QCAD
QCAD is a free and open-source 2D CAD (Computer-Aided Drafting) application designed for creating various technical drawings such as architectural plans, mechanical pa…
Our verdict
Who it's for
Open-source 2D CAD software for technical drawings and computer-aided manufacturing.
Who should look elsewhere
Advanced CAM features are part of a paid professional version.
Pros
- +Free and open-source for basic 2D CAD functionality.
- +Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- +Intuitive user interface, easy for beginners to learn.
- +Extensible with a powerful ECMAScript scripting interface.
- +QCAD/CAM offers advanced G-Code generation for CNC machines.
Cons
- −Advanced CAM features are part of a paid professional version.
- −Primarily focused on 2D, not suitable for 3D design.
Key features
- ✓Layers
- ✓Blocks (grouping)
- ✓35 CAD fonts and TrueType font support
- ✓DXF and DWG input and output
- ✓Printing to scale and on multiple pages
- ✓Over 40 construction tools
- ✓Over 20 modification tools
- ✓Construction and modification of points, lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, splines, polylines, texts, dimensions, hatches, fills, raster images
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Billing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | — | month | Layers; Blocks (grouping); 35 CAD fonts included |