4 alternatives to AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a Manufacturing product. The community recommends 4 alternatives: 4 open source, 4 self-hostable and 4 free to use. They are ranked by community votes, ratings and favorites, with the key differences from AutoCAD highlighted.

Last updated: October 9, 2026

About AutoCAD

Autodesk's CAD software for 2D drafting and 3D modeling in architecture, engineering and manufacturing.

Closed source

Not self-hostable

Subscription

Web

Windows

macOS

iOS

Android

View details Visit website

Quick picks

Best open-source pick

FreeCAD

Open source, LGPL-2.1 license

Best self-hosted pick

FreeCAD

Run it on your own server

Best free pick

FreeCAD

Free to use

All alternatives

0
1.
FreeCAD
Manufacturing
Official source code of FreeCAD, a free and opensource multiplatform 3D parametric modeler.
Open source · LGPL-2.1
Self-hostable
Compared with AutoCAD
- + Open source (AutoCAD is not)
- + Self-hostable (AutoCAD is not)
- + Free to use (AutoCAD is paid)
Details Website
0
2.
LibreCAD
Manufacturing
LibreCAD is a cross-platform 2D CAD program. It can read DXF/DWG, and write DXF/DWG/PDF/SVG files. It supports point/line/circle/ellipse/parabola/hyperbola/spline primitives. The GUI is highly customizable, and has dozens of translations.
Open source · GPL-2.0
Self-hostable
Compared with AutoCAD
- + Open source (AutoCAD is not)
- + Self-hostable (AutoCAD is not)
- + Free to use (AutoCAD is paid)
Details Website
0
3.
nurb
Manufacturing
Agentic CAD for 3D printing
Open source · MIT
Self-hostable
Compared with AutoCAD
- + Open source (AutoCAD is not)
- + Self-hostable (AutoCAD is not)
- + Free to use (AutoCAD is paid)
Details Website
0
4.
OpenSCAD
Manufacturing
OpenSCAD - The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller
Open source · GPL-2.0
Self-hostable
Compared with AutoCAD
- + Open source (AutoCAD is not)
- + Self-hostable (AutoCAD is not)
- + Free to use (AutoCAD is paid)
Details Website

AutoCAD vs. alternatives

Service	Open source	Self-hosted	License	Pricing	Platforms	Rating	Votes
AutoCAD Current	No	No	proprietary	Subscription	Web / Windows / macOS / iOS / Android	—	—
FreeCAD	Yes	Yes	LGPL-2.1	—	—	—	0
LibreCAD	Yes	Yes	GPL-2.0	—	—	—	0
nurb	Yes	Yes	MIT	—	—	—	0
OpenSCAD	Yes	Yes	GPL-2.0	—	—	—	0

FAQ

What is the best alternative to AutoCAD?

Community-recommended alternatives to AutoCAD include FreeCAD, LibreCAD, nurb, and OpenSCAD. Compare open source, self-hosting, pricing and platforms to choose.

Is there a free alternative to AutoCAD?

Yes. FreeCAD, LibreCAD, nurb, and OpenSCAD can be used for free; the open-source, self-hostable ones can be run on your own server at no cost.

Is there an open-source alternative to AutoCAD?

Yes. Open-source alternatives include FreeCAD, LibreCAD, nurb, and OpenSCAD.

Can I self-host an alternative to AutoCAD?

Yes. FreeCAD, LibreCAD, nurb, and OpenSCAD can run on your own server, so you keep control of your data.

Services in the same category that haven't been suggested as AutoCAD alternatives yet. If one fits, add it as an alternative.

CNCjs
Web interface for CNC milling controllers running Grbl, Smoothieware, or TinyG.
Open source
Self-hostable
Fluidd
Lightweight & responsive user interface for Klipper, the 3D printer firmware.
Open source
Self-hostable
Mainsail
Modern and responsive user interface for the Klipper 3D printer firmware. Control and monitor your printer from everywhere, from any device.
Open source
Self-hostable
Manyfold
Digital asset manager for 3d print files; STL, OBJ, 3MF and more.
Open source
Self-hostable
Octoprint
Snappy web interface for controlling consumer 3D printers.
Open source
Self-hostable
LinuxCNC
LinuxCNC controls CNC machines. It can drive milling machines, lathes, 3d printers, laser cutters, plasma cutters, robot arms, hexapods, and more.
Open source
Self-hostable