CAD software helps architects, engineers, and construction professionals to design and document their ideas. It puts innovation at their fingertips, enabling them to create a database of designs for production and shorten product life cycles.
Professional cad software requires powerful workstations, but for students, startups and hobbyists who don’t want to invest in it, there are a few good free options. Selecting the best one is dependent on the type of part you are designing and your skill level.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free 3D modeling program that’s easy to use and available on any device. It’s perfect for beginners, but it can also be used by advanced 3D artists and professionals.
Based on constructive solid geometry (CSG), Tinkercad allows users to create complex models from simpler objects. This makes it a great tool for kids, teachers, and hobbyists.
Its simple interface and library of premade shapes make it easy to get started. Plus, it’s safe for designers of all ages and kidSAFE certified.
Leopoly
Leopoly is a cloud-based, 3D modeling/CAD software solution. It is designed to help people build 3D models and prepare them for 3D printing.
It is easy to use and has a range of features to support beginners. It also has a built-in library of projects for users to start with and build upon.
The software is free and available on a variety of platforms including iOS, macOS, and Windows. It is ideal for students and educators who may not be able to afford CAD software on a subscription license.
3D Slash
If you’re looking for a simple and fun-filled tool to help kids learn about 3D modeling, look no further than 3D Slash. This software is designed specifically with children and schools in mind, Check out this site.
It offers a simple interface that’s accessible even for non-designers and a wide color palette to paint your model with. It also has a web-based version so that users can work on their 3D models on tablets and smartphones.
3D Slash has an impressive array of features that make it a great option for all kinds of CAD projects. It’s not just good for industrial designs, but can also be used for mechanical engineering and product design.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a general-purpose parametric 3D computer-aided design (CAD) modeler and building information modeling (BIM) software application. It is similar to SolidWorks, Catia, Solid Edge, and NX.
It is a highly versatile application that can be used by designers, engineers, architects, and students alike. It is available on Mac, Linux, and Windows operating systems and supports open file formats including STEP, IGES, DXF, and OBJ.
It is a parametric CAD program, which means that it focuses on establishing the shapes and constraints of the models being designed. It is therefore suited for projects where precision is of the utmost importance.
Onshape
Onshape is a web-based computer-aided design (CAD) software program that allows users to collaborate on a single model. It is designed for a variety of industries such as machine design, medical devices, and engineering.
Onshape offers a free version for design students, and it has a paid subscription option for professional designers. Onshape also provides excellent support through its official website and through video tutorials.
Onshape is an effective product development software that combines CAD, data management, simulation, and PCB design. Its real-time collaboration tools allow teams to edit and interact with designs simultaneously.
Blender
Blender is a free, open source 3D computer graphics software tool set used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, video games, interactive 3D applications and virtual reality.
The program offers tools for 3D modeling, compositing, animation, rendering and motion graphics. It has been adopted by independent artists and small studios as a production tool.
It can be used for animation, rigging, surfacing, texturing, and lighting. It also includes a grease pencil tool that allows you to draw in 2D space as well as 3D.
Draftsight
DraftSight is a free cad software that offers a variety of features to improve your productivity. The program is designed by Dassault Systemes and can be downloaded on both Windows and macOS computers.
It has a familiar interface that makes it easy to transition from other CAD programs. It also comes with various formatting and editing tools to help you create 2D drawings.
Summary:
Architects, engineers and construction service providers, as well as professional CAD users, designers, educators and hobbyists use DraftSight to design and build. It’s a powerful 2D and 3D drafting and modeling solution.