Best Free & Open Source CAD Software

Top Open Source CAD Tools in 2026

These 11 choices cover different jobs. The order is a reading guide, not a benchmark score; a PCB tool and a floor-plan editor solve different problems.

• 1. CADCraft

  Rust source and a familiar drafting workflow.

  Best for: Exploring command-driven CAD

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

  Open 1. CADCraft

• 2. 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 2. FreeCAD

• 3. LibreCAD

  A desktop workflow focused on 2D CAD.

  Best for: Dedicated 2D drafting

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

  Open 3. LibreCAD

• 4. 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 4. QCAD Community Edition

• 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. BRL-CAD

  Geometry editing, solid modeling and ray-based geometric analysis.

  Best for: Solid modeling and analysis

  Consider: Its analysis-oriented workflow may require more setup than a quick viewer.

  Open 7. BRL-CAD

• 8. KiCad

  Schematic capture, PCB layout and a board 3D viewer.

  Best for: Electronic schematics and PCBs

  Consider: A specialist electrical-design tool, not a general DWG editor.

  Open 8. KiCad

• 9. Open CAD Studio

  Rust-based 2D drafting and 3D modeling with a shared desktop and browser core.

  Best for: DWG/DXF drafting across desktop and web

  Consider: Actively developed; PDF output is documented for desktop. Verify the exact browser workflow.

  Open 9. Open CAD Studio

• 10. SALOME

  Parametric shapes, meshing and scientific visualization.

  Best for: Geometry for numerical simulation

  Consider: A broader simulation preparation environment than a simple drafting tool.

  Open 10. SALOME

• 11. Dune 3D

  2D/3D sketches, constraints and STEP/STL output.

  Best for: Constrained 3D CAD

  Consider: Its listed platforms and exchange formats may not match a DWG-centered workflow.

  Open 11. Dune 3D

CADCraft: The New Open-Source CAD on the Block

CADCraft is worth examining for its Rust codebase and command-oriented interface. The upstream format matrix documents browser limitations and incomplete file preservation, so test a copy of your drawing before choosing a workflow.

Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right CAD Tool

Start with the file you must deliver. Then check the required dimensions, object types, platform and license. For a replacement, reopen an exported drawing in the recipient’s software; a file that merely opens is not a complete compatibility test.