Autodesk ArtCAM Alternatives

FreeCAD is a free and open-source 3D CAD modeler to workflow your architectural, molding, and designing work in a smooth environment. It is designed for those who are looking for a CAD program that will make you able to design real-life objects.

The best about FreeCAD is that it offers parametric modeling that is entirely different from traditional modeling. Having parametric modeling means a system for quickly modifying the structure of the design by going back into the model history and changing its parameters completely.

FreeCAD is the name of a highly customizable, scriptable and extensible designing software for the Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. In addition to working as a standalone program, FreeCAD is capable of working with the projects of other similar applications as well.

If you have a project stored in STEP, DAE, IGES, STL, OBJ, and other related formats, then you can carry on the work on these by using FreeCAD. In short, FreeCAD will deliver you the advanced features and functions along with the system of extending the features completely.

The main technical features of the FreeCAD are based on open CASCADE technology-based geometry kernel for performing complex 3D operations, full parametric models, modular architecture to add functionality to the main application, support for all standard formats, sketcher to sketching of 2D shapes, robot simulation, drawing sheets module, rendering system, architecture module, etc.

KiCAD is a one of the most leading, cross-platform and open-source CAD software specially designed for Electronic Design Automation Suite. It is a complete solution and comes with a simple that is full of advanced tools. You can easily access it’s all tools and design any electronic automation design.

One of the most exciting things about this solution is that it introduces a Schematic Capture editor. With this feature can create your design without any limits, there are no paywalls to unlock prominent features. It also has a library for schematic symbols and built-in symbolic symbol editors that helps you get started quickly.

With this, you can also be able to create professional PCB layouts with up to 32 copper layers. The software now has a push and shove router that is capable of routing differential pairs. KiCAD also includes core features such as 3D viewer, integrated environment for all stages of design, library editing, and much more.

NanoCAD is a free CAD program with the support of the DWG format. Either it is about creating a new project or working on the existing project designed by the other CAD program, NanoCAD is capable of dealing with both. In addition to various other supported formats, if you have the file saved in DWG format, then you can import it for further working on it.

Its latest version offers an improved interface to provide comfortable and clean for users’ work. It is based on the need of the end-users that provides an unbeatable combination of cost, capacity, capability, and quality. The software has improved document processing features to simplify your world withdrawing. It has the house of all those features and tools that you need.

The support for additional modules in the NanoCAD makes users able to extend its features and functions to get more advancement in its way of functioning. Some of the great functionality are optimization and anti-aliasing, drawing preview file system, improved file control, convenient file opening system, the contextual menu of drawing, settings for dynamic object highlight, and easy selection of overlapping objects.

Most of the designers often work with a drawing containing a large number of objects. They require using selection to work efficiently. NanoCAD has a new selection dialog for overlapping objects. You can now select multiple items in any combination. It will tell make you able to choose what kind of object you are selecting and dynamically highlighting them, pointing the names of layers that are selectable.

Solidworks is a CAD (computer-aided design) software that allows you to create, simulate, publish, and manage a 3D model. It is a powerful solution available to use MAC and Microsoft Windows operating systems. The technology intends to make engineering processes more efficient with tools for conceptual designs, layout, and dynamic analysis, etc.

It has rich simulation capabilities to help you to test product performance against real-life circumstances. Solidworks’ analytical properties also help identify and resolve complicated assembly issues during the early stages of product development. It also offers lots of new tools and functionalities that make your product enhanced. A 3D robust modeling feature provides lifelike visualization and pre-manufacturing virtual testing; this helps make product development more productive and helps reduce costs.

You can create a variety of sheet metal part designs using specialized and flexible tools. Large assembly design, automatic drawing view creation and update, mold design, CAD import and export, revision control, and advanced surface design are core features of the solution. Solidworks offers different price plans; each plan has its features and benefits.

OpenSCAD is a universal 3D CAD modeler for professional programmers and designers to enjoy developing solid 3D CAD objects within minimum possible time. The software is available to use on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems.

The unique quality of this CAD program is that it is based on the programming featured 3D modeling, using the ready to use objects and design, users can create the new objects by way of programming as well. It is one of the best and great sources for learning CAD coding as well.

