BricsCAD is best known for having rich features in both 2D drawing and 3D modeling. In fact, those who are familiar with AutoCAD, especially the 2008 version, will note the similar interfaces. The huge library of third-party applications (i.e. plug-ins) can enhance user functionality.

It’s fully compatible with templates, blocks, and sheets created within AutoCAD, with the extra advantage of natively supporting LISP routines and dynamic blocks. BricsCAD also claims to apply AI-based tools to recognize user intent and optimize tasks through the Blockify feature.

Direct 3D modeling tools are available with the Pro subscription (and above), with the Lite version only offering 2D drafting tools. The Platinum edition offers more advanced features than even those of AutoCAD, including sheet metal modeling. For those looking to use the software in the long term, BricsCAD also offers perpetual licenses for around double the price of an annual license, plus a small annual maintenance fee to keep your software updated.

• Suitable for: Industry professionals
• Key feature: Compatibility with many AutoCAD features
• Cost: Annual subscriptions from ~$315 (Lite), ~$677 (Pro), ~$950 (Mechanical), ~$1,010 (BIM), or $1,120 (Ultimate)
• Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux

CMS IntelliCAD was specifically designed to serve as an alternative to AutoCAD. It supports both 2D and 3D modeling techniques, including full BIM support and LISP compatibility. IntelliCAD works natively with DWG files and allows digital signatures just like AutoCAD.

It provides an intuitive layout while still using the ribbon-style menu found in many CAD programs. CMS IntelliCAD’s built-in photorealistic rendering capabilities match those of AutoCAD and can be very useful for architectural and interior design applications.

IntelliCAD comes in various versions and, unlike many of the other options on this list, is mostly offered as a perpetual license. The cloud-based version, known as “Easy Run”, can be accessed anywhere and is offered either via an annual subscription or a perpetual license with free lifetime updates. Students and educators are eligible for a free license.

• Suitable for: Designers looking for rendering capabilities
• Key features: BIM import, built-in photorealistic rendering
• Cost: Perpetual licenses from ~$280 (PE) or ~$330 (PE Plus); ~$200 per year subscription or ~$500 perpetual license for the cloud-based application
• Platform: Windows

DraftSight markets itself as an affordable alternative to AutoCAD. So much so that it boasts “world-class 2D drafting – without the hefty price tag of AutoCAD.” In all honesty, it lives up to the hype. It’s a robust program developed by the French company Dassault Systèmes, the same company responsible for SolidWorks.

It’s said to provide an easy transition from AutoCAD by offering a familiar user interface. In fact, it shares a similar 2D drafting layer system that facilitates version control and revisions, and it also natively works with AutoCAD’s dynamic blocks. In addition, it can easily compare designs, add hardware symbols, and even append PDF files to the project file.

DraftSight Standard is no longer available since it merged with DraftSight Professional, and the Premium license includes all of the latter’s features and adds full 3D capabilities. Note that DraftSight Profesional does not include 3D modeling tools.

• Suitable for: Professionals with AutoCAD experience
• Key features: Familiar interface, dynamic blocks, image tracing
• Cost: Annual subscriptions from ~$250 (Professional) or ~$550 (Premium)
• Platforms: Windows, MacOS (Linux no longer supported)

FreeCAD is an open-source CAD program best known for its parametric 3D modeling capabilities. Although not directly supported, DWG files can be easily imported and exported via the free ODA Converter plug-in. On the other hand, it does offer BIM support by default.

However, FreeCAD is more of a mechanical engineering tool, with its 2D drafting environment leaning toward technical drawings of parts and components. The parametric associative features automatically update drawings whenever a change is made to the 3D model.

FreeCAD can be extended through plug-ins, though, so it’s possible to shape it for the user’s needs. The software is completely free for any use.

• Suitable for: Parts and component drawings
• Key features: Parametric 3D modeling tools, extendable with plug-ins
• Cost: Free
• Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux

GstarCAD is a fully-featured alternative CAD tool with high AutoCAD compatibility. It has been continuously developed for over 30 years, cementing it as one of the leading CAD software options.

The program is designed so that you can seamlessly transition from AutoCAD, with a familiar interface and command-line functionality. GstarCAD supports both DWG and DXF files and allows you to import layouts, blocks and printers from AutoCAD, making moving between the programs truly easy.

GstarCAD is offered primarily with a perpetual license, with an option for a yearly subscription for those who prefer AutoCAD’s licensing system. You can choose to buy upgrades separately or add a subscription plan for upgrades. With this licensing policy, GstarCAD allows users to only buy what they need.

• Suitable for: Professionals looking for a seamless transition from AutoCAD
• Key features: Import options from previous software, familiar interface, additional features
• Cost: Standard, Professional, and Mechanical subscriptions are available, but exact pricing is managed by resellers.
• Platform: Windows

LibreCAD is a free, high-quality open-source 2D modeling program that grew out of QCAD. It’s particularly popular among Linux users who need a free tool to read DWG files. LibreCAD is resource-light and can operate on average hardware.

