Best Free CAD Software

Top Free CAD Software in 2026

This is a task-based shortlist, not a claim that one tool wins every category. Plan details were checked against the linked official sources on October 12, 2026.

• 1. CADEditor

  Local file processing, DWG/DXF editing and vector PDF output.

  Best for: Viewing, converting and editing a 2D drawing

  Consider: 50 file tasks per day, 100 MB per file; cloud storage needs an account.

  Open 1. CADEditor

• 2. CADCraft

  Rust source and a familiar drafting workflow.

  Best for: Exploring command-driven CAD

  Consider: Early development; browser and desktop format support differ.

  Open 2. CADCraft

• 3. FreeCAD

  Constrained sketches, model history and drawings from 3D models.

  Best for: Parametric 3D parts

  Consider: Choose and learn the workbenches your project needs.

  Open 3. FreeCAD

• 4. LibreCAD

  A desktop workflow focused on 2D CAD.

  Best for: Dedicated 2D drafting

  Consider: Choose a different category for parametric 3D modeling.

  Open 4. LibreCAD

• 5. OpenSCAD

  A script-based approach to solid 3D objects.

  Best for: Models defined in code

  Consider: Choose it when editing parameters and code fits your process.

  Open 5. OpenSCAD

• 6. SolveSpace

  Parametric 2D/3D geometry, constraint solving and engineering exports.

  Best for: Constrained parts and mechanisms

  Consider: Check the exact desktop or web workflow before committing a project.

  Open 6. SolveSpace

• 7. QCAD Community Edition

  Layers, blocks and dimensioning for 2D work.

  Best for: 2D DXF drawings

  Consider: CE supports DXF R2000; DWG support belongs to the proprietary editions.

  Open 7. QCAD Community Edition

• 8. Tinkercad

  An Autodesk web app for 3D design, electronics and coding.

  Best for: Learning 3D design and electronics

  Consider: Choose it for those learning workflows rather than assuming it replaces DWG drafting.

  Open 8. Tinkercad

• 9. Onshape Free

  Parts, assemblies, drawings and cloud data management.

  Best for: Public, non-commercial product designs

  Consider: Free-plan documents are public; unsuitable for confidential drawings.

  Open 9. Onshape Free

• 10. Autodesk Fusion for personal use

  A limited Fusion edition for home-based, non-commercial projects.

  Best for: Eligible personal 3D projects

  Consider: Eligibility and feature limits apply, including limited import/export and documentation.

  Open 10. Autodesk Fusion for personal use

Online vs Desktop CAD — Which Is Better?

A browser tool avoids installing an application. A desktop tool may offer a broader specialist workflow. Neither label tells you where files are stored: read the particular product’s privacy and free-plan rules.

For a confidential drawing, distinguish local processing, private cloud storage and public documents. For paid work, verify that the free license permits your use.

Comparison Table

Choose for the File You Need to Deliver

For an existing CAD drawing, test opening, editing and exporting a copy. For a new part, check modeling and exchange formats. For a quick browser task, try a sample in CADEditor first.