13 alternatives to AutoCAD ready to rival the king of CAD

Looking for an alternative to AutoCAD?

Whether for economic, practical or functional reasons, many professionals are tempted to look elsewhere for computer-aided design solutions.

While the king of CAD is not about to be dethroned any time soon 👑 there are nonetheless a number of very interesting contenders for the title, depending on the needs of professionals... but also their wallets!

So, how do you replace AutoCAD ? Start by discovering the 13 nuggets in store for you in this comparison 😉.

See all software Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

What is AutoCAD and why look for an alternative?

First, a quick reminder: what is AutoCAD?

Well-known to architects, engineers and other building experts, it is a computer-aided design (CAD) software package. Over the years, it has become an industry standard, providing professionals with a wide range of tools for creating 2D and 3D drawings, with a view to optimising productivity.

However, although powerful, AutoCAD is complex and, above all, expensive (€1,858/year or €288/month), especially for small companies or freelancers.

At the same time, larger organisations may be able to afford to turn to other solutions and experiment with other tools, particularly if they are looking for specific functionality.

In fact, there are software packages that are more advanced than AutoCAD in terms of parametric modelling, generative design and BIM compatibility. What's more, some collaborative projects require support for formats such as STEP or IGES, which are better managed by other CAD/CAE platforms.

What are the selection criteria for alternatives to AutoCAD?

As we have just seen, there are a variety of reasons why professionals turn to alternatives to AutoCAD. So is our software selection 😉.

However, we feel that two prerequisites are essential for inclusion in this comparison:

• DXF or DWG file import and export, to facilitate integration with other tools;
• basic 2D drawing functions (3D modelling is a plus!).

Other criteria were also taken into account to ensure that there was something for everyone:

• value for money. Some software packages offer more affordable or even free options;
• the learning curve and intuitive interface;
• regular updates, to ensure that the platform is always up to date with the latest technologies.

That said, check out our selection of the 13 best alternatives to AutoCAD right now 🤩.

Summary table of the best alternatives to AutoCAD

ZWCAD

Comprehensive and powerful, ZWCAD CAD software perfectly addresses all the needs of technical drawing and modelling professionals. It boasts native DWG compatibility and an integrated viewer, making it easy to work collaboratively with all users and exchange data between different design tools.

Suitable for complex projects, ZWCAD has extensive 2D and 3D functional coverage. It also supports LISP applications (script automation, custom commands, etc.). ZWCAD is the solution of choice for anyone looking for an effective alternative to AutoCAD.

Efficient... and cost-effective! And yes, the tool is accessible without subscription, via the purchase of a perpetual licence available at an attractive price.

🛠️ Key features of ZWCAD

• Native DWG support: import and export your projects in DWG format without any loss of information, for total compatibility with AutoCAD.
• Advanced design tools: take advantage of comprehensive editing and structuring functions, including hatching to highlight specific areas.
• Point clouds: manage 3D datasets to work directly with information from surveying tools such as Trimble surveyors or DJI MAVIC drones.
• Dynamic block library: access a complete collection of reusable blocks and save time on recurring designs.
• Advanced layer management : organise your projects efficiently with dedicated tools for sorting, locking and displaying layers.

👱 Who is the software aimed at?

ZWCAD is aimed at engineers, architects, topographers, surveyors, construction professionals, carpenters, plumbers and electricians looking for a powerful, cost-effective CAD solution.

Pricing

The price of a ZWCAD perpetual licence starts at €699 for the Standard version.

Archicad

Developed by Graphisoft, Archicad has become a benchmark in the field of building information modelling (BIM). Designed to meet the needs of architects and construction professionals, it centralises all project-related data and facilitates coordination between all parties involved.

Thanks to its algorithmic design tools and extensive model support, Archicad lets you create highly detailed 3D objects. Add to this highly advanced visualisation functions, and you'll understand why professionals use Archicad to create imposing, complex constructions.

Finally, this solution stands out for its commitment to sustainable architecture and its broad compatibility with other design software.

