Best Free Drafting Software For Windows

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  1. Windows Drafting Free Download
  2. Best Free Drafting Software For Windows 8
  3. Free Drafting Programs For Windows
  4. Best Free Drafting Software For Windows 7
  5. Best Free Cad Software
What is the top free CAD software?

Best Free CAD Software for Windows – Autodesk 123D Design. There are many great tools available in the software which cannot be found in other free software. The user graphic interface is very intuitive. The tool is compatible with almost all 3D printer available in the market. The software is the best CAD tool available in the market free of. 10 Best Free Drawing Software: In today's time the Drawing software is one of the most common programs that is made for creating arts or graphics on the computer. But all of these drawing application is not free. You need to pay for some of them to use. Check out our selection of the best free CAD software tools, including 2D and 3D CAD programs for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users. Find and compare Best Free Architectural CAD Software. Free, interactive tool to quickly narrow your choices and contact multiple vendors. Free 3D Modeling Software. The world of free CAD software is no-longer limited to 2D drafting applications. As we'll discover below, there is a wealth of exciting 3D Modelling options available and many of these new solutions are focussing on making a previously complex solution much simpler and easier to use.

The top free CAD software is DraftSight. The free CAD solution allows you to effortlessly transition from 2D drafting to 3D modeling. A powerful 2DEXPERIENCE module lets you finish models quickly and efficiently.

A reliable CAD is crucial if you want to speed up the time to introduce a product right out of your design and modeling department. For one, it makes life easier for your project managers and marketing teams. If your product development team is out of ideas, having quick access to CAD libraries should help. You may have budget concerns, leaving you no choice but to consider free CAD software in the market. They may not have the awesome factor that the premium ones offer, but they're the ones to help you get there too.

In this article, we present 10 of the best free CAD software for you to choose from. This should shorten the time you need to get your business running. That and without expending more time and effort than necessary. Determine which one looks right for your needs now and consider any upgrade path that you might need later on. At the very least, they should allow you to work and save in a variety of formats to make them usable to other teams.

What are the 10 Best Free CAD Software Solutions?

If you're operating a small firm, working with a limited budget presents its own unique challenges. However, it should not stop you from falling behind the technology curve.

Two developments, for example, should play nicely in your hands: mobile CAD and the continued rise of vendors offering SaaS subscription-based CAD.

Mobile CAD

Mobile devices will not likely replace desktop systems in creating complex CADs soon. However, they are a great boon for on-site activities where teams could easily view, annotate and update ongoing projects.

Through a vast improvement in their workflow, mobile CAD can now share knowledge and shorten production cycles unlike before.

This new ability to synchronize devices and users in real time is a fundamental leap from previous work conditions, increasing productivity and efficiency everywhere.

SaaS CAD

The massive logistics challenges in migrating CAD to the cloud meant that CAD would be among the last to follow the SaaS business model. It is happening now, however, and this could only be great news for small firms that could not afford the steep licensing terms required.

Business Advantage reports, for example, that around 19% of CAD users will be using cloud-based CAD, with a predicted increase of 29% in the next 3 to 5 years. 3d building creator software.

While vendors work out how to ideally implement cloud CAD, what's clear is that in the next five to ten years, engineers will be migrating the majority of their work online. This will bring with it powerful data management solutions, intense security.

Macbook air 3 2 el capitan. One area of CAD that should see an immediate effect is parametric modeling. Engineers will fondly remember how in-context design, standard content, configurations and multi-part modeling used to be unreliable and ugly previously. In the era of cloud CAD, these tools will become more robust, helping users finish designs faster.

10 Best Free CAD Software Solutions

1. DraftSight

For up to December 31, 2019, feature-rich CAD solution DraftSight will let you design in 2D or 3D using the 2018 free version and the ones that came earlier. Beyond that, the vendor will only allow a thirty-day free trial version for the latest 2019 edition.

Draftsight allows for compatibility with any 2D or 3D DWG file. The user interface is easy to learn, helping you transition if you are using another CAD solution before.

In addition to already powerful features, DraftSight introduced new 3D capabilities in its latest update. This provides more choices and flexibility for users to design projects. DraftSight is also exploring the possibility of adding a cloud-based version of the software with additional features in the works.