It will split the screen into two windows; one will displaying the work you are doing and the other showing the codes of work you are doing. OpenSCAD is much different from most of the traditional and modern-day CAD software because of not focusing on the artistic aspects of 3D modeling instead focus on the CAD aspects.

For the information of the readers, OpenSCAD is not an interactive modeler. It is similar to the 3D compiler that reads script file which describes the objects and renders the 3D model from the script file.

That system of OpenSCAD will give you full command and control over the entire modeling process and make you able to easily change any step in the modeling process or make the designs that are defined by configurable parameters.

QCAD is an open-source two-dimensional CAD system for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems and available for free with all its features and functions. By using this, you can easily create technical drawings like building plans, interiors designing, structuring of mechanical parts, or schematics, and diagrams.

Modularity, portability, and extensibility are some advantages of using the QCAD. It is easy to use yet comprehensive 2D CAD system for each type of architecture and designer. As it comes in ready to use format, so doesn’t require any configuration at all. QCAD is capable of generating CAM particular output for use on a CNC machine.

It can be even customized to generate virtually any output from any given CAD file. That system of QCAD is made possible because of the new ECMAScript based output configuration system. This CAD software includes almost all those features and tools that will make you able to enjoy the system of exporting drawing to machine-readable formats like G-Code.

These types of files are mostly used to control CNC like engraving machines, milling machines, or water jet cutting machines. Some features and functions of the QCAD are advanced layering system, blocking/grouping system, availability of 34 CAD fonts, support for TrueType fonts, availability of imperial and metrical units, and DXF/DWG input and output system.

LibreCAD is the name of a free and open-source 2D CAD program for the iDevices and Windows and Linux operating systems. For the assistance, the free version even supports the operation of assistance by its community of developers. You can contribute to the development of LibreCAD if you have technical programming knowledge.

The software itself is based on Qt that is called the leading cross-platform application and user interface development framework. This CAD program is capable of reading DWG, DXF, and other supported files. If you have work created by other CAD programs and saved in the supported format of the LibreCAD, then you can import that project into the LibreCAD for further working on it.

It is capable of writing the DXF file. However, in terms of exporting data, it doesn’t support both formats but supports exporting in image-based file formats. It has a proper layer, blocks, splines, advanced tangent line, transformation tools, advanced snapping system, and much more.

Because of focusing more on the 2D geometry, only that’s why LibreCAD is a very responsive and lightweight CAD program. LibreCAD is a fully comprehensive 2D CAD application that you can download and install for free.

The main technical features of LibreCAD that are simply the significant advantages of LibreCAD are totally free and no subscription system at all, availability in various international languages, and much more. You can also contribute to the development of the LibreCAD as well.

PTC Creo CAD is one of the best design tools for experts who want to create a commercial project without any effort. Based on the features of developing parametric to apps specializing in direct modeling, PTC Creo CAD has the solution of all of your issues. This CAD software support product design for discrete manufacturers. It consists of multiple features in a single pack, each providing a different set of capabilities as per the individual product development of users.

Parametric, 3D designing, 2D designing, simulation, and visualization are some main advantages of the PTC Creo CAD. With the product of PTC Creo CAD, you can take your product from concept to digital prototype and do so with accuracy, efficiency, and measure of grace. All designing products are intuitive, and all work together.

From the comprehensive capabilities of PTC Creo CAD Parametric to tools specializing in direct modeling, it has all those features and functions that you need. Whether you are looking for speed and flexibility for the better ending of the project or you are at the initial stages of concept designing. The direct modeling system of PTC Creo CAD will make you able to work efficiently with geometry quickly and easily.

Use this solution to capture initial ideas and leverage 2D data to 3D product models that accurately reflect design intent. PTC Creo Schematics of PTC Creo CAD will make you able to create 2D schematic designs of routed systems and meets the 2D needs of the engineers and designers. Now you can resolve basic design issues in engineering before handing off your product to analysis.

DesignCAD 3D Max is the name of easy to use and simple 2D/3D CAD software ideal for the professionals and perfect for beginners. Based on the simple but powerful features at the same time, DesignCAD 3D Max is the best in the class designing software that is capable of high-quality designs and performing simple to high rendering.

