Free Libre 2-D CAD overview
This article is for AutoCAD 2-D libre alternatives available for Linux, macOS and Windows. Other free CAD programs exist, but they generally require retraining for users coming from AutoCAD.
Libre 2-D AutoCAD-like choices include:
- QCAD
- LibreCAD
DWG for QCAD and LibreCAD is via the free ODA DWG ↔ DXF converter. FreeCAD is 3-D parametric modeling akin to SolidWorks. FreeCAD can import DXF or DWG using ODA DWG ↔ DXF converter.
| item | QCAD | LibreCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | no | no |
| DWG | ODA R2021 | read: libdxfrw write: ODA |
| DXF | native | native |
QCAD has distinct paid vs. Community Edition features
- DXF: native read/write
- DWG: non-free (paid) library OR use free ODA DXF-DWG converter.
- DXF: native read/write
- DWG read: using libdxfrw
- DWG write: use ODA DXF-DWG converter.
The no-cost ODA File Converter supports through R2021 DWG/DXF. ODA File Converter may be used to convert from DXF to DWG en masse as a first/last step.