🛠️ Key Archicad features

• Automated document management: generate plans, sections and details that are always synchronised with your model.
• BIMcloud: access your projects online and collaborate in real time without compromising data security.
• GDL script editor: customise your objects and libraries using a dedicated programming language.
• Dynamic links with Grasshopper and Rhino: connect Archicad with the leading algorithmic design tools on the market and create innovative designs that really make a difference.
• Enriched BIM element library: use ready-to-use components to enrich your projects quickly and efficiently.

👱 Who is the software aimed at?

Archicad is aimed at architects, urban planners and professionals with high modelling requirements.

💵 Pricing

The BIMcloud version is available from €41.67/month.

BricsCAD

Designed by Bricsys, the advanced CAD solution BricsCAD is particularly suitable for professionals in architecture, manufacturing, civil engineering and surveying. It covers a wide range of needs, from 2D design and 3D modelling to BIM management.

In addition to ensuring full compatibility with the DWG format, BricsCAD stands out for its integration of artificial intelligence technologies. Their objective? To speed up the execution of repetitive tasks, in the interests of team productivity.

What's more, the platform's modular approach supports projects of all sizes, from technical sketches to larger-scale designs. This makes it a particularly flexible alternative to AutoCAD.

In short, with BricsCAD you benefit from a high-performance working environment that is constantly enhanced by technological innovations.

🛠️ Key features of BricsCAD

• DWG compatibility: work seamlessly without conversion thanks to native DWG support.
• AI automation: save time in your daily operations by using intelligent tools that can automatically detect and optimize model elements.
• Parametric 3D modelling: design complex geometries while retaining precise control over dimensions and relationships.
• Integrated BIM workflow: create information-rich models for complete, collaborative monitoring of the building lifecycle.
• Mechanical design: scaffold complex mechanical assemblies via specialist tools for fabrication.

👱 Who is the software aimed at?

BricsCAD is aimed at architects, engineers, mechanical designers and surveyors looking for a solution that is both versatile and robust.

Pricing

Perpetual licences start at €566 with BricsCAD Lite. Subscription licences are also available.

Creo

Creo is a complete 3D CAD solution that supports engineers throughout the product design process, from the initial idea to final validation. This powerful software incorporates cutting-edge technologies such as generative design, real-time simulation and additive and composite manufacturing. It therefore guarantees higher-performance, high-quality production.

Using Creo also means making savings (on materials, resources, etc.) and reducing the time-to-market for your new offering.

Finally, the publisher offers a SaaS version, Creo+, providing cloud-based collaborative tools. This simplifies licence management and platform accessibility!

🛠️ Key features of Creo

• Generative design: generate optimised designs that are ready for manufacturing, but that also take into account your own constraints.
• Real-time simulation: instantly assess the performance of your future products under a variety of conditions, so you can quickly adjust them as needed.
• Additive manufacturing: integrate 3D design and printing directly into your workflow.
• Augmented reality: share and visualise your creations in a real context. This improves collaboration and understanding of the final product.
• Technical data management: ensure optimum accessibility and reliability of product information throughout the lifecycle.

👱 Who is the software aimed at?

Creo is aimed at innovation-oriented engineers and designers in various sectors (aerospace, automotive, electronics, etc.).

Pricing

Creo prices vary according to the packages and extensions you choose. We recommend that you contact their teams for a quote.

DraftSight

Developed by Dassault Systèmes, DraftSight computer-aided design software is designed to meet the needs of design, architecture and engineering professionals.

Thanks to its advanced technology, DraftSight excels at creating, editing and managing technical drawings. What's more, you can easily work with DWG and DXF files, so you can integrate other solutions into your processes, including AutoCAD.

DraftSight is a comprehensive package, with a range of functions to suit different levels of expertise, from 2D creation to photorealistic 3D modelling. It also includes analysis and customisation options to optimise your projects even further. Ultimately, the robustness of this software and the expertise of its publisher make it ideally suited to demanding, large-scale projects.

