8 Free and useful computer-aided design software

1 . Archimedes

Archimedes is an open source Computer-aided design (CAD) software that mainly focus on architectural design. Its Features include Basic drawing tools, Advanced CAD, Hand drawing easily exported in scalable vector graphics (SVG) format,Autosave functionality.

2. BRL-CAD

BRL-CAD is an open source cross-platform CAD system based on constructive solid geometry (CSG) modeling system that includes interactive 3D solid geometry editing, high-performance ray tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, image and signal-processing tools, network-distributed frame buffer support.

3. Free CAD

FreeCAD is an open source Multi-platform 3D CAD modeler with advanced Motion Simulation capabilities.It mainly focus on mechanical engineering and product design but also fits in a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or other engineering specialties.

4. HeeksCAD

HeeksCAD is specially designed to give some useful features such as Import solid models from STEP and IGES files. Draw construction geometry and lines and arcs. Create new primitive solids, or make solids by extruding a sketch or by making a lofted solid between sketches. Modify solids using blending, or boolean operations.

5.MeshLab

MeshLab is an open source, portable, and extensible system for the processing and editing of unstructured 3D triangular meshes.

Its features include Interactive selection and deletion of the portion of the mesh. Even for large models, Painting interface for selecting, smoothing and coloring meshes, Easy to Input/output in many formats.

6. Misfit Model 3D

Misfit Model 3D is an OpenGL-based 3D model editor that works with triangle-based models. It supports multi-level undo, skeletal animations, texturing mapping, scripting, command-line batch processing and a plugin system for adding new features.

7. Open CASCADE

Open CASCADE is a powerful CAD/CAM/CAE kernel and development platform for 3D modeling applications. It consists of reusable C++ object libraries and a set of development tools that are available in Open Source.

8. QCAD – 2D 

QCAD is a Multi-platform CAD software Suite specially designed for 2D design and drafting. it’s powerful yet easy to use 2D CAD program for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X and uses the AutoCAD DXF file format internally as its standard file format.