3 Best Alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD 2018
Autodesk AutoCAD is one of the best architecting software that gives architects 2D and 3D designs for their on-going projects. It is available since 1982 as a computer software but from 2010 AutoCad was made available as a mobile and cloud-based app.
AutoCAD is already been used in wide range of industries by architects, project managers, engineers and among other professions as well. This amazing architecture software i.e., AutoCAD also offers an API for extensions. That simply means that you can do more than the available features. With AutoCAD extensive extensions you can easily add modern 3D rendering engine, custom objects, modeling tools and several import/export options. AutoCad is free for first 30-day trial version as every other graphic designing software so you can enjoy it as much as you like for first 30 days. You can register at AutoCad anytime, whenever you feel satisfied with it. However, in this article you will get best alternatives to AutoDesk AutoCad in 2018 for those who don’t like AutoCad. Or more like to try something new in the market.
Best Alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD 2018
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is parametric 3D CAD modeler for general purposes. It is completely open source (LGPL License) which simply means you can also contribute the code to FreeCad if you have programming skills. FreeCAD features tools similar to Catia, SolidWorks or Solid Edge. FreeCAD AutoCad alternative aims at mechanical engineering and product design. FreeCad can also be used in a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or other engineering specialties. FreeCad is modern 3D CAD modelers but it has many 2D components in order to sketch 2D shapes or extract design details from the 3D model to create 2D production drawings.
FreeCAD might become useful in a much broader area than its current focus. FreeCAD has support for cross-platform and you can run it on your Windows and Linux/Unix and Mac OSX.
Features
- DWG support
- Parametric Modeling
- Windows XP Compatibility
- FreeCAD is multi-platform
- FreeCAD is a full GUI application
- Plugin/Module framework for late loading of features/data-types
- Much more
Sketchup
SketchUp 3D modeling computer program was also known for Google Sketchup 3D moduling program. It can be used for wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, civil, interior design, video game design and mechanical engineering. Sketchup is known as the best alternative to AutoCad.
SketchUp offers 3D Gallery where you can find more models to improve your 3D and 2D drawings or you can also add your models and share them with Sketchup 3D gallery. The types of models that are pre-added in the 3D gallery are more likely furniture, houses, cars, statues, etc.
Push and pull surfaces to turn them into 3D forms and easily stretch, copy, rotate and paint to make anything you like with Sketchup.
SketchUp features
- Easy to use
- Experiment with colors and textures
- See the mock-ups
- You can find out what part of the model is hit by the sun
DraftSight
DraftSight is a 2D CAD product for those who are looking for something with more features to their 2D drawing journey. DraftSight is for those who want a better way to read, write and share DWG files. DraftSight is an easy to use and professional-grade CAD for students and educators to download for free. DraftSight is based on advanced architecture. DraftSight offers great user-interface and a minimal learning curve that facilitates an easy transition from your current CAD application.
It runs on multiple operating systems which includes i.e., Windows XP®, Windows Vista® and Windows® 7.