CAD/Computer-aided drafting is the use of computer systems to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve communications through documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing. CAD output is often in the form of electronic files for print, machining, or other manufacturing operations.CAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional space; or curves, surfaces, and solids in three-dimensional space. Here below 20 Best CAD Software to use given; Read on:
20 Best CAD Software to use
1. AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting for desktop application and mobile, web-and cloud-based app marketed as AutoCAD 360. Developed and marketed by Autodesk. Create 3D designs in a more streamlined, collaborative environment with new, more robust CAD tools. CAD features for design and documentation Stay at the forefront of design with AutoCAD software. Share precise drawings using simplified documentation tools.
2. SketchUp Make
SketchUp Make is a best in the class CAD software capable of performing 2D and 3D rendering and designing. Hobbyists, kids, and backyard spaceship builders all agree that SketchUp Make is the easiest, most fun, entirely free 3D drawing tool in the world. however, best for the 2D projects. SketchUp Make is particularly designed for the building sketching and performing architectural designing, however, can perform various other types of designing as well.
3. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is parametric general purpose feature-based, parametric 3D modeler for CAD, MCAD, CAx, CAE and PLM, aimed directly at mechanical engineering and product design but also fits a wider range of uses in engineering, such as architecture or other engineering . FreeCAD is a free and open source 3D CAD modeler to workflow your architectural, molding and designing work in a smooth environment.
4. OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is a free software application for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is not an interactive modeler, but rather a 3D compiler based on a textual description language. An OpenSCAD document specifies geometric primitives and defines how they are modified and manipulated to render a 3D model. OpenSCAD is available for Windows, Linux and OS X. It does constructive solid geometry (CSG).
5. LibreCAD
LibreCAD is a free CAD) application for 2D design. It works on Linux, Mac OS X, Unix and Microsoft Windows operating systems. LibreCAD was developed as a fork of QCad Community Edition. The GUI of LibreCAD is based on Qt4 libraries, so it runs on several platforms in the same way. Most of the interface and handle concepts are analogous to AutoCAD, making it easier to use for users with experience of this type of commercial CAD application.
6. BRL-CAD
BRL-CAD is a constructive solid geometry (CSG) solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) system. It includes an interactive geometry editor, ray tracing support for graphics rendering and geometric analysis, computer network distributed frame buffer support, scripting, image-processing and signal-processing tools. The entire package is distributed in source code and binary form. BRL-CAD is equally useful for engineers, designers, gamers and architects as it support for solid modeling creating for all.
7. nanoCAD
nanoCAD is a CAD software application for 2D design and drafting, developed and sold by Russia-based software company ZAO "Nanosoft". There are two versions: commercial version and free version. The software has AutoCAD-like interface and directly supports the format DWG (using the Teigha libraries™, developer of the Open Design Alliance).In addition to various other supported formats, if you have the file saved in DWG format then you can simply import in the NanoCAD for further working on it.
8. KiCAD
KiCad is a free software suite for electronic design automation (EDA). It facilitates the design of schematics for electronic circuits and their conversion to PCB designs. KiCad was originally developed by Jean-Pierre Charras, and features an integrated environment for schematic capture and PCB layout design. Tools exist within the package to create a bill of materials, artwork, Gerber files, and 3D views of the PCB and its components.
9. IRONCAD
IRONCAD is a software product for 3D and 2D CAD (computer-aided-design) design focused mainly on the mechanical design market that runs on Microsoft Windows. IRONCAD uses both Parasolid and ACIS modeling kernels to provide computational methods for solving geometric calculations such as calculating blends and shells. Users create designs in 3D using a drag and drop design methodology by dragging and dropping shapes and components from 3D catalogs to build parts and assemblies.
10. QCAD
QCAD is a CAD software application for 2D design and drafting. It is available for Linux, Apple OS X, Unix and Microsoft Windows. The QCAD GUI is based on the Qt framework. QCAD 3 was first released in August 2011 with a very complete and powerful ECMAScript interface as major addition. Some of the interface and concepts behind QCAD are similar to those of AutoCAD. QCAD uses the AutoCAD DXF file format internally and to save and import files. AutoCAD DWG support is available as a commercial plugin.
11. PTC Creo CAD
PTC Creo CAD is Based on the features of developing parametric to apps specializing in direct modeling, This CAD software support product design for discrete manufacturers. It consists of multiple features in a single pack each providing different set of capabilities as per the individual product development of the users. Parametric, 3D designing, 2D designing, simulation, and visualization.
12. DesignCAD 3D Max
DesignCAD 3D Max is easy to use and simple 2D and 3D CAD software ideal for the professionals and perfect for the beginners. Based on the simplicity but powerful features at the same time DesignCAD 3D Max is the best in the class designing software that is capable in high quality designs and performing simple to high rendering. DesignCAD 3D Max combines the features of 2D and 3D.
13. SolidWorks
SOLIDWORKS is a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) computer program that runs on Microsoft Windows. SolidWorks is published by Dassault Systèmes. The fine combination of both 2D and 3D designing making the users able to enjoy advanced level of designing features at one place. This advanced level of CAD software deliver the users with a stream less operation of both 2D and 3D to enjoy creation of advanced level of projects within few hours.
14. KeyCreator
KeyCreator is for 2D and 3D computer-aided design and drafting; it’s surfaces handle the organic shape-design needs for users who produce or manipulate free-form products. It accelerates your concept design process, saving time. KeyCreator surface tools can create, modify, heal and validate sophisticated parts with complex shapes delivering more innovative and stylized designs to achieve highly engineered and manufacturable products that can give your company a competitive advantage.
15. LeoCAD
LeoCAD is a multi-purpose & multi-functional CAD design that is based on the brick or blocks system to design the models of anything. It is capable in importing LDraw files for further processing. The best about LeoCAD is that it has a very straightforward interface that contains thousands of pieces for creating any object. LeoCAD is available for the Windows, Mac OS X and Linux operating systems.
16. BabaCAD
BabaCAD is a free CAD software only for the professionals for creating the 2D vector-based shapes, block, circle, hatch, georeferenced raster, etc. The reasons behind using the BabaCAD are the functions and advantages that it is offering to its users. This CAD program is designed for all type of users either professionals or students.
17. 123D
123D is a free 3D modeling software for both 2D and 3D modeling and making the DIY projects. This software integrates the features and functions of the sharing and collaboration with the other team members in case of a joint project. Options available at the 123D are surely endless. 123D is for those who want to make the 3D models and other objects by their selves.
18. Rhino3D
Rhino3D is a commercial 3D computer graphics and CAD application software. Rhinoceros geometry is based on the NURBS mathematical model, which focuses on producing mathematically precise representation of curves and freeform surfaces in computer graphics. Rhinoceros is used in processes of CAD, computer-aided manufacturing CAM, rapid prototyping, 3D printing and reverse engineering in industries including architecture, industrial design, product design as well as for multimedia and graphic design.
19. Solid Edge
Solid Edge is a 3D CAD, parametric feature and synchronous technology solid modeling software. It runs on Microsoft Windows and provides solid modeling, assembly modelling and 2D orthographic view functionality for mechanical designers. Through third party applications it has links to many other Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) technologies.
20. VariCAD
VariCAD is a computer program for 3D/2D CAD it runs on Windows and Linux. It features many tools for 3D modeling and 2D drafting. VariCAD provides support for parameters and geometric constraints, tools for shells, pipelines, sheet metal unbending and crash tests, assembly support, mechanical part and symbol libraries, calculations, bills of materials, and more.
So which one is your favorite don't forget to mention :)