkercad.com/ |
Tinkercad is a 3D modeling tool which has something in it for everyone. This is completely free software. This is very useful for creating home designs. If you are a beginner who has just started beginning the fundamentals of CAD, then Tinkercad should be your go-to software.
If you are into circuit design then Tinkercad has the facility to allow simulations in the circuits to obtain the results. Moreover, you can also 3D print the designs you have created. The only flaw with this software is that you might not be able to get very creative in terms of the geometric shapes you can create.
3. QCAD
Official URL: | https://www.qcad.org |
https://cherraumyrtcon1980.mystrikingly.com/blog/sketch-49-3. It is an open source free technical drawing software for especially construction of 2D designs. Starting form plans, schematic diagrams to buildings, interior etc. can be easily built by QCAD. If you are about to 2D CAD system, QCAD can't be the optional choice.
The amazing part about this software is you don't need experience before working with QCAD. It includes 35 CAD fonts, 40 construction tools, 20 modification tools along with 4800 CAD parts library using which you can construct powerful 2d CAD designs. Give a try to this simple 2d drawing software.
4. Freecad
Official URL: | https://www.freecadweb.org/ |
Freecad is an open source software which has its main uses in the fields of mechanical engineering and product design. Despite being a freeware, Freecad has some great features makes it a great alternative to other popular drawing software.
Freecad is handy for architectural projects and other areas which makes use of 3d modeling. Freecad can create networks, 2d drawings, and other complex 3d solids. Despite being an impressive software with a wide array of features, Freecad is not easy to use and may slightly trouble beginners.
5. SketchUp
Official URL: | https://store.sketchup.com/ |
Sketchup allows users to create standout 3D models of almost everything ranging from interiors to landscapes. however, what really makes sketchup a cut above the rest is the fact that despite boasting of powerful professional quality features, using the software is a breeze.
Some of these features include high-quality lighting effects, textures, a layer manager, and animations. While it does not have a wide range of built-in models, it provides access to Trimble's 3d Warehouse which has the all the 3d models and symbols a designer could possibly want in a free techinal drawing software.
6. NanoCAD
Official URL: | https://nanocad.com/ |
If you are looking for a software to create top quality 2D designs at a fairly good pace then NanoCAD will act as butter on your bread. The best quality of free technical drawing software is the ease of use. One of the main features is the support of the DWG format which is also used by Autocad.
Hence migrating from nanocad to AutoCAD is a very easy process. All you need to do is to send the created DWG to people with Autocad and they can open the file without the need for conversion. The interface is quite simple and easy to work with.
7. TurboCAD
Official URL: | https://www.turbocad.com/ |
Turbocad is a powerful 3D/2D free technical drawing software with features for drawing, modifying, dimensioning, and annotating.
This product is quite popular among software Engineers due to its lighting effects and photorealistic rendering. You can also share your work with Autocad or Sketchup. The designs you created can also be brought into reality by 3d printing.
8. Catia
Official URL: | https://www.3ds.com/ |
Catia is a software used by many leading companies around the world for 3D designing. Using catia, you can design, simulate, analyze, and manufacture products for industries like Aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery.
Catia is very powerful and has no limits in terms of the functionalities it offers. It is not free and you can get it for around 100 dollars.
9. IronCad
Official URL: | https://www.ironcad.com/ |
This is a software which is known for its simplicity. Ironcad helps you to create designs more quickly and easily. Regardless of how complex the 3D models are they only require one file.
Best Cad Drawing Software
Another key aspect is that you only need to use one tool to bring the design from conceptualization to reality. The interface is intuitive and the triball visualization feature is great as well.
10. LibreCAD
Official URL: | https://librecad.org |
LibreCAD is a free technical drawing software available for Windows, Mac and, Linux. It has a vast community to help you with any of the issues. Availability in 30 different languages covers a wide user base. With continuous updates, new features and bugs are being solved.
Construction, simulation, innovative designs can be developed perfectly with the help of LiberCAD. Any of the questions can be solved upon asking in the community.
11. BricsCAD
Official URL: | https://www.bricsys.com |
This is a software with a good combination of 2D drawing and 3D modeling. BricsCAD can save you a lot of time for creating designs owing to its unique features.
The familiar interface style is another plus point. However, to use this software you need to pay. The amount varies depending on the version but the minimum cost comes at around 600 dollars.
12. Autocad
Cad Drawing App
Official URL: | https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/autocad |
AutoCAD by Autodesk is one of the most powerful 3D CAD tools available in the market. You can create almost any 3D design with 3D modeling and visualization tools. Some of the key features available in AutoCad are Ribbon interface which presents commands in an organized manner.
Viewcube is another cool feature which allows you to see a 3D model from any orientation. AutoCAD is the standard for every other CAD software. Unfortunately, this is not a freeware and requires a subscription fee of 185 dollars per month. You may be able to get a cracked version.
Conclusion:
In this article, we have provided you with the list of best free technical drawing software according to us. You won't go wrong with any of them but if money is not the problem of yours, then opting for one among Solidworks, AutoCad, and Catia would be a good idea.
Let's be honest, to find an application that will at least open DWG files is already good news. We even not say that they open them correctly and without incredible artifacts and deformation. Therefore, below we will tell about those applications that showed a more or less acceptable result and which you can try yourself.