🛠️ DraftSight key features

• Advanced 2D design tools: create precise, visual technical drawings that are 100% compliant with industry standards.
• Layer management: organise your projects the way you want with a sophisticated, customisable layer system.
• Annotation and documentation: add dimensions, text or hatching to enrich your drawings and communicate your ideas more effectively.
• Support for CATIA drawings : facilitate collaboration with your supply chain thanks to the integration of CATIA drawings in version 2024 of the software.
• Optimised user interface: navigate easily through standard and isometric views using an ergonomic browser.

👱 Who is the software aimed at?

DraftSight is aimed at architects, engineers and industrial designers who want a complete and robust solution.

💵 Pricing

DraftSight is available from $299/year in its Professional version.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeller, developed for the design of real objects of all sizes. Because it is parametric, shapes are based on properties (numerical values, text, etc.). Modifications are recalculated on demand and saved in an undo/redo stack to maintain an accurate modelling history.

In addition, FreeCAD provides users with a flexible interface, compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. It also supports numerous open file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC and DAE, making it easy to integrate operations into various workflows.

The solution's main strength? As a free, open-source project, FreeCAD benefits from contributions from an active community, who are constantly improving the project.

🛠️ FreeCAD's key features

• Parametric modelling: easily modify your designs by adjusting properties in the model history.
• Advanced geometry engine, based on Open CASCADE technology: take advantage of a wide range of tools to create and modify objects (complex Boolean operations, filleting, shape cleaning, etc.).
• Extension library: enhance your projects with additional modules such as animation or electrical engineering tools.
• Integrated Python scripts: automate repetitive tasks or develop custom functions using an accessible language.
• Integrated rendering engine: visualise your models in high quality thanks to advanced rendering options.

👱 Who is the software aimed at?

FreeCAD is aimed at hobbyists, programmers, students, teachers and professionals in mechanical engineering, product design and architecture.

💵 Pricing

FreeCAD is free software, available for download from its official website.

LibreCAD

If you're looking for a free AutoCAD alternative, we recommend LibreCAD, an open source tool dedicated to 2D technical drawing. Easy to access, it is designed for professionals working on small projects and for amateurs, whether you are working on a Windows, MacOS or Linux environment.

The software is based on the DXF format for creating and editing files, guaranteeing compatibility with other CAD tools on the market. What's more, it benefits from an active community, ready to provide regular updates and online documentation.

In conclusion, LibreCAD is best suited to small technical projects, machine schematics and basic architectural drawings.

🛠️ Key features of LibreCAD

• Create accurate 2D technical drawings: design detailed plans for architecture, mechanical engineering or other disciplines requiring two-dimensional representation.
• Advanced layer management: organise your drawings into layers for greater control over the creation of your visuals.
• Precise dimensioning tools: insert dimensions and annotations to document your technical projects in detail.
• Extensibility via plugins: enhance the software's capabilities with the many extensions developed by the community.
• Multilingual availability: use LibreCAD in over 30 languages!

👱 Who is the software aimed at?

LibreCAD is aimed at designers, professionals, students and hobbyists looking for accessible software for technical 2D drawings.

💵 Pricing

LibreCAD is completely free, with no subscriptions or hidden costs. You can download it directly from its official website.

MicroStation

MicroStation, developed by Bentley Systems, is computer-aided design software for all disciplines, although engineers and architects will find it particularly useful. It helps these professionals work on complex projects thanks to its 2D and 3D modelling capability and advanced visualisation features.

MicroStation is compatible with numerous formats and models, making it easy to integrate projects into any type of work environment. It also provides tools for managing building information and data (BIM).

Bentley offers a range of training courses and webinars to help you learn how to use its software.