DesignCAD 3D Max combines features of 2D and 3D so that you can carry out the working of 2D and 3D at a centralized platform instead of going for using two different sets of programs. Check out some tools and rendering features available in the DesignCAD 3D Max, such as precision 2D drafting tools, 3D robust modeling tools, mechanical design tools, architectural design tools, realistic rendering, intuitive user interface, and extensive online help.

The program is widely available for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the all editions of the Windows operating systems. The straightforward and easy to use intuitive interface of DesignCAD 3D Max make it possible for users to design 2D drawings fast and easy. It will make you able to create complex 3D shapes by directly extruding from 2D shapes. The advanced rendering system of DesignCAD 3D Max will make allow you to apply a wide range of textures, symbols, colors, materials, brush styles, and much more.

The users can even customize the material textures to enhance realism further. The main technical features of the DesignCAD 3D Max are versatile 2D/3D CAD solution, easy to use 2D design & drafting, precision 3D modeling, realistic visualization & lighting, accelerate drawing performance, layers system, 3D model content for simple architectural design, availability of various structure models, etc.

Punch! ViaCAD 2D/3D is a combination of both 2D and 3D designing solutions, and with this, users able to enjoy an advanced level of designing features in one place. It delivers users with a streamless operation of both 2D and 3D to experience the creation of a superior level of projects within a few hours.

Punch! ViaCAD 2D/3D is particularly designed for engineers, architects, and designers. It is simply the best and perfect way to take your sketched ideas to 3D realism. Punch! ViaCAD 2D/3D is an excellent place of expert features that will make the process of designing easy and straightforward for you.

A texture library containing hundreds of ready to use materials, history-based modeling, twisting & bending system, NURB surfaces, design variations, the system for creating detail plan and plan sheets, convert 2D profiles into 3D, auto-generate system to automatically 2D creation, presentation options, etc. just like its straightforward interface, Punch! ViaCAD 2D/3D itself has made the process of reliable and other types of modeling easy and straightforward.

This CAD software delivers a seamless integration of both 2D and 3D to make you able to get full command and control on your sketched ideas to reality. Punch! ViaCAD 2D/3D is based on the professional level of technology, providing the best speed, precision, and compatibility at a centralized place.

Within minutes you can see the product by yourself in 3D modes that you are creating. The integration of LogiCurosor technology has made the work of designers simple because it anticipates your moves and shows a suggested action you draw.

Autodesk 123D is a free 3D modeling software for both 2D and 3D modeling solution for DIY projects. This software integrates the features of sharing and collaboration with the other team members in case of a joint project. Options available at the Autodesk 123D are surely endless.

It is for those who want to make the 3D models and other objects by their selves. However, it is listed with a lot of 3D models as well so that the users can easily craft their projects without going for creating the models first. Autodesk 123D is a free and straightforward CAD software that is integrated with both content and fabrication services.

For the first time, there is a CAD program that will make you able to generate 3D models from the photos. Have you any idea in your mind about creating claws, hands, feet, wings, fins or paws and want to visualize them like a pro then Autodesk 123D is the name of an easy to use CAD software that will make you able to create the incredible 3D sculptures from the scratches.

Drawing by using Autodesk 123D is simple that starts from a basic skeleton. The skeleton and sculpt maker will assist you in creating 3D sculptures as easy as drawing a stick figure. Drag joints to create new limbs or adjust their thickness and position. In the sculpting area, you can refine the surface shape using a wide range of tools. You can perform as many functions about sculpt in or out, smooth, sharpen, and flatten until your sculpture complete.

BRL-CAD is an open-source modeling platform for rendering and geometric analysis and making the advanced level of creative projects. It is equally useful for engineers, designers, gamers, and architects as it supports for solid modeling creating for all.

BRL-CAD is based on the BRL-CAD Kernel and Hybrid CSG along with innovative methods for unambiguous 3D geometry regarded as the best for validation, verification, and performant. This powerful, robust modeling program is integrated with the interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis and, and a proper geometry library for application developers. In short, features and tools for creating the solid models are merely endless here.

BRL-CAD supports a large variety of geometric representations, including an extensive set of traditional CSG primitive implicit solids like ellipsoids, boxes, cones, tour, and also the explicit solids made from closed collections of NURBS and Uniform-B surface and purely faceted mesh geometry.

All geometric objects available in the BRL-CAD may be combined using Boolean set-theoretic CSG operations, including union, intersection, and difference. This platform is a collection of multiple applications, utilities, and tools comprising a million lines of source code.

