Free CAD Software: Choose 2D Drafting or 3D Modeling
Compare free CAD software by drawing type, units and exchange requirements. Try CADCraft for a bounded browser task and check independent desktop options for larger workflows.
Match free CAD software to the drawing
Free CAD software covers several distinct jobs: two-dimensional drafting, parametric three-dimensional modeling and reviewing an existing drawing. Decide which one you need before choosing an application. Specify units, dimensions, layers and the format required by the next person in the workflow.
CADCraft is the ArtCraft CAD application hosted through Editaha’s browser entry. Treat this free CAD software option as a candidate for a small task, using the pinned release and its compatibility records. A DWG or DXF label does not establish support for every entity, revision or external reference.
Independent free CAD software choices
LibreCAD is an independent 2D CAD project. FreeCAD is an independent parametric 3D modeler. Their distinct purposes matter more than whether both appear in an AutoCAD alternative search. Follow the official project sources for installation and supported workflows.
Choosing free CAD software does not establish interchange with a client’s drafting system. Confirm which deliverable is needed: an editable drawing, a model or a fixed visual reference. Do not infer support for proprietary extensions, custom objects or engineering calculations from a similar-looking workspace.
Verify free CAD software with known dimensions
Create a small test containing a line of known length, a circle, a dimension and two layers. In your free CAD software trial, inspect scale and coordinates after import. Make one identifiable change, export under a new name and reopen the result in the receiving application.
Check units, text, line types and layer visibility before accepting the free CAD software output. A screenshot cannot verify model units or entity structure. Use a deliberately simple test first, then a representative copy of a real drawing. Keep the original and any referenced files in a separate backup.
Boundaries for using free CAD software
Safety-critical, regulated or fabrication-bound work needs its established review process. This guide does not certify tolerances, structural calculations or manufacturing suitability. Browser graphics and file support can differ from native releases.
For free CAD software on Editaha, export before leaving the isolated workspace; browser autosave is not a dependable project archive. Consult the app page for /editor/cadcraft/ and upstream releases, and retain a tested fallback whenever the handoff depends on an unsupported drawing feature.
Related apps
| Apps | Pinned release | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CADCraft | v0.6.2 | Ready to use |
Questions & answers
Is free CAD software a complete AutoCAD replacement?
That depends on the drawing and required integrations. Validate the exchange format, objects and dimensions before switching.
Which independent option is for 2D?
LibreCAD focuses on 2D CAD; FreeCAD addresses parametric 3D modeling. Their official sources describe the differences.