If you couldn’t already tell, we’re pretty big fans of AutoCAD here at the Scan2CAD blog. As Autodesk’s flagship product, AutoCAD has a lot to offer the entire CAD industry. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that it’s the go-to product for students, hobbyists and professionals alike. Despite its many capabilities, however, it can be very costly to invest in AutoCAD. So, what else can you do? It’s simple: take a look at affordable AutoCAD alternatives.
- Free Cad Software For Mac
- Free Design Software For Mac Like Autocad Software
- Free Design Software For Mac
In our guide, we’ve compiled 5 top affordable AutoCAD alternatives. We’ll cover prices, functionality comparisons and overall verdicts for each product.
- Features and functions: The ArchiCAD is afree CAD software for Macthat presents a design suite which manages both 2D and 3D designs and drafting, as well as provide proper viewing of the same, and is complete in both form and function. One of the rare features provided by ArchiCAD is that it derives benefit out of idle capacity available in the hosting system.
- AutoCAD for Mac software — it’s AutoCAD, for the Mac, bringing robust 3D free-form design tools and powerful drafting capabilities to your platform of choice.It takes full advantage of the Mac OS X platform, with an intuitive, graphical user interface that makes it easy to bring your ideas to life.
- Here then is our list of the best CAD software on Mac for 2020 in order of ranking. SmartDraw (Best 2D CAD For Mac) If you’re looking for something powerful for 2D CAD design but amazingly easy to use and value for money, SmartDraw is the best 2D CAD software for Mac on the market. SmartDraw is incredibly flexible because it can be used both as a powerful diagramming alternative to.
- Getintopc AutoCAD 2017 Free Download is awesome and best software for Engineering Drawing and we can design 2D and 3D desgning From this software AutoCAD 2017 Free Download.Basically we do drafting from this software AutoCAD 2017.Civil Engineer can do best designing of Building and Home From This software we can do designing 3D from this software.Autodesk Launched new version Every.
For both AutoCAD for Mac and AutoCAD LT for Mac, this includes 2D design, customization of the user interface, and much more. For full AutoCAD, support for LISP and ObjectARX®/DBX applications, 3D design tools (including 3D free-form modeling), and 3D visualization are included. AutoCAD products for Mac also create files in the same native DWG.
As we’ve said, AutoCAD has a lot to offer users. It’s one of the most popular CAD products out there, with both 2D and 3D capabilities. If you’re looking to invest in it however, you’re looking at $185/month, $1,102.50/1 year or $3,307.50/3 years. If you’re a CAD professional, these prices will probably be more than worthwhile. For hobbyists or people working on a budget, however, it is pretty staggering.
Fortunately, there are other options. It is possible to get AutoCAD for free if you’re in education, alongside other Autodesk products, as we covered in our students’ guide to CAD. Alternatively, there are free CAD packages for all types of users. However, if you’re specifically looking for affordable software that matches up to the functionality of AutoCAD, then read on for our list below.
- Operating System: Windows, Mac, Fedora, Ubuntu
- Price: $99/year
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you will definitely be familiar with DraftSight, the freemium software from Dassault Systèmes. Here in particular, we’ll be focusing on the Professional version; the free version is limited and the Enterprise version is only worthwhile if you need a network licence. While it might not match its popularity, DraftSight is a definite contender to AutoCAD. It focuses entirely on 2D design and can be used to read and edit AutoCAD’s proprietary format, DWG.
Head-to-head comparison
Fortunately for AutoCAD users, DraftSight’s interface is remarkably similar—particularly if you’re an AutoCAD LT user. If you’ve not used AutoCAD before, you’ll still feel right at home with its accessible interface. As we’ve covered in the past, it’s easy enough to get to grips with the DraftSight basics in 1 hour.
As with AutoCAD—and other popular CAD software—DraftSight makes use of keyboard shortcuts and a command line to speed up the design process. You’ll also be able to take advantage of a wide toolset and the ever-useful layer management. Think DraftSight only offers basic capabilities? That’s certainly not the case. The product also runs applications through LISP, C++ and VBA codes. If you use the Professional version—as we advise—you can take advantage of more programming options, additional drawing tools and shortcuts.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows with DraftSight. The software comes with limited spline editing features and no support for dynamic blocks. You’ll also find that some programming languages and productivity features are only on offer if you buy packs and plugins.
Verdict
The learning curve for DraftSight is far easier than AutoCAD’s. It comes at a good price with low system requirements that doesn’t sacrifice much functionality. Speed can be a slight issue—particularly for large file sizes. Essentially, it’s a lightweight alternative to AutoCAD, which is preferable if you often find yourself not making use of all of AutoCAD’s capabilities anyway.