BRL-CAD is designed to be extensively cross-platform and is actively developed and maintained for many standard operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, BSD, Solaris, among others. In addition to free, BRL-CAD is an open-source CAD platform that means you can enjoy the customization of its setting according to your requirements.

BabaCAD is a free CAD software 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 types of users, either professionals or students.

It is the name of a straightforward and straightforward to use a CAD program for all skill levels. The interface of the BabaCAD is user-friendly so that you can get instant access to tools and available options quickly. Its simplified user interfaces BabaCAD support for fast editing and saving of work with high precision.

It is capable of reading DWG and DXF files and editing them as well. By default, BabaCAD itself saves the work in the DXF standard format. The software is fully customized with API and LISP that developers can use LISP scripts to customized BabaCAD. Moreover, its installation includes API for programming BabaCAD extension modules.

You can add new commands and functions for advanced features. The development platform for API is MS Visual C++. Developers can write. BEM module in just a few minutes. For advanced CAD users, LISP enabled CAD is must to have feature.

As there are many available functions and scripts on the web, one can speed up and automate his drafting work with minimum programming knowledge. For those developers knowing LISP programming, there are no limits in powerful programming lists for any purpose. In terms of extension, BabaCAD is featured rich as its support for the multiple extensions.

Fritzing is an all in one open-source hardware initiative software that allows you to build electronics as a creative material. The software comes with the advanced and functional tools that permit an innovative ecosystem that will enable users to document their prototypes and also share it with others. The software is facilitating designers and artists to lift productivity by experimenting with the prototype to build a more proficient circuit.

The software is dispensing Fritzing Fab service that aids you to turn your sketches into professional PCBs quickly. With multiple workshops at Arduino offered by Fritzing, beginners can turn into professionals. Fritzing helps to do complex projects in a matter of no time and has everything required to create high-quality parts.

SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD is a simple yet powerful Solid Modeling CAD and CAE software solution that runs on Microsoft Windows. The software is specially designed for experts who want to produce high-quality 3D designs. With the help of this, you can quickly create and collaborate on 3D conceptual designs and organic shapes using advanced level cloud-based tools to deliver innovative products.

The best thing about this software is that it comes with a complete guide and video tutorial to help beginners to produce product design quickly. It also provides an easy to use a portfolio of analysis tools for predicting a product’s behavior by virtually testing CAD models. SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD is a commercial solution and offers multiple price plans. Each plan has its price and features.

Some most prominent feature includes Data Management, Communication, DFM, Visualization, and much more. As compared to all the other leading CAD solutions, SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD is quite simple and offers an easy to understand editor where you quickly access it’s all tools and features.

ABViewer is a multifunctional software that works with AutoCAD, DXF, STEP, STL, IGES, 2D, 3D, and lots of other files. It is feature-rich software that allows you to quickly create and edit drawings and save them to several into vector and raster formats—the software support almost all the leading formats, including DWG, HPGL, JPG, and PDF, etc.

Compared to other similar software, ABViewer is quite easy to use and offers a modern interface that is full of tools. You can freely choose and use each device without any limit. With the help of its editor, you can easily set layers, blocks, dimensions and text style, etc. that make it better than others.

One of the best facts about this comprehensive solution is that it allows you to create a section view of 3D models to see their internal structure. ABViewer also offers a range of prominent features such as measuring both 2D and 3D models, batch processing, create thumbnails, and easy for beginners, etc.

SketchUp Make is the best in the class CAD software capable of performing 2D and 3D rendering and designing. It is particularly designed for the building sketching and performing architectural designing, however, can perform various other types of designing as well.

It is one of the easiest and simplest ways that will provide you the highest and industry level of designing tools that you will never get in any other designing and CAD programs. SketchUp Make is a free version of the SketchUp with limited features and functions as compared to the SketchUp Pro that is also the product of the SketchUp containing the most advanced level of features.

Kids, backyard, spaceship builders, and all kinds of other architects and designers can use this easy to use and best in the class 3D drawing tool that you will like to go with. The features are the creation of 3D models of all objects/projects, customizable interface to reflect the way you work, share created 3D models with others, import the files from other 3D modeling programs or tools, and much more.