Getting DraftSight makes sense, especially if you use other Dassault Systemes and SOLIDWORKS solutions.

Price Range: Standard Versions up to 2018 are free, but will cease running after December 31, 2019. Starting in 2019, DraftSight pricing for Standard, Professional, and Premium editions are $99, $199, and $499, respectively. There is an Enterprise edition but you need to request a quote for it.

Key Features of DraftSight

  1. A feature-rich 2D/3D CAD platform for whatever purpose, whether you're an engineer or a hobbyist.
  2. Lets you create, edit, view, and review any DWG files without sacrificing speed, efficiency, and ease in adjustment.
  3. Greater freedom to go from drafting 2D to 3D designs, as well as to seamlessly transition between Dassault's design platforms.

2. Onshape

Fully free for students and non-professional or non-commercial users, CAD software Onshape helps you design all aspects of design activity through real-time observation. The platform helps you improve product design process through robust CAD assembly and configurations. It lets you complete your work quickly and effectively without being overwhelmed by an unfamiliar GUI.

Clear design elements prevent you from losing track of activities. For example, simply monitor your work by scrolling through an activity feed. You have full access to raw analytics for further study. If you have different types of users, you simply need to configure your users easily as full, light, or guest accounts. It lets you monitor your team easily through audit logs, so you know who did what and where they accomplished it.

They say modern problems require modern solutions, and Onshape is as modern as you can get with CAD.

Price Range: Free for students, non-professional and non-commercial users. The professional version costs $2,100 per year, while the Enterprise and Standard versions are priced $1,500 and $20,000, respectively. A free trial is available.

Key Features of Onshape

  1. Visibility enables you to monitor tasks in real-time, a first in the industry.
  2. Enables universal access for every stakeholder.
  3. Customized roles and permission schemes let you quickly assign and reassign tasks.
  4. Enterprise edition with a single log-in process.
  5. Modern CAD and data management eliminate crashes and IT intervention.

3. Fusion 360

Free for startups with less than US 100k per year in total revenue and non-commercial hobbyists, Autodesk's Fusion 360 is designed to help you design your products and bring them to market faster than you've ever imagined. Design, conceptualize and test your products using only a single platform from start to finish. Among other Fusion 360 benefits is the test tool, which ensures your designs are complete and will work.

Cloud storage helps you get the best of team collaboration. Earn more control of your data through managed user permissions and make sure only your team knows what's happening to the design, and not everyone else. Create and test prototypes through the program, and explore possible outcomes about the product even before it hits the assembly line. Make sure that weight, performance, and part issues are resolved before a physical copy of the product is made.

If you're interested to know more about the product development process of Fusion 360, sign up here for a free copy of their software.

Windows Drafting Free Download

Price Range: Aside from the free use for startups, hobbyists and non-commercial users, there are three different terms of subscription. A monthly plan costs $60, an annual plan costs $495, and a three-year plan costs $1,335. There are free 1-year and 3-year subscriptions for non-commercial and educational use.

Key Features of Fusion 360

  1. Simplify workflow with all the tools you need available in one place.
  2. Quick generation helps you find the flaws and errors in your design.
  3. Lets you create 2D drawings directly from your 3D creations through accurate documentation.
  4. Collaborate easily with all members of the team through a single, shared project dashboard.
  5. True CAD + CAM integration lets you avoid rework, defects, and missed deadlines.

4. Tinkercad

As one of the best free CAD software around, Tinkercad is also perfect for beginners. There are Tinkercad features for any level of designer. New designers, for example, can start by creating bricks similar to Lego. Minecraft gamers, on the other hand, can test their creativity through a Minecraft-like modeler. More serious designers can create more sophisticated designs without stifling their creativity.

You may design circuits and 3D designs with ease. If you're into codes, you may design objects using codes you know by heart. Once you're done, you may proceed to print in 3D using Tinkercad's partner services. Once done, they will ship your creations to your doorstep, laser-cut and ready to be presented.

Price Range: Free

Key Features of Tinkercad

  1. Create, design, and make anything you think of.
  2. Come up with your simulation, then assemble it to see what it looks like in the final render.
  3. Design an object using code.

