Update 12/22/16: This post has been updated with an additional AutoCAD alternative based on new software and user comments. The list has also been updated to reflect changes to these software options’ features over the past year.
Autodesk is a juggernaut in the drafting industry—and they know it. While they tend to produce sleek, full-featured products, they come at a high cost.
In a market filled with terrible AutoCAD knockoffs, it can be tough to distill which products are worth your time—and which aren’t. Luckily I’ve done that work for you and found the top seven AutoCAD alternatives.
I chose these alternatives using four criteria:
- They read the same kinds of files that AutoCAD does
- They integrate easily with AutoCAD itself
- They’re intuitive to learn
- And they won’t break the bank
By whittling down the options from our comprehensive list of engineering CAD software products, I’ve come up with the below options that meet all four criteria.
11. Microstation PowerDraft
A slightly pricey option, at almost $2,500, Bentley’s Microstation PowerDraft is a popular software choice for architects and engineers. You can create traditional drawings as well as 2D and 3D hypermodels.
The software supports various file formats including DWG, DGN, IFC, Esri, and SHP. Improve your drawings by including raster imagery, satellite pictures, and other templates using the software.
PowerDraft creates drawings, schedules, and reports directly from 3D and BIM models. While Microstation offers great 3D capabilities, AutoCAD beats it in 2D drafting. Microstation is also capable of handling large files.
The two giants of the CAD industry are bound to have their die-hard fans and hard-hitting critics!
10. Chief Architect
Looking for a building design and architectural tool? Chief Architect could be your best bet.
The software creates 3D models, construction drawings, CAD details, and elevations for residential home design projects.
A niche tool in this segment, Chief Architect offers some great 3D visualization features, home interior designs, and smart architectural objects like doors, windows, stairs, and roof styles. There’s a steep learning curve, but Chief Architect can definitely be worth it.
9. ZWCAD
Want something similar to AutoCAD at a lower price? ZWCAD has a similar interface and is customizable to meet your preferences, with pricing starting from $599 (Classic version).
ZWCAD 2017 is the most recent release and offers features such as file compare, super hatch, tool palettes, and object isolation. The software is compatible with AutoCAD and supports DWG, DXF, DWT, as well as DGN file formats. The commands, linetypes, text styles, and hatch patterns are also similar to AutoCAD.
The software has innovative features such as SmartVoice, SmartMouse, or SmartSelect that make working with the tool easier. The 3D functions are not as advanced as other CAD tools and the software currently only supports Microsoft Windows OS.
8. nanoCAD
nanoCAD is an entirely free AutoCAD alternative–and its fully-featured version, nanoCAD Plus, is only $180. Talk about a steal.
When comparing nanoCAD to AutoCAD, there are some notable differences. nanoCAD doesn’t offer dynamic input, associative hatches, library objects with behavioral properties, or operations with solid 3D objects.
However, it offers many features that AutoCAD doesn’t have. These include raster manipulations, an Excel-style table editor, and a linetype editor.
7. Sketchup
Formerly known as Google Sketchup, this is a great option for CAD professionals. Starting with a very basic version and moving up from there (the construction version is $590), Sketchup is compatible with many file types (including DXF, DWG, FBX, OBJ, XSI, and VRML) and export images (including PDFs and HD animations).
Sketchup is known for being easy to use—its website boasts, “If you want to be productive after just one day of training, you’ve come to the right place.”
While Sketchup seems like a great package, it does lack some features. It doesn’t let you use NURBS surfaces, it only supports texture files that are labeled with less than eight characters, and there are sometimes compatibility problems with importing images from other CAD programs. They also do not offer wall tools.
6. ProgeCAD
ProgeCAD is for people who want AutoCAD but can’t afford it. Running for $499, ProgeCAD boasts over 11,000 2D symbols and an intuitive interface that’s relatively easy to learn.
Want to make a new file using ProgeCAD? It automatically saves as a DWT file. CAD technicians can also save in DWG or DXF formats, and all three file types sync well with AutoCAD 2012.
Some critics say that ProgeCAD is a direct AutoCAD knockoff. The program also struggles to read 3D geometry because it has to go through a proxy.
5. BricsCAD
If you’ve used AutoCAD before, BricsCAD’s interface will seem familiar. It doesn’t have the ribbon, but otherwise it’s almost identical. The developer claims that it supports “hundreds” of third-party applications.
BricsCAD integrates into the cloud and recognizes XREFS, has a robust rendering engine, and is largely customizable. The functionality is almost identical to AutoCAD; it has 2D drafting (ex: floor plans and technical drawings) and 3D modeling in .dwg format.
There only major drawback to BrisCAD V15 Pro is that its document management tool is difficult, though not impossible, to learn.
4. TurboCAD Pro Platinum
While a bit of a pricier option than other AutoCAD alternatives at $1695, TurboCAD Pro Platinum is a full package. It has more features than AutoCAD 2014, including a smart dimension tool, 3D terrain modeling, and Ruby scripting.
TurboCAD stands apart from AutoCAD 2014 because it has more 3D modeling features—it particularly excels at creating detailed and complicated images.
Because this behemoth of a software has so many features, some users have noted that it can be difficult to learn. Their support is decent—they have email and phone lines to call—but there isn’t much support within the application itself.
3. DesignCAD 3D Max v24
Want a CAD program that won’t break the bank? DesignCAD is probably your best option. Costing only $99, DesignCAD 3D Max v24, made by the same people who make TurboCAD, is a versatile tool that will fit (most) of your CAD needs.
This CAD software is very easy to learn and great for 3D and 2D architecture. It allows users to add texture and hatching and it can produce photorealistic models (for example: furniture). It has over 10,000 symbols to choose from and the navigation is easy. DesignCAD is customizable, and when help is needed, their phone and email help team, beyond their video tutorials, is free to the user.
Where DesignCAD fails is in its compatibility. It’s compatible with DWG and DXF files, but it does not support STL, DGN, or SKP files. That means that if you want to use your CAD program for 3D printing, look elsewhere.
2. DraftSight
If you’re a student or individual looking for CAD software, this is your best option (because it’s free!). If not, DraftSight offers two reasonable options: DraftSight Professional (for small and medium-sized businesses) for $299, and DraftSight Enterprise (prices vary).
DraftSight is good for 2D modeling. It doesn’t run LISP routines and offers no express tools. That said, it can save and open DXF and DWG files, do batch printing, offers macro recording, and a huge design library.
The free version of DraftSight doesn’t offer much—it’s good for quick calculations and drawings. As you scale up, DraftSight begins to compete directly with AutoCAD.
1. VectorWorks
Are you a BIM programmer? VectorWorks directly competes with AutoCAD and is particularly popular among Apple users. The program is straightforward to set up and use, and has OpenGL rendering. It is fully compatible with DWF/DXF/DWG files, and can easily exchange files with AutoCAD and Revit. VectorWorks costs $2,595.
VectorWorks offers the complete package. This intuitive program allows users to move around their BIM files without re-rendering. VectorWorks 2014 and 2015 offer Sketch Mode for simple and conceptual drawings.
More?
Is there a great CAD program that I missed? What do you use? If you use AutoCAD, why do you prefer it? Leave your answers in the comments below!
Love these AutoCAD alternatives? Hate them? Let us know either way with a review!
The post The Top 7 AutoCAD Alternatives appeared first on Capterra Blog.
from Construction Management – Capterra Blog http://blog.capterra.com/top-7-autocad-alternatives/
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