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5 More Best Free Linux CAD Tools

Posted by sde on · 7 comments
LinuxLinks.com; By Steve Emms 		Mail this story
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Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer technology to design objects, real or virtual. It often refers to the drafting (technical drawing and engineering drawing) of a part or product, including entire buildings. However, CAD software is used in a wide variety of other fields such as electronics and woven fabrics. CAD is prevalent in industry that uses design modelling or prototyping of graphical architectural depictions.

Proprietary CAD applications can cost thousands of dollars. For many independent designers, the cost of CAD software can be a real barrier. Fortunately, there is a good range of open source software that is available to download for no charge.

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 5 CAD tools. All of these tools are released under a freely distributable license.

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Comments (7)

caitlyn ·
Between the two articles on Linux Links they have now listed 11 FOSS CAD apps and one proprietary app for Linux. I still hear and read people claiming that AutoCAD is irreplaceable and that's why they can't run Linux. Is that still true? Do any of these dozen CAD apps come close to or equal AutoCAD? I'd like to be armed with a response next time someone starts listing things Linux can't do and includes AutoCAD.
capn_leaky ·
From my experience, in manufacturing, everyone uses 3D parametric CAD. The most popular for smaller oufits seems to be Solidworks.

I admit that SW is really pretty slick, I can't imagine doing my job without it. They are pretty much tied to Windows too tight to ever make a non-Windows version.

AutoCAD still rules in archtectural CAD. But manufacturing and tooling work left 2D years ago.
caitlyn ·
While what you wrote is very informative it doesn't answer my question at all. People tell me they can't imagine being without Microsoft Office or Adobe PhotoShop even though there are perfectly good FOSS alternatives. Have you tried any of the FOSS 3D CAD alternatives? Are they any good?
BernardSwiss ·
I assume you mean separately from the issues of file-format compatibility, interchangeability, and "standardization", etc.?
Fettoosh ·
Quoting:AutoCAD still rules in archtectural CAD


May be because you never heard of Intergraph and on wikipedia on wikipedia

tracyanne ·
KiCad looks quite nice for some stuff I want to do.
capn_leaky ·
Caitlyn,

I have tried most of the free 3D CAD packages ar one time or another, and for features, creating drawings from the models, creating assemblies of various models, and ease of use, there was no comparison with what I use in Solidworks.

File formats are generally not a problem for the parametric models. I think some of the packages support common formats like iges, but it's been a while since I tried. Most 2D support dxf.

Fettoosh, I've heard of it. But my experience locally still seems to show that AutoCad has a larger presence.

If I used 2D, I would look at the linux version of DraftSight from DSS, same people who make SW. It is not FOSS, but a free download.

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