5. FreeCAD

As its name suggests, FreeCAD is free to download. Not only that: it also gives you absolute freedom to design and create. The open-source 3D modeler lets you design real-life objects of any size. You may sketch in 2D then transform that into 3D images. With it, you can see how dimensions affect the design. Use any number of components to complete your design and simulate how parts move and come together as in real life.

Other FreeCAD details show a fully multi-platform software that supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It is highly customizable owing to its open source nature. For file support, it reads and writes many open file formats so you can share works across your team. FreeCAD simply works, whether you're a mechanical engineer or just a hobbyist creator.

Despite its free nature, it comes ready with a wide selection of tools that helps you create and test just about anything. A robot simulation module and a Path workbench are available with the free trial.

Price Range: Free to download; always actively updated.

Key Features of FreeCAD

  1. With its open CASCADE Technology-based geometry kernel, allows for complex 3D shapes and operations.
  2. Sharpes can be based on different properties or even depend on other objects.
  3. Modular architecture allows for plugin extensions that add functions to the core program.
  4. Standard formats such as STEP, OBJ, DXF, SVG, or OFF and the like are supported, in addition to the native FCStd file format of FreeCAD.
  5. Different programmable modules that allow for a greater degree of studying functions and uses within the graphical environment.
  6. Integrated spreadsheet and expression parser uses drive formula base to help organize model data into a single, central location.

6. LibreCAD

LibreCAD provides CAM capabilities into the community version of QCAD. It is an improved QCAD version with Qt4 enhancements, allowing for better rendering and modernized support. Aside from being completely free, it comes with a dedicated development team and an actively helpful community. There's a partnership with BRL-CAD and JetBrains, which has lent their CLion licenses.

The latest version of its engine has the LcPainter layout. This improves its existing OpenGLpainter, which can render draw() codes. It is also armed with the current transition matrix—CTM. A fast caching mechanism helps you save data. There's gradient rendering to create a linear gradient and calculate the color (R, G, B, A) for each vertex using vector mathematics.

As its name says, LibreCAD is completely free and easy to download.

Price Range: Free, open-source

Key Features of LibreCAD

  1. Completely free to download; no trials and subscriptions to worry about.
  2. Developed by a dedicated team with support from a vibrant community, ensuring the source copy gets improved with each addition.
  3. Available with over 30 languages and with cross-platform support for three major OSes—macOS, Windows, Linux.

7. OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is another excellent choice for free software. Perfect for highly technical users, it's remarkable for creating 3D representations of machine parts. As a 3D-compiler, it reads a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model from it. It gives the designer full control over all aspects of the modeling process. Configurable parameters make it easy to change designs.

Two modeling techniques are available to creators: the constructive solid geometry and the extrusion of 2D outlines. DXF files, readable by Autocad, is the data format used for 2D files. The platform can also read from DXF files and create 3D models that can be saved in STL and OFF file formats.

OpneSCAD is downloadable in a variety of different OS.

Price Range: Free; accepts donations through Paypal.

Key Features of OpenSCAD

  1. Can create constructive solid geometry (CSG) and 2D outlines.
  2. Lets you read design parameters from DXF files aside from 2D paths.
  3. Import/export 3D models from STL and OFF file formats.

8. QCAD

Another open source application, QCAD lets you create technical drawings, building plans and mechanical parts in 2D. Different schematics and diagrams are available, and the source code is also available under the GPL v3. You can add to it as it suits you, or remove any features you feel you don't need. Its true beauty, however, is in the design.

The application offers a portable solution with an intuitive interface. These features come into play once you realize how powerful this CAD software is. QCAD is one of those platforms which you can use as soon as you pick it up. The software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

Price Range: Free to download.

Key Features of QCAD

  1. Layering, as well as blocks that can be grouped.
  2. Prints to scale and on multiple pages as well.
  3. A multitude of tools for construction and modification.
  4. Over 4,800 CAD parts available in its parts library.
  5. Operates using the ECMAScript (JavaScript) interface.

9. 3D Slash

With its similarity to the block-building game Minecraft, 3D Slash directly appeals to gamers. It is also free and is browser-based. The light, fun interface makes it is easy for beginners to learn 3D modeling. Intermediate workers, on the other hand, just need to start creating. The platform is optimized for use on any media, whether on mobile or desktop. A notable 3D Slash benefit is letting creators display their designs on social media. If that is not an option, they may instead opt to go for 3D printer.