🛠️ Key features of MicroStation

• Advanced 3D modelling: create detailed 3D models to simulate and analyse complex structures, and integrate different contextual information (reality mesh, images, point clouds, etc.).
• Multi-user collaboration: work simultaneously and seamlessly with other team members on projects in real time.
• High-quality visualisation: generate the most realistic images possible using MicroStation's advanced rendering and visualisation tools.
• Interoperability with multiple formats: circulate files with third-party software using DWG, DGN or IFC formats.
• Data and information management: centralise project-related information and coordinate resources in a BIM environment.

👱 Who is the software for?

MicroStation is aimed at engineers, architects, construction and infrastructure professionals, and any other designer of complex systems.

Pricing

The price of MicroStation varies depending on the options chosen and the licences. We recommend that you contact Bentley Systems for a personalised quote.

QCAD

If you want to focus on two-dimensional aided design, you can turn to the QCAD open source application. With it, you can produce a variety of technical drawings, such as architectural plans, mechanical parts and electrical diagrams.

Compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux, QCAD is appreciated by users for its intuitive interface and fast learning curve, even if you have no previous CAD experience.

The software supports DXF and DWG formats, ensuring compatibility with other design tools. What's more, its open source nature makes it modular and accessible. As a result, it is particularly well suited to a wide range of 2D technical drawing needs and is suitable for all budgets!

🛠️ QCAD's key features

• Layers: simply organise your drawings using an intuitive layer system.
• Blocks (grouping): create and insert groups of reusable entities to optimise your workflow.
• Parts library: access over 4,800 CAD components and enrich your designs.
• Measurement tools: make precise measurements directly within your drawings.
• Object snaps: align and position your elements with precision thanks to object snaps.

👱 Who is the software aimed at?

QCAD is aimed at architects, engineers, designers and hobbyists looking for an efficient and accessible 2D CAD solution.

💵 Pricing

QCAD is available free of charge as open-source. A professional version with additional features is available for purchase on the official website.

Revit

Developed by Autodesk, which counts AutoCAD among its babies, Revit is specially designed for Building Information Modeling. It enables architects, engineers and contractors to design, plan and manage construction projects collaboratively.

By combining 3D modelling tools with BIM-specific functionalities, Revit facilitates data management throughout the building lifecycle. Thanks to its integrated tools, it ensures consistency between architectural design, MEP systems (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) and building structures.

The icing on the cake: via the Insight option, Revit provides tools for sustainability and helps you deploy low-carbon projects.

🛠️ Key Revit features

• 3D BIM modelling: create parametric 3D models and manage all building information centrally.
• Real-time collaboration: work simultaneously on the same project with the various parties involved, making your processes more fluid.
• Performance analysis: accurately assess the energy performance, lighting and many other aspects of your future building.
• Automatic documentation: automatically generate plans, sections, elevations and other technical documents from the 3D model.
• Discipline coordination: coordinate information flows relating to different disciplines (architecture, structure, MEP) to avoid conflicts in the model.

👱 Who is the software aimed at?

Revit is primarily aimed at architects, engineers, designers and construction professionals working on complex, collaborative projects in BIM mode.

Pricing

Revit is available on a subscription basis at €3,330 per year, or as a monthly subscription at €420. Special packages are available for students and educational establishments.

Rhino 7

Rhino 7, developed by Robert McNeel & Associates, is a complete 3D modelling solution. It is particularly appreciated for its expertise in designing complex surfaces and working with organic shapes.

Users also like Rhino for its compatibility with a wide range of formats (DWG, OBJ, STL, IGES, and many others), a guarantee of its interoperability with CAD/CAM, CAM and BIM tools.

In addition, version 7 introduces some powerful enhancements. These include SubD, useful for modelling high-precision malleable shapes, and RemaillageQuad, for quickly creating a quadrilateral mesh.

Finally, take advantage of advanced presentation tools, making it easier for all stakeholders to see themselves in your creations.

🛠️ Key Archicad features

• SubD: create highly detailed organic surfaces while retaining precise control over the geometry.
• RemaillageQuad: generate meshes from existing surfaces, solids, meshes or SubDs. Ideal for manufacturing, simulation or rendering!
• Integrated Grasshopper: create complex geometries and parametric designs without having to write a single line of code.
• High-quality display: take advantage of Rhino 7's improved display channel, particularly in terms of speed.
• Advanced rendering: exploit integrated tools to generate high-quality visualisations directly from the interface (physical materials, denoisers, light attenuation, etc.).