- Operating System: Windows, Mac
- Price: $499.99/year or $1,499.99/unlimited license
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
A 2D and 3D design and drafting software, TurboCAD is a pretty viable alternative to AutoCAD. In fact, when it comes to 3D modeling and renderings, TurboCAD tends to surpass AutoCAD’s capabilities. There are three versions available: deluxe, expert and professional. Here, we’re looking specifically at the professional version.
Head-to-head comparison
TurboCAD has gone for a relatively simplistic approach to their user interface, which AutoCAD users will either love or hate. It can be difficult to navigate the menus at first, especially if you’re a frequent user of other CAD software.
Like AutoCAD, TurboCAD offers customizable tool palettes, a command line—with familiar command names—and macro features. For architectural users, TurboCAD offers tools like the wall tool and a house wizard. TurboCAD does go above and beyond AutoCAD’s capabilities in a few instances. Specifically, it offers more advanced surfacing features such as mid surfaces, organic shapes and minimum radius analysis. You can also take advantage of sheet metal design features like placement sketches, bend allowance and forming tools. In some cases, TurboCAD requires less interaction than AutoCAD with menus and commands, e.g., drawing multiple lines is as simple as clicking the mouse.
Many users, however, have noted that while TurboCAD exceeds AutoCAD in some areas of functionality, it falls behind in stability. The product specifically struggles with large file sizes, crashing in some circumstances.
Verdict
Though TurboCAD isn’t as widely-used in the CAD industry as AutoCAD, it still has much to offer. You can get a lot of the same capabilities as AutoCAD with minimal costs. If you’re looking to show off your designs and models, TurboCAD is by far the more viable option—offering photo-realistic renderings beyond AutoCAD’s capabilities.
Image source: ProgeCAD
- Operating System: Windows
- Price: $499/year (30 days free help desk support)
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
ProgeCAD—originally called IntelliCAD—is a 2D/3D CAD software developed by ProgeSOFT. You might not be familiar with this particular product, but that wouldn’t be too surprising considering there’s so much competition between CAD products. Labeling itself as “a cost-effective AutoCAD replacement”, we couldn’t not include it on our list.
Head-to-head comparison
Unfortunately, compared to the above products, ProgeCAD’s interface is a little bit more difficult for new users. In fact, it has a steeper learning curve than most. There is, however, a PDF user guide—though at 700 pages, it might be a bit cumbersome for some users.
You’ll find that the interface does have faint echoes of AutoCAD—from floating toolbars to a command line supporting AutoLISP and VBA scripting. As a product directly comparing itself to AutoCAD, it’s not then surprising to find that it uses DWG as its native file format; no conversion is therefore needed for AutoCAD files. ProgeCAD goes beyond AutoCAD with its exclusive tools and functions ranging from block library management to publishing 3D models directly into Google Earth. Free plugins are also available—like ProgeSOFT for Traceparts—and third-party applications like ProgeEARTH and ProgeCAM CNC.
ProgeCAD’s 3D functionality is slightly lacking, but this isn’t entirely problematic. Support for the product is near enough absent. If you want extensive support, you’ll have to pay more. Some users have also noted that large file sizes tend to slow down your entire system.
Verdict
With the learning curve being so steep, it can be all too easy to disregard ProgeCAD entirely. However, while the product is lacking in some capabilities—like photo-realistic rendering and large file sizes—if you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative to AutoCAD, you really couldn’t go wrong with trying out ProgeCAD.
- Operating System: Windows
- Price: $799/standard or $999/professional
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
Likely unheard of by most CAD users, ZWCAD is a diamond in the rough that will certainly surprise some of our readers. A 2D/3D CAD product, ZWCAD claims it’s the closest user experience to the ever-popular AutoCAD. There are two versions available for ZWCAD—standard or professional—both have their advantages. Alternatively, industry-specific products like ZWCAD Architecture and ZWCAD Mechanical are available.
Head-to-head comparison
ZWCAD is relatively easy to use and navigate. However, it’s not the most intuitive of CAD software—although, with practice, you should be able to get the hang of it. As you’d imagine from a product comparing itself to AutoCAD, ZWCAD is able to read and edit DWG files.
Fortunately for users who are fond of commands and aliases, ZWCAD matches AutoCAD in command bar functions. Most of its commands in fact bear the same names as AutoCAD’s. Meanwhile, ZWCAD surpasses AutoCAD with its SmartMouse capabilities. By simply holding down the right mouse button and dragging the cursor in the shape of a letter, a command can be activated, e.g., drawing the letter E starts the Erase command. It’s also possible to read AutoCAD customization files, e.g., MNU and MNS, linetype, hatch pattern, font SHP and TTF.