You may slice or slash a cube as easy as if playing a game. A new feature lets you engrave pictures or text on a model. There's a wide color palette so you can color your cube in any dye of your choice. You get two version options: for use in classrooms or in the workplace. All formats are synchronized for support.

With it's easy to pick up nature, beginners or returning designers won't have any problem designing in the platform.

The free app gives users online storage for the web version. You can only work with 8 colors, though, limiting what you can do. The premium is only 2 dollars, so that leaves you with a good subscription option.

Price Range: low-cost plans, from Free to Premium ($2 per month), School ($8 per month), and Professional ($20 per month) versions.

Key Features of 3D Slash

  1. Unique interface makes creating models lightweight.
  2. Easy to start, easy to create through fast technology.
  3. Features are designed for both basic work and for professionals.
  4. Online and offline working platforms synchronized.
  5. Advanced features work precisely with the platform.

10. nanoCAD

With a free version and other professional versions, nanoCAD caters to industry standards. A wide variety of APIs is backed by a powerful table editor. It is well-supported by a dedicated community of people who are directly connected to the CAD software industry with years of expertise. nanoCAD features an interface that's easy to master because of its familiarity. Better still, its drafting and design tools are also easy to use.

It has various productivity features and is always updated through updates and prioritized online support. nanoCAD brings most of what makes CAD software a must-have; the capability to edit, validate, share, and manage CAD models, but mostly none of what makes CAD software hard to master from the start.

Price Range: Free version; all other professional versions come with a free trial. The other six versions include the Plus version at $180, the Pro version at $290, the Construction at $260, the Construction Site edition at $260, the Mechanica version at $300, the Construction Site edition at $600 and the 3DScan that is only quote-based.

Key Features of nanoCAD

  1. Easy-to-use platform with a great user experience, powered by high performance.
  2. Excel-style table editor with a set of different capabilities.
  3. ActiveX automation and support for LISP available.
  4. C++/C# APIs supported on top of its core functions.
  5. Plot settings allow multiple plot area setups and multi-page plotting.

Consider Other Tools that Go Right with CAD Apps

That's it, our top ten best free CAD software. One of these platforms should be the software just right for your needs. It could be in terms of fast workflows, more advanced modeling and the like.

CAD applications are just one of a number of applications that design professionals have at their disposal. For those in the construction industry, they may consider construction management software to give them a good handle of every aspect of their projects, from design, estimates, workflows to reporting and analysis among many others.

BIM software is another class of applications closely related to CAD. If you're in the building industry, you might really need this one more than a CAD platform.

If you're an architectural firm, these top architecture software solutions may be a better fit. They have elements of CAD, BIM and project management tools designed for structural outlining and visual presentation.

Collaboration tools, on the other hand, are also great partners to your CAD app of choice. It should help you handle even remote team members while ensuring that apps and files required for the projects are always on hand.

An electrical diagram or drawing is a pictorial form of presenting an electronic circuit visually. Hence, an electric diagram consists of different components: symbols, sizes, markings, etc. Electrical diagrams can be used in several situations by professionals such as engineers, builders, technicians, programmers, etc. The electric diagram helps understand the overall electrical plan, how much it will cost, and what material will be required.

There are many ways of making an electrical drawing, but online electrical drawing software is a quick, easy, and convenient option. Today, we will talk about 7 of the best electrical drawing software to use in 2021.

7 Best Electrical Drawing Software

Here are the top 7 electrical drawing software which you can use quickly and easily.

1. EdrawMax

With the help of EdrawMax, you can create professional electric drawings, whether you are an electrician, engineer, programmer, or builder. Use the best professional electrical drawing software of Edraw and make electrical drawings quickly and easily. It contains all the essential tools and components needed to create a detailed professional electrical diagram. You can also use different templates.

EdrawMax is a user-friendly drawing tool available for all operating systems and accessible on all browsers. What makes EdrawMax one of the best electrical drawing software is that it is super quick, easy, and fun to use.

