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Autodesk’s AutoCAD is an industry-standard for high-end CAD designing. But does that make it the right CAD tool for your construction business?
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- Autocad Programs Free
- Free Autocad Software Online
- Free Autocad Like Software
Other interesting Online alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD are Onshape (Free Personal), AutoCAD 360 (Freemium), 3D Orchard (Free) and Packly (Free). Professional 2D and 3D CAD software with specialized tools for use across design and engineering disciplines. Legal disclosures. Autodesk makes software and services available on a licensed or subscription basis. Rights to install, access, or otherwise use Autodesk software and services (including free software or services) are limited to license rights and services entitlements expressly granted by Autodesk in the applicable license or service agreement and are subject to acceptance of and compliance. Access AutoCAD® in the web browser on any computer. With the AutoCAD web app, you can edit, create, and view CAD drawings and DWG files anytime, anywhere. Looking for reliable AutoCAD Map 3D alternatives? Find out which similar solutions are better according to industry experts and actual users. Easily compare features, pricing and integrations of 2020 market leaders and quickly compile a list of solutions worth trying out.
Autodesk is a juggernaut in the industrial drafting solutions market. And its products are the go-to tools for many types of professionals, including product designers, architects, and instrumentation engineers.
The company’s AutoCAD is a popular tool in the construction industry, offering features such as 3D modeling and parametric constraints. But big things have long shadows; in AutoCAD’s case it’s the $1,610 per user per year price tag. It’s a fairly expensive option, especially for small construction firms.
If you’re looking for a less expensive software option, the fact that the market is fraught with terrible AutoCAD knockoffs doesn’t help either.
So, we’ve done the research to bring you the top four AutoCAD alternatives. Read on to learn about the key capabilities and pricing of the top four AutoCAD alternatives for construction businesses.
This article looks at four highly rated AutoCAD alternatives. See the full list of AutoCAD alternatives here
How we selected the best AutoCAD alternatives
Products are listed in alphabetical order. To make the list, products had to meet the following criteria:
- Core AutoCAD capabilities: The product had to offer similar 2D and 3D modeling capabilities and support similar file types to AutoCAD.
- Minimum of 20 user reviews published on Capterra’s site in the last two years: Recent reviews help us analyze the pros and cons of the alternatives.
- High “likelihood to recommend” rating: The product should have an average recommendation rating of at least 8 out of 10 on Capterra.
- High “features and functionality” rating: The product must have a minimum functionality rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Capterra.
1. FreeCAD: Open source parametric 3D CAD modeler
Recommendation rating:8.1/10 Features & functionality rating:4.2/5.0 Reviews:71 |
FreeCAD comes with capabilities such as 3D parametric modeling, robot simulation, 2D drawing and sketching, and a rendering module for creating high-quality 3D images.
The tool is suitable for a wide range of uses in manufacturing and engineering industries. However, construction businesses can also use it to create floor plans or to design 3D building models.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Users like the tool’s many features, considering it’s completely free to use for commercial purposes. | Users mention that certain modules can become outdated when there are no updates from the community. |
Users also like the fact that the tool is lightweight and works on most systems, even those with low RAM, without crashing. | Users also say that there is a steep learning curve. |
How much does FreeCAD cost? | |
FreeCAD is an open-source solution and can be freely downloaded for use on platforms such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. |
3D modeling of a building in FreeCAD(Source)
2. SketchUp: Intuitive 3D modeling
Recommendation rating:9.6/10 Features & functionality rating:4.8/5.0 Reviews:128 |
SketchUp helps users draw 2D construction plans as well as 3D models of buildings. Along with design-related features, the tool offers features for document management with support for numerous file types (including DXF, DWG, FBX, OBJ, XSI, and VRML) and the facility to export images (including PDFs and HD animations).
