What Microsoft Excel is for accountants is what AutoCAD is for architects and engineers. AutoCAD has become an integral part of architectural field from the recent years. Computer aided design has made the architecture industry more digital.
today’s environment is becoming more and more technologically sound these days and It has become vital for industries to match the standards of changing environment.
From our lifestyle to the modern structure that we live in, all have changed a lot. We want a modern taste in all of the designs and this goes the same for building structures!
With modern day technologies and developments, things have become relatively easier for the artists. Emergence of CAD software has brought an essential improvement in the designing field.
From past few years AutoCAD has crossed the virtual and physical boundaries. It is not just designing tool, it has become probably the best alternative for millions of architects and engineers. AutoCAD helps architects and engineers in producing 2d and 3d realistic models of the structure.
As widely used in the industry, it helps them to create a model of the structure that seems to be real. The software comes with all the major tools which can be essential for engineers, architects and drafters
The versatility of the AutoCAD allows engineers to use this software in multiple fields and domains. Be it mechanical industries or drafting, the software is embraced by every technical industry. The software is useful across all the industries
As a flagship product of Autodesk, AutoCAD gave a much-needed push to Autodesk in industrial industry. If you are regularly following up with our blogs, you must have an idea that we are big fan AutoCAD.
It has so much to offer to CAD industry and students and probably this could be the reason that it has become the ‘go to’ tool for 10 million architects, engineers and drafters.
Despite of all the possibilities it has to offer to its end users, there are some points that make people think twice while investing in AutoCAD. While, it became a handy tool for the industry, its pricing policy became a hurdle for users.
Autodesk has recently removed the perpetual licensing system from this tool. Consumers can only use this software after taking subscription-based license.
This has forced many people to look out for various alternatives of AutoCAD. In subscription-based licensing, people have to pay more than $1500 per year which is way more costly than the perpetual license.
For professionals, it can be a need but if you are a beginner or want to learn AutoCAD just for the hobby, it can be a pretty staggering option for you. Anyway, it is not mandatory for users to always choose AutoCAD, especially when they have the option of choosing alternative.
There are lots of alternatives available for AutoCAD in the market but it is our duty to choose the best among the rest.
With the experience of industry experts, I have brought top 10 alternative of AutoCAD that you can use if you are on budget constraints. Let’s move forward in the blog and understand them in detail.
- Draftsight:
Though DraftSight is not as popular as AutoCAD, but it definitely can become a strong contender of AutoCAD. DraftSight is not as complex as AutoCAD and one can easily get a grip over the basics of software with 1-hour practice.
Similar to AutoCAD, Draftsight also offers shortcut keys to its users making the work more effective and efficient. Wide range of tools allow the users to enjoy the various advantages.
Draftsight is way easier to learn than AutoCAD and comes at a relatively small price. On an average, this lightweight software can turn out to be one of the successful alternatives of AutoCAD
- TurboCAD:
With a similar price digits, TurboCAD offers unlimited license in $1500 where as AutoCAD give one-year subscription with $1500.
TurboCAD is also a 2D and 3D software that provides drafting and modelling facility to users. TurboCAD even surpasses AutoCAD when it comes to 3D modelling and rendering. The software comes with three version i.e. deluxe, expert and professional
It also much more capabilities than AutoCAD and comes with advanced features like wall tool, house wizard, mid surface, radius analysis and much more. These advanced features make TurboCAD a more viable option in less cost.
- ProgeCAD:
Developed by ProgeSOFT, the software was initially known as IntelliCAD. ProgeCAD can be a complex software for beginners as it has a steep learning curve. It can become a suitable option for users who are looking for a budget friendly 2D/3D modelling software.
- ZWCAD:
People rarely know about ZWCAD as intuitive CAD software. The software offers easy navigation and user-friendly interface. Most of the commands in ZWCAD are similar like AutoCAD which makes it easy for people to switch between these two.
However, if you are looking for software that can support AutoCAD files with entities, you might have to look for some other software as drawings with entities are not supported by ZWCAD.
- BricsCAD:
The software comes in 3 editions classic, professional and platinum. The software has gained popularity among users in recent years only. The software offers advanced options and features that can be overwhelming for users.
The learning curve for BricsCAD is not much steeper, if your basic knowledge of AutoCAD you can easily have a grip over the software.
- FreeCAD:
Introduced in 2002, FreeCAD has come a long way. With the passage of time, this 3D drafting software has brought a lot of changes and hence become a viable alternative option for software like AutoCAD and Revit.
FreeCAD doesn’t come with a low budget option however it has all the necessary tools that an architect or engineer require to produce fine quality results.
- LibreCAD:
It is an open source drafting software that comes with strong yet user friendly interface. The software encompasses similar tools like AutoCAD, thus offer an ease of working.
The major advantage of this software is it is FREE to DOWNLOAD. You can download and use it as per your requirements. Other things which makes the software popular among its heavy user base is it’s often updates.
LibreCAD oftenly launch its updates to become more and more better in the industry.
- SketchUp:
Just like AutoCAD, Sketchup has become a go to tool for professionals in recent years. It has become one of the favourite tools for architects, engineers and is embraced by different industries like design, drafting, and construction.
The software is easy to understand and can do almost everything you want. The software has great capabilities to help the user in developing and enhancing concepts.
- NanoCAD:
NanoCAD is designed to deliver the excellent experience and high performance to its users. NanoCAD offers customized and innovative features to enhance the capabilities of users. It comes with all the essential tools that will allow users to create 2D and 3D models with ease.
- SolidWorks:
SolidWorks is another leading 3D modelling tool available to architects and engineers. It is widely used in industry for analytical data management and design purpose.
SolidWorks is mainly used in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and manufacturing industry. SolidWorks helps the architects to work more effectively and efficiently.
The innovative tools make it one of the feasible alternatives of AutoCAD
As a leading training institute in Delhi, Cad Training Institute offers industry-oriented AutoCAD courses in the city. We have taken special care of the development of our students and thus offers complimentary skill enhancement services like industrial tours, workshops, portfolio development etc.
So, these were the few alternatives that you can try if you want to try something new for 2D and 3D modelling other than AutoCAD.
Do you know any other option that can be added in the list let us know in the comment section?
Stay tuned for more informative blogs. Till then Keep Exploring!