Supports all terminals
For
Easy registration
Written and Video tutorials
Support to save documents in Google Drive and Dropbox

Pricing:

  • Online Tool: Free
  • Perpetual License: $139
  • Lifetime License: $179
  • Annual Subscription: $99

Supported Systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, and Web.

Software Tool URL: https://www.edrawsoft.com/edraw-max/

2. ETAP

ETAP or Electrical Power System Analysis Software is an excellent tool for making electrical diagrams of different electric power systems. It contains many tools for automation, optimization, simulation, and analysis. With the help of ETAP, professionals can create detailed and lengthy electric drawings accurately.

As an excellent electrical drawing software, it contains CAD tools for advanced drawings. However, one drawback of ETAP is that it is only accessible on Windows and does not offer a free offline version.

Professional-level tools
Desktop App available
Not free

Pricing: Custom pricing.

Best Free Drafting Software For Windows 8

Software Tool URL: https://etap.com/

3. AutoCAD Electrical

AutoCAD Electrical is a drawing tool by Autodesk to create a wide range of electrical drawings using specially developed drawing tools to enhance electrical engineers' productivity. Technicians and engineers use this tool to make a detailed drawing using different features of AutoCAD.

However, AutoCAD Electrical is a sophisticated tool not suitable for all users, especially beginners. It also lacks premade templates or samples. Hence, it is ideal for experienced professionals who are looking for a pro tool.

Available for Mac and Window
No templates

Pricing:

  • Monthly: $200
  • Annual: $1,610
  • Three years: $4,345

Software Tool URL: https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/included-toolsets/autocad-electrical

4. SolidWorks Electrical Schematics

SolidWorks Electrical Schematics is a professional drawing software for collaborative diagram and design tools which can be used to make complete electrical systems. With the help of the symbol library, 3D manufacturing parts, and component models, you can create a pro electric drawing using this software.

SolidWorks Electrical Schematics offers no free version, but it does provide a free trial before you purchase this tool. All in all, it is an excellent tool with many positive reviews from its users.

Available for Mac and Windows
Not free

Pricing: Custom pricing.

Software Tool URL: https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-electrical-schematics

Free Drafting Programs For Windows

5. Electra E8

Electra E8 is an easy, rapid, and affordable tool for electrical dawning. This electrical drawing software very useful and powerful. It allows you to create professional engineering diagrams as easy as possible, whether it's electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic.

Electra E8 is a paid tool that can be used on a desktop without any limitations. However, there is no online version, but you can get a free trial. This software also contains other CAD tools for all professionals.

Free trial available
No online version

Pricing:

  • Professional (Perpetual license): $2098 (one-time payment)
  • Enterprise (Perpetual License): $2398 (One-time payment)
  • Enterprise (Monthly): $79/month
  • Enterprise (Annually): $828/year

Software Tool URL: https://radicasoftware.com/index.php

6. ProfiCAD

ProfiCAD or Electrical CAD Software is a drawing tool specially designed for electrical diagrams as it contains many drawing tools for circuit boards. This electrical drawing software is straightforward to use and comes with great features. With the help of ProfiCAD, you can create many technical diagrams, including pneumatics and hydraulics.

Drafting
Easy registration
Written and Video tutorials
Support to save documents in Google Drive and Dropbox

Pricing:

  • Online Tool: Free
  • Perpetual License: $139
  • Lifetime License: $179
  • Annual Subscription: $99

Supported Systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, and Web.

Software Tool URL: https://www.edrawsoft.com/edraw-max/

2. ETAP

ETAP or Electrical Power System Analysis Software is an excellent tool for making electrical diagrams of different electric power systems. It contains many tools for automation, optimization, simulation, and analysis. With the help of ETAP, professionals can create detailed and lengthy electric drawings accurately.

As an excellent electrical drawing software, it contains CAD tools for advanced drawings. However, one drawback of ETAP is that it is only accessible on Windows and does not offer a free offline version.

Professional-level tools
Desktop App available
Not free

Pricing: Custom pricing.

Best Free Drafting Software For Windows 8

Software Tool URL: https://etap.com/

3. AutoCAD Electrical

AutoCAD Electrical is a drawing tool by Autodesk to create a wide range of electrical drawings using specially developed drawing tools to enhance electrical engineers' productivity. Technicians and engineers use this tool to make a detailed drawing using different features of AutoCAD.