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Users mention that the tool has a short learning curve. | Users mention the tool is not suitable for large-scale designs that require parametric modeling. |
Users like the intuitive interface that makes direct 3D modeling easy. | Users say the tool lacks functionalities and relies heavily on plugins, which come at an additional cost. |
How much does SketchUp cost? | |
SketchUp’s cloud-based version offers a basic free plan for personal use; the paid plans start at $119 per user per year. The on-premise version is priced at $695 (one-time license fee), with an additional $120 for annual upgrades. |
3D construction plan design in SketchUp (Source)
3. SolidWorks Premium: Full-featured CAD tool
Recommendation rating:8.6/10 Features & functionality rating:4.5/5.0 Reviews:324 |
SolidWorks Premium is a good option for 3D sketchers who want CAD software for detailed design work. The tool comes with extensive design features that allow for creating 2D drawings and 3D models. The tool also supports document management (with version control) for building a repository of up-to-date designs.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Users like the tool’s wide set of functionalities for 3D modeling. | User mention that the software is buggy and prone to crashes. |
Users like the vendor’s exhaustive training resources. | Users mention that the software is incompatible with any operating software beside Windows. |
How much does SolidWorks Premium cost? | |
SolidWorks Premium’s license costs and terms of use vary based on whether you’re using it for commercial or academic purposes. The student version is $150 for a 12-month term-of-use license fee; the commercial pricing is customized based on a business’s specific needs. |
3D image design in SolidWorks (Source)
4. Vectorworks Architect: Suitable for BIM modeling
Recommendation rating:8.0/10 Features & functionality rating:4.4/5.0 Reviews:25 |
Vectorworks Architect offers capabilities such as 2D drawing, 3D modeling, and building information modeling (BIM). As its name suggests, the tool is designed to help architects; it allows building 3D construction site models, drawing site blueprints, and designing digital walk-through presentations.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Users like the tool’s capabilities to integrate with other CAD solutions. | Users say the tool comes with a steep learning curve. |
Users also like the tool’s capabilities for creating high quality graphics. | Users mention that the tool can become slow on computers running on fewer than 4GB RAM. |
How much does Vectorworks Architect cost? | |
Vectorworks Architect offers only custom pricing for the software with a free 30-day trial period. |
Designing stairs in Vectorworks (Source)
What other great CAD options are out there?
Is there a great CAD program that we’ve missed? What do you use? If you use AutoCAD, why do you prefer it? Let us know in the comments below!
The AutoCAD alternatives listed here are based on ratings from Capterra users. To expand your search, compare other CAD software on Capterra.
Note: Listed pros and cons are derived from features listed on the product website and product user reviews on Gartner Digital Markets domains (Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice). They do not represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Capterra or its affiliates.
Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.
If you are seeking out skills in AutoCAD, then this is the place to be! Below, you will find my favorite picks of the best online AutoCAD courses that are great for complete beginners and the more experienced!
Also, with gaining experience of AutoCAD, users will be learning one of the most in-demand and popular Computer-Aided Design software platforms on the market.
So whether you are seeking out a career in the industry or are doing a DIY project, any of the below AutoCAD courses are a great addition to your tool kit. Let’s begin!
Top 10 Best Online AutoCAD Courses, Training & Classes 2020
1. AutoCAD: The Full Complete Guide You Need (Skillshare)
Up first on my list is an outstanding AutoCAD class which is aimed at beginners looking to learn the foundations (pun intended ?) of this software.
While this is a beginner course, more experienced users can also use this training as a refresher. Classes are delivered by Gaia Dixon, a certified Skillshare teacher with many classes available on the Skills Factory Project.
Subjects discussed in the classes are 2D design, adding text, an introduction to 3D design, surfaces, mesh objects, annotations layout groups, layers, 3D materials, and rendering.
Run time for the video classes are an hour and eighteen minutes total, split into six different bite-size sections. Users can view the classes at their own pace or on the Skillshare smartphone app.
As for the price, AutoCAD enthusiasts can take this course and 1,000’s of others for free when activating the Skillshare free trial! All round, a solid free course for learning the fundamentals of AutoCAD.
- Beginner level
- Includes a house design project
- Finished projects on display to over 750,000 users
- Discusses 2D and 3D formats
- Short course, view at your own pace
- Qualified instructor
2. Learning AutoCAD For Beginners (Lynda/ LinkedIn Learning)
Up next on my list is another standout course that is targeted towards AutoCAD beginners. This course is also hosted on Lynda (now LinkedIn Learning) which also has many complementary CAD courses.
Taught by Autodesk Certified Instructor Shaun Bryant, this course is beginner level and will get you started in using AutoCAD in no time at all! After completion, users should hopefully have a good grasp of the software and be able to start drafting with ease.
Course length is 1 hour 44 minutes, which users view self-paced. In the modules, students start out with simple drawings of geometry and go on to annotations, title blocks, layouts, and plotting. Exercise files are included as well.