The interface is similar to AutoCAD’s but is rather uncluttered by comparison, presenting a friendlier alternative for the beginner user. LibreCAD uses DXF formats for importing and saving by default, and it has a large community of loyal users as it supports over 30 different languages.

• Suitable for: Beginners, users looking for a lightweight 2D drafting program
• Key features: Cross-platform support, free to use
• Cost: Free
• Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux

NanoCAD is a multi-purpose drafting tool developed by Nanosoft. According to the company’s CTO, Dmitry Popov, it was the first full-scale CAD program available entirely for free. It supports DWG files natively and offers a familiar layout and set of tools for AutoCAD users.

The software offers Excel-style table-editing tools, expediting documentation work by allowing macros and formulas to be embedded in each cell. NanoCAD also has open sets of APIs for building task automation applications, which can be a time saver.

Both the free and basic paid versions are exclusively for 2D drafting, but extra modules can be purchased to add parametric 3D modeling tools and a large library of standard parts, among many features.

• Suitable for: Professionals on a budget
• Key features: Excel-style table editing, open APIs
• Cost: Free for 2D drafting; annual subscriptions from ~$200 with extra costs to add toolset modules
• Platform: Windows

Onshape is a cloud-based platform for product development that offers a complete set of tools from the 2D CAD stage to final renderings. It’s suitable for both companies looking to modernize their approach to product design as well as individuals who are looking for CAD and 3D modeling software.

Onshape’s CAD environment offers DWG and DXF format support, with important features for drafting and engineering drawings. 2D CAD is only a part of Onshape, as the platform includes collaboration tools and easy revisions thanks to its cloud-based nature. It also integrates support, security, and analytics into the software for fast and secure collaboration.

Onshape is free for non-commercial projects, with all documents publicly accessible online. Onshape is also available in three paid tiers: Standard, Professional, and Enterprise. The last two options provide additional features that benefit businesses with large teams, such as company-specific tools and bulk item management.

• Suitable for: Product designers, hobbyists, and businesses
• Key features: Free for open-source work, extensive feature set for large businesses
• Cost: Free for non-commercial use; annual subscriptions from ~$1,500 (Standard) and ~$2,500 (Professional) per user
• Platforms: Browser and app-based (iOS and Android)

ProgeCAD is yet another professional CAD program that works natively with DWG files and has a familiar user interface for AutoCAD users. It offers 3D modeling and fully supports BIM objects and dynamic blocks.

Its advanced features include a PDF-to-DWG converter and plenty of tools and plug-ins for architectural applications. The “artisan” built-in photorealistic render comes with a full yet expandable library of materials and textures. ProgeCAD also comes with Excel-style table editing, similar to NanoCAD.

There are two primary versions available for Windows: ProgeCAD Professional and ProgeCAD Architecture. A third and somewhat different version is available for MacOS, the ICADMAC, which is general-purpose CAD software. All licenses are perpetual.

• Suitable for: Engineers and architects
• Key features: PDF-to-DWG converter, Excel-style table editing
• Cost: ~$400 for the Professional version
• Platforms: Windows, MacOS

Formerly known as Google SketchUp, this 3D modeling platform is an excellent choice for both enthusiastic hobbyists and CAD experts. It’s incredibly easy to use and accessible for beginners, so it’s well-suited for those just entering the world of CAD.

SketchUp is oriented towards architectural applications, including interior design. Its own 3D Warehouse repository has thousands of models created by individual users and furniture manufacturers that can be easily downloaded and incorporated into your projects. SketchUp also has a great plug-in library, which includes popular rendering applications such as vRay.

The free, slimmed-down version runs entirely in the cloud, providing 10 GB of cloud storage at no cost, while the paid versions currently range from about $120 to $700. SketchUp also offers educational licenses for schools for ~$55 per year, and it runs on both Windows and MacOS.

• Suitable for: 3D modeling beginners
• Key features: User-friendliness, model repository, plug-ins
• Cost: Free for personal use; annual subscriptions from ~$120 (Go), ~$300 (Pro), or ~$700 (Studio)
• Platforms: Windows, MacOS

ZWCAD is a true AutoCAD alternative. This 2D and 3D CAD program by Guangzhou-based ZWSoft might not be as mainstream as some other programs in this list, but it’s the one that perhaps best reproduces the core features of AutoCAD.

At first glance, ZWCAD’s interface seems almost identical to AutoCAD’s, making the transition from one program to the other very smooth. The similarities go beyond the looks, as it also features command bar functions similar to AutoCAD’s, even adopting the same names for most of its commands.

Different from most CAD software these days, ZWCAD is only offered with a perpetual license. The Standard version with 2D drawing features and seamless DWG compatibility is priced at around $900 with additional 1-year maintenance. For 3D modeling tools, the Professional version is the one to go for at about $1,200.

• Suitable for: Users looking for a smooth transition from AutoCAD
• Key features: Command bar functions, SmartMouse features
• Cost: Perpetual licenses from ~$900 (Standard), ~$1,200 (Professional), or ~$1,500 (Mechanical)
• Platform: Windows