Top 10 Best Inexpensive Cad Software of 2026

Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software from Autodesk that integrates design, engineering, simulation, and manufacturing workflows into one platform. It supports parametric modeling, assemblies, rendering, electronics design, and CNC machining preparation. Widely used by hobbyists, makers, and small businesses for its accessibility and professional-grade capabilities.

FreeCAD is a free, open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler suitable for mechanical engineering, product design, architecture, and more. It features modular workbenches for tasks like sketching, part design, assemblies, drafting, and even FEM analysis. Users can extend its functionality through Python scripting and a vast library of community add-ons, making it highly customizable.

Onshape is a professional-grade, fully cloud-native CAD platform for 3D mechanical design, parametric modeling, assemblies, and technical drawings. It enables real-time multi-user collaboration, version control with branching and merging similar to Git, and access from any web browser or mobile device without installation. Ideal for product development workflows, it integrates simulation, CAM, and PDM tools seamlessly.

LibreCAD is a free, open-source 2D CAD application available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, designed for creating precise technical drawings and blueprints. It supports essential CAD functions like layers, blocks, splines, hatches, and dimensioning, with compatibility for DXF and DWG file formats. As a lightweight alternative to commercial CAD software, it excels in basic 2D drafting without requiring powerful hardware.

Tinkercad is a free, web-based 3D CAD platform developed by Autodesk, designed for beginners to create simple 3D models, circuits, and prototypes using drag-and-drop basic shapes and tools. It supports exporting to STL for 3D printing and includes an integrated Arduino simulator for electronics projects. Ideal for education and hobbyists, it offers a gentle introduction to CAD without requiring downloads or powerful hardware.

SketchUp Free is a browser-based 3D modeling tool from Trimble that allows users to create, modify, and share 3D models directly online without any installation. It excels in intuitive push-pull modeling for quick conceptual designs in architecture, interior design, woodworking, and urban planning. The free version provides core tools, access to the vast 3D Warehouse library, and basic collaboration features, making it accessible for beginners and casual users.

DraftSight is a professional-grade 2D CAD software from Dassault Systèmes, designed as a cost-effective alternative to AutoCAD with native DWG and DXF support for creating, editing, and viewing technical drawings. It offers familiar commands and tools for precise 2D drafting, dimensioning, and annotation. Paid versions like Professional and Premium unlock advanced features including 3D modeling, APIs, and collaboration tools. Overall, it's tailored for users seeking robust CAD functionality without premium pricing.

SolveSpace is a free, open-source parametric 2D/3D CAD software tailored for mechanical design and engineering tasks. It excels in constraint-based modeling, allowing precise definition of geometry through relationships rather than direct manipulation, and supports assemblies, section views, and exports to formats like STL for 3D printing. Its compact size and lack of installation requirements make it accessible on various platforms without taxing system resources.

OpenSCAD is a free, open-source 3D CAD modeler that uses a script-based approach to create solid models, allowing users to define geometry through code rather than interactive dragging or clicking. It excels in parametric design, where models can be easily modified by changing variables in the script. The software generates previews and renders high-quality images or exports STL files for 3D printing, making it popular among makers and hobbyists.

QCAD is a free, open-source 2D CAD application for Windows, macOS, and Linux, designed for creating precise technical drawings such as floor plans, schematics, and mechanical parts. It supports standard DXF and DWG formats with tools for lines, arcs, dimensions, hatches, and blocks. The community edition offers core functionality at no cost, while professional versions add scripting, CAM, and library features.