CAD stands for computer-aided design. It is a necessity for many professionals while being an additional advantage for many others. CAD software helps to create 2 and 3 dimensional designs of your imagination. If you’re looking for the best free CAD software for Windows 10, read this article.
Free CAD software for Windows 10
Usually CAD software products are very expensive. However, since most applications of this software are produced by companies, they can afford it. The same is not true for students and independent professionals. If you are one of them, you can use free CAD software. These products are sufficient for most designs. Here are the best free CAD software downloadable from the Internet:
- Sculptris
- OpenSCAD
- FreeCAD
- Draftsight
- Sketchup
- LibreCAD
- QCAD
- KiCAD
- 3D Builder
- Slash 3D.
1]Sculptris
Sculptris comes from the word sculptures. It is an excellent tool for 3D modeling. The tool is specially intended for those who are simple beginners and who know nothing about computer-assisted drawing. You can give life to your imagination by using Sculptris easily. However, the models created via Sculptris are quite basic. You would need other products to refine the design. In case you are a student or freelance professional, this software is perfect for you. Learn more about this product on its official website here.
2]OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is CAD software specially designed for those who wish to design machine parts. This is something that most other free 3D modeling software fails. Other free CAD products will allow you to create artistic impressions and not structures. In addition, they read a script file and it is not easy to modify many steps. This is not useful for machine design professionals. OpenSCAD allows changes at any stage and creates structures at specific angles. Learn more about OpenSCAD here.
3]FreeCAD
FreeCAD is software for those who want to design machines, tools, buildings, etc. Now, as an amateur architect, you would certainly have a lot of ideas in mind, but getting them out as a model would be expensive Software. This is no longer the case since FreeCAD allows users to create excellent designs for free. Find out more on the official website here.
4]Draftsight
Draftsight is a tool for 2-dimensional drawing, unlike many others in this list which allow 3-dimensional modeling. However, he is an expert at what he does. Maybe if your designs are limited to 2-dimensional designs, you won’t even need paid software like AutoCAD. Just download Draftsight and do whatever it takes. This software is as useful for businesses as it is for students and professionals. So don’t hesitate and download Draftsman from his official website here.
5]Sketchup
Sketchup is user-friendly computer-aided design software. Although the software has a paid version, the free version is more than enough. It allows up to 10 GB of online storage. The software is web based and that makes it unique. All your files, documents, models and projects are stored online. The software is fairly professional and can be used by individuals and small businesses. Its scope is quite broad. You can even plan cities using this software. To learn more about this amazing software, check out its website here.
6]LibreCAD
Libre products were designed to compete with similar products made by popular software brands, except that these Libre products are free. Like LibreOffice, LibreCAD is also very popular. The software is like AutoCAD, powerful and full of features, but you won’t have to pay a dime for it. The software is managed by a community of experts and is updated regularly so that you get the best of the best. Learn more about LibreCAD here.
7]QCAD
QCAD is another open source CAD software like LibreCAD, except that its scope is limited to two-dimensional drawings. However, it is one of the best software for 2D drawings. QCAD software is developed and maintained by a community of experts. This software is quite sophisticated and you may need to learn it before using it. Basically, QCAD is not intended for students. The software is intended for experts who understand 2D CAD very well and who want to create sophisticated designs. Learn more about QCAD here.
8]KiCAD
While most of the CAD software on this list is good for machine drawing and creating artistic prints, exceptional software is KiCAD which helps design electronic circuits. This allows you to design simple to complex PCBs. KiCAD allows color coding, 3D visualization, schematic capture, etc. This software is just perfect for anyone who wants to design PCBs. Check more on the main website here.
9]3D Builder
The 3D Builder is neither for professionals nor for design students. The software is intended for 3D modeling enthusiasts who wish to convert images clicked by them into 3D models. You can use it to separate the image from the background and use it for your design. Even more, you can watermark your design with your name and use it as you see fit. This software can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
ten]3D slash
3D Slash software is specially created for students. This software allows you to create simple to sophisticated designs, but not professional. The application has an online and offline version and the two can be synchronized with each other. It can be used for online team learning and the functionality can be used by schools when children cannot come to school, such as in a lockout. It is very easy to learn and if you are a beginner, this software is a must. Learn more about 3D Slash on its official website here.
Read more: Free 3D printing software.