However, AutoCAD Electrical is a sophisticated tool not suitable for all users, especially beginners. It also lacks premade templates or samples. Hence, it is ideal for experienced professionals who are looking for a pro tool.

Available for Mac and Window
No templates

Pricing:

  • Monthly: $200
  • Annual: $1,610
  • Three years: $4,345

Software Tool URL: https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/included-toolsets/autocad-electrical

4. SolidWorks Electrical Schematics

SolidWorks Electrical Schematics is a professional drawing software for collaborative diagram and design tools which can be used to make complete electrical systems. With the help of the symbol library, 3D manufacturing parts, and component models, you can create a pro electric drawing using this software.

SolidWorks Electrical Schematics offers no free version, but it does provide a free trial before you purchase this tool. All in all, it is an excellent tool with many positive reviews from its users.

Available for Mac and Windows
Not free

Pricing: Custom pricing.

Software Tool URL: https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-electrical-schematics

Free Drafting Programs For Windows

5. Electra E8

Electra E8 is an easy, rapid, and affordable tool for electrical dawning. This electrical drawing software very useful and powerful. It allows you to create professional engineering diagrams as easy as possible, whether it's electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic.

Electra E8 is a paid tool that can be used on a desktop without any limitations. However, there is no online version, but you can get a free trial. This software also contains other CAD tools for all professionals.

Free trial available
No online version

Pricing:

  • Professional (Perpetual license): $2098 (one-time payment)
  • Enterprise (Perpetual License): $2398 (One-time payment)
  • Enterprise (Monthly): $79/month
  • Enterprise (Annually): $828/year

Software Tool URL: https://radicasoftware.com/index.php

6. ProfiCAD

ProfiCAD or Electrical CAD Software is a drawing tool specially designed for electrical diagrams as it contains many drawing tools for circuit boards. This electrical drawing software is straightforward to use and comes with great features. With the help of ProfiCAD, you can create many technical diagrams, including pneumatics and hydraulics.

It is a great tool for beginners and students as all you have to do is add symbols and attach the connecting wires. Electrical CAD Software can be used at home as well as commercial software. Download the app to start using it.

Easy interface
No online version

Pricing:

  • Single User: $277
  • School License: $277
  • Website License: $877

Software Tool URL: https://www.proficad.com/ Best hp scanner software.

7. SmartDraw

SmartDraw is a practical diagramming tool for all purposes, whether you want to create charts, graphs, infographics, or illustrations. You can use this multipurpose drawing tool to make professional-level content for any purpose. Similarly, you can also use SmartDraw to create engineering drawings such as electrical diagrams. Hence, SmartDraw also works as electrical drawing software.

SmartDraw has more than 4500 different templates and CAD-like drawing abilities. This circuit diagram maker is not free and requires account registration.

Different templates available
Expensive
Not available for Mac or Linux

Pricing:

  • Single User: $277
  • School License: $277
  • Website License: $877

Software Tool URL: https://www.smartdraw.com/

Compare and Pick Up Your Electrical Drawing Software

Best Free Drafting Software For Windows 7

As stated earlier, making an electrical drawing or any technical diagram on your own is quite hard. Such drawing is very complex and requires a high level of understanding. To create professional-level drawings, we have many useful digital tools today. Hence, there are also many electrical drawing software available out there, and we have listed the best ones for you.

However, picking the right one for you is not as easy as all the tools mentioned above come with their features and benefits. While some are great for all purposes, others are only suitable for engineering drawing. Similarly, some are good for beginners, while some are a better choice for professionals. With that being said, there is one tool in the list above that takes a slight edge over the others and that is, EdrawMax.

EdrawMax is the ultimate graphics tool for all your drawing needs as you can create any visual content using this tool – graphs, charts, diagrams, technical drawings, illustrations, storyboards, infographics, and more! The electrical drawing software of Edraw is free, comes with advanced drawing tools, a custom symbols library, free templates, and many beneficial features.

Best Free Cad Software

To put it in simple words, EdrawMax is the one-stop-shop for all your digital drawing needs!





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