If you’re looking to produce photo-realistic renderings, you’ll have to look at software like TurboCAD instead. Additionally, you might run into difficulties when importing AutoCAD drawings that contain entities not supported by ZWCAD, e.g., constraints or point clouds.
Verdict
While it might not be as popular as AutoCAD, ZWCAD has a lot to offer for people who are looking for affordable AutoCAD alternatives. Indeed, if you find that you don’t make use of all of AutoCAD’s features, you probably won’t be as aware of some of ZWCAD’s limitations.
Image source: gfxspeak
- Operating System: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Price: $750/classic or $880/pro
- Interested? Try out the free trial!
Though BricsCAD doesn’t have as long a history as AutoCAD, it has made giant leaps in recent years. A 2D/3D modeler, BricsCAD comes in three editions: classic, professional and platinum. For all intents and purposes here, you won’t need to purchase the intermediate platinum version. Additionally, developer Bricsys has built three add-on modules for BricsCAD including BIM, Sheet Metal and Communicator, opening up a realm of capabilities for all types of users.
Head-to-head comparison
Fortunately for those familiar with AutoCAD, the learning curve for BricsCAD isn’t too steep. In fact, you’re looking at a relatively similar interface to AutoCAD. It can be overwhelming to navigate through the assortment of tools and features available at first. As with most CAD software, however, it just requires practice.
Customization and productivity-enhancing features are important things to look out for in CAD software. They can take you from a complete amateur to a CAD expert, as we’ve covered in articles like tips and tricks for AutoCAD newbies. BricsCAD addresses this by offering customizable toolbars, a macro recorder and a command line. If you work in the AEC sector, you’ll be pleased to hear that BricsCAD has a built-in architectural direct modeler with SketchUp SKP import, IFC import and export, and a built-in BIM database. Additionally, advanced mechanical design features like 3D constraints and assembly modeling are also available for use.
In what appears to be a trend in some of our listed alternatives, BricsCAD users have warned that the product does at times suffer from bugs in the more advanced features. Additionally, some architectural tools like a house wizard and wall tool are absent.
Verdict
As one of our affordable AutoCAD alternatives, BricsCAD has a lot to offer new users. With a relatively fast performance, native LISP support and 2D/3D capabilities, it’s hard to argue against. If you’re looking for software with all of AutoCAD’s intricate capabilities, you will be disappointed. However, if you approach it with a relatively open mind, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Want to know more about CAD software? Head on over to our CAD section for tips, advice and information.
If you’re looking for CAD software for Mac, you’re not without options. We’ve found some standout Mac and cloud-based CAD platforms for you.
You’re likely to hit a wall if you’re searching for computer-aided design (CAD) software designed for Mac. There are plenty of CAD software options for Windows—you’ll see many of them in our list of the top AutoCAD alternatives—but only a handful offer support for Mac.
And, if you think you’ll bypass the issue by using a cloud-based CAD tool, you’ll quickly find that CAD vendors haven’t embraced the cloud as much as other types of software vendors have, so the offerings are still largely on-premise. According to Gartner’s Hype Cycle for IT Evolution (full content available to Gartner clients), cloud-native CAD applications still have five to 10 years before they reach mainstream adoption.
But fear not, Mac users. We’ve done some digging and have put together this list of the top-rated CAD software for Mac. Read more about our methodology at the bottom of this article.
5 Best CAD Software for Mac (presented alphabetically)
Jump to:
CorelCAD
FreeCAD
Fusion 360
LibreCAD
Onshape
![Free Design Software For Mac Like Autocad Free Design Software For Mac Like Autocad](/uploads/1/2/6/3/126394583/334063095.jpg)
1. CorelCAD
CorelCAD offers 2D drafting and 3D design capabilities, such as the drawing constraints feature for creating different geometric shapes faster and the push and pull feature for 3D direct modeling.
3D modeling in CorelCAD (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Based on analyses of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of CorelCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.
What users like:
- The short learning curve: Users mention that the tool is easy to use and beginners don’t have to spend a lot of time learning it.
- Compatibility with multiple file types: Users like the fact that the tool is compatible with DWG, PDF, ACIS, DXF, STL, CDR, and other file formats.
What users think could be improved:
- Software reliability issues: Some users mention that the software tends to crash at times.
- Better dimension functionality: Some users would like a better dimensioning feature for more accurate drawings of angles and proportions.
Who can use CorelCAD
CorelCAD can be used by construction businesses for collaborative editing on multiple devices. It offers native iOS applications, which makes it easy for field crews to add annotations in graphics and share files using their iPhones and iPads. Additionally, the tool allows team members to leave recorded messages and instructions for colleagues embedded in the graphics using a voice note tool.
2. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open source CAD tool that works on Mac as well as Windows and Linux. It reads many common file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE.
It offers different modules, including a drawing sheets module that converts 3D models into 2D views, a rendering module that can export 3D objects, and an architecture module for a BIM-like workflow.
3D model of a building in FreeCAD (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of FreeCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.
What users like:
- Feature-richness for a free tool: Users mention that, although it’s free, the tool comes with a full set of features.
- Reliability: Users mention that the tool does not demand a lot of CPU power and works well on devices with low RAM.
What users think could be improved:
- Steep learning curve: Users mention that the tool is not the most user-friendly solution and can be difficult for beginners to learn.
- Dependent on community for updates: Users mention that modules ignored by the community tend to become outdated quickly.
Who can use FreeCAD
FreeCAD appears to be best for hobbyists and home users. It’s also good for users who don’t have a high budget for software but still want to tinker with CAD modeling.
FreeCAD could also be a good choice for businesses on a budget looking for a free and open-source option.
3. Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a CAD tool from Autodesk with design functionalities such as sketching and 3D modeling. It also supports project management with features such as task management, document management, and collaborative image editing.
Document management in Fusion 360 (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of Fusion 360 they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.
What users like:
- Comprehensive design features: User mention that the tool offers all the functionalities necessary for 2D and 3D designing.
- Availability of training resources: Users like the fact that the tool comes with ample documentation and tutorials.
What users think could be improved:
- System crashes: Users mention that the tool tends to crash, especially when designing and rendering large files.
- Steep learning curve: Users mention that it can take a lot of time to learn the advanced functionalities of the tool.
Who can use Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is part of the Autodesk ecosystem designed for the AEC industry. This makes the tool suitable for construction businesses that are already using, or intend to use, other Autodesk solutions. Using a software vendor that offers multiple solutions will especially benefit larger businesses that invariably need software that can scale with their growing requirements.
4. LibreCAD
LibreCAD is an open source CAD tool that supports Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. The tool comes with 2D drawing features such as a snap tool, dimensioning, and annotations. It also supports multiple file imports and exports.
2D drawing in LibreCAD (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of LibreCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.
What users like:
- Ease of use: Users mention that the tool offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
- Lots of tutorials: Users like the fact that there are ample video tutorials that help them get started with the tool.
What users think could be improved:
- Software speed: Users mention that the software tends to lag, especially when trying to print designs.
- Add support for 3D design: Users would like to see functionalities for creating 3D designs.
Who can use LibreCAD
LibreCAD is an exclusively 2D CAD tool for drawing and designing blueprints of buildings, layouts of parks, and the like. As a free tool, the solution can be used by small and midsize businesses across different industries, including manufacturing, engineering, architecture, and construction.
5. Onshape
Onshape is a cloud-only CAD solution that comes with features such as document management with version control, collaborative design creation/editing capabilities, and reporting dashboards to understand project status.
Importing documents in Onshape (Source)
Common user feedback trends
Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of Onshape they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.
What users like:
- Document version control: Users like the document management features of the tool, such as version history.
- Intuitive interface: Users mention that the tool comes with an intuitive interface for easy image editing.
What users think could be improved:
- Performance issues: Some users mention that the tool does not function well on non-Chrome browsers and has file loading issues.
- Lack of features: Users mention that the tool should improve certain features such as 2D drawing and 3D surfacing.
Who can use Onshape
As a fully-cloud based tool, Onshape is ideal for businesses that need to manage design documents collaboratively with multiple stakeholders. The tool’s collaboration functionalities include document sharing, document editing, comments, and file downloads in multiple CAD formats, such as Parasolid, ACIS, STEP, and IGES.
Next steps
This report offers a mix of Mac CAD solutions—from free tools that can help you with basic 2D drawing to advanced solutions offering extensive 3D modeling functionalities.
If these tools don’t meet your needs, expand your search and check out more options. To help you, we’ve created a CAD software comparison page where you can explore products using different filters, such as features offered and pricing options.
If you’re looking to understand the CAD software market better, we also recommend that you read the articles listed below: |
Methodology
To be shortlisted, products had to fulfill the following criteria:
Free Cad Software For Mac
- Products had to be compatible with Mac and offer core CAD software capabilities, such as:
- 2D drawing or 3D modeling features
- Collaborative editing of drawings
- Products needed a minimum of 20 user reviews on Capterra (published in the last two years).
- Products had to have a high overall rating (an average of at least 4 out of 5 on Capterra).
Free Design Software For Mac Like Autocad Software
Note: The content in this piece that provides opinions and points of view expressed by users. It does not represent the views of Capterra.
Free Design Software For Mac
Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.