Afterward, users can join other students and teachers in an AutoCAD study group. Also being hosted on Lynda, students get a certificate of completion once done which you can add to a resume or print it out for potential employers!
Lynda/ LinkedIn Learning also has a 1-month FREE trial with no strings attached! It’s a win-win.
- Beginner level
- Self-paced 1 hour 44 minutes
- Exercise files included
- Taught by an AutoDesk Certified Instructor
- Join an AutoCAD study group
- The course concentrates on 2D
3. The Complete AutoCAD 2018-20 Course (Udemy)
Comprehensive is definitely a word for describing this course. Over 17 ½ hours of on-demand video for your self paced learning. For beginner to more advanced users, the only prerequisite is to be familiar with your computer.
Created by Jaiprakash Pandey, an AutoDesk Certified Instructor. Course Q&A section is answered by the instructor with over 21,000 students enrolled.
There are 184 lessons/ lectures in total, and each one ends with questions or practice ideas to ensure you get the most out of the course. Included is an AutoCAD questions eBook and a list of the 150 AutoCAD commands.
As this AutoCad covers so many aspects of the software, it is ideal for those looking to pursue a career in civil engineering, industrial design, architecture, drafting, and building design! Convert pictures to video software.
Once complete, students will receive a free certificate that can be printed or downloaded for a resume!
- Beginner to intermediate level
- Instructor feedback on Q&A forum
- 17 ½ hours of on-demand self-paced video
- eBook and command list included
- Includes practice drawings
- Certificate of completion
4. AutoCAD 2019 Course – Project 2D and 3D (Udemy)
![Online Online](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rZxAF-V-8Ag/maxresdefault.jpg)
Autocad Like Software Online Courses
For absolute beginners as well as more experienced users, this Udemy course will take you through 2D as well as 3D CAD drawings.
The instructor is Awais Jamil, a computer software developer and trainer. Course time is 13 hours, self-paced, split into 94 sections. 1500 students currently enrolled.
During the course, you will work on your own 2D house project and a 3D house project. There is also a whole lot of helpful instruction and information pertaining to 3D renderings. Other modules include the modify and draw panels, plotting and publishing, and challenges specific to 3D drawing.
A certificate of completion and extra projects to work on are offered at the end. Easily one of the best online AutoCAD courses!
- Beginner and intermediate level
- 13 hours of instructions
- Lots of downloadable resources included
- Two different projects to practice and learn
- Certificate of completion
- Extra projects available
5. AutoCAD: Tips & Tricks (Lynda/ LinkedIn Learning)
An ongoing series, this Lynda course is hosted by AutoDesk certified instructor Shaun Bryant. Each week, Shaun adds a new tip or trick that will aid you in using AutoCAD to the full.
So far, it has over 14 hours of tips and instruction. Some of the topics are about specific commands in AutoCAD, how to work with different scales, batch plotting, layers, 3D graphics, saving tool palettes, adjusting centerlines, polar arrays, express tools, and many more.
Meant for any level, beginners can gain a lot of deep insight, while advanced users can hone their skills and keep up with new releases and updates of features from AutoDesk.
- All skill levels
- Over 14 hours
- Updates weekly
- Full of major and minor tips
- Culled together by a certified instructor
- Ongoing series
6. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to AutoCAD Basics (AutoDesk)
Direct from AutoDesk, this is part of the AutoCAD user’s guide.
Completely self-paced, you decide how much to study, where to go next, and what to do afterward. Everyone who just got their own copy of AutoCAD should take the map guided course. Casual and advanced users alike will benefit from coming back from time to time.
Subjects are reviewing the basic controls, creating basic geometry, using layers, modifying with precision, and others.
Autocad Programs Free
Registered users are encouraged to join the AutoDesk discussion groups for further collaboration.
- All user levels
- From AutoDesk, maker of AutoCAD
- Basic to advanced guidance
- Links to deeper instruction
- Discussion groups
- Entertaining interaction style
7. 60 AutoCAD Tips in 60 Minutes (AutoDesk)
AutoDesk, the makers of AutoCAD, have a fantastic amount of helpful information for how to use AutoCAD on their own website. AutoDesk University is an example of that, with many topics available for users of the program.
This course is a little over an hour-long with 23 different downloadable handouts to help you during and after the course.
It is presented by one of the writers and testers for the online magazine Cadalyst, Lynn Allen, who also consults for AutoDesk. The magazine is another excellent source for information, tips, and reviews of design software in general.
One of the primary goals of this course of tips is how to make AutoCAD work quicker and with fewer steps, thus maximizing efficiency. So, perhaps after studying some basic things about the program, come here to find out how to ease up your workflow.
![Free autocad software online Free autocad software online](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/2KA0Vc4NhJOJ3k8ctE1s6bUlBhs=/2798x1754/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2018-12-06at2.47.46PM-5c09b8c2c9e77c000135f644.jpg)
The instructor works on the idea that you are already somewhat familiar with AutoCAD, which is how you would benefit from these tips. So, it’s geared towards intermediate to advanced users more so than for beginners. Once you upskill, you can also start seeking out location independation jobs and become a digital nomad!
Hands down one of the best online AutoCAD courses!
- From AutoDesk
- Very qualified instructor
- For intermediate to advanced users
- Only one hour of actual on-demand video
- Lots of extra resources to use and keep
- Maximizes efficiency
8. AutoCAD 2020 Essential Training (Lynda/ LinkedIn Learning)
From Lynda, this course is about 3 ½ hours of on-demand, self-paced video instruction. It is taught by AutoDesk Certified Instructor Shaun Bryant.
Once you are comfortable with the basic use of AutoCAD, a course like this one will help you get to the next level. So, we will call this a course for intermediate users.
Some more technical aspects of the program are discussed, such as importing external references, using dimensioning techniques, modifying objects, and managing units. In other words, what an employer would expect a new hire to be able to accomplish.
It includes exercise files and other helpful resources to use during and after the course. Over 50,000 people have benefited from this supplemental instruction.
- For intermediate skill level
- Excellent supplemental information
- Lots of extras to keep for later
- Highly qualified instructor
- 3 ½ hours on-demand self-paced video instruction
- Discussion groups available
9. AutoCAD Online Training (CAD Training Online)
An interesting option is provided by CTO, live instructors. If you are wanting to take the AutoDesk certification exam for AutoCAD, this is a good choice of study.
CAD Training Online (CTO) has extremely qualified instructors. Certified by AutoDesk and with years of industry experience, they will assist you to get over the hurdle of becoming certified in AutoCAD.
Free Autocad Software Online
The live approach is refreshing to see, though many will still opt for on-demand self-paced studies. Mac security software. Live instruction allows you to interact in real-time as you are learning with other students and with the instructors.
24 hours of instruction. Live class has full-day or half-day schedules.
Since becoming an AutoDesk Certified Instructor is the goal of taking the exam, this course is obviously meant for advanced users. You should be very familiar with AutoCAD before attempting the exam.
A certificate of completion is provided, as well as many additional continuing resources.
Covering subjects such as drawing ellipses and arcs, changing dimensional qualities, polar tracking at angles, and many other advanced skills are discussed, shown, and exercised in class. Helpful for advanced workers as well as aspiring trainers. Easily one of the top online AutoCAD courses and training!
- Advanced skill level
- Live or on-demand instruction
- Covers advanced tools
- Great prep course for AutoDesk Certified Instructor exam
- Extremely well-qualified instructors
- Certificate of completion
10. AutoCAD Online Course (UHD.edu)
Free Autocad Like Software
From the University of Houston, Downtown comes this 3 part course bundle. AutoCAD 2D Drafting and Annotation, AutoCAD Advanced, and AutoCAD 3D. The University of Houston, Downtown is a major college for business, medicine, and engineering, among other studies.
You’ll need a working knowledge of drafting and design principals to get the most out of this instruction. For intermediate to advanced students and users.
The first course, AutoCAD 2D Drafting and Annotation covers subjects like sketching, layers, geometric dimensioning, and using viewports in model space and paper space.
In AutoCAD Advanced, you’ll learn about linking and extracting data, line types, underlays, and customizing the program for your specific needs.
How do i download google chrome onto my macbook air. AutoCAD 3D will teach all about 3D rendering. Topics include creating solid models, mesh and surface modeling, and adding animated views.
You can choose either a guided course or self-study. You have one full year to complete either at your own pace. The guided version provides a certificate of completion. To learn more about CAD, you can see my best Revit online courses.
- Intermediate level
- From a major university
- Self-paced or guided
- Up to one year to complete
- Requires a good working knowledge of design and drafting
- Completion certificate