AutoCAD
This application is officially released for Android devices. Its charm lies in the fact that you can create three-dimensional models. The program will be necessary for those people who are engaged in an engineering business, or for those who create models for toys.
https://software-smart.mystrikingly.com/blog/windows-app-emulator. Note that developers have managed to create a quality application with simple and convenient functionality. Users can easily not only view DWG and DWF files but also edit them. There are more than enough available tools to make edits. If necessary, the ready file can be sent immediately to colleagues or the customer via e-mail.
To start working with AutoCAD, you need to create an account. This is a required rule for the user to have access to the 'cloud' in which your downloaded files will store. We emphasize that the program works in an offline mode. Therefore, you can edit files not only on the server but also locally, if you can not connect to the Internet for some reason.
In general, the product works just fine. It is easy to learn, constantly updated and offers advanced features completely free. Android version of the program does not differ from its computer predecessor so that even the interface here is almost not changed.
Downloads: 10 000 000 +
Customers rating: (4.2 / 5)
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DWG FastView-CAD Viewer & Editor
This is another application for working with DWG files. It also works well. In terms of quality, it surpasses many competitors and is comparable with the above-described application. It has its own cloud and other useful features. DWG FastView supports working with 2D / 3D drawings in DWG format and allows you to open projects created in GstarCAD, AutoCAD, ProgeCAD, BricsCAD, ZWCAD, and also view drawings in other formats.
There are free and paid versions of DWG FastView-CAD Plan Viewer. The paid version is purchased only one-time (no subscriptions and others payments). And the Pro version is not just disabling advertising, it removes the limit on the size of the file. The application will learn how to open large files, but it will take more time and power of the gadget on which you are working.
Downloads: 5 000 000 +
Customers rating: (4.3 / 5)
GnaCAD
GnaCAD is another convenient tool for opening and editing DWG files. It opens the files most correctly. A simple and convenient interface with the rudiments of material design also pleases. The program has no limits to the sizes of the opened files and supports even very large drawings. It can open files from the memory card of your phone.
To start working with drawings you are not required to register. Also, an Internet connection is not needed. If you save the drawing in Google Drive it will be possible to add comments and replies to colleagues replicas. The app shows ads. Advertising can be disabled, but for a fee.
Best Free Cad Drawing App
Downloads: 500 000 +
Customers rating: (4.5 / 5)
AutoQ3D CAD
AutoQ3D CAD is an excellent full-fledged program that allows you to create 2D & 3D technical drawings and sketches of designs on your android. To work with the application is a real pleasure. For work, of course, it is better to use a tablet computer with a large screen.
Very few features are available in the free version. If you are a professional in your business so do not regret and get the full version. AutoQ3D CAD has support for just a huge number of different formats. The application has a simple and well-optimized interface, many useful settings and great tools.
AutoQ3D CAD is a full-featured editor for Android with the widest possibilities. Wherever you go on a business trip or university, this software will not be superfluous on your mobile device.
Downloads: 50 000 +
Customers rating: (4 / 5)
eDrawings
If you are engaged in drawings and design development, then the utility eDrawings will undoubtedly be useful to you. With it, you can bring your unique product designs to an innovative level of diverse cooperation. And this is thanks to the ability to receive and send drawings by e-mail to all participants of the design project.
The application is easy to install. It sensitively reacts to both file opening and touch control, supports SolidWorks files and DXF, DWG formats. In addition, the program supports drawing sheets and files from SolidWorks®. Plus, you can connect the animation to 3D standard views for a better understanding of the appearance of the subject.
Main features:
– opening and viewing drawings and files in 2D and 3D;
– import and export from any source: e-mail, cloud services, network folders;
– panorama, scale, rotation;
– animation of three-dimensional views;
– viewing files in full-screen mode;
– simple user interface.
Downloads: 50 000 +
Customers rating: (3.3 / 5)
FUSION 360
Fusion 360 is a complex cloud CAD drawing tool for industrial and engineering design. It combines the best that you could take from Inventor, Alias, Simulation and other Autodesk software products to create a unique environment that you can easily adapt to yourself and that will allow you to virtually design everything you can imagine. Fusion 360 is an excellent solution for start-ups, innovators, small businesses, and inventors. It is also a very important tool that students and their teachers should master. After all, it will work in the near future, so that it remains relevant in the labor market.
The application is designed to work in pair with Autodesk Fusion 360 for PC. You can install it on your tablet for free, but in order to work with it, you will need to have a Fusion 360 account. Let remind you that you can use Fusion 360 for free for a 30-day trial period only, and for students and teachers, there is a program in which this category of users can get a free license from Autodesk for 1-3 years.
Downloads: 500 000 +
Customers rating: (4.3 / 5)
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SketchUp Viewer
In this version, new tools and some new features have been added. For example, viewing sizes, animation function is available now. The program allows you to study, and also to exchange models. Models are downloaded directly from email or the cloud. The program interface supports various gestures, with which you can scale, view the model from all sides, etc. In the camera menu, you can change the focus, and adjust the field of view. There are also standard cameras, with views from the top, from the side, or from the bottom.
The settings panel allows you to switch between styles, activate or deactivate the X-Ray mode. A convenient roulette tool is able to quickly and accurately measure the size of objects with a jeweler's precision, and this function is really very convenient, without exaggeration. SketchUp Viewer cannot be called an easy program, and for its correct operation, it is desirable to have a minimum of 1 GB of RAM. Also for downloading models, Google ID is needed.
Downloads: 1 000 000 +
Customers rating: (3.6 / 5)
You can try all the applications described above for free. Then you should decide if you would pay to get additional functions or it would be enough to have free options.