👱 Who is the software aimed at?

Rhino 7 is aimed at designers, architects, engineers, jewellers and industrial manufacturers looking for high-performance modelling tools.

Pricing

Rhino prices vary according to your status, the number of users and the options you choose. Visit the official Rhino website to find out more.

SketchUp

Well-known to professionals and students alike, SketchUp is a 3D modelling solution widely adopted in the fields of architecture, construction and design. With its flexible approach and user-friendliness, it enables experienced users and beginners alike to express their creativity to the full.

With SketchUp, you can build complex projects by exploring every detail, from simple shapes to the most advanced structures. Thanks to its many predefined three-dimensional models (over 4 million!), the process is quick and easy. What's more, SketchUp is compatible with other design tools and integrates seamlessly into your workflows.

Last but not least, the platform is distinguished by its active community (with a wealth of resources to help you improve your use of the software!) and its many extensions.

🛠️ Key features of SketchUp

• 3D design: bring your ideas to life, in great detail, with powerful drawing and modelling tools.
• Trimble Connect: access your files in the cloud and easily share them with your team and other stakeholders.
• Customisable extensions: enhance your functionality with a library of extensions available from Extension Warehouse.
• Styles and visualisation: wow your customers and/or collaborators with the extended reality viewer (on Meta Quest devices) and the augmented reality viewer (for mobile on Android and iOS devices).
• Advanced export: export your projects in DWG, STL or PDF format, suitable for printing or collaboration.

👱 Who is the software aimed at?

SketchUp is aimed primarily at architects, designers, landscape architects, craftsmen and scenographers. The publisher also offers packages for students and teachers.

Pricing

The basic SketchUp pro package is available from €115/year.

Vectorworks

Vectorworks Architect is a powerful software package dedicated to architectural design and BIM. Designed for professionals with demanding requirements, it combines 2D drawing, 3D modelling and building information management tools, all in a unified environment.

This comprehensive solution addresses all the challenges you face at every stage of your project, from pre-design through schematic design and development to construction documentation.

At the same time, Vectorworks integrates energy analysis functions, which are essential for meeting current environmental standards. The publisher is also committed to staying at the cutting edge of technology, as demonstrated by the presence of augmented and virtual reality, point cloud and photogrammetry.

🛠️ Key features of Vectorworks

• Hybrid BIM modelling: combine 3D modelling and BIM data to effectively manage all phases of your projects.
• Integrated resource library: access thousands of predefined textures, objects and styles in just a few clicks. Enrich your designs!
• Advanced rendering tools: produce photorealistic visualisations directly in the software, without the need for third-party extensions.
• Energy analysis: calculate the energy performance of buildings to ensure their sustainability and reduce their environmental impact.
• Enhanced collaboration: easily exchange files and data thanks to the many formats supported, such as DWG and IFC.

👱 Who is the software aimed at?

Vectorworks Architect is aimed at architects, designers, landscape architects and professionals who tend to work on large projects.

Pricing

Subscriptions start at €125/month for the Standard package.

See all software Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

What can we learn from the alternatives to AutoCAD?

Ultimately, there are many alternatives to AutoCAD, each with its own specific features and advantages.

Faced with such a choice, we recommend that you define the criteria that will help you make your choice. You should focus on :

• the functional coverage you really need ;
• the price of the software (watch out for hidden costs!) ;
• how easy it is to use
• the quality of the publisher's support (the availability and responsiveness of support, the provision of training to make full use of the platform, etc.);
• the ability of the tool to evolve in line with your growth, but also with technological innovations in the sector (hello artificial intelligence 👋).

Finally, don't hesitate to test the different software packages that interest you, to explore all the possibilities open to you, until you find the solution to express your creativity to the full ✨.