Free Libre 2-D CAD overview

This article is for AutoCAD 2-D libre alternatives available for Linux, macOS and Windows. Other free CAD programs exist, but they generally require retraining for users coming from AutoCAD.

Libre 2-D AutoCAD-like choices include:

  • QCAD
  • LibreCAD

DWG for QCAD and LibreCAD is via the free ODA DWG ↔ DXF converter. FreeCAD is 3-D parametric modeling akin to SolidWorks. FreeCAD can import DXF or DWG using ODA DWG ↔ DXF converter.

item QCAD LibreCAD
Registration no no
DWG ODA R2021 read: libdxfrw write: ODA
DXF native native

QCAD has distinct paid vs. Community Edition features

  • DXF: native read/write
  • DWG: non-free (paid) library OR use free ODA DXF-DWG converter.

LibreCAD:

  • DXF: native read/write
  • DWG read: using libdxfrw
  • DWG write: use ODA DXF-DWG converter.

The no-cost ODA File Converter supports through R2021 DWG/DXF. ODA File Converter may be used to convert from DXF to DWG en masse as a first/last step.