It is intended to be a feature-based parametric modeler with a modular software architecture, which makes it easy to provide additional functionality without modifying the core system.Īs with many modern 3D CAD modelers, FreeCAD has a 2D component to facilitate 3D-to-2D drawing conversion. And be especially aware of the oft-used phrase, 'It'll be so much better in the next version.FreeCAD features tools similar to CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, NX, Inventor, Revit, and therefore also falls into the category of building information modeling (BIM), mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD), PLM, CAx and CAE. So in general, the old rules apply- caveat emptor. Many of the most popular products are locked out of direct support for modeling, printing, multi-language support and display. You will be surprised at the results of direct questions about these areas. Also, define what you're looking for in terms of the kinds of production you'll need, the kinds of libraries they'll provide, expansion of libraries going forward, cost initial and ongoing, the output they provide (large format media printers, etc). Get input from people that use them, too. While support is nice, a bad CAD package cannot be made to smell any sweeter by support.Īlmost all the suppliers have tryout versions.

If you plan to specify Mac for all your work, you'll want to investigate the alternatives for CAD very closely to get a good fit before you're stuck owning it, not after. I had major problems with the package I invested in (WireCAD) and it still gives me heartburn thinking about it. The difficulty with the product on Windows platforms is that they don't translate well to Mac especially if you try to use them in a virtual environment (Parallels, in my case). Some use SQL Libraries translating objects to object with data inside a database(s) to manage your program elements by cut & paste or drag & drop.

Many good apps provide a lot of pre-made libraries which are time savers in a business model. I don't know how you are with using remade libraries of device information, but to that end, building up your own libraries of design elements) is quote labor intensive, if you go it alone (have to do it all yourself). There are all sorts of offshoots in the engineering-specific areas as well. However, Vectorworks has developed a good rep for the lighting industry (Spotlight) and the architectural industry in CAD 2D, 3D drafting/production. For my work, over the last ten years, in drafting and design for Video Engineering/Installation projects, sadly, Windows had the best alternatives and I was forced to use it.

Free cad program